AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Baritone Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AE275BT Baritone ($668). Harley Benton Baritone CLG-414BCE NT gives you the most for the money at $334. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale685.7 mm (27")
- Frets20 frets
You get a baritone acoustic with a solid Sitka spruce top, a cutaway body, and a built-in Ibanez pickup with volume and tone controls. Its 685.70 mm scale and 20 Jumbo frets make it a good fit if you want a lower range than a standard guitar. The Comfort Grip neck and wooden vine inlays make it a practical choice if you plan to play with a pickup.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top, a strong tonewood choice for an acoustic
- Ibanez AP11 magnetic pickup with Ibanez Custom Electronics for plugging in
- Comfort Grip neck with a rounded fretboard end for easier playing
Cons
- Longer 685.70 mm scale suits players who want the deeper baritone range
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$668 now$668€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Guild Westerly Collection BT-258E Deluxe Baritone
BT-258E Deluxe Baritone · Guild
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings8-string
This 8-string baritone has a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a built-in Fishman GT-1 pickup. It suits you if you want to play lower, deeper parts on a steel-string guitar and plug in when you play live. The pickup is ready to use, so you can connect it to an amp without adding a pickup of your own.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top gives the guitar a solid wood soundboard
- Fishman GT-1 pickup system with volume and tone controls is built in
- Rosewood arched back and sides pair with a mahogany neck and Pau Ferro fretboard
Cons
- Electronics offer only one volume and one tone control
70AudioFu
Index↓ 0.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$780 · Aug 17$774 now$774€693 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Guild Westerly Collection BT-240E Baritone
BT-240E Baritone · Guild
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets20 frets
This Guild baritone has a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back, sides, and neck, and a Fishman GT-1 pickup with volume and tone controls. Its 686 mm scale and B-E-A-D-F#-b tuning give you the lower range of a steel-string guitar. It suits you if you want a baritone that is ready to plug in and play live.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top gives the body a solid, well-built tonewood foundation
- Fishman GT-1 system is built in, with volume and tone controls on hand
- Mahogany back, sides, and neck paired with a Pau Ferro fretboard and bridge
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$613 now$613€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale685.7 mm (27")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyWalnut body
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
You get a baritone acoustic with a selected solid spruce top and walnut body. It has a Fishman Sonicore pickup and Presys-II preamp with a built-in tuner, so you can plug in when you need to. Its longer 685.70 mm scale and grand auditorium cutaway body suit you if you want to play in the lower register and reach the upper frets with ease.
Pros
- Selected solid spruce top gives this guitar a solid tonewood top
- Fishman Sonicore pickup paired with Fishman Presys-II preamp and built-in tuner
- Scalloped X-bracing inside the body adds internal support
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale704 mm (27.72")
- Frets20 frets
If you want a baritone guitar, this one is worth a look. It has a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a built-in rechargeable pickup, so you can plug it in and play through an amp. It suits players who want a lower-tuned acoustic with a pickup, and the long 704 mm scale takes a little getting used to.
Pros
- Solid spruce top, a solid tonewood base for the guitar
- Mahogany back and sides with an okoume neck and laurel fretboard
- MB-3 rechargeable pickup system built in for amplified playing
Cons
- At 704 mm, the scale length is long, so the neck stretches further than on most guitars
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
You get a jumbo steel-string baritone with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck. Its longer scale and fanned frets make it a fit if you want to play in a lower range than a standard guitar. It suits players who already know the basics and want something different from standard tuning.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for a sturdy, resonant soundboard
- Mahogany back, sides, and neck in one wood combination
- Fanned frets with a 643 mm to 700 mm scale for baritone range
Cons
- Its longer baritone scale calls for heavier strings than standard guitars
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 24Sep 24$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Baritone Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 8 models we track, not a sample.
Median $557 — half of all baritone acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 8 models · 43 mm (1.69")–45 mm (1.77")
median of 7 models · 685.7 mm (27")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 7 models · 20–20
How to choose the best baritone acoustic guitars
Tone
Baritone guitars need to have a defined low-end thump without getting muddy. We're looking for clarity and articulation in the lower registers, a balance between warmth and presence. That 'boom' needs to be musical, not just a rumble.
Playability
A baritone's longer scale length demands a comfortable neck profile. Chunky necks are a pain, especially for extended playing. Action needs to be manageable - high action on a baritone is just brutal.
Construction
Solid top construction (ideally solid Spruce or Mahogany) is crucial for resonance and aging gracefully. Laminate tops will sound okay initially, but they won't develop that complex character over time. Dovetail neck joints are a plus, showing a bit more care in construction.
Hardware/Electronics
If you plan to plug in, the preamp and pickup voicing matter. Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lack headroom - they breakup early and don't handle dynamics well. A decent onboard preamp shouldn't introduce a ton of noise or color the tone too much.
Overall Build Quality
Check for fret buzz, sharp fret ends, and sloppy binding. These are all signs of corners being cut. A well-built guitar, even at this price point, should feel solid and reliable - something that can take a beating on the road.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that deep, resonant baritone vibe without emptying your bank account? It's a noble quest. Finding a baritone acoustic that sounds good, plays decently, and can handle a gig or a recording session for under $1000 takes some digging, but it's absolutely doable. Let's break down the best options that deliver serious bang for your buck in the baritone world.
At this budget, you're making compromises. Expect laminate back and sides to be common, and don't expect the same level of refinement as a $2000 instrument. Prioritize a solid top - that's your best bet for long-term tone development.
Don't be afraid to order online, but be prepared to return it if the action is unplayable or the tone is just plain bad. A good setup from a local tech can make a huge difference, regardless of the guitar you choose.
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 8 baritone 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 baritone and a standard acoustic?
Baritones have a longer scale length (typically 27-30 inches) which drops the tuning down to a lower range - often B or C. This gives you that deep, almost bass-like sound. They're great for adding low-end to a band or for solo fingerstyle work.
Are baritone acoustics hard to play?
The longer scale length means more stretch on your fingers. It takes some getting used to, but most players adapt. A comfortable neck profile is key to making it manageable. Don't be afraid to get a professional setup to lower the action.
Can I use baritone acoustic strings on a standard acoustic?
No, absolutely not. The increased tension will likely warp the neck and could damage the guitar. Baritone strings are designed for the longer scale length and higher tension.
What kind of music is a baritone acoustic good for?
Everything from blues and jazz to folk and even rock. They add a unique sonic texture - a low-end richness that's hard to replicate. Think Nick Drake or Joni Mitchell, but with more low-end grunt.
Is it worth buying used?
Absolutely! You can often find higher-end models within your budget on the used market. Just be sure to inspect it thoroughly for any damage or issues before you buy.
