Best Acoustic Guitar Brands in 2024

If you have recently visited a guitar store in person, you might have noticed that there are a lot of brands apart from your usual Gibsons, Fenders, and Taylors. Although the classics have their own way of being unique, there are many up-and-coming brands from all over the world like Zager and Takamine that give the oldies a run for their money.

Having said that, no brand is the best at everything. What’s best for one may not be the same for another. So today, let’s give you the top 5 best acoustic guitar brands to help you narrow down your choices if you’re a beginner or a veteran out to add another masterpiece to your collection!

Top 5 Best Acoustic Guitar Brands To Consider

Zager Guitars

Zager Guitars have been for more than a good half of the decade. Their one promise is to give the guitarist an easy-to-play experience. Zager guitars generally have lowered action thus delivering a more comfortable feel. This is particularly great for beginners or those favoring a relaxed playing style.

Craftsmanship is a strong suit for Zager Guitars, showcasing well-finished setups that include various enhancements to guitars. The guitars have a lower fret level enhancing overall playability This reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering instruments that feel great in your hands.

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How Denny Zager built this brand is by rebuilding his own guitar back in the day. His personal touch has brought a remarkable improvement in playability compared to major brands at the time. The guitars not only sounded richer but also underwent continuous upgrades. 

Since then, Zager Guitar Company has refined that same formula to bring us the custom “EZ-Play” guitars. These guitars became sought after by professionals, offering longer playtime, faster movement, and an overall great playing experience.

Zager guitars stand out for their player-friendly features. The comfortable natural neck design ensures easy hand maneuverability. This is complemented by lower string heights and pressures for enhanced accuracy and faster fretboard navigation. Custom string spacing prevents accidental touches, minimizing buzzes and rattles. 

The special fret design reduces string “bite” and finger fatigue, coupled with a custom nut, saddle, and bracing system. Denny Zager’s research and hands-on approach, crafting each guitar individually in the shop has distinguished Zager guitars, making them a great choice to look into.

Martin

Martin Guitars, founded in 1833, holds the title of the oldest guitar company in the USA. Specializing in acoustic guitars, particularly steel string acoustics, Martin revolutionized the industry with its X-bracing technique in the mid-19th century. This innovation not only reinforced their guitars but also brought out the unique tone.

The iconic dreadnought body shape from Martin has become synonymous with bluegrass fingerpicking. Vintage Martin guitars, now valued at six figures on the used market are great investments. 

Over its nearly two-century history, Martin has introduced industry-standard features, with the X-bracing system being a pivotal innovation that enhances both structural integrity and resonance.

The forward-shifting of the bracing pattern further improved the soundboard’s freedom to resonate, contributing to the distinctive Martin tone. Martin guitars offer a range of body styles, from dreadnoughts ideal for soloing to smaller 00 and 000 styles favored by finger pickers.

While the best Martin guitars boast all-solid wood construction, more affordable options incorporate man-made materials like carbon fiber and HPL.  However, Martin guitars may not be the best fit for beginners due to their higher price tag and relatively higher action out of the box. 

Gibson

Orville Gibson’s journey in instrument-making began in 1894 eventually leading to the inception of the Gibson Company in 1902.  Gibson’s legacy is marked by groundbreaking inventions like the archtop guitar. This led to iconic designs such as the J-45 and Jumbo models that defined the brand in the early 20th century. 

Gibson’s acoustic guitars showcase premium craftsmanship, often incorporating solid Sitka spruce tops paired with backs and sides crafted from tonewoods like rosewood, mahogany, and walnut. 

Drawing inspiration from Martin, Gibson employs forward-shifted X-bracing for structural stability and clean tones. Notably, the Gibson Jumbo models stand out with deep bodies that deliver a pronounced bass response.

Whether played acoustically or plugged into an acoustic guitar amplifier, Gibson acoustics deliver a world-class tone, characterized by brilliance and a commitment to sonic excellence.

Taylor

Taylor Guitars was founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug in El Cajon, CA, in 1974. Taylor specializes in crafting acoustic guitars, with a side venture into electric guitars. Setting themselves apart from traditional handmade ones, Taylor is a trailblazer in integrating technology into guitar manufacturing. 

A standout innovation from Taylor is the introduction of V-class bracing, a departure from the conventional X-bracing seen in many Martin and Gibson models. Claimed to surpass X-bracing, V-class bracing ensures better resonance while maintaining structural integrity.

Taylor’s extensive use of laminated wood for guitar bodies, often with solid Sitka Spruce tops, distinguishes them in the industry. Layered tonewoods, like Sapele, offer durability, especially in their more affordable models. 

Environmental responsibility is a key driving ideology for Taylor, reflected in their use of laminated wood to minimize impact on forests. Taylor guitars are celebrated for their solid construction, thanks to the durability of laminated wood. 

The patented V-bracing and neck designs contribute to improved resonance and precise intonation. The adjustable neck angle, a unique feature in the Taylor lineup, sets them apart from other guitars.

Many Taylor acoustic guitars feature the Expression System II electronics, placing the pickup behind the strings for a noise-free, crystal-clear plugged-in tone. This innovation further establishes Taylor as a brand that combines technology, environmental consciousness, and musical excellence.

Yamaha

Yamaha made its mark in the guitar world in 1966, originating from Japan. They mastered the art of crafting machine-made guitars over the years. They offer an exceptional quality-to-price ratio appealing to those seeking affordability without compromising excellence.

Presently, Yamaha’s acoustic lineup boasts many globally acclaimed models. Affordability is a hallmark of Yamaha guitars, extending even to their high-end models. They are accessible to beginners and intermediate players alike. 

Yamaha’s acoustic guitar portfolio caters to every player worldwide, featuring traditional body shapes like dreadnoughts and Grand Concerts. They also have thinline bodies designed for plugged-in performance. Regardless of your choice, opting for a Yamaha acoustic ensures exceptional value, combining craftsmanship, materials, and affordability.

Conclusion

There are many guitar manufacturers out there nowadays that make many guitars that you can get by with. They are usually more affordable and widely available for purchase. However, they probably will not have the longevity that any of the brands we mentioned can provide. 

Veterans and enthusiasts will always steer you towards buying the best of the best, but there are still newer manufacturers like Zager Guitar, who can easily give the classics a run for their money! Always remember, it is not about how good a guitar is on the specs sheet, how it feels to play one must also be a decider for what guitar you want to buy!