AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar 000-15M ($2,404). Fender California Deluxe Monterey E gives you the most for the money at $369. 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")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 000-15M is a fantastic choice for singer-songwriters and players who appreciate a balanced, warm tone. Its comfortable 000 Auditorium body shape and responsive mahogany top make it a joy to play, and the solid wood construction means it’ll age beautifully. It's a premium-priced instrument that offers a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers warm, focused, and articulate tones.
- Rosewood fingerboard provides excellent sustain and a comfortable feel.
- Solid mahogany construction enhances resonance and tonal complexity over time.
Cons
- Mahogany’s tonal character might lack the brightness some prefer.
- Satin finish, while comfortable, can feel less refined than gloss finishes.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,404 now$2,404€2,149 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 ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 000C Jr E is a fantastic little workhorse. The spruce top gives it a lively, responsive feel, and the cutaway makes those higher frets easily accessible. It's ideal for singer-songwriters or players who want a comfortable, balanced acoustic with a decent plugged-in sound – a real sweet spot for portability and tone.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers bright, articulate tone with excellent projection.
- Sapele back and sides offer warmth and sustain, balancing the top.
- Ebony fingerboard provides smooth, fast playability and clear note definition.
Cons
- Sapele can be a bit 'boxy' compared to more figured woods like mahogany.
- Smaller body size (000 Jr) may lack the full low-end response some prefer.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$927 now$927€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
This is a solid choice for lefty players who want a reliable workhorse. The cutaway makes reaching high notes easier, and the HPL body handles humidity better than wood. It plays well plugged in thanks to the built-in pickup, but the laminate top means it won't sing like a solid wood guitar. Great for gigging in varying conditions.
Pros
- Left-handed cutaway design plays easier for small hands
- High-pressure laminate body stays stable in humidity
- Richlite fingerboard resists wear and oil stains well
Cons
- Laminate construction lacks true solid wood resonance
- Black finish may show scratches more easily
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$916 now$916€819 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels great right out of the box with a bright spruce top and warm Sapele body. The Martin E1 pickup makes it easy to play in small rooms without extra amps. It suits players who want a solid, natural-sounding instrument that sounds good whether plugged in or unplugged.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, responsive attack
- Sapele back and sides add warmth and sustain
- Martin E1 pickup ensures clear signal in small rooms
Cons
- Heavier build may be hard for very small players
- No specific output level or impedance data listed
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,520 now$1,520€1,359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Yamaha TAS3 C Transacoustic Concert
TAS3 C Sand Burst · Yamaha
50 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This concert guitar plays loud and clear thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany body. The built-in system lets you hear the music without needing a speaker. It is perfect for players who want to record or jam with friends on the go.
Pros
- Solid spruce top drives strong, clear low-end response.
- TransAcoustic-2 lets the guitar reproduce sound without extra speakers.
- Built-in reverb, chorus, delay, and looper for easy play.
Cons
- No specific weight listed, so you cannot check if it is light.
- TransAcoustic-2 might sound thin compared to a full amp.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,789 now$1,789€1,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
The 000-15M Streetmaster is a seriously well-built Martin, offering a focused, woody tone that's fantastic for singer-songwriters and roots players. The all-mahogany construction gives it a unique character and a really comfortable feel – it’s a great choice for someone looking for a premium-priced, versatile acoustic without the flashy appointments.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers warm, focused tone with surprising clarity.
- Katalox fingerboard offers a uniquely smooth and fast playing experience.
- Solid mahogany construction ensures excellent resonance and long-term stability.
Cons
- Mahogany's inherent tonal limitations might not suit brighter, more complex styles.
- Katalox can be harder to repair compared to rosewood if damaged.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,516 now$2,516€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 000C Jr E LH is a fantastic option for left-handed players seeking a comfortable, versatile, and amplified Martin. The smaller body is surprisingly powerful, and the E-1 pickup delivers a clean, amplified tone ideal for singer-songwriters or players needing a stage-ready acoustic. It’s a great blend of Martin quality and affordability.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers bright, responsive tone with excellent projection
- Sapele back and sides add warmth and sustain, nicely balanced
- Martin E-1 pickup system provides usable amplified sound for stage or recording
Cons
- Sapele can sometimes lack the complexity of rosewood for seasoned players
- Jr body size might be too small for those preferring a full-sized dreadnought
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$927 now$927€829 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 00-15M is a fantastic choice for players seeking a focused, warm acoustic tone. Its mahogany construction provides a beautifully balanced sound, ideal for singer-songwriters and folk players who appreciate a comfortable, smaller-bodied instrument. It’s a premium-priced guitar that delivers a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers warm, focused tone with excellent projection.
