AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars Under $5,000 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar 000-15M ($2,404). Gretsch Jim Dandy Concert gives you the most for the money at $223. Martin Guitar CEO-7 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 61 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.
-
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale633 mm (24.92")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This 00028 is a beautifully crafted instrument—a real workhorse for serious players. The solid rosewood delivers a warm, balanced tone that's superb for fingerstyle and nuanced strumming. It's an investment, but the quality and tone will reward you for years to come, especially if you appreciate a smaller body size and a focused sound.
Pros
- Solid rosewood back/sides deliver rich, complex overtones.
- Mahogany neck offers comfortable feel and excellent sustain.
- Ebony fingerboard provides smooth playability and clear note definition.
Cons
- Rosewood's tonal qualities may not suit all playing styles (fingerstyle focused).
- The 000 Auditorium body size can feel a bit small for some players.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,800 now$4,800€4,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 000E Retro Plus is a beautifully crafted instrument, capturing a vintage Martin vibe with modern amplification. It’s a real sweet spot for singer-songwriters and players seeking a comfortable, responsive guitar with a balanced, woody tone and a touch of elegance. Perfect for those wanting that classic Martin sound without the expense of their truly high-end offerings.
Pros
- Solid mahogany back and sides deliver a warm, focused vintage tone.
- Ebony fingerboard offers exceptional clarity and sustain for effortless playing.
- Martin E-1 pickup provides a natural amplified sound, surprisingly responsive.
Cons
- Mahogany construction can be slightly less versatile than spruce/rosewood combinations.
- The faux tortoise pickguard is a stylistic choice some may find less desirable.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,684 now$2,684€2,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 000-17E is a seriously refined instrument – a fantastic choice for singer-songwriters and fingerstyle players who want a professional-grade guitar with a warm, woody voice and reliable amplified tone. The comfortable neck profile and well-balanced sound make it a joy to play, and the Fishman pickup system makes it stage-ready. It’s a premium-priced guitar, but the quality and playability justify the investment.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers rich, balanced tone with excellent projection
- Mahogany back/sides provide warmth and focused midrange response
- Fishman MX-T pickup system offers natural amplified sound, easy to blend
Cons
- Mahogany can limit versatility for very bright or aggressively scooped tones
- Black Smoke finish may show fingerprints and smudges more readily
72AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$2,908 · Aug 17$2,908 now$2,908€2,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale633 mm (24.92")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The CEO-7 is a beautifully crafted 00-size Martin, ideal for players who appreciate nuanced tone and comfortable playability. The Autumn Sunset Burst is gorgeous, and the solid spruce top sings with clarity. It’s a serious instrument for the discerning fingerstyle player or someone seeking a refined, balanced acoustic experience.
Pros
- Autumn Sunset Burst finish is stunning, showcasing exceptional Martin craftsmanship.
- Solid spruce top delivers a responsive, articulate tone with excellent projection.
- Mahogany back and sides provide warmth and a focused midrange character.
Cons
- Premium-priced, placing it beyond the reach of many players.
- 00 size may feel cramped for players with larger hands or a preference for booming bass.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,810 now$4,810€4,299 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 ↗
All 61 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 TAS3 C Transacoustic ConcertTAS3 C Natural · Yamaha · 2 finishes68Stable$1,789€1,599$1,789€1,599Check ↗
- 12
Martin Guitar 000-15M StreetmasterMartin Guitar · 2 finishes68Stable$2,516€2,249$2,516€2,249Check ↗
- 13
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E LH NewMartin Guitar67Stable$927€829$927€829Check ↗
- 14
Martin Guitar 00-15MMartin Guitar67Stable$2,125€1,899$2,125€1,899Check ↗
- 15
Martin Guitar 000-16 StreetMaster LHMartin Guitar67Stable$2,796€2,499$2,796€2,499Check ↗
- 16
Martin Guitar 0018Martin Guitar66Stable$4,138€3,699$4,138€3,699Check ↗
- 17
Martin Guitar 000 Jr E Sapele NewMartin Guitar65Stable$1,118€999$1,118€999Check ↗
- 18
Gibson L-00 StandardL-00 Century 12-Fret VA · Gibson · 4 finishes65↓ 10.9%$2,112€1,888$2,112€1,888Check ↗
- 19
Martin Guitar 000-10E Retro SapeleMartin Guitar63Stable$1,364€1,219$1,364€1,219Check ↗
- 20
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E StreetMaster NewMartin Guitar62Stable$1,084€969$1,084€969Check ↗
- 21
Martin Guitar 000E Retro Plus GranadilloMartin Guitar62Stable$3,132€2,799$3,132€2,799Check ↗
- 22
Martin Guitar 000-13E Retro WalnutMartin Guitar60Stable$2,181€1,949$2,181€1,949Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE LHHarley Benton · 11 finishes59Stable$290€259$290€259Check ↗
- 24
Martin Guitar 000-18 Modern DeluxeMartin Guitar58Stable$4,978€4,449$4,978€4,449Check ↗
- 25
Epiphone L-00 StandardL-00 Standard Vintage Sunburst · Epiphone57↓ 1.4%$780€697$780€697Check ↗
- 26
Fender FSR CA STD Monterey IPG BLKFender · 4 finishes53↓ 1.8%$180€161$180€161Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SHarley Benton · 9 finishes53Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 28
Yamaha TAS1 E Sand BurstYamaha · 5 finishes53↓ 7.1%$820€733$820€733Check ↗
- 29
Yamaha FSX400 Natural SatinYamaha · 2 finishes48↓ 7.1%$247€221$247€221Check ↗
