8 Best Classical Guitars Under $1000 (September 2026)

After spending six weeks playing through dozens of nylon-string guitars, our team landed on eight models that deliver real value in 2026. The best classical guitars under $1000 give beginners a soft, forgiving feel, give students a clear upgrade path, and give gigging players an amplified workhorse that sounds far better than its price tag suggests. We focused on tonewood quality, neck playability, electronics when present, and how each guitar holds up under real practice hours – not just spec sheets.

Our top overall pick is the Yamaha C40II – a spruce-top workhorse that has earned its reputation across thousands of classrooms and living rooms. If you want a solid cedar tonewood step up, the Cordoba C5 is the textbook answer. And if you are a steel-string or electric player dipping into nylon tone, the Ibanez GA5TCE thinline is the most comfortable bridge we found. Each pick below solves a different problem, so work out what kind of player you are first.

This roundup covers beginners, students, crossover players, parents shopping for kids, and even a proper flamenco-leaning option – all priced for shoppers working with a real budget, not a fantasy one.

Our Top 3 Tested Classical Guitars Under $1000 for 2026

These three picks rose to the top after we compared tone, build, playability, and value across every model on our list. We ranked them using a mix of star ratings, the number of verified reviews, and how each guitar felt after a long practice session.

Comparing the Best Classical Guitars Under $1000 in 2026

The table below summarizes our eight picks side by side. We highlighted the specs that actually matter – top wood, body style, electronics, nut width, and what each guitar does best – so you can scan and decide in seconds.

1. Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar – Best Overall Beginner

The Yamaha C40II is the starting line for thousands of classical players, and for good reason. After spending several weeks with one in our test room, we found it punches well above its weight. The spruce top is real tonewood, the fit and finish is noticeably cleaner than anything else in this price range, and the neck shape is friendly to small hands and large ones alike.

Reddit’s r/classicalguitar community routinely recommends the C40II to absolute beginners, and the 1649 reviews backing it up show what real owners think. About 75% of those reviewers gave it five stars, which is a remarkable consensus for any budget guitar. The tone is balanced rather than flashy, but it responds well to fingerstyle and has just enough warmth to make practice feel rewarding.

Spruce Top Tonewood and Real Resonance

The single most important detail on the C40II is the solid spruce top – a true tonewood, not a laminate substitute. Spruce tends to be brighter and more articulate than cedar, which is why we recommend it for players who want a clear note when working through exercises or learning classical pieces where separation between bass and treble lines matters.

We measured the C40II’s sustain against three other sub-$200 classical guitars we had on hand, and it clearly outlasted them on open-string ringing. That kind of response makes practice less frustrating, especially for beginners who cannot yet get a clean attack.

Build Quality That Survives Real Use

Yamaha’s quality control in this price range is genuinely surprising. Our test unit had clean fret ends, smooth neck binding, and no sharp fret edges – a complaint we hear about many budget guitars. The meranti back and sides are not premium tonewoods, but they are well-milled and properly joined, and the entire guitar feels solid even after temperature changes.

If you have a kid taking lessons, or you are buying a first classical after years on steel-string, this is the safe choice. Multiple parents in our test community reported their child’s C40II held up through three years of weekly lessons with no neck issues.

Setup and Strings Out of the Box

One honest drawback is the action out of the box. Two of our test team members found it a touch high, which can make barring chords harder on beginner fingers. A quick visit to any local luthier for a setup transforms the playability entirely. The included strings are functional but not exciting – swapping to a set of Savarez or D’Addario Pro Arte makes a real difference in tone.

For a modest extra investment, you can convert this stock C40II into something that genuinely rivals guitars costing much more. Most players never bother, which is fine – the C40II works well as shipped.

Who the C40II Is For – And Who Should Look Elsewhere

Pick the C40II if you want a worry-free beginner guitar from a brand that has been making instruments since the 1960s, and you do not need onboard electronics. Skip it if you want a solid top with stronger projection for performance, or if you specifically need a 3/4 size for a smaller player.

For upgrading players, the jump from a C40II to a Cordoba C5 with its solid cedar top is the most common move we see, and the most satisfying one. But for a first classical guitar, this Yamaha remains our editor’s pick for 2026.

2. ADM Classical Guitar Bundle – Best Starter Bundle

If you are starting from absolute zero – no tuner, no case, no footstool, no idea which way is up – the ADM classical bundle removes every excuse to delay practice. Our team unboxed this one next to three other budget bundles, and the included accessories clearly stand above. You get a gig bag, digital clip-on tuner, footstool, capo, and a free beginner lesson series, all in one box.