- Rosewood fingerboard and bone nut offer smooth playability and sustain.
- The 00 size provides comfortable ergonomics for fingerstyle and strumming.
Cons
- Mahogany construction limits versatility; less bright than spruce-top models.
- Natural matte finish might not appeal to players preferring gloss finishes.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,125 now$2,125€1,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 000 Jr E Sapele is a fantastic option for gigging singer-songwriters and smaller-framed players. The svelte body is comfortable, the tone is remarkably balanced, and the E-1 pickup makes it stage-ready without sacrificing acoustic integrity. It's a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Sapele back/sides deliver warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- Spruce top provides excellent clarity and responsiveness across the spectrum.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience for intricate work.
Cons
- Shorter scale length might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- Sapele's midrange focus may not suit all genres equally well.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,118 now$1,118€999 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
Gibson L-00 StandardL-00 Century 12-Fret VA · Gibson · 4 finishes65↓ 10.9%$2,112€1,888$2,112€1,888Check ↗
- 12
Martin Guitar 000-10E Retro SapeleMartin Guitar63Stable$1,364€1,219$1,364€1,219Check ↗
- 13
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E StreetMaster NewMartin Guitar62Stable$1,084€969$1,084€969Check ↗
- 14
Martin Guitar 000-13E Retro WalnutMartin Guitar60Stable$2,181€1,949$2,181€1,949Check ↗
- 15
Epiphone L-00 StandardL-00 Standard Vintage Sunburst · Epiphone57↓ 1.4%$780€697$780€697Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton CLA-15MCE SolidWoodHarley Benton · 11 finishes57Stable$357€319$357€319Check ↗
- 17
Yamaha TAS1 E Sand BurstYamaha · 5 finishes53↓ 7.1%$820€733$820€733Check ↗
- 18
Martin Guitar 000-X2E LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes46Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez AAM370M2E-APFIbanez · 2 finishes45↓ 0.5%$644€576$644€576Check ↗
- 20
Martin Guitar OMC-10E Modern 1935 SunburstMartin Guitar45Stable$1,823€1,629$1,823€1,629Check ↗
- 21
Martin Guitar 000-12E Retro RoadseriesMartin Guitar45Stable$2,046€1,829$2,046€1,829Check ↗
- 22
Martin Guitar Special 0X1-01 KoaMartin Guitar43Stable$771€689$771€689Check ↗
- 23
Martin Guitar 0X2EL Cocobolo LHMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 24
Martin Guitar 0X2E CocoboloMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 25
Martin Guitar 00-X2E CocoboloMartin Guitar43Stable$1,006€899$1,006€899Check ↗
- 26
Martin Guitar 000-X2E BB SpecialMartin Guitar43Stable$1,230€1,099$1,230€1,099Check ↗
- 27
Martin Guitar OMC-X2E Ziricote Special LHMartin Guitar43Stable$1,230€1,099$1,230€1,099Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez AAM370M1CE-TPAIbanez41Stable$776€694$776€694Check ↗
- 29
Gretsch Jim Dandy ConcertJD Concert WPG RXB · Gretsch · 2 finishes72Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 30
Epiphone Blues King Studio Dark BurstEpiphone39↓ 1.1%$420€375$420€375Check ↗
- 31
Recording King RPS-11-FE3-TBRRecording King39Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 32
Epiphone Blues King Studio EbonyEpiphone38Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 33
Richwood A-70-EVA AuditoriumRichwood38Stable$782€699$782€699Check ↗
- 34
Richwood G-70 CE VARichwood38Stable$838€749$838€749Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE w/BagHarley Benton · 9 finishes53Stable$290€259$290€259Check ↗
- 36
Cort Flow OC Natural SatinCort32Stable$1,286€1,149$1,286€1,149Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha FSX400 Smoky BlackYamaha · 2 finishes45Stable$309€276$309€276Check ↗
- 38
Martin Guitar 00028Martin Guitar · 2 finishes76Stable$4,800€4,290$4,800€4,290Check ↗
- 39
Gretsch JD Concert DELTO TSPG BLKTGretsch43Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 40
Martin Guitar OM-28 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar · 2 finishes74Stable$5,929€5,299$5,929€5,299Check ↗
- 41
Martin Guitar 000E Retro PlusMartin Guitar72Stable$2,684€2,399$2,684€2,399Check ↗
- 42
Martin Guitar 000-17EMartin Guitar · 2 finishes72Stable$2,908€2,599$2,908€2,599Check ↗
- 43
