Start Strumming on a Budget - Our Top 10 Affordable Guitars for Beginners

Looking for affordable yet high-quality guitars? Look no further than our Cheap Guitars roundup, where we’ve scoured the market to bring you the best options under a budget-friendly price range. From beginner-friendly nylon strings to rock-worthy electric guitars, we’ve got the perfect guitar for every budding musician or music aficionado.

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Reviews

38-Inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package - Black, Starter Kit & Accessories

I was elated when I received the Ashthorpe 38-Inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar - the perfect addition to my budding musician’s arsenal. Out of the box, the high-quality materials were apparent, with a selection of basswood for the top, back, and sides that brought out a richer and brighter sound. The guitar’s balanced sound was also impressive, thanks to its tech ebony bridge and X bracing structure that allowed for both bright and warm tones.

Playing it right away, I noticed the guitar’s comfortable neck and easy-to-use tuners, which made the learning process even more enjoyable. However, I did notice that new strings can be a bit difficult to manage and stay in tune initially. But, after a few weeks of playing, the strings started to stretch and required less tuning overall.

The guitar arrived in perfect condition, and shipping was a breeze. The starter kit and accessories were a nice touch, allowing me to dive right into playing and not miss out on any essential parts. The only downside I encountered was the difficulty I faced finding a case that fit the guitar properly, but that’s a minor issue that I can work around.

Overall, my experience with the Ashthorpe 38-Inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package has been positive, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone looking to start their musical journey. Even with the minor setbacks, the guitar has proven to be a great investment and has stood up to my expectations, making tunes and melodies come to life in no time.

Ashthorpe 38-Inch Starter Acoustic Guitar for Beginners in Mint Green

Imagine the excitement of a 9-year-old granddaughter who receives a new mint green acoustic guitar as a gift. The moment she unboxes it, she’s thrilled to see that the advertised picture, size, and color were true to their actual look.

The guitar’s construction is solid, made of high-quality tonewoods. The finish is glossy, giving it a polished and professional appearance. The traditional, classic body style not only appeals to beginners but also offers a comforting familiarity when they start their guitar journey.

When you take the guitar out of its box, it may be out of tune because the strings are new, but don’t worry. After the guitar has been played for a few weeks, the strings will stretch, and tuning will become less of an issue.

The Ashthorpe guitar is equipped with all the necessary accessories for a beginner, making it a perfect starter package. It’s compact and easy to handle. Plus, the price is quite affordable, making it an excellent choice for those who are just starting their guitar journey.

In terms of durability, the body and neck are made of basswood, which is a hardwood, and the strings are made of alloy steel. This combination promises a guitar that can handle daily usage, without the risk of breaking or wearing out too quickly.

Overall, the Ashthorpe 38-inch beginner acoustic guitar is a great choice for beginners of any age. Its affordability, ease of use, and durability make it a solid investment for the aspiring musician.

Budget-Friendly Natural Wood Student Guitar

This 30” student acoustic guitar is a perfect choice for budding musicians looking to learn the ropes. The guitar’s natural, eye-catching design and high-quality, steel-string sound make it a great starter instrument for young players, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

Although the quality might not be on par with professional-grade instruments, it still offers excellent value for its price, making it a worthy addition to any beginner’s collection.

Beginner Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit - Black 38” Guitar with Accessories

The Zeny 38” acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for beginners. With a sleek black finish and an all-wood construction, this guitar is both stylish and durable. The steel strings provide a rich, resonant sound.

The guitar comes with a complete beginner’s kit, including a guitar pick, pitch pipe, shoulder strap, and an extra set of strings for replacement. The nylon carrying case makes for convenient storage and portability. This right-handed guitar is perfect for beginners, as it is easy to set up and use right out of the box.

With dimensions of 38” (L) x 14” (W) x 3.25” (H) and weighing only 4.7 lbs, this guitar is lightweight and easy to handle. Overall, this guitar is a great value for its price, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with playing the acoustic guitar.

Affordable Rock Style Right-Handed Electric Guitar Package (Natural Brown, Maple Neck, Solid Wood Body)

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with this stunning Full-Size Right-Handed Electric 6-String Guitar. Crafted from solid hardwood, this beauty boasts a maple neck and a genuine rosewood fretboard, promising a performance that’s as slick as it is powerful.

The smooth action and comfortable neck profile make playing a breeze, while the 2 humbucker pickups deliver the kind of sound you’ll love. And with the added bonus of a cable and Allen wrench, you’ll be strumming away in no time.

So why wait? Throw on your favorite rock anthem and let this guitar do the rest.

