AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Gretsch Jim Dandy Concert ($223). Fender FSR CA STD Monterey IPG BLK gives you the most for the money at $180. Fender California Deluxe Monterey E leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 85 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Gretsch JD Concert WPG RXB is a surprisingly capable acoustic, offering a warm, approachable tone and easy playability. It's a great option for students or players looking for an affordable, comfortable instrument with a vintage-inspired vibe. While not a high-end instrument, it delivers a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Basswood top offers a surprisingly warm, mellow tone for the price point.
- 24.75” scale provides comfortable action and a slightly looser feel, good for beginners.
- Walnut fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and attractive aesthetics.
Cons
- Basswood construction limits high-end shimmer and overall sustain compared to solid woods.
- Synthetic bone nut isn't ideal; a bone nut would improve string response and tone.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$223 now$223€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Monterey is a surprisingly solid instrument for the price. The spruce top provides a bright, clear voice, nicely balanced by the warm sapele back and sides—perfect for singer-songwriters and players who want a versatile, comfortable acoustic. It’s a great value if you’re looking for a well-built, playable guitar without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Sapele back & sides deliver warm, balanced tonal response.
- Okoume neck offers comfortable playability and good sustain.
- Walnut fingerboard provides a smooth, articulate feel under the fingers.
Cons
- Sapele can sometimes lack the overt complexity of rosewood.
- The Micarta nut, while functional, isn’t a premium touch.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 1.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$183 · Aug 17$180 now$180€161 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
This CLA-15M is a seriously impressive acoustic for the money. The solid top and scalloped bracing give it a surprisingly mature tone, while the comfortable neck makes it a joy to play. It's a fantastic option for intermediate players or anyone looking for a well-built, versatile 000-style guitar without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid Okoume top delivers surprising warmth and projection for the price.
- Dovetail joint provides excellent sustain and stability – a premium feature.
- Modified oval C neck profile is comfortable and facilitates fast playing.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- The matte finish might not appeal to players seeking a glossier look.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale634 mm (24.96")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This concert guitar sounds bright thanks to its spruce top. The rosewood fingerboard feels nice under your fingers. It is a great choice for players who want a clear, warm tone without extra features.
Pros
- Classic spruce top delivers bright, responsive tone.
- Natural satin finish adds subtle, warm depth.
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability.
Cons
- No electronics means limited stage use.
- Scale length is shorter than standard models.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
The CLA-16S is a surprisingly capable 000-sized acoustic. It's got a solid top, a comfortable neck, and a well-balanced tone that's great for singer-songwriters or players who want a versatile instrument. For the price, you're getting a lot of quality and craftsmanship – a fantastic value for the budding or budget-conscious guitarist.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers clear, articulate projection and warmth.
- Dovetail neck joint enhances sustain and provides a comfortable feel.
- Sapele back and sides offer a balanced tonal response with good bass.
Cons
- Matte finish, while attractive, can feel a bit less refined than gloss finishes.
- Okoume neck, while stable, may not resonate quite as freely as mahogany.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$223 now$223€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar feels like a classic from the 30s but built today. The spruce top sings clearly while the auditorium shape keeps the sound full. It is perfect for players who want a pure acoustic tone without extra gadgets.
Pros
- Classic auditorium body shape for warm resonance
- Solid spruce top for bright, responsive attack
- Ivory binding adds a touch of vintage elegance
Cons
- No electronics means no amplification options
- White wood sides lack the depth of rosewood
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Recording King Dirty '30s Series 7 ROS-7-MBK Matte Black
ROS-7-TS · Recording King
1 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar sounds bright thanks to the spruce top, with a warm touch from the Whitewood body. The thin NATO neck feels comfortable under your fingers for quick playing. It is a clean, straightforward instrument perfect for players who want pure acoustic sound without extra features.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong initial attack
- Whitewood back and sides add warmth
- Thin C neck profile plays easily
Cons
- No built-in electronics for amplification
- Limited to standard acoustic tone only
34AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale634 mm (24.96")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar feels great to play with its spruce top and rosewood fingerboard. The SYSTEM75 pickup lets you shape the sound with four bands. It suits beginners or players who need a reliable, affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Solid spruce top drives bright, punchy sound
- Natural Satin finish looks stylish and modern
- SYSTEM75 pickup offers 4-band EQ control
Cons
- No specific weight listed in the specs
- Electronics are basic with only volume and EQ
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Recording King RPS-9-TS Dirty 30's Series 9 Single-0 Tobacco Sunburst
RPS-9-TS · Recording King
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar uses a solid spruce top for a lively sound and a thin neck for easy play. The whitewood body gives it a warm tone, but it has no electronics. It is perfect for players who want a simple, acoustic-only instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides a bright, responsive attack for strumming.
