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Best Solid Wood Acoustic Guitar for the Money [2024] 🎸
Are you in the market for a solid wood acoustic guitar that offers exceptional quality without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best options available, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect solid wood acoustic guitar for you!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Background: The Beauty of Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars
- Top Picks: Best Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
Looking for the best solid wood acoustic guitar for the money? Our top pick is the Martin D JR-10, a fantastic option that offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. With its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides, this guitar delivers a rich and resonant tone that will impress even the most discerning players. But don’t worry, we’ve got more options for you to consider. Keep reading to find the perfect guitar for your needs!
👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Martin Official Website
Quick Tips and Facts
Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when shopping for a solid wood acoustic guitar:
âś… Solid wood guitars are highly regarded for their superior tone and resonance compared to laminate or partially solid guitars.
âś… The top wood of a guitar has the most significant impact on its sound, with spruce being a popular choice for its versatility and balanced tone.
âś… Mahogany, rosewood, and maple are commonly used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars, each offering unique tonal characteristics.
âś… All-solid tonewood guitars are typically more expensive than their laminate counterparts, but they offer a significant improvement in sound quality.
âś… Consider your playing style and the genres of music you enjoy when choosing the tonewoods for your guitar.
Now that you have a better understanding of solid wood acoustic guitars, let’s explore the background and history of these beautiful instruments.
Background: The Beauty of Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars

Solid wood acoustic guitars are revered for their exceptional tone and resonance. Unlike laminate or partially solid guitars, which feature a thin layer of solid wood on top of cheaper materials, all-solid tonewood guitars are crafted entirely from solid pieces of wood. This construction method allows the guitar to vibrate more freely, resulting in a richer, more dynamic sound.
The choice of tonewoods plays a crucial role in the overall sound of a solid wood acoustic guitar. The top wood, often made of spruce, is responsible for the guitar’s projection and responsiveness. Spruce is highly regarded for its versatility, offering a balanced tone that suits a wide range of playing styles and genres.
For the back and sides of the guitar, tonewoods like mahogany, rosewood, and maple are commonly used. Mahogany produces warm and focused tones, while rosewood adds depth and complexity. Maple, on the other hand, provides a bright and articulate sound. Each tonewood combination creates a unique sonic signature, allowing players to find the perfect match for their musical preferences.
Now that you have a better understanding of the beauty and craftsmanship behind solid wood acoustic guitars, let’s explore our top picks for the best options available.
Top Picks: Best Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars
1. Martin D JR-10
Rating: 9.5/10
The Martin D JR-10 is our top pick for the best solid wood acoustic guitar for the money. This compact dreadnought guitar features a solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides, delivering a powerful and balanced tone. The combination of spruce and sapele creates a versatile instrument that can handle a wide range of playing styles.
The Martin D JR-10’s smaller size makes it comfortable to play, while still providing ample volume and projection. It’s the perfect choice for players who want a high-quality guitar that’s easy to travel with. With its exceptional craftsmanship and renowned Martin quality, the D JR-10 is a true gem in the world of solid wood acoustic guitars.
Pros:
- Exceptional tone and resonance
- Compact size for easy travel
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Renowned Martin brand
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to entry-level guitars
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Martin Official Website
2. Alvarez MD60BG Masterworks 60
Rating: 9.2/10
The Alvarez MD60BG Masterworks 60 is another excellent choice for a solid wood acoustic guitar. With its solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this guitar offers a warm and balanced tone that’s perfect for fingerstyle playing and strumming alike. The MD60BG’s stunning aesthetics and attention to detail make it a true work of art.
Featuring Alvarez’s renowned craftsmanship and quality, the MD60BG delivers exceptional playability and tone at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guitar will exceed your expectations and provide you with years of musical enjoyment.
Pros:
- Warm and balanced tone
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Affordable price
- Exceptional craftsmanship
Cons:
- May require a setup out of the box
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Alvarez Official Website
3. Guild D-140
Rating: 9.0/10
The Guild D-140 is a solid wood acoustic guitar that offers exceptional value for the money. With its solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a warm and balanced tone with excellent projection. The D-140’s dreadnought body shape provides a full and robust sound that’s perfect for strumming and flatpicking.
Guild is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the D-140 is no exception. This guitar features a slim C-shaped neck profile, making it comfortable to play for extended periods. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the Guild D-140 is a reliable and versatile instrument that will inspire you to play your best.
