Best acoustic guitars in the UK: top 10 models for 2025

Looking for the perfect acoustic guitar in 2025? We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed the best acoustic guitars available in the UK market to help you make an informed decision. From professional-grade instruments to budget-friendly options, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Best professional acoustic guitars

Taylor 214ce

The Taylor 214ce stands out as one of the most versatile professional acoustic guitars of 2025. With its solid spruce top and layered koa back and sides, this guitar delivers exceptional tone quality and projection. The Expression System 2 pickup system makes it perfect for both studio recording and live performances. While it comes at a premium price point, the investment is justified by its superior build quality and versatile sound profile.

PRS SE P20E Tonare Parlor

For professionals seeking a compact yet powerful instrument, the PRS SE P20E Tonare Parlor is an excellent choice. This all-mahogany guitar features the Fishman GT1 pickup system and delivers remarkable tone despite its smaller size. It’s particularly well-suited for intimate performances and songwriting sessions.

Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster

The Acoustasonic Telecaster represents Fender’s innovative approach to acoustic guitar design. With its hybrid design and multiple sound profiles, it’s perfect for professionals who need versatility in their performances. The guitar features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, complemented by Fender’s cutting-edge Acoustasonic technology. While it commands a premium price, its versatility makes it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

Epiphone J200 EC Studio

The Epiphone J200 EC Studio offers professional-grade features at a more accessible price point. Its solid spruce top and select maple back and sides deliver rich, full-bodied tone, while the Shadow ePerformer preamp and NanoFlex pickup system ensure excellent amplified performance. The vintage-inspired design pays homage to the classic Gibson J200, making it a stunning choice for both stage and studio.

Yamaha A1RII

Yamaha’s A1RII combines professional features with outstanding build quality. Featuring a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and the advanced SRT2 pickup system, this guitar delivers exceptional tone and playability. The newly designed inner bracing provides improved resonance and projection, making it particularly suitable for performing artists.

These professional-grade guitars represent the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship, each offering unique features and tonal characteristics. When choosing between them, consider your specific playing style, preferred genre, and performance requirements. For detailed specifications and current pricing, you can visit GuitarGuitar’s comprehensive guide.

What sets these guitars apart

• Superior tonewoods and construction quality
• Professional-grade electronics and pickup systems
• Enhanced playability and comfort features
• Exceptional sound projection and tonal balance
• Reliable performance in both studio and stage settings

When investing in a professional acoustic guitar, it’s crucial to consider factors beyond just the price tag. Each of these models has been thoroughly tested and reviewed by experts, earning their place among the top choices for UK musicians in 2025. For more detailed insights into acoustic guitar selection, Martin’s comprehensive guide offers valuable information about different guitar types and their characteristics.

Best budget acoustic guitars

Finding a quality acoustic guitar doesn’t always require breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options available in the UK market that offer excellent value for money.

Yamaha FS800

The Yamaha FS800 stands out as an exceptional budget choice, featuring a solid spruce top – a rare find at this price point. The guitar produces a warm, balanced tone thanks to Yamaha’s scalloped bracing system, which enhances volume and projection. Its smaller concert body makes it comfortable for players of all sizes, while the nato back and sides contribute to its durability.

Seagull S6 Standard

The Seagull S6 Standard represents outstanding value for beginners and intermediate players alike. With its solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides, this guitar delivers a warm, balanced tone that surpasses many guitars in higher price brackets. The guitar includes the Quantum I pickup system in its electro-acoustic version, making it versatile for both practice and performance.

Fender CD-60S

A standout entry-level option, the Fender CD-60S combines quality construction with excellent playability. Its solid spruce top adds remarkable depth to the tone, while the rolled fingerboard edges make it particularly comfortable for beginners learning barre chords. The dreadnought body style ensures powerful projection and rich bass response, making it ideal for various playing styles.

Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird

The Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird offers exceptional value with its orchestra body size and built-in electronics. The four-band EQ provides excellent tonal control when amplified, while the smaller body size makes it highly comfortable for extended playing sessions. Despite its compact dimensions, it delivers impressive acoustic performance suitable for both recording and live situations.

When shopping for a budget acoustic guitar, consider these key factors:

• Build quality and materials used
• Comfort and playability
• Sound projection and tone
• Additional features like built-in electronics
• Brand reputation and warranty support

While these guitars may not feature all-solid wood construction or premium appointments found in higher-end models, they offer excellent value for players seeking quality instruments without a hefty price tag. For more detailed information about acoustic guitar features and specifications, you can visit MusicRadar’s comprehensive guide.

Acoustic guitar body types guide

Understanding different acoustic guitar body types is crucial for finding an instrument that matches your playing style and preferences. Each body shape offers unique tonal characteristics and playing comfort levels that can significantly impact your musical experience.

Dreadnought

The dreadnought is perhaps the most iconic acoustic guitar shape, known for its powerful projection and rich bass response. This body style, first introduced by Martin Guitars, features a wide waist and large body that produces a bold, resonant sound perfect for strumming and flatpicking. While excellent for genres like folk and country, its larger size might be challenging for smaller players to handle comfortably.

Concert and grand concert

Concert guitars offer a more intimate playing experience with their smaller body size. These instruments produce a balanced, focused tone that excels in fingerpicking and detailed acoustic work. The grand concert is slightly larger, offering additional volume while maintaining the comfortable playing experience. According to Taylor Guitars, these body styles are particularly popular among fingerstyle players and those seeking enhanced playing comfort.

