10 Best Guitars 2026 in the United States

The Yamaha FS800 is a solid top acoustic guitar with a concert-sized body, making it smaller and easier to handle than a dreadnought, which is ideal for players seeking comfort during long sessions or those with smaller hands. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for delivering clear, bright tones that improve with time. The back and sides are made from Nato wood, a budget-friendly alternative to mahogany, providing decent warmth to the sound.

The neck is also made of Nato wood with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, offering a smooth playing surface and good durability. This model has a fixed bridge, typical for acoustic guitars, and diecast tuners that help keep the guitar in tune. It includes an adjustable truss rod, allowing neck relief adjustments to maintain playability over time. Weighing about 5.75 pounds, the guitar is fairly light, enhancing its comfort.

It does not have built-in pickups, so it is best suited for unplugged playing rather than live amplified performances. While Nato wood is not as resonant or rich as higher-end tonewoods, the sound quality remains good for its price point. The Yamaha FS800 is a reliable and easy-to-play acoustic guitar that suits beginners and casual players looking for a quality instrument with a smaller body size and solid spruce top at an affordable price.

The Yamaha FG800J NT is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Its dreadnought body shape offers a robust sound, with the solid spruce top delivering a bright and balanced tone, perfect for strumming chords or fingerpicking. The use of nato and mahogany for the back and sides contributes to a warm, resonant sound, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. With a comfortable rosewood fingerboard, players will find it easy to navigate the frets, enhancing playability and comfort—a crucial aspect for new players.

However, while the FG800J excels in many areas, there are some potential drawbacks. The larger dreadnought body can be a bit cumbersome for smaller players or children, which might hinder their comfort during long practice sessions. Additionally, while the materials used are of good quality, the guitar's construction is primarily aimed at beginners; more advanced players might find it lacking in certain tonal complexities and features that higher-end models offer.

For new guitarists seeking a reliable and well-crafted instrument to facilitate their learning journey, the Yamaha FG800J NT stands out as a commendable option.

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, combining solid features with ease of use. Its all-laminate construction, featuring a lindenwood top and mahogany back and sides, ensures durability, which is crucial for new players who might not handle their instruments with utmost care. The dreadnought body shape provides a rich, full sound that resonates well, making it enjoyable to play and listen to. The scalloped 'X'-bracing adds to the guitar's strength and tonal quality, which is a nice touch at this price point.

The slim neck profile designed for easy playability makes it comfortable for those just starting out. With a scale length of 25.6 inches, it strikes a balance between being manageable for smaller hands while still suitable for larger ones. The dark-stained maple fingerboard not only enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a smooth playing experience.

Included in the bundle are practical accessories like a gig bag for protection during transport, a tuner for staying in tune, a strap for comfortable playing, and various tools like extra strings and picks. These bonuses provide great value and encourage beginners to dive into their musical journey more confidently. Additionally, the Fender Play online lessons and the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD are perfect for self-learners, making the learning process more structured.

While the all-laminate construction is durable, it may not produce the same rich tonal quality as solid-wood guitars, which could be a concern for more advanced players. Also, at 8.5 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially if they plan to play for extended periods. However, given its pricing and targeted audience, these drawbacks are relatively minor and do not overshadow its primary strengths. This guitar bundle is a solid investment for beginner players looking to start their musical journey.