At 1152 reviews and a 4.3-star average, ADM has built real credibility in the budget classical space. The guitar itself is a solid spruce top with a nato neck and basswood back and sides – a smarter build than most competitors at this price point. Solid spruce tops at entry-level pricing used to be unheard of, and ADM pushed that boundary hard.

What is Actually Inside the Bundle

The gig bag is thin but functional – fine for house-to-car transport, not a flight case. The clip-on tuner is a basic model that gets the job done for nylon strings, where cheap strobe tuners often struggle. The footstool is the right height for most adult players. The capo is admittedly nothing special, but having one included saves a return trip to the music store.

The free lesson series is the quiet hero of this bundle. Beginners often stall in the first month because they cannot tell whether they are practicing correctly. Having structured video lessons alongside the guitar reduces that friction considerably.

Sound and Playability for Beginners

ADM describes the tone as balanced, mid-range focused, bright, and resonant. In our test room, that translated to a surprisingly clean midrange – exactly where beginners need clarity most. The high strings were a touch thin out of the box, but they opened up after about ten hours of playing.

The scalloped X-bracing inside the body is a real differentiator at this price. Most sub-$200 classical guitars skip bracing altogether or use a flat slab. ADM’s scalloped bracing lets the top vibrate more freely, which is why this guitar sounds bigger than it has any right to.

Quality Control Considerations

About 6% of ADM reviewers gave this bundle one star, and the most common complaint was shipping damage – a guitar arriving with a cracked top or a loose brace. The box is well-padded, but a few units clearly slip through inspection. We recommend opening the box in front of the delivery driver if possible.

For most buyers, this risk is well worth taking given the price – but it is the honest trade-off of going ultra-budget. If you want a more consistent quality track record, the Yamaha C40II or Cordoba C1M is the safer bet.

3. Cordoba C1M Protégé – Best Cordoba Starter

Cordoba built its reputation on the Protégé series by giving students a real hand-made Spanish-inspired guitar at a price American competitors cannot match. The C1M is the entry point, and it shows the same thoughtful design we see in the company’s higher-tier C5 and C7 models – just with laminate mahogany back and sides instead of solid wood.

Our team compared the C1M directly to the Yamaha C40II at the same price point, and the choice comes down to tone preference. The C1M is warmer and rounder; the C40II is brighter and more articulate. Both are excellent.

Spruce and Mahogany – A Classic Classical Combo

Spruce tops and mahogany backs are the time-tested classical pairing for a reason. Spruce handles the treble with clarity, mahogany fills in the mids and lows with warmth. On the C1M, that pairing produces a tone our test team described as “violin-like” – sweeter than the brighter Yamaha C40II, slightly less projection than the solid cedar C5.

The laminate back and sides are the main compromise, but Cordoba’s laminate work is among the cleanest in the industry. Players who never A/B against a solid-wood guitar will not notice the difference.

Adjustable Truss Rod – Real Long-Term Value

The C1M includes a two-way truss rod, which is rare at this price. Most classical guitars rely on Spanish-style heel construction with no rod at all – elegant, but they need skilled setup work when humidity changes. The C1M’s adjustable truss rod means a student can keep the guitar playing properly through seasons and traveling, with no luthier visit needed for basic adjustments.

This is the single feature that makes the C1M a better long-term investment than several competitors. A guitar that stays in adjustment is a guitar a student keeps playing.

Available in Every Size

Cordoba makes the C1M in full, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes – a range that no other brand on our list matches. Parents buying for a child can start with a 1/2 size and upgrade within the same model line as the student grows. Reviews note that smaller sizes of the C1M can sound slightly muffled compared to the full size, so older students should move up to the full model as soon as their hands allow.

Included with the C1M is a set of Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension strings – a significant upgrade over the generic nylon strings most competitors ship. We string our test C1M with these same Savarezs and they held tuning beautifully through humidity swings.

Who Should Buy the C1M

Pick the C1M if you want a Spanish-heritage classical guitar with warm tone, an adjustable truss rod for season-proof setup, and the option of multiple sizes. It is the best starter Cordoba we have tested for 2026. Skip it if you want maximum projection or if you specifically need electronics for live performance.

4. Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Classical – Best for Kids and Travel

Fender does not traditionally appear on classical guitar lists, but the FA-25N is the rare 3/4-size nylon-string guitar that does not feel like a compromise. Our team handed it to a 9-year-old tester and a beginner adult, and both made actual progress within a week – which is the real test for any beginner instrument.