Affordable Pink Cutaway Guitar from Main Street Guitars

The Main Street Acoustic Guitars MAS38PNK is a charming 38-inch guitar, perfect for those with smaller frames. The cutaway design ensures an effortless playing experience.

This concert size, combined with its high gloss pink finish, is sure to turn heads. With a linden top, catalpa neck, brass frets, and 3:1 ratio plank-style tuners, it provides a solid build and reliable sound for its price point. While it doesn’t come with an adjustable truss rod, it’s still a great choice for entry-level players seeking a good guitar at an affordable price.

Meda Budget-Friendly 6 String Acoustic Guitar

As someone who recently started playing the guitar, this Meda 6 String Acoustic Guitar has been a delight to use. The all-wood design gives it a warm, full-bodied sound, while the 19 frets and steel strings make it easy to navigate and play.

It’s a fantastic starter kit for beginner musicians, with a guitar pick, shoulder strap, pitch pipe, digital tuner, and an extra set of strings included. Plus, the nylon carrying case makes it a breeze to take the guitar on the go. The guitar’s dimensions are 38”(L) x 3.25”(W) x 14”(H), allowing for easy storage and portability.

Overall, this is a great guitar for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-use acoustic guitar.

Zeny Full Size Beginner’s Acoustic Guitar Package for Right-Handed

Looking for a right-handed beginner’s guitar that your little one can practice on? Look no further than the 38-inch Zeny acoustic guitar. With its smooth, all-wood finish and high-quality steel strings, this guitar packs a big punch for its size.

And it comes with everything you need to get started, including a shoulder strap, pitch pipe, guitar pick, and even an extra set of strings for when the inevitable replacement comes around. The best part is that it’s lightweight and easy to transport, thanks to the durable nylon carrying case.

This guitar is perfect for music lovers of all ages and is guaranteed to be a hit at any house party or get-together. And remember, it’s easy to assemble and requires no extra materials or tools to get started.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your Zeny guitar today and start making beautiful music together!

Beginner Acoustic Guitar Starter Package in Blue

The YMC 38-inch blue acoustic guitar is an ideal choice for beginners and students who want to dive into the world of music. The complete set features a durable basswood back and ebonized wood fretboard, with a chrome geared tuning system and a stylish linden binding. Its versatile nature lends itself to various genres, such as country, jazz, and rock, making it a perfect addition to any budding guitarist’s collection.

Included in the package are essential accessories such as a guitar strap, 9 picks with varying thicknesses, two pickguards, and a pick holder.

Affordable 39” Full Size Electric Red Guitar Starter Kit

Welcome to the world of affordability with the Davison 39” full-size electric guitar. This guitar is perfect for students, beginners, intermediates, and even advanced players looking for a versatile instrument at a great price.

The Davison guitar stands out for its user-friendly design, offering an excellent playing experience right out of the box. With near-perfect action and super-clean fret ends, this guitar feels like a high-end instrument without the steep price tag.

Besides the impressive performance, the guitar’s durability is also noteworthy. The sturdy construction of the guitar ensures that it stays in tune, even during vigorous practice sessions. Additionally, the gig bag is a nice touch, providing both protection and convenience for the guitar and its accessories.

However, there are a few areas where the Davison guitar falls short. Some users have reported issues with the humbucker pickup and the tone knob, causing minor hums and inconvenience. Additionally, a few users have pointed out minor blingishes in the finish, which may affect the overall visual appeal.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Davison 39” full-size electric guitar is definitely worth considering for its impressive features and outstanding value. For those seeking an affordable, high-quality electric guitar, this could be the perfect choice.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our buyer’s guide for cheap guitars! In this section, we’ll cover the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you find the perfect cheap guitar that meets your needs.

Important Features to Consider

While cost is a primary factor when looking for a cheap guitar, you should also consider the following features to ensure you get the best value for your money and a worthwhile instrument for playing and learning. Some of these vital features include the type of guitar, construction materials, tuning pegs, bridge, and pickups.

Types of Cheap Guitars

There are several types of cheap guitars available, each with its unique characteristics and playing styles. Some of the most common types include acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Acoustic guitars are great for beginners and offer a versatile sound. Electric guitars deliver a powerful and versatile tone, while bass guitars provide the low-end foundation for your music.

Construction Materials

The materials used in constructing a cheap guitar can significantly impact its sound quality, durability, and ease of play. Common materials for budget guitars include wood, such as mahogany, spruce, and maple, and synthetic materials like laminate. Guitars with solid wood construction generally provide better tone and resonance but are often more expensive. Laminate guitars offer a more affordable option but may not have the same resonance and sustain.

