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10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar Kit - Full-Size Guitar, Stand, Tuner, Bag, Strap, Plectrums & Spare Strings

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Tonewood
Tonewood
The warm tone from the basswood body suits beginners perfectly, providing a pleasant sound without overwhelming complexity.

The Martin Smith Acoustic Guitar Kit offers a complete starter package ideal for beginners who want everything in one box. The guitar features a dreadnought body shape, which is a popular style known for its full, balanced sound and good projection. It is made mainly of basswood, a lightweight tonewood that tends to produce a warm but somewhat soft tone compared to higher-end woods like spruce or mahogany. The neck and fretboard are also basswood, which is decent but not as durable or smooth-feeling as some other materials. The guitar has a 25-inch scale length, which is fairly standard and comfortable for most players, and uses alloy steel strings paired with metal tuning gears designed to help keep the guitar in tune more easily—a definite plus for beginners still learning tuning skills.

The kit includes helpful extras such as a clip-on tuner, a sturdy foldable stand, a strap for playing while standing, picks, a plectrum holder, and spare strings, which make it very convenient for someone just starting out. The guitar is right-handed only and weighs about 1.8 kg, making it fairly lightweight and portable. While the guitar lacks built-in electronics for amplification, this kit is well suited for beginners wanting an affordable and complete acoustic guitar setup for practice and learning.

Although the tone quality will be modest due to the basswood construction, this guitar provides a solid foundation to start playing. It may not meet the demands of more advanced or performing players, but it is a practical choice for those beginning their musical journey.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Tonewood
Tonewood
The warm tone from the basswood body suits beginners perfectly, providing a pleasant sound without overwhelming complexity.
#3

Yamaha F310 - Full Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar - Traditional Western Body - Natural

The Yamaha F310 is a well-regarded acoustic guitar, particularly suitable for beginners. It features a traditional Western body shape, which is versatile for various playing styles. Crafted with a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, the guitar offers a warm and responsive sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality tonewoods at an affordable price.

The neck is made from Nato wood, providing durability along with a comfortable slim profile that is friendly to beginners' fingertips. Additionally, the slightly shorter scale length aids in ease of play without compromising sound quality. The Yamaha F310 also boasts accurate fret positioning and quality tuning gears, ensuring reliable tuning stability and playability across the neck.

However, it lacks built-in electronics, which means it won't be suitable for those looking to amplify their sound easily. The natural finish, combined with the thin lacquer, not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its sound quality. At 2.4 kg, it is lightweight and easy to handle. Ideal for new guitarists, the Yamaha F310 offers excellent value, delivering features typically found in more expensive models. While it may not meet the needs of advanced players or those requiring electronic amplification, it stands out as an excellent entry-level acoustic guitar.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it can greatly influence your playing style and enjoyment. When selecting an acoustic guitar, consider the sound quality, playability, and how it feels in your hands. It's important to think about your skill level, the type of music you want to play, and where you'll be playing most often. By understanding the key specifications of acoustic guitars, you can make an informed decision that suits your personal needs and preferences.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Dreadnoughts are known for their bold, loud sound and are great for strumming and flat-picking. Concert guitars are smaller, offering a balanced tone and are easier to handle, making them ideal for fingerpicking. Jumbo guitars provide a deep, resonant sound and are perfect for players who want a big sound. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits the style of music you want to play.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly impacts the sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is popular for its bright and clear tone, making it versatile for various music styles. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mellow sound, suitable for blues and folk. Rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass, ideal for fingerstyle playing. Consider the sound characteristics you prefer and choose a tonewood that matches your musical style.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile of a guitar refers to the shape and thickness of the neck, which affects comfort and playability. Profiles can range from slim to thick, with common shapes being C, V, and U. A C-shaped neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, while a V-shaped neck offers a more vintage feel, often preferred by players with larger hands. U-shaped necks are thicker and provide a solid grip, suitable for players who prefer a substantial feel. Try different neck profiles to find one that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing style.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, affecting string tension and playability. A longer scale length, typically around 25.5 inches, provides more tension and a brighter tone, suitable for strumming and flat-picking. A shorter scale length, around 24.75 inches, offers less tension, making it easier to bend strings and play complex chords, ideal for fingerstyle and lead playing. Consider your playing style and comfort with string tension when choosing a scale length.
Nut WidthNut width is the width of the guitar's neck at the nut, influencing string spacing and playability. A wider nut width, around 1.75 inches, provides more space between strings, which is beneficial for fingerstyle players who need room for intricate finger movements. A narrower nut width, around 1.65 inches, allows for easier chord transitions and is often preferred by players with smaller hands or those who focus on strumming. Choose a nut width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing technique.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound for performances. These systems typically include a pickup and preamp, which can vary in quality and features. If you plan to perform live or record, consider a guitar with a reliable electronic system that offers good sound quality and easy control over volume and tone. If you primarily play acoustically, electronics may not be necessary. Decide based on your performance needs and whether you require amplification.