AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Baritone Acoustic Guitars Under $800 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.
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- 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
Tonewoods
At this price, expect laminate woods more often than solid. Laminate isn't inherently bad - some laminate tops can be surprisingly responsive - but solid tops generally offer more dynamic range and a more complex harmonic profile. Look for mahogany or sapele back and sides for a warmer, woodier tone.
Bracing Pattern
Different bracing patterns impact sustain and responsiveness. 'X' bracing is common and generally provides a balanced tone, while scalloped bracing tends to open up the sound and add more low-end. Be aware that cheaper bracing can sometimes feel a little stiff.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck is crucial. A 'C' shape is generally considered versatile. More importantly, a decent setup from the factory is a huge deal. High action kills playability - check for this and be prepared to have it adjusted if needed.
Hardware & Electronics (if applicable)
If you're planning on plugging in, the pickup voicing matters. Piezo pickups can sound brittle and ice-picky, so look for models with a more natural, rounded response. Avoid anything that sounds overly harsh or artificial.
Scale Length & Intonation
Baritone acoustics typically have longer scale lengths (27-30") to achieve lower tuning without floppy strings. Ensure proper intonation across the fretboard - a poorly intonated baritone will sound out of tune even when it's not.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that deep, resonant baritone vibe? Smart move - that low-end thump really cuts through a mix, especially in a band setting. Finding a baritone acoustic that doesn't sound like a cardboard box and stays under $800 can be tricky, but it's doable. Let's break down the best options and what to realistically expect for your money.
Real talk: under $800, you're making compromises. Don't expect a vintage-grade instrument. Solid tops are a plus, but a well-built laminate model with a good setup can still deliver.
Pay close attention to the neck profile - a comfortable neck is worth more than a fancy wood. And remember, a little investment in a professional setup can transform an average guitar into a surprisingly good player.
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
Are baritone acoustics hard to play?
The longer scale length and often wider string spacing can take some getting used to, especially if you're used to standard acoustics. String tension will be higher, requiring a bit more finger strength. It's not drastically harder, but expect an adjustment period.
What strings should I use on a baritone acoustic?
Heavier gauge strings are a must to maintain proper tension and avoid a flabby feel. 12s or even 13s are common. Experiment to find what feels best for your playing style and the guitar's setup.
Can I use a standard acoustic pickup on a baritone?
Technically, yes, but it might not sound great. Standard pickups are voiced for higher frequencies. A baritone pickup designed for longer scale lengths will generally offer a more balanced and accurate tone.
Will a baritone acoustic cut through a band mix?
Absolutely. The lower frequencies provide a fundamental that sits well in a band context. Just be mindful of muddiness - EQing is still important, but the inherent low-end presence is a huge advantage.
What's the difference between a jumbo baritone and a grand baritone?
Body size impacts projection and bass response. Jumbos are generally louder and have more low-end thump, while grands offer a slightly more balanced tone with a bit more clarity in the mids. It's a subtle difference - try both if possible.
