It’s easy to think of the giant guitar brands that obviously have a huge footprint in the market. We recommend quite a few of them too, but the price difference is something that can’t go unnoticed.
So, we also looked at what other good guitars they offered, and we also found some excellent brands that may not be as well known. They’ve proved their value to the market with high quality guitars and low prices that are justifiably attractive when you can’t afford a good acoustic guitar that is a name-brand instrument.
We’ve vetted these top guitar brands and have checked in with the masses, and if we could give three thumbs up, we would. For now, we’ve settled with two.
Alvarez
If you’re wary of new brands just barely in the market, you won’t have to worry about Alvarez. They’ve probably been around longer than you’ve been alive. They know what they’re doing, and it’s apparent with the amount of quality they offer in their guitars. Maybe it’s their good tone, craftsmanship, and feel that has artists turning to Alvarez.
Blueridge
Blueridge is a brand owned by Saga Musical Instruments, but Blueridge is known for its own respects. Made in China, they’re especially known for their affordability and quality. They’ve been praised in the media, and they’ve been swung by many famous musicians in the guitar industry. But, Blueridge is particularly noted for their prewar and historic reproduction models that many bluegrass and folk players love.
Bristol
Bristol is a family brand of Blueridge which is a sub brand of Saga Musical Instruments. Bristol by Blueridge guitars offer entry-level and beginner quality that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Saga proves that they can hit any price point so that every aspiring musician can afford a good trustworthy instrument. Traditional sound, good quality, and low prices is something Bristol can do, and do it well they do.
Donner
This company is young, it’s just a babe, but with its new entrance to the market, they’re dedicated to bringing the latest innovation, developments, and manufacturing techniques to the music game.
Their concept is to provide quality that’s good enough for the pros while allowing their instruments to be approachable for every player regardless of budget.
Don’t be surprised if you see a trend with Donner throwing in extra freebies and/or bundle kits in the guitar buy.
Epiphone
The best guitar brands don’t get much older than Epiphone, although they haven’t always been known as Epiphone.
These days, we know Epiphone is owned by the parent brand of Gibson, and with that comes a tall order of quality expectations, and yes, they don’t just make top electric guitars.
Epiphone knows how to draw out the authentic sound of an acoustic with their many models.
Trying to list every good Epiphone player in history would take a whole page of its own. Will you be one of them?
Fender
Everyone knows Fender. They are, after all, the largest guitar manufacturer in the world, and they’ve been around for longer than half a century. With their seemingly never-ending inventory of guitars, they can offer good price ranges, top quality, and value that most other manufacturers can’t keep up with. Whether it’s your first-time buy, beginners acoustic guitar or an expensive, professional model, it’s a given that Fender has it.
Gibson
Gibson. The brand name is a full sentence in and of itself. They’ve established themselves in history with their eclectic electric guitars and their acoustic masterpieces.
Maestro by Gibson is a legitimate Gibson-owned brand that brings that Gibson touch at a much more affordable price point. When there’s this brand labeled on your headstock, why put your money anywhere else?
Gretsch
“That great Gretsch sound” has been a catchphrase for a long time. Gretsch is one of the oldest manufacturers on the block with over a century of experience in the industry, and now their great sound is available around the world.
In 2002, Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC) took over manufacturing and distributing to help players around the globe get their hands on an iconic American guitar.
Gretsch has been praised by many a famous guitar artist, and you’ll know why when you get your hands on one. FMIC is the same parent company of Fender, Squier, Jackson, and many others.
Ibanez
Technically, Ibanez has been around since the turn of the 20th century, but Ibanez as we know it officially came into the picture in the ’50s. They have a significant history in seeing the Japanese manufacturer into the United States game, and Ibanez continues to prove that they’re a top brand worth playing. We’re fascinated by their guitars, especially when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, beauty, and value embedded in one guitar. Ibanez proves that one guitar can certainly have it all.
Jasmine
KMC is the parent company of Jasmine guitars. This might come as news to you since Jasmine once had its day as a Takamine brand. Since that is no longer the case, should you be worried about quality and craftsmanship? No!
