If you’re thinking about getting a new guitar and you’re looking for some of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s article, we’re going to highlight 10 of the best models made specifically for all the advanced musicians out there out there.
The truth is that the market is full of amazing acoustic guitars. And what’s important, it is not that difficult to find a great guitar that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, the high quality comes with a price. If you want get a top quality instrument, you have to be aware that it won’t always be cheap.
That’s why I decided to create a list of 10 best and most affordable acoustic guitars for intermediate players! Have a look on the list below and see if any of these guitars will be a good fit for you and your style of playing. If you want to see how they all sound, scroll down to the next section – I included the sound demos as well.
I have no hesitation in recommending all of the models below to any guitarist who’s looking for a high quality and reliable piece of gear. I hope that today’s article will help you to find your next dream guitar!
10 Best Acoustic Guitars For Intermediate Players – List
| Martin D-18 Modern Deluxe | See on Amazon | – |
| Guild F-250E Deluxe | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Takamine GD11MCE | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Fender Newporter Player | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Gretsch Rancher G5013CE | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Yamaha FG850 | See on Amazon | – |
| Taylor American Dream AD17 | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature | See on Amazon | – |
| Epiphone Hummingbird PRO | See on Amazon | See on Thomann |
| Takamine GD71CE | See on Amazon | – |
1. Martin D18 Modern Deluxe
Martin D18 is one of the best and most famous acoustic guitars in the world. The iconic D18 model has been frequently used by a lot of legendary musicians such as Kurt Cobain, Brian May, Neil Young, Dan Auerbach and many more. As you can imagine, this model is made mainly for the intermediate musicians.
The guitar looks and sounds absolutely fantastic. It is heavily inspired by some of the vintage Martin guitars, so it has a very cool and old-school vibe. Undoubtedly, any lover of this type of gear will really like that guitar.
The high quality tone is a result of amazing materials that Martin used to make this guitar. The D18 Modern Deluxe has a solid spruce top and with mahogany back and sides. This mix of woods results with a very nice tone suitable for both fingerpicking and strumming.
Although it’s not a cheap guitar, it definitely deserves a lot of attention. Surely, a lot of intermediate guitarists are going to immediately fall in love with it.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out.
2. Guild F-250E Deluxe
Guild F-250E Deluxe is an another great guitar suitable for more advanced guitarists. In comparison with the previous Martin, it is far more affordable. What’s important, this is an acoustic-electric guitar, which means that you can easily plug it into an amp.
This really cool model features a solid Sitka spruce top with back and sides made of flamed maple. In addition, the guitar also has a very comfortable mahogany neck, which feels absolutely great. On top of that, there’s a really smooth Pau Ferro fingerboard.
The F-250E Deluxe model has a jumbo body shape, so this guitar is naturally louder and more resonant than other acoustic guitars. It’s a really versatile instrument, so it will work particularly well for both strumming and playing with your fingers.
Although Guild is not as popular as Martin or Fender, the truth is that this company manufactures some of the best acoustic guitars in the world. Considering its price, it’s definitely one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players.
Here’s the sound demo. Sounds pretty good, right?
3. Takamine GD11MCE
Takamine GD11MCE is an another very cool mid-level guitar which is not overly expensive. This particular model is suitable for both amateur and more intermediate players and in fact, it’s actually one of the most affordable Takamine guitars out there.
Why is it so good? Well, this particular model features the all-mahogany construction. For those who don’t know, this type of wood offers a very characteristic, warm tone suitable for a lot of different guitar genres. Whether you’re into fingerpicking or strumming, you won’t be disappointed.
The manufacturer equipped this model with a really good Takamine TP-4T preamp system, which allows you to easily plug in the guitar into an amp. It gives you more control over the volume and tone when you’re on stage. Of course, there’s also a built-in tuner, which is extremely useful!
It is also worth mentioning that it’s one of the most affordable acoustic guitars on today’s list. Considering the high quality of that guitar, it’s definitely one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players out there.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out.
4. Fender Newporter Player
Fender Newporter Player is an another example of a high quality guitar which is not overly expensive. This particular model is recommended for both amateur and more intermediate guitarists. I recently reviewed this guitar, so if you’d like to read more details about this model, feel free to check it out here.
The guitar has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. In addition, there’s also a very comfortable C-shaped neck made of mahogany wood. The Newporter Player feels a bit like an electric guitar, which is a pretty unusual feeling. Still, it makes the guitar extremely fun to play!
This is an acoustic-electric guitar, which means that you can easily take it with you to perform on stage. It is also worth mentioning that the Newporter is available in a few different color versions, so any guitarist should be able to find their personal favorite.
Considering the fairly low price, Fender Newporter Player is definitely one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate guitarists. It looks great, it sounds awesome live and it’s not that expensive – who needs anything else?
Undoubtedly, a lot of guitarists are going to love it. I highly recommend checking out the sound demo below.
5. Gretsch Rancher G5013CE
Gretsch Rancher is an another great acoustic-electric guitar suitable for both amateur and more intermediate players. In comparison with previous guitars, this particular model is a bit smaller, which makes it a perfect travel guitar.
Many guitarists are aware that Gretsch makes fantastic hollow body guitars, but not everyone knows that they actually manufacture amazing acoustic guitar as well. The Rancher model definitely proves that statement.
The guitar has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. This mix of materials guarantees a really nice and bright tone. In addition, the guitar looks absolutely fantastic from the outside. There is something really cool about that unique soundhole and pickguard!