- Whitewood back and sides offer a warm, balanced mid-range presence.
- Thin C neck profile makes fretting chords easier for smaller hands.
Cons
- No built-in electronics means no onboard amplification or signal output.
- Whitewood construction lacks the density of rosewood or mahogany alternatives.
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender California Deluxe Monterey E
CA DLX Monterey E HSB · Fender
35 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This guitar sounds great for both singing and strumming. The solid spruce top pushes the sound forward while the mahogany body keeps it warm. It works well for players who need a clear signal for recording or live gigs.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright attack and strong projection
- Mahogany body adds warmth to the mid and low frequencies
- Fishman CD-1 preamp offers clear, modern pickup sound
Cons
- No specific weight listed makes carrying less predictable
- Phosphor bronze strings may sound brighter than some prefer
72AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$379 · Aug 17$369 now$369€330 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 85 0/00/000 acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez PC12MH-OPNIbanez36Stable$196€175$196€175Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch JD Concert DELTO TSPG BLKTGretsch43Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLA-15MCE VS BundleHarley Benton24Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 14
Martin Guitar 000-15MMartin Guitar · 2 finishes76Stable$2,404€2,149$2,404€2,149Check ↗
- 15
Martin Guitar 00028Martin Guitar · 2 finishes76Stable$4,800€4,290$4,800€4,290Check ↗
- 16
Martin Guitar OM-28 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar · 2 finishes74Stable$5,929€5,299$5,929€5,299Check ↗
- 17
Martin Guitar 000E Retro PlusMartin Guitar72Stable$2,684€2,399$2,684€2,399Check ↗
- 18
Martin Guitar 000-17EMartin Guitar · 2 finishes72Stable$2,908€2,599$2,908€2,599Check ↗
- 19
Martin Guitar CEO-7Martin Guitar70Stable$4,810€4,299$4,810€4,299Check ↗
- 20
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E NewMartin Guitar69Stable$927€829$927€829Check ↗
- 21
Martin Guitar GPC-X1E Black LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes68Stable$916€819$916€819Check ↗
- 22
Martin Guitar 000-10E Retro NatMartin Guitar68Stable$1,520€1,359$1,520€1,359Check ↗
- 23
Yamaha TAS3 C Transacoustic ConcertTAS3 C Sand Burst · Yamaha · 2 finishes68Stable$1,789€1,599$1,789€1,599Check ↗
- 24
Martin Guitar 000-15M StreetmasterMartin Guitar · 2 finishes68Stable$2,516€2,249$2,516€2,249Check ↗
- 25
Martin Guitar 000-28EC Eric ClaptonMartin Guitar68Stable$5,593€4,999$5,593€4,999Check ↗
- 26
Martin Guitar M-7 Johnny MarrMartin Guitar68↓ 14.9%$6,142€5,490$6,142€5,490Check ↗
- 27
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E LH NewMartin Guitar67Stable$927€829$927€829Check ↗
- 28
Martin Guitar 00-15MMartin Guitar67Stable$2,125€1,899$2,125€1,899Check ↗
- 29
Martin Guitar 000-16 StreetMaster LHMartin Guitar67Stable$2,796€2,499$2,796€2,499Check ↗
- 30
Martin Guitar OM45 LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes67Stable$14,320€12,799$14,320€12,799Check ↗
- 31
Martin Guitar 0018Martin Guitar66Stable$4,138€3,699$4,138€3,699Check ↗
- 32
Martin Guitar 000-28 Modern Deluxe LHMartin Guitar · 3 finishes66Stable$5,929€5,299$5,929€5,299Check ↗
- 33
Martin Guitar 000 Jr E Sapele NewMartin Guitar65Stable$1,118€999$1,118€999Check ↗
- 34
Gibson L-00 StandardL-00 Century 12-Fret VA · Gibson · 4 finishes65↓ 10.9%$2,112€1,888$2,112€1,888Check ↗
- 35
Martin Guitar CEO-11 LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes64Stable$10,180€9,099$10,180€9,099Check ↗
- 36
Martin Guitar 000-10E Retro SapeleMartin Guitar63Stable$1,364€1,219$1,364€1,219Check ↗
- 37
Martin Guitar 000-28 Shawn Mendes LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes63Stable$7,215€6,449$7,215€6,449Check ↗
- 38
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E StreetMaster NewMartin Guitar62Stable$1,084€969$1,084€969Check ↗
- 39
Martin Guitar 000E Retro Plus GranadilloMartin Guitar62Stable$3,132€2,799$3,132€2,799Check ↗
- 40
Martin Guitar M-6 Johnny MarrMartin Guitar62↓ 15.5%$6,142€5,490$6,142€5,490Check ↗
- 41
Martin Guitar 0028Martin Guitar61Stable$5,033€4,499$5,033€4,499Check ↗
- 42
Martin Guitar 00042 LHMartin Guitar61Stable$9,397€8,399$9,397€8,399Check ↗
- 43
Martin Guitar 00042Martin Guitar61Stable$9,509€8,499$9,509€8,499Check ↗
- 44
Martin Guitar 000-42 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar61Stable$10,068€8,999$10,068€8,999Check ↗
- 45
Martin Guitar 000-13E Retro WalnutMartin Guitar60Stable$2,181€1,949$2,181€1,949Check ↗
