When being in the middle is a good thing – the Best Acoustic Guitar Under 1500

When you visit our website, you’ll discover a wide array of acoustic guitar lists meticulously crafted to offer comprehensive information. Throughout this journey, we have presented various categories, including affordable, beginner, professional, advanced, and high-end models, catering to your needs whenever you are ready to make a purchase. Now, let’s shift our focus to the guitars that reside in the middle ground.

Today we’re going to talk about the best acoustic guitars under 1500 so that you have even more freedom when it comes to choosing “the one”. These guitars have all the virtues one could ask for, but they are still relatively affordable compared to the higher-end options out there. If you’re not ready to clear out your savings account and spend all the money you have to get your hands on premium stuff, then this article is the perfect place for you. Let’s get started and see where this journey will take us!

What’s The Best Acoustic Guitar Under 1500

ImageGuitar Model
Rating
Check Price
Martin D-15M4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)Check on Amazon
Guild D-20 - Natural4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)Check on Amazon
Eastman E20D Dreadnought Traditional Flattop4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)Check on Amazon
Blueridge BG-2500 Historic Series 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)Check on Amazon
Martin D-13E4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)Check on Amazon
Blueridge BR-361 Historic Series Parlor Guitar4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)Check on Amazon
Gitane DG-320 Professional Gypsy Jazz Guitar4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)Check on Amazon

Martin D-15M

Build Quality:5 out of 5 stars
Hardware:5 out of 5 stars
Sound:5 out of 5 stars
Value:4.9 out of 5 stars
Average:5 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon

Full Review

Martin D-15M

The D-15 Martin is a beautiful guitar that lies on the affordable spectrum of the under 1500s list. Affordable not in the sense that it won’t cost you a month’s rent, but affordable compared to the others. The thing is, despite its affordability, the guitar is one of the best guitars you will ever get to play. The solid mahogany body creates a full-body resonance, meaning both you and the guitar will feel the sound go through you. It produces a deep warm sound with a beautiful bass response and clear-cut sound no matter how fast you are playing.

Designed for musicians yearning to pluck melodies from the depths of their very souls, this guitar resonates with profound emotions, captivating audiences with each strum. With its robust low-end response, it provides unparalleled backing for soaring vocals, while effortlessly delivering remarkable highs and mesmerizing mid-range tones. Embrace the versatility of this instrument, fearlessly exploring its full sonic spectrum.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Amazing looks
  • Great construction
Cons:

  • Apart from the price, I really doubt you will find a problem with this guitar  

Guild D-20 – Natural

Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.9 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.9 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.9 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon


We couldn’t have started this list without a Guild model. It was first introduced back in 1968 and it still continues to impress many players out there. D-20 is made with impeccable craftsmanship, the likes of which we don’t come across that often. Every section of the body is made from solid mahogany, be it the top, back, or sides. I can’t really tell you the origins of this wood, but I can assure you – this thing is built to last. Plus, the qualities of mahogany really shine through when it comes to sound.

D-20 has a dreadnought shape, which means it packs a lot of power, and when I say a lot, I mean it. You might think that all dreadnoughts are like that, but, trust me, this one is definitely different in the best way possible. Natural color, a thin layer of satin finish, tortoise pickguard, vintage-style rosette, and mother-of-pearl headstock logo complete the expensive look of this beautiful guitar.

Pros:

  • Excellent craftsmanship
  • Beautiful appearance
  • Quick response
  • Comes with a hard case

Cons:

  • The finish might wear out quickly

Eastman E20D Dreadnought Traditional Flattop

Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.9 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.9 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon


We look at various guitars and explore their features, and scrutinize the details in their appearance, but we hardly ever look on the inside. The truth is, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not implying that Eastman E20D has a bad design. In fact, I really enjoy its classic, traditional vibe and I think it’s one of the best acoustic guitars under 1500. All I’m saying is that the craftsmanship that was utilized during its construction is a lot more important. This puppy has impressive features: solid Adirondack spruce top is combined with solid rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. It comes with hand-carved scalloped X-bracing, which means the manufacturer has paid a lot of attention to details. You don’t necessarily need to crack it open and expose the insides to figure that out. You can inspect its body, play as much as you can and you’ll discover what makes this fella such a great find!  

Pros:

  • Comes with a hard case
  • Amazing build quality
  • Powerful, full sound

Cons:

  • Doesn’t sound like a Martin (if that’s what you’re looking for)

Blueridge BG‌-2500 Historic Series

Build Quality:4.8 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.6 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon

Full Review

Blueridge BG-2500 Historic Series with Deluxe Case

Inspired by Gibson’s J200, the Blueridge BG-2500 Historic Series jumbo guitar is huge. It is huge, first and foremost, because of its physical size. It is huge because thanks to its size, the sound it produces is much more powerful than your average-sized guitar. It is huge because its size allows the guitar to produce a much deeper, richer bass response. Finally, it is huge, because it is such an important addition to the guitar world.

With its distinct sound, this guitar sets itself apart from others in the market. The high tones emanate with vibrancy, courtesy of its sturdy Sitka Spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. On the other hand, the low tones resound with depth, evoking a sense of contemplation and seemingly boundless potential. Wherever it goes and whatever setting it’s played in, this guitar commands attention and truly stands out. Undoubtedly, it deserves its place among the esteemed historic series.