Grand auditorium

The grand auditorium represents a versatile middle ground between dreadnought and concert sizes. This modern body style offers excellent tonal balance across all frequencies, making it suitable for various playing styles. With its comfortable contours and balanced sound projection, it’s become a favourite among performing musicians who need one guitar to handle multiple musical situations.

Jumbo

Jumbo acoustics are the gentle giants of the guitar world. Their large bodies produce powerful bass response and impressive volume, making them ideal for rhythmic playing and full-band situations. As noted by Sound Pure, while these guitars offer outstanding projection, their size can be challenging for some players to manage comfortably.

Parlour

Parlour guitars feature the smallest traditional body size, offering a focused, mid-range-heavy tone that’s perfect for intimate settings. These compact instruments have gained popularity among fingerstyle players and travelling musicians who appreciate their portable size and unique voice. Despite their smaller size, they can produce surprisingly rich and complex tones, particularly suited to blues and folk styles.

Orchestra model (OM)

The orchestra model combines elements of several body styles to create a versatile instrument. According to Martin Guitar, OMs feature a slightly smaller body than dreadnoughts but with similar depth, resulting in a balanced tone that works well for both fingerpicking and strumming. Their comfortable size and balanced sound make them popular among performing musicians who need versatility.

Each body style offers distinct advantages, and choosing the right one depends on factors like your playing style, physical comfort, and tonal preferences. Consider trying different body types before making a purchase to find the perfect match for your needs.

How to choose an acoustic guitar

Selecting the perfect acoustic guitar requires careful consideration of several key factors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision.

Body type and size considerations

The guitar’s body type significantly impacts both comfort and sound. According to Taylor Guitars’ comprehensive guide, there are several main body styles to consider:

• Dreadnought: Offers powerful bass response and volume, ideal for strumming and bluegrass
• Concert: Smaller body providing comfort and balanced tone, perfect for fingerpicking
• Grand Auditorium: Versatile mid-sized body suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking
• Jumbo: Largest body style delivering maximum volume and bass response

Tonewoods and their impact

Different wood combinations create distinct tonal characteristics. Fender’s research on tonewoods highlights these common options:

• Spruce top: Bright, clear tone with excellent projection
• Cedar top: Warm, rich sound ideal for fingerpicking
• Mahogany body: Focused midrange with natural compression
• Rosewood body: Complex overtones with strong bass response

Budget considerations

Your budget will largely determine the quality of materials and construction. Consider these price ranges:

• Entry-level (£150-500): Suitable for beginners, often featuring laminated woods
• Mid-range (£500-1,500): Solid tops with improved hardware and electronics
• Professional (£1,500+): All-solid wood construction with premium appointments

Essential features to consider

When evaluating different models, pay attention to these key features:

• Neck profile and width: Should feel comfortable in your hands
• Action height: Lower action is easier to play but may buzz
• Electronics: Consider if you need amplification capabilities
• Build quality: Check for solid construction and proper setup

Remember to try multiple guitars before making a decision, as personal comfort and sound preference are crucial factors. Consider visiting local music stores during quiet hours to properly test instruments in your price range.

Professional guitar experts recommend spending time with each instrument to assess its playability, tone, and overall feel before making a final decision.

Acoustic guitar care and maintenance

Proper maintenance of your acoustic guitar is essential for preserving its sound quality, playability, and longevity. Let’s explore the key aspects of guitar care that every player should know.

Essential cleaning procedures

Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining your acoustic guitar’s condition. After each playing session, wipe down the instrument with a dry, soft cloth to remove finger oils and sweat. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cotton cloth, avoiding any harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products that could damage the finish.

When cleaning the fingerboard, ensure it’s completely clean before applying any oils. For unfinished fingerboards, a small amount of lemon or orange oil can help condition the wood, but be cautious with maple fingerboards as they shouldn’t be oiled. Learn more about proper cleaning techniques from Yamaha’s comprehensive guide.

Storage solutions

Proper storage is vital for protecting your acoustic guitar from environmental damage. Always store your instrument in a quality hardshell case when not in use, keeping it away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. The ideal storage environment should maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level.

• Keep away from heating vents and air conditioning units
• Avoid storing in basements or areas prone to moisture
• Use a humidifier in dry conditions
• Store the guitar standing upright, not lying flat

String care and maintenance

Your guitar’s strings significantly impact its sound quality and playability. According to MusicNomad’s string care guide, regular players should change their strings every 4-6 weeks, while occasional players can extend this to every 3-4 months. Between changes, wipe the strings with a clean cloth after each use to remove buildup and extend their life.

Regular maintenance checks

Establish a routine maintenance schedule to catch potential issues early. Check these key areas regularly:

• Neck alignment and relief
• Bridge and saddle condition
• Fret wear and leveling
• Tuning machine functionality
• Body joints and seams

For optimal performance, consider having your guitar professionally set up once a year. A professional can adjust the truss rod, action, and intonation while identifying any developing issues. Learn more about professional maintenance from Martin’s maintenance guide.

Humidity control

Acoustic guitars are particularly sensitive to humidity changes. Maintain relative humidity between 45-55% to prevent wood warping, cracking, or swelling. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and consider using a humidifier in dry conditions or a dehumidifier in extremely humid environments.