- 46
Martin Guitar 012-28 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar59Stable$6,600€5,899$6,600€5,899Check ↗
- 47
Martin Guitar 000-18 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar58Stable$4,978€4,449$4,978€4,449Check ↗
- 48
Martin Guitar 00-28 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar58Stable$5,583€4,990$5,583€4,990Check ↗
- 49
Martin Guitar OMJM John MayerMartin Guitar58Stable$5,593€4,999$5,593€4,999Check ↗
- 50
Epiphone L-00 StandardL-00 Standard Vintage Sunburst · Epiphone57↓ 1.4%$780€697$780€697Check ↗
0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 136 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,364 — half of all 0/00/000 acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 131 models · 42.9 mm (1.69")–44.5 mm (1.75")
median of 135 models · 629 mm (24.76")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 121 models · 19–20
most common · 101 models
How to choose the best 0/00/000 acoustic guitars
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
This is HUGE. High action (string height) makes learning a nightmare. A comfortable neck profile - whether it's a slim C, a comfortable D, or something else - means your hand won't be screaming after 30 minutes. Look for something easy to fret.
Tone (Clarity & Projection)
Beginners often gravitate towards dreadnoughts thinking they're louder, but a 000 can cut through a mix surprisingly well. We're looking for a balanced tone - not too boomy in the low-end, not overly bright and harsh. You want to hear individual notes, not a wash of sound.
Body Size & Comfort
0, 00, and 000 guitars are generally comfortable to hold, but body depth and shape can still matter. Smaller players might prefer a 0 or 00, while those with larger hands might find a 000 more comfortable. It's a feel thing.
Construction & Materials (Bracing & Tonewoods)
Solid top guitars (usually spruce) will always sound better than laminate tops, but for a beginner, a well-built laminate guitar can still be enjoyable. Bracing patterns influence sustain and resonance - simpler bracing is usually found on cheaper models, which can impact the overall tone.
Electronics (Pickup Voicing)
If you plan on plugging in - for band rehearsals or recording - the built-in pickup's voicing is important. Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lifeless, so consider a model with a decent reputation or plan on upgrading later.
Buying guide
So, you're diving into the world of 0, 00, and 000 acoustic guitars? Good choice - these sizes offer a sweet spot for versatility and comfort. They're not the tiny parlor guitars or the jumbo dreadnoughts, but something in between. Finding the right one as a beginner can be overwhelming, but we're here to cut through the noise and point you towards instruments that'll actually inspire you to play, not frustrate you with high action and a muddy sound.
Don't chase the 'big name' hype. A lot of beginner guitars get away with cutting corners on bracing and using overly thick finishes that choke the tone. Pay attention to the action - if it's too high, even a great guitar will be frustrating.
Spending a little more for a solid top, even a lower-grade tonewood like mahogany, will pay dividends in the long run.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 136 0/00/000 acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a 0, 00, and 000?
They're all variations on a smaller body size. A 0 is the smallest, a 00 is slightly larger, and a 000 is the largest of the three. The differences are subtle, mostly affecting the bass response and overall projection.
Is a solid top really worth the extra money?
For a beginner, it's a worthwhile upgrade. Solid tops resonate better and age gracefully, meaning they'll often sound better over time. Laminate tops are fine to start, but you'll likely hear the difference eventually.
What about electronics? Do I need them?
Not necessarily. If you're mainly practicing and playing solo, you don't. But if you plan on playing with others, a pickup can be a lifesaver to ensure you're heard. Just be prepared to potentially upgrade it later.
What's 'action' and why does it matter?
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. High action makes the guitar harder to play, requiring more force to fret notes. Low action is easier to play, but too low can cause buzzing. A comfortable medium is ideal.
I'm on a tight budget. Where can I save money?
Focus on playability first. You can always upgrade the strings and potentially the pickup later. Don't be afraid to look at less-known brands - sometimes they offer incredible value.