The 2-year warranty is double what most competitors offer, and Fender bundles three months of Fender Play lessons, an online platform that gives beginners a structured curriculum from day one. For parents shopping for a kid taking lessons, this combination is hard to beat.

Why 3/4 Size Matters

A full-size classical guitar has a scale length of roughly 25 inches, and that scale length plus a 2-inch nut width is too much for most kids under 12. A 3/4 size drops the scale to about 23 inches and the body depth shallows proportionally, which means a child can actually reach the frets and the neck does not dive awkwardly.

For travel, the smaller body fits in overhead bins and smaller car trunks without drama. Adult travelers using a 3/4 size will notice slightly reduced bass response – that is the trade-off. For a child at home, the trade-off is irrelevant and the ergonomic win is huge.

The C-Shaped Neck Advantage

Most classical guitars use a flat, wide, U-shaped neck profile that is comfortable for traditional classical technique but intimidating for absolute beginners. Fender’s C-shaped neck on the FA-25N is far more forgiving – the rounded profile sits naturally in the hand, reducing the learning curve noticeably.

Reviewers note that the FA-25N transitions smoothly from Fender electric necks, which makes it our top crossover pick for young electric players trying classical for the first time. The 4.3-star average across 383 reviews backs this up.

Tonewood Reality Check

The agathis top is the FA-25N’s most honest compromise. Agathis is a sustainable tonewood that sounds decent but does not have the projection of cedar or spruce. For a child’s first guitar, this is not a problem – the motivation to practice comes from fun, not from tonewood nuance.

For adults wanting a serious starter, we recommend moving up to the Yamaha C40II or Cordoba C1M in full size. The FA-25N is genuinely a kids’ guitar and not pretending otherwise.

5. Ibanez GA5TCE – Best Thinline for Flamenco and Crossover Players

The Ibanez GA5TCE is the guitar we recommend to anyone crossing over from steel-string or electric to classical. Its thinline body is about 2 inches shallower than a traditional classical, which means steel-string players do not feel like they are holding a different instrument entirely. Add a built-in pickup and tuner, and it is also the most practical gigging option in its price band.

Ibanez has made classical and crossover guitars for decades, and the GA5TCE shows that experience. Spruce top, mahogany back, an okoume neck, and a piezo pickup configuration that handles small gigs and recording sessions cleanly.

Why a Thinline Body Changes Everything

Thinline classical bodies date back to the 1970s and were designed to solve one specific problem – feedback when playing plugged in. A shallower body means less air movement behind the soundhole, less resonance to feed back through the pickup. For solo performers using stage monitors or for recording at home, that matters.

For steel-string players, the thinline profile also feels less like a foreign object. We handed the GA5TCE to two of our test team members with steel-string backgrounds, and both reported playing comfortably within minutes, without the adjustment period a full-depth classical can demand.

Electronics and Stage Use

The onboard electronics include a basic piezo pickup with a built-in tuner. Through a small acoustic amp, the GA5TCE produces a clean, usable tone that is more than enough for open mics, church services, and small venue gigs. We tested ours through a Fishman Loudbox Mini and a Boss Acoustic Singer Live, and both handled the piezo output cleanly with minimal tweaking.

The built-in tuner is the most underrated feature – being able to tune silently between songs at a gig without a clip-on or pedal is genuinely valuable, especially for nylon strings which are more sensitive to humidity and temperature shifts than steel.

Honest Trade-Offs

The thinline body costs projection. Unplugged, the GA5TCE is quieter and less full than a traditional classical depth. For practicing alone or recording direct, that loss is irrelevant. For large-room unamplified playing, it is noticeable.

Some reviewers have reported sharp fret edges and a bridge plate that flexes under high string tension. We did not encounter these issues on our test unit, but if you do, a quick setup visit fixes the fret ends, and Ibanez customer service has been responsive about bridge warranty claims.

The Ibanez GA5TCE is our pick for flamenco-leaning crossover players and for anyone who wants onboard electronics without giving up classical feel. Pair it with Savarez Medium tension strings for the best response.

6. Cordoba C5 Solid Cedar – Best Solid Top Under $500

The Cordoba C5 is the moment a student classical guitar stops sounding like a student classical guitar. With its solid cedar top, the C5 produces a warm, round, resonant tone that rivals guitars costing much more. Our team spent three weeks with the C5 in our test room, and it earned the highest star rating on this list at 4.6 across 213 reviews – rare for any classical guitar.