Tuning Pegs, Bridge, and Pickups

Other crucial components to consider when buying a cheap guitar are the tuning pegs, bridge, and pickups. High-quality components will ensure that your guitar stays in tune and performs consistently. Cheaper guitars may have plastic tuning pegs, which can be more prone to slipping, while better models typically feature metal or die-cast tuning pegs. A solid, sturdy bridge is essential for maintaining the guitar’s intonation and reducing tuning issues. Finally, pickups are responsible for converting the vibration of the strings into an electric signal. Choose a guitar with decent pickups for best sound quality.

FAQ

What are the benefits of buying a cheap guitar?

A budget-friendly guitar can be beneficial for both beginners and experienced musicians seeking an affordable second instrument. The lower price point allows guitarists to test their skills and preferences before investing in a more expensive instrument. Cheap guitars also offer an opportunity to experiment with different styles and brands without breaking the bank.

Additionally, some budget guitars can still provide good sound quality, which might not necessarily require a higher price tag. For casual players or those who only want to practice at home, an inexpensive guitar can be a suitable option that does not compromise on sound quality or durability. Ultimately, cheap guitars can be a great investment for those looking to stay on budget while still enjoying the joy of playing guitar.

How can I find a cheap guitar that still sounds and plays well?

To find a well-priced guitar without sacrificing playability and sound, it’s essential to consider various factors before purchasing. Firstly, read online reviews from other users who have tried the guitar and have experienced with the sound quality and performance. These reviews can provide valuable insights and help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the instrument.

Another helpful tip is to check local music stores or online marketplaces for gently used or lightly-played cheap guitars. These instruments often come with a good warranty, and the seller might offer additional assistance in case of any issues. Additionally, considering specific guitar models known for their value and sound quality, like the Yamaha Pacifica Series or the Fender Squier Bullet, can be a smart choice for those looking for budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on performance.

How do I know if a cheap guitar is the right fit for me?

To determine if a budget-friendly guitar is right for you, it’s crucial to consider your goals and expectations for playing the instrument. If you’re a beginner, a cheaper guitar might be an appropriate starting point, as you can learn the basics without worrying about damaging an expensive instrument. Moreover, budget guitars can be a great option for casual players seeking an inexpensive instrument to practice or have some fun with.

For those looking to progress in their guitar skills or perform regularly, it may be warranted to invest in a higher-quality instrument eventually. However, you could still start with an affordable guitar to gauge your preferences and gain experience while you save for a more expensive model that suits your needs and abilities better.

What features should I look for in a cheap guitar?

When shopping for an affordable guitar, focus on essential features that influence the sound quality and playing comfort. A well-constructed guitar with a solid body and a comfortable neck can often sound and play better than ones with lower quality components. Adequate fretwork and a properly adjusted truss rod are also essential for maintaining the guitar’s performance over time.

Additionally, consider the guitar’s tuning stability, as some budget guitars can be more prone to tuning issues. A high-quality tuning peg and a well-designed bridge can help mitigate this problem. Lastly, pay attention to the pickups, as they can have a significant impact on the sound quality. Choose a guitar with pickups that suit your preferred playing style, and make sure they are properly installed and functioning.

How can I maintain my cheap guitar to ensure it lasts longer?

Proper care and maintenance are essential for extending the life of any guitar, including cheap ones. Regularly clean the fretboard and strings, and reapply a thin layer of guitar-specific oil to the fretboard to prevent it from drying out and becoming rough. Keep your guitar in a properly humidified and temperature-controlled storage environment to prevent warped necks and other issues that can arise from changes in humidity and temperature.

It’s also crucial to maintain the guitar’s hardware, including the tuning pegs, bridge, and tremolo arm. Regularly inspect these components for signs of wear, and tighten or replace them as necessary. Additionally, make sure to keep the guitar’s finish clean and protected from scratches and dings by using a high-quality guitar polish and a soft, microfiber cloth.

What are some common issues that people face with cheap guitars?

Affordable guitars, while often appealing for their low cost, can sometimes face various issues. Common problems include poor fretwork, which can result in difficult and painful playing, fret buzz due to improperly adjusted necks, and intonation issues caused by misaligned tuning pegs. Some cheap guitars may also suffer from low-quality pickups that struggle to produce clear and balanced tone.

Additionally, budget guitars may be made from lower-grade woods that lack resonance and depth, which can affect the overall sound quality. Assembling techniques can also impact the guitar’s durability and playability. Some budget instruments may be prone to warping, especially in humid or high-temperature environments where wood tends to expand and contract.

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