Undoubtedly, Gretsch Rancher can easily be called as one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players. I highly recommend checking it out.
Here’s the sound demo.
6. Yamaha FG850
Yamaha FG850 is a great mid-level guitar built entirely from mahogany wood. The solid mahogany top along with the mahogany back and sides results with an incredible and warm acoustic sound. This tone is especially awesome for fingerstyle playing!
The manufacturer also equipped this model with the diecast tuners and an adjustable truss rod. In addition, there’s a rosewood fingerboard which feels very smooth. Surely, a lot of guitarists are going to love that guitar!
It is also worth mentioning that the FG850 looks fantastic as well. There’s something really cool about the mahogany guitars with a natural finish – they always look very classy and elegant.
This guitar definitely looks more expensive than it actually is. In fact, the price of that guitar is surprisingly affordable. I’m sure that this model will be a good fit for a lot of amateur and more advanced players.
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out.
7. Taylor American Dream AD17
Taylor American Dream AD17 is an another example of a high quality instrument suitable for professional musicians. This is not a cheap model, but it’s definitely one of the best looking and the best sounding guitars on today’s list.
Why is so special? Well, the guitar has a black solid spruce top with solid Ovangkol back and sides. This selection of woods is very special, so as you can imagine, it significantly improves the tone of that guitar.
What’s important, the manufacturer equipped this guitar with a very comfortable mahogany neck with a fingerboard made of eucalyptus wood. Again, this is not a common choice of wood, so it guarantees a remarkable smoothness and playing experience. It is also worth mentioning that this model is made in the USA.
This is an acoustic guitar, but there’s also an acoustic-electric version available for everyone who’d like to use that guitar for live performances. Whether you choose the acoustic or the acoustic-electric model, I’m sure that you’ll be satisfied.
Here’s the sound demo. Sounds really good, right?
8. Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature
Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature is an another amazing and affordable guitar offered by this legendary brand. This acoustic-electric model is suitable for both amateur and more advanced players and considering its price, it offers an amazing value.
The manufacturer equipped this guitar with a very comfortable Performing Artist neck profile. This is a very slim type of guitar neck, which enhances the comfortability and improves the overall playing experience. It is really important, especially when you’re using it on stage.
Martin equipped this DX model with Fishman MX electronics system, which allows you to easily plug in the guitar into an amp. And what’s important, even when you’re playing with an amp, the guitar tends to sound very natural.
It also offers a very eye-catching black satin finish, which looks absolutely amazing in real life. It’s definitely one of the best looking guitars on today’s list!
I’m sure that a lot of intermediate guitarists are going to enjoy that guitar a lot. In the end, it’s the signature model of Johnny Cash. That means a lot!
Here’s the sound demo.
9. Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
Epiphone Hummingbird is an another iconic acoustic guitar suitable for intermediate guitarists. This is a cheaper version of the legendary Gibson Hummingbird, which often costs thousands of dollars.
Although it’s not a Gibson, the Hummingbird by Epiphone also offers a really good quality. The unique look and the remarkable pickguard definitely improve the overall look of that guitar. It certainly stands out from other guitars at this price level.
It is also worth mentioning that it is an acoustic-electric guitar, which means that you can easily use it on stage with you. The Hummingbird sounds very natural when you’re using an amp, so it will be great for both strumming and playing with your fingers.
Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players available on today’s guitar market. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to anyone who’s looking for a reliable and high quality piece of gear.
Here’s the sound demo.
10. Takamine GD71CE
Takamine GD71CE is an another amazing acoustic-electric guitar made by this legendary guitar manufacturer. This particular model is not overly expensive and it’s suitable for gigging and studio recordings.
Why is it so good? Well, the guitar features a solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides. This selection of woods results with a resonant, rich and bright guitar tone. Certainly, the versatility of that guitar allows you to use it in a wide range of different genres.
The GD71CE model is significantly less expensive than some of the models listed above. Considering its price, it’s definitely one of the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players that are available on the market right now.
I have no hesitation in recommending this instrument to any guitarist who’s looking for a top quality gear that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
Here’s the demo. Sounds pretty good, right?
FAQ
What guitars do professional guitarists use?
Professional guitarists usually stick to the guitars made by some of the most reputable guitar brands in the world, such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor and many more.
Are expensive guitars easier to play?
Most of the time, expensive guitar are easier to play. The reason is simple – they are made of better materials, which significantly improve the overall playability and comfortability.
What is the price range of a good guitar?
It is possible to find a cheap guitar which is good, but in general, mid-level and professional guitars tend to cost more than five hundred dollars. Some of the best guitars can actually cost thousands of dollars!
Are cheap guitars getting better?
Cheap guitars are getting better every year, because the manufacturers want to reach as many new guitarists as possible. Still, cheap guitars often have minor flaws that could be easily avoided. Hence, most of the time it’s better to spend a bit more on a new guitar to avoid any future problems.
How do you know if a guitar is expensive?
Expensive guitars usually sound and feel better than cheap guitars. In most cases when you directly compare a cheap guitar with an expensive guitar, you can easily notice which guitar costs more.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of guitars that can be called as the best acoustic guitars for intermediate players. I’m sure that all of the models mentioned above will be suitable for advanced guitarists who are searching for something special. I have no hesitation in recommending all of these guitars.
Which guitar do you think is best for an intermediate guitarist? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts.
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