KMC has continued to maintain the good high standards of what you have come to expect out of a Jasmine acoustic guitar. They’re gorgeous, sound beautiful, and they’re priced just right. Jasmine brings a whole new world to the entry-level market.
Luna
Luna Guitars is unique. It’s not just about the wood and metal components that makes it a fantastic guitar, but it’s also about its soul.
When you feel the undeniable attraction to a Luna instrument that goes beyond its visually stunning appeal, don’t deny it and roll with it.
Expression is at the corner stone owning a Luna guitar. Not only does the finish embody a part of you, the guitar allows you to express the songs in your heart. This would make a lot more sense if you just check out the Luna guitar. There’s nothing like it anywhere else.
Martin
There’s no way we were going to leave a Martin out of our lineups. They’re not only well-known for their high-end productions, but they’ve also hit it out of the ball park with the low-cost crowd. They’ve introduced some good solid guitars for solid prices that the affordable market goes nuts over… and, why wouldn’t they?
Martin makes their own strings, they have access to incredible tonewoods, and they go back almost two centuries in time. They’re almost peerless in the industry. We may as well say, “The buck stops here.”
Riversong
This Canadian company is all hard-work, innovation, and passion. Although they’re relatively young, they’ve gone straight to sprinting in the guitar industry.
They’ve dived right into American sales, Europe distributions, and they offer the latest, most-advanced tech that you’ll find on a guitar.
Riversong is especially known for their unconventional, and yet, forward-thinking approach of a neck-thru design. The advantages are many, and their design concepts and ideas continue to materialize allowing a guitar that is not only tonally balanced, but it projects and resonates like no other guitar can do.
Rogue
Rogue is a house-brand guitar for Musician’s Friend, and it will consistently make in the top charts across the board. They came into the picture near the close of the 20th century, and they’ve continued to up their reputation and game ever since.
Their acoustic guitars are Asian-made, have low price tags, and they’re great as first-time buys or entry-level instruments.
Their low costs come in with a slash to mark-up, and of course, some compromise to materials. However, Rogue tries to go above and beyond in creating transcendent guitars with exceptional value for the cost-conscious buyer.
Seagull
“Handmade in Canada since 1982.” How do you ignore a headline like that? Seagull takes the personal approach further than most other good guitar manufacturers. It’s why their guitars are revered at the top of the standard in any lineup.
Seagull makes all their guitars in Canada, something they are proud of, and they should be. From start to finish, these guitars get all the oversight needed to ensure every penny you spend has value. Believing in sustainability, they source their tonewoods from their very own backyard. Guitars truly don’t get better than this.
Simon & Patrick
S&P are owned by the same parent company as Seagull – Godin Guitars. If you’re familiar with Seagull, then you know exactly what to expect with S&P. That North American touch to your guitar is sometimes all the difference you need to sound and look superb against other artists.
S&P specialize in mid to high grade steel string acoustics. It’s what they do, every day, all day. If you want a guitar recommended by experts, then buy from the experts.
Takamine
Takamine is another reputed brand that has high quality and excellent craftsmanship pouring out of its sound hole. The Japanese brand has earned its own in the competitive community of authoritative guitar manufacturers.
They continue to release limited signature models every year since 1987, and they’ve been in the industry long enough to celebrate its 50th anniversary. When there’s a Takamine in your budget-range, you’d be wise to snatch it up before someone else does.
Yamaha
Yamaha is a household name. It’s a brand that you turn to for nearly any home appliance, electronic, sporting good and even vehicle. But, we also know that it holds a substantial footing in the music industry that of course includes great guitars, and they’ve been doing it since 1942.
The inventory list of Yamaha guitars is extensive, and it just keeps on going. They dabble in price ranges both for the cost-conscious and high rollers. They’re a brand that you would look to for a beginner purchase as well as a brand that you can count on for a high-end model. We couldn’t expect anything less from them. It’s Yamaha.
Conclusion
I hope, you like this article, please share it with your friends, and people who have passion of amazing accessories with guitar.
If you’re looking for a new guitar, or want some of the lectures on the guitar then logon to GuitarBro.
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