AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 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. Martin Guitar 000C Jr E New leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 29 models across 9 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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 width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- BodySapele body
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
This CLA-15MCE LH is a seriously impressive left-handed acoustic, offering a lot of bang for your buck. The solid top and bracing give it a surprisingly mature voice, and the Fishman electronics are a great addition for performance. It's a fantastic choice for singer-songwriters and players looking for a well-built, affordable auditorium-style guitar.
Pros
- Solid Okoume top provides surprisingly vibrant, responsive tone.
- Dovetail joint and scalloped bracing enhance sustain and resonance.
- Fishman Presys-II offers reliable amplification with accurate tuner.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit susceptible to humidity changes, requiring care.
- The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, may show fingerprints easily.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$290 now$290€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone L-00 Standard
L-00 Standard Vintage Sunburst · Epiphone
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar plays like a solid spruce top meets a warm mahogany body. The Fishman S-Core pickup makes it ready for stage use right out of the box. It suits players who want a bright, balanced tone without breaking the budget.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, responsive attack
- Solid mahogany body adds warm, mid-focused tone
- Fishman S-Core pickup ensures reliable sound
Cons
- Single-ply binding may limit structural rigidity
- No specific weight listed in the description
57AudioFu
Index↓ 1.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$791 · Aug 17$780 now$780€697 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
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 width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This guitar feels balanced thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany body. It plays well in a room on its own thanks to the built-in effects. Perfect for players who want a warm tone without buying extra speakers.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong projection
- Mahogany body gives warm mid-range tone
- TransAcoustic tech adds built-in reverb
Cons
- Mahogany body limits high-end sparkle
- No external speaker output mentioned
53AudioFu
Index↓ 7.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$883 · Aug 17$820 now$820€733 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 29 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
Yamaha FSX400 Natural SatinYamaha · 2 finishes48↓ 7.1%$247€221$247€221Check ↗
- 12
Martin Guitar 000-X2E RosewoodMartin Guitar · 2 finishes46Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha FS400 Natural SatinYamaha · 2 finishes45Stable$159€142$159€142Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez AAM370M2E-AIBIbanez · 2 finishes45↓ 0.5%$644€576$644€576Check ↗
- 15
Gretsch JD Concert DELTO TSPG BLKTGretsch43Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 16
Martin Guitar Special 0X1-01 KoaMartin Guitar43Stable$771€689$771€689Check ↗
- 17
Martin Guitar 0X2E CocoboloMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 18
Martin Guitar 0X2EL Cocobolo LHMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez AAM370M1CE-TPAIbanez41Stable$776€694$776€694Check ↗
- 20
Epiphone Blues King Studio Dark BurstEpiphone39↓ 1.1%$420€375$420€375Check ↗
- 21
Recording King RPS-11-FE3-TBRRecording King39Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 22
Epiphone Blues King Studio EbonyEpiphone38Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 23
Richwood A-70-EVA AuditoriumRichwood38Stable$782€699$782€699Check ↗
- 24
Richwood G-70 CE VARichwood38Stable$838€749$838€749Check ↗
- 25
Recording King Dirty 30s Series 7000Recording King37Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez PC12MH-OPNIbanez36Stable$196€175$196€175Check ↗
- 27
Recording King RPS-9-TS Dirty 30's Series 9 Single-0 Tobacco SunburstRPS-9-TS · Recording King35Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 28
Recording King Dirty '30s Series 7 ROS-7-MBK Matte BlackROS-7-TS · Recording King · 2 finishes34Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton Cust. Line CLA-15MCE VS BundleHarley Benton24Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 62 models we track, not a sample.
Median $290 — half of all 0/00/000 acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 61 models · 42.9 mm (1.69")–44.5 mm (1.75")
median of 62 models · 629 mm (24.76")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 57 models · 20–20
most common · 35 models
How to choose the best 0/00/000 acoustic guitars
Tonewoods
Solid tops are key - usually spruce (Sitka is common, Adirondack is a step up) for brightness and articulation, paired with mahogany or sapele back/sides for warmth and a focused midrange. Laminates will save money but lack the complexity and responsiveness of solid wood.
Neck Profile
This is crucial for comfort. A slim C profile is generally player-friendly, but try before you buy. A thicker D or V profile might be great for some, but a slog for others. Don't force it; neck feel is subjective.
Setup & Playability
Action (string height) is everything. A poorly set-up guitar, no matter how nice the wood, will be a pain. Check the action at the 12th fret - ideally around 2.0-2.5mm for ease of playing. A truss rod adjustment is almost guaranteed to be needed at some point.
Sustain & Projection
000s are known for their balanced tone, but you still want some 'oomph.' Listen for how the guitar resonates and projects - can it cut through a mix with a few other instruments? A little low-end thump is good, but avoid excessive muddiness.
Bracing Pattern
Different bracing patterns (X-bracing is most common) affect the guitar's tonal character. Forward-shifted bracing tends to add brightness and responsiveness, while more traditional patterns offer a more balanced sound. It's subtle, but it's there.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 000-sized acoustic - a sweet spot for fingerstyle, songwriting, and just generally having a comfortable instrument. Finding a good one under a grand can be tricky, but it's absolutely doable if you know what to look for. Forget the marketing hype; we're talking about getting the most playable, best-sounding guitar for your money, whether you're gigging out or just strumming around the house.
At this price point, expect some compromises. You're unlikely to find Adirondack spruce tops or figured woods. The finish might be a gloss, which can dampen the resonance slightly, or a satin finish which is more comfortable but might feel less 'premium.' Don't get hung up on aesthetics - focus on playability and tone.
A well-set-up, solid-top guitar will always beat a fancier laminate one.
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 62 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 000 and a 0000?
Pretty much nothing. 0000 is just a less common way of writing 000. Same body size and shape.
Are electronics worth it at this price?
Generally, no. The pickups are usually pretty basic and add to the cost without significantly improving the sound. You can always add a decent pickup later if you need it.
What about used guitars?
Absolutely! You can often find higher-end models in good condition within your budget on the used market. Just be sure to check for cracks, neck warps, and overall wear and tear.
Should I prioritize solid wood all around?
Solid top is the absolute minimum. Solid back and sides are a bonus, but don't break the bank for them. A well-made laminate back and sides can still sound quite good.
What's the deal with 'nitrocellulose' finishes?
Nitro finishes are often perceived as sounding 'better' because they're thinner and more porous, theoretically allowing the wood to breathe more. It's a subtle difference, and the finish isn't the only factor - don't pay a huge premium for it.