- 30
Martin Guitar 000-X2E RosewoodMartin Guitar · 2 finishes46Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 31
Martin Guitar 00018Martin Guitar46Stable$4,217€3,769$4,217€3,769Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha FS400 Natural SatinYamaha · 2 finishes45Stable$159€142$159€142Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AAM370M2E-AIBIbanez · 2 finishes45↓ 0.5%$644€576$644€576Check ↗
- 34
Martin Guitar OMC-10E Modern 1935 SunburstMartin Guitar45Stable$1,823€1,629$1,823€1,629Check ↗
- 35
Martin Guitar 000-12E Retro RoadseriesMartin Guitar45Stable$2,046€1,829$2,046€1,829Check ↗
- 36
Yamaha FS7 RYamaha · 2 finishes45Stable$2,796€2,499$2,796€2,499Check ↗
- 37
Martin Guitar 00L-16E Black SmokeMartin Guitar45Stable$3,691€3,299$3,691€3,299Check ↗
- 38
Martin Guitar 00L-16E Blue DenimMartin Guitar45Stable$3,691€3,299$3,691€3,299Check ↗
- 39
Martin Guitar 00L-16E 1935 BurstMartin Guitar45Stable$3,691€3,299$3,691€3,299Check ↗
- 40
Gretsch JD Concert DELTO TSPG BLKTGretsch43Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 41
Martin Guitar Special 0X1-01 KoaMartin Guitar43Stable$771€689$771€689Check ↗
- 42
Martin Guitar 0X2E CocoboloMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 43
Martin Guitar 0X2EL Cocobolo LHMartin Guitar43Stable$983€879$983€879Check ↗
- 44
Martin Guitar 00-X2E CocoboloMartin Guitar43Stable$1,006€899$1,006€899Check ↗
- 45
Martin Guitar OMC-X2E Ziricote Special LHMartin Guitar43Stable$1,230€1,099$1,230€1,099Check ↗
- 46
Martin Guitar 000-X2E BB SpecialMartin Guitar43Stable$1,230€1,099$1,230€1,099Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez AAM370M1CE-TPAIbanez41Stable$776€694$776€694Check ↗
- 48
Epiphone Blues King Studio Dark BurstEpiphone39↓ 1.1%$420€375$420€375Check ↗
- 49
Recording King RPS-11-FE3-TBRRecording King39Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 50
Epiphone Blues King Studio EbonyEpiphone38Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
0/00/000 Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 104 models we track, not a sample.
Median $868 — half of all 0/00/000 acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 100 models · 42.9 mm (1.69")–44.5 mm (1.75")
median of 103 models · 629 mm (24.76")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 95 models · 19–20
most common · 69 models
How to choose the best 0/00/000 acoustic guitars
Tonewoods
Expect solid tops (Sitka, Engelmann, Adirondack) in this range, but back and sides often get a mix of laminates and solid woods. Solid rosewood or mahogany back and sides will give you more sustain and richer overtones than all-laminate. Laminates aren't bad, but they'll generally lack complexity.
Bracing Pattern
Scalloped bracing is your friend - it opens up the guitar's voice and adds responsiveness. Forward-shifted bracing, often found on more modern designs, can give you more headroom and a clearer fundamental. Cheaper guitars often skimp here, leading to a boxy, less dynamic tone.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck is crucial. Look for a profile that suits your hand - 'C' shapes are common, but D shapes or even V shapes exist. Equally important is the setup: low action without fret buzz is a sign of attention to detail. A bad setup can ruin even a great guitar.
Playability & Articulation
A good 000 should be responsive to your touch - you want clear articulation across the strings, not a muddy wash. Dynamics are key too; it needs to breathe when you lay into a chord and whisper when you back off. This is where the quality of bracing and the top wood really shine.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
If you're planning on plugging in, the pickup system matters. A poorly voiced pickup will choke the guitar's natural tone. Fishman, LR Baggs, and K&K are generally safe bets, but listen carefully to demos - pickup voicing is subjective.
Buying guide
So, you're hunting for a 000 acoustic - killer choice. They're the sweet spot for a lot of players, offering that dreadnought thump but with a more focused, intimate voice. Finding one that delivers serious bang-for-your-buck under $5000 takes a little digging, but it's absolutely doable. Let's break down what to look for and what you can realistically expect in this range.
At this price point, you're trading off a few things. Don't expect flawless binding work or figured wood - those are the luxuries of higher-end instruments. Focus on the core elements: a solid top, decent bracing, and a comfortable neck.
A well-set-up guitar from a reputable brand will always outperform a flashy one with a subpar setup. Consider used - you can often snag a higher-spec model for less.
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 104 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 Sitka and Engelmann Spruce?
Sitka is brighter and more versatile, good for a wide range of playing styles. Engelmann is warmer and more responsive, often preferred for fingerstyle. Both are excellent choices; it's more about personal preference.
Are all-laminate back and sides really that bad?
Not inherently. They're more durable and resistant to humidity changes. However, they'll lack the harmonic complexity and resonance of solid wood. It's a trade-off for affordability.
What does 'forward-shifted bracing' mean?
It means the bracing is positioned closer to the soundhole. This generally leads to a more responsive, powerful low-end and a clearer fundamental tone - great for cutting through a mix in a band setting.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is a smart move. You can often find higher-end guitars with solid wood back and sides for the same price as a new one with laminates. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for cracks or damage.
What action should I be looking for?
Ideally, you want around 2.0mm - 2.5mm at the 12th fret. Lower action means easier playing, but too low can cause fret buzz. A good setup is key, regardless of the initial action.