Pros:

  • Beautiful looks
  • Amazing construction
  • Comfortable (especially for jumbo styled guitar)
Cons:

  • If you are a beginner it might be a bit pricey
  • Might want to change strings

Martin D-13E

Build Quality:4.6 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.7 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.6 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.7 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon


Speaking of the guitars that do sound like Martin, let’s talk about D-13E from this renowned brand. This puppy will deliver that classic performance that so many guitarists aspire to. It’s built with solid wood and features a Sitka spruce top and siris back and sides. The shape we have here is a dreadnought, of course, which means you’ll be dealing with a real beast. D-13E is a renewed version of the DRSG, a.k.a. it has extra touches that the previous model lacked.

Apart from new mother-of-pearl inlays, rosette, and white binding, this bad boy has a Fishman MX-T with an in-built tuner. The latter enables you to tune your sound silently and spare everyone from listening to that annoying process. It’s not as accurate as one might have wished, but it still does a decent job. While the pickup may not be the epitome of excellence, D-13E still offers incredible value for your money. Prepare to be amazed!

Pros:

  • Comfortable to play
  • Balanced, full-bodied sound
  • Comes with a soft case

Cons:

  • The pickup could have been better

Blueridge BR‌-361 Historic Series Parlor Guitar

Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.9 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.9 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.9 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon

Full Review

Blueridge BR-361 Historic Series Parlor Guitar

The Blueridge BR-361 Historic Series Parlor Guitar is called historic because of its vintage look is what they say. I say the creators got cocky and called it historic because they thought this guitar would make a historic landmark in the world of musical instruments. If that is the reason, they were not wrong. This guitar features a solid spruce top with a choice of tonewood backside, meaning that the guitar is incredibly expressive in its sound. The low, deep bass tones, the mid-range tones, and the high tones all find equal footing in the voice of the guitar.

Louder, faster, or more specific, it doesn’t mind what kind of music you play, all sounds will remain distinctive, pleasant to the ear, and a pleasure to behold thanks to its beautiful design. The slightly smaller size of the guitar means that the guitar is lightweight and incredibly comfortable to play. So grab your boots and get ready to enjoy some beautiful sound on this relatively affordable acoustic guitar.

Pros:

  • Beautiful, old-style look
  • Great construction
  • Comfortable
Cons:

  • Neck is a bit wide
  • Might have too much treble

Gitane DG-320 Professional Gypsy Jazz Guitar

Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.9 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.9 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon

Full Review

 

Some guitarists prefer to invest in ordinary guitars, while others want something exceptional. This one is definitely for those who can’t settle for mainstream instruments and want to add a unique piece to their collection. Gitane DG-320 was built in collaboration with John Jorgenson and is one of the most distinctive Gypsy Jazz guitars on the market. You’ll only need one look at this guitar to understand what you’re dealing with – even its design reveals the qualities of the sound you’re going to get.

D-shaped soundhole, cutaway body, tortoise-style binding, and tortoise insert in the tailpiece make it look like a piece of art. I would still keep it in my collection if it had a horrible sound – that’s how much I like its appearance. But, of course, Gitane couldn’t have a horrible sound – the tone is fascinating here. You’ll hear the elements of many different genres, which also means that your music will be diverse and dimensional. The DG-320 commands attention with its remarkable construction. Featuring a sturdy Sitka spruce top complemented by the rich tones of Santos rosewood for the back and sides, this instrument is a true standout.

Pros:

  • Unique and distinctive design
  • Dimensional and versatile sound
  • Great build quality
Cons:

  • Not for everyone

Is Acoustic Guitar Under 1500 Good?

It has become a sort of common sense that we should only judge different guitars according to their price range. And I don’t really think anyone can argue with that. I won’t waste your time explaining why, I’ll just tell you that our expectations and requirements get bigger and bigger as the price of an acoustic guitar rises. In other words, we judge more expensive models quite strictly, since we want to get our money’s worth.

Why would you want to go for something that is in the 1000-1500$ price range? – well, the answer is quite simple. Acoustic guitars that fall into this category offer way more than those that are under 1000, yet they aren’t as expensive as those 2000$ babies. It’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a guitar that has a wonderful build quality. The majority of the models in this price range have solid wood construction, which is always quite an investment, in my personal opinion. Such guitars will age well, i.e. they will become even better over time. These woods might not be authentic or genuine (pure mahogany, for instance), but they will surely enhance those tonal qualities.

Best acoustic guitars under 1500 feature premium components, as well. Be it a bridge, a nut, a saddle, or tuning machines – the chances are you’ll get sturdy stuff. Some of them might even come with gig bags or cases, turning the purchase into a real bargain.

Additionally, the majority of models in this price range offer players a wide variety of woods to choose from. By doing so, they make it possible to differentiate between available options not just with sonic quality, but also with tonal characteristics. You can pick out a mahogany body, or go for the combination of rosewood and spruce – it’s a matter of your taste and the particular features that you’re looking for. The reason why I’m saying this is that you don’t come across such a variety of more affordable options.

Conclusion

At the end of such articles, I always have pleasant feelings. Taking a look at the best acoustic guitars under 1500 brings me joy, for some reason. I don’t think I’m the only one, since I’m sure you feel the same way when you finish talking about an amazing guitar. After all, each model has its own story, its own unique sound, and the power to captivate our whole essence. They have what it takes to be absolutely badass – and that’s everything we ever asked for. I hope this article was informational for you and helped you find what you were looking for. If not, maybe you should check out other lists and search for your soulmate there. Either way, I’m always happy to discuss new and exciting instruments. You enjoyed it, too, didn’t you? Good luck!

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