Pros:
- Warm and balanced tone
- Excellent projection
- Comfortable slim C-shaped neck
- High-quality craftsmanship
Cons:
- Some players may prefer a brighter tonewood combination
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Guild Official Website
4. Epiphone Masterbilt Texan
Rating: 8.8/10
The Epiphone Masterbilt Texan is a solid wood acoustic guitar that pays homage to the iconic Texan models of the ’60s. With its solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a classic and vintage-inspired tone that’s perfect for folk, blues, and rock music. The Texan’s dreadnought body shape provides excellent projection and volume.
Featuring Epiphone’s Masterbilt construction, the Texan offers exceptional build quality and attention to detail. The guitar’s vintage-inspired aesthetics, including the iconic “Epiphone” headstock inlay, make it a true standout on stage or in the studio. If you’re looking for a solid wood acoustic guitar with vintage charm, the Epiphone Masterbilt Texan is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Classic and vintage-inspired tone
- Excellent projection and volume
- Vintage aesthetics
- Epiphone’s Masterbilt construction
Cons:
- Some players may prefer a brighter tonewood combination
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Epiphone Official Website
5. Recording King Tonewood Reserve RD-328
Rating: 8.5/10
The Recording King Tonewood Reserve RD-328 is a solid wood acoustic guitar that offers exceptional value for the money. With its solid Adirondack spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a rich and resonant tone with excellent projection. The RD-328’s dreadnought body shape provides a full and powerful sound that’s perfect for strumming and flatpicking.
Recording King is known for its commitment to quality and affordability, and the Tonewood Reserve RD-328 is a testament to that. This guitar features vintage-inspired aesthetics, including a tortoiseshell pickguard and a vintage sunburst finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Recording King Tonewood Reserve RD-328 is a reliable and versatile instrument that won’t disappoint.
Pros:
- Rich and resonant tone
- Excellent projection
- Vintage-inspired aesthetics
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Some players may prefer a brighter tonewood combination
CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater | Recording King Official Website
FAQ

Is an all solid wood guitar worth it?
Absolutely! All-solid tonewood guitars offer a significant improvement in sound quality compared to laminate or partially solid guitars. The solid wood construction allows the guitar to vibrate more freely, resulting in a richer and more resonant tone. While they may be more expensive, the investment is well worth it for serious players who value exceptional sound.
Read more about “Four Under-the-Radar Guitar Brands That Are Scary Good … 👻”
What is the best sounding wood for acoustic guitar?
The best sounding wood for an acoustic guitar largely depends on personal preference and playing style. However, spruce is widely regarded as one of the best tonewoods for the guitar’s top due to its versatility and balanced tone. Mahogany, rosewood, and maple are also popular choices for the back and sides, each offering unique tonal characteristics.
Read more about “The 15 Best Acoustic Guitar Brands … 🎸”
What wood has the best acoustics?
There isn’t a single wood that has the best acoustics for all guitars. The choice of tonewoods depends on various factors, including the guitar’s body shape, playing style, and personal preference. However, tonewoods like spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and maple are commonly used in acoustic guitars and are known for their excellent acoustic properties.
Who makes the very best acoustic guitar?
There are many reputable guitar manufacturers that produce exceptional acoustic guitars. Some of the top brands known for their high-quality instruments include Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Guild, and Yamaha. Each brand has its own unique characteristics and offerings, so it’s essential to try out different guitars to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences.
Read more about “What is the Price of Best Guitar Quality? … 🎸”
Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best solid wood acoustic guitar for the money, the Martin D JR-10 is our top pick. With its solid spruce top and solid sapele back and sides, this guitar offers exceptional tone and craftsmanship. However, the Alvarez MD60BG Masterworks 60, Guild D-140, Epiphone Masterbilt Texan, and Recording King Tonewood Reserve RD-328 are also excellent options to consider.
Remember, choosing the right guitar is a personal decision that depends on your playing style, preferences, and budget. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and helped you narrow down your options. Happy strumming!
Recommended Links
- Guitar Brands Showcase
- Guitar Buying Guide
- Acoustic Guitars
- Guitar Brand Guides
- Best Value Guitar Brands 2024 🎸
CHECK PRICE on: Martin D JR-10 | Alvarez MD60BG Masterworks 60 | Guild D-140 | Epiphone Masterbilt Texan | Recording King Tonewood Reserve RD-328