Fender CA STD Monterey E IPG SFGFender · 4 finishes53Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 44
Martin Guitar CEO-7Martin Guitar70Stable$4,810€4,299$4,810€4,299Check ↗
- 45
Martin Guitar 000-28EC Eric ClaptonMartin Guitar68Stable$5,593€4,999$5,593€4,999Check ↗
- 46
Martin Guitar M-7 Johnny MarrMartin Guitar68↓ 14.9%$6,142€5,490$6,142€5,490Check ↗
- 47
Martin Guitar 000-16 StreetMaster LHMartin Guitar67Stable$2,796€2,499$2,796€2,499Check ↗
- 48
Martin Guitar OM45 LHMartin Guitar · 2 finishes67Stable$14,320€12,799$14,320€12,799Check ↗
- 49
Martin Guitar 0018Martin Guitar66Stable$4,138€3,699$4,138€3,699Check ↗
- 50
Martin Guitar 000-28 Modern Deluxe LHMartin Guitar · 3 finishes66Stable$5,929€5,299$5,929€5,299Check ↗
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 (Neck Profile & Action)
As an intermediate player, you're developing technique. A comfortable neck profile - whether it's a slim C, a D, or something else - matters. Equally important is the action; too high and it'll fight you, too low and you'll get fret buzz. A good setup is non-negotiable.
Tone (Balance & Articulation)
000s are known for their balanced tone, but 'balanced' doesn't mean boring. We're looking for guitars that offer clarity in the mids - that fat midrange honk - without being overly bright or muddy. Articulation is key; you want to hear individual notes ring out, especially when fingerpicking.
Construction & Materials
Solid wood tops (especially Sitka Spruce or Engelmann Spruce) are the baseline for decent tone. Back and sides can be laminate (cheaper) or solid (better resonance and projection). Dovetail neck joints are a sign of quality construction - they're stronger and resonate better than bolted-on necks.
Dynamic Range & Headroom
You need a guitar that can handle a quiet fingerstyle piece and then crank up the volume for a band rehearsal without collapsing into a muddy mess. Headroom is about how much 'space' the guitar has before breakup - more headroom means more dynamic control.
Versatility (Strumming vs. Fingerstyle)
While 000s are generally versatile, some lean more towards fingerstyle while others are better suited for strumming. We'll call out those tendencies - because a guitar that sounds amazing fingerpicked might disappear when strummed hard.
Buying guide
So, you're past the beginner stage, fingerpicking patterns aren't a complete mystery, and you're starting to crave a little more from your acoustic. 000-size guitars - sometimes called Auditorium - are a sweet spot for a lot of players: bigger than a 00, smaller than a dreadnought, offering a balanced tone that's versatile enough for everything from fingerstyle to strumming in a band. Let's dial in some 000s that'll actually inspire you to play more and sound better doing it.
Don't get hung up on fancy pickups unless you know you're going to record a lot. A good solid-top guitar with a decent setup is the foundation. Laminate back and sides are fine at lower price points, but be aware they won't resonate as freely.
Pay attention to the neck profile; it's a personal preference, but a neck that feels awkward will kill your progress. A good setup from a local tech is worth its weight in gold - it can transform an 'okay' guitar into something truly inspiring.
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 00 and a 000?
They're both smaller than a dreadnought. A 00 is slightly smaller than a 000, resulting in a slightly more focused, intimate tone. A 000 has a bit more projection and a fuller low-end.
Are solid wood guitars always better?
Not inherently. A well-built laminate guitar can sound very good, especially if the solid top is properly voiced. The overall construction and bracing pattern play a big role too.
What's a 'dovetail' neck joint and why should I care?
It's a stronger, more traditional way to attach the neck to the body. Dovetail joints allow for better resonance and stability over time compared to simpler bolted joints.
My action is too high, can I fix it myself?
You can adjust the saddle height, but truss rod adjustments are best left to a professional. Messing with the truss rod can damage the neck if you're not careful.
I'm on a budget, where can I save money?
Laminate back and sides are the easiest place to cut costs. Also, consider a guitar with a simpler bracing pattern - it won't hurt the tone drastically and will lower the price.





