3 Great Acoustic Guitars For Recording That Won’t Break The Bank
Before we begin, the suggestions below are 3 guitars that I have personally enjoyed recording and working with. As with all instruments, I highly suggest playing some in person to see what you like best. Also, I realize the term “won’t break the bank” is highly subjective – there are great acoustic guitars available at all price points. Being that we’re specifically talking about recording, I went with a $1500 cap. While this is a significant amount of money, in the world on recording equipment, microphones, outboard, etc. this is a middle of the road number. Ok, now let’s talk acoustic guitars!
1. Taylor 214ce DLX
The Taylor 214ce DLX is a beautiful guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides. It has a warm, balanced tone with plenty of projection and sustain, making it a great choice for recording all genres. The guitar also features Taylor's Expression System 2 pickup, which delivers a natural-sounding amplified tone you can use live. This guitar also holds its tuning very well even through aggressive playing. At around $1,299.00, the Taylor 214ce DLX is a great value for a high-quality acoustic guitar.
2. Martin D-10E
The Martin D-10E is a classic dreadnought-style guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides. It has a bright, clear tone with plenty of bass and midrange, making it a solid choice for recording both rhythm and lead parts. The guitar also features Fishman MX-T electronics, which provide a clear and natural amplified sound. Coming in at $999.00, the Martin D-10E is the cheapest on this list and an incredible value for a Martin guitar. This guitar would be a solid addition to any studio setup.
3. Gibson G-45 Studio
The Gibson G-45 Studio is a beautifully crafted guitar with a solid spruce top and walnut back and sides. It has a rich, warm tone with plenty of sustain and a balanced sound across the whole frequency spectrum. The guitar also features Fishman Sonitone electronics, which provide a clear tone. The G-45 retails for $1,299.00 and is a great choice for recording and a solid value for a high-quality Gibson guitar with great re-sell value. This guitar records way above its price-range to my ear.
The Taylor 214ce DLX, Martin D-10E, and Gibson G-45 Studio are all excellent choices for recording and would be solid investments at any level. All three can also be found on the used market for even more savings. Each guitar has its own unique sound and features, so it's important to try them out and find the one that best fits your playing style and recording needs. Happy shopping!
Got a favorite acoustic? Let me know below.