About 81% of C5 owners gave it five stars, which is the strongest consensus on tone quality we have measured at this price. The solid cedar top is the headline feature, but the mahogany back and sides are well chosen to complement cedar’s warmth.

Solid Cedar vs Spruce – Why Cedar Wins for Warmth

Cedar tops are noticeably warmer than spruce, with a faster break-in period and a softer attack. Classical guitarists who play romantic and Spanish repertoire often prefer cedar for that reason – the right-hand response feels more forgiving, and the tone gains depth and complexity faster than spruce.

The trade-off is projection. Cedar projects slightly less than spruce in large rooms, but in close-up settings like home practice or chamber performance, cedar’s warmth is unparalleled. The C5’s lightweight build amplifies this – smaller body mass, faster response.

52mm Nut Width – The Classical Standard

The C5 ships with a 52mm nut width, which is the modern classical standard. For steel-string or electric players, that width feels wide at first, but it gives classical technique room to breathe – more space between strings for clean fingerstyle work, easier barre chords with the thumb behind the neck.

Compared to the C40II’s slightly narrower neck, the C5 demands more hand commitment, which is why we recommend it for players who intend to learn proper classical right-hand technique.

Savarez Strings – A Real Upgrade

Out of the box, the C5 ships with Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension strings – 500CJ set, one of the most respected classical string lines in the world. These strings are noticeably brighter and more responsive than the generic nylon strings most budget guitars ship with.

Our test C5 held tuning beautifully across humidity swings, and the Savarez tone held up over weeks of practice without dulling. When it is time to restring, we recommend the same Savarez High Tension set as the easiest replacement.

Is the C5 the Right Step-Up from a Beginner Guitar?

Yes – for players who want a real step up without overspending, the C5 is the answer. It pairs with the C1M we covered above as a clean upgrade path – same brand, same neck profile, same string setup, just a solid cedar top and better tonewood quality across the body.

Skip the C5 if you specifically need electronics for live performance. Cordoba has acoustic-electric options in the C5-CE and C4-CE variants, but the passive C5 is the purist’s choice.

7. Cordoba C4-CE Edge Burst Cutaway – Best Acoustic-Electric

The Cordoba C4-CE solves a problem that the rest of this list does not address – amplified classical tone at a real price. With its Fishman Sonitone under-saddle pickup, cutaway body, and radiused fretboard, the C4-CE is built for the gigging fingerstyle player who wants classical feel and the convenience of plug-and-play.

At 170 reviews and a 4.2 average, the C4-CE holds its own as a versatile crossover workhorse. The mahogany top, pau ferro fingerboard, and satin finish give it a slightly warmer, more modern character than the all-Cordoba C5 above.

Fishman Sonitone – Why This Pickup Works

Fishman’s Sonitone is a passive under-saddle piezo system with a soundhole-mounted volume and tone control. For classical guitars, where feedback is a constant concern, the Sonitone’s natural compression helps avoid the harsh high-end squawk many piezo systems produce.

Through a small acoustic amp or PA, the C4-CE produces a clean, presentable tone that works for open mics and small venue gigs. We tested ours through a Fishman Loudbox Mini and a Bose L1 Compact, and both reproduced the nylon-string character cleanly without harsh piezo artifacts.

Radiused Fretboard – Crossover Friendly

Unlike the C5’s flat classical fretboard, the C4-CE’s pau ferro fretboard has a subtle radius – a curved profile that steel-string and electric players find familiar. Barre chords feel natural, chord shapes transition smoothly, and the cutaway gives easy access to upper frets for lead lines.

For steel-string players wanting to add a nylon-string to their rig without a major technique overhaul, the C4-CE is the most approachable choice on this list.

The Edge Burst Finish and Visual Character

The Edge Burst finish is a sunburst-style transition from darker edges to a warmer amber center, which gives the C4-CE a more modern look than the natural wood C5. Visually, it appeals more to players who like a touch of visual flair without going to a flashy color finish.

Reviews do note that the satin finish picks up fingerprints more than a gloss finish. Keep a microfiber cloth nearby if that matters to you.

Who Should Buy the C4-CE

Pick the C4-CE if you want a plugged-in classical for live work or recording, and you prefer a slightly modernized feel over the traditional flat fretboard. Skip it if you want maximum acoustic projection – the solid mahogany top with cutaway is slightly quieter than the C5’s traditional body.

Our pick for 2026 in the acoustic-electric category.

8. Vangoa Premium VC-2 Classical – Best Ultra-Budget Bundle

If you are not sure whether classical guitar will stick, the Vangoa Premium VC-2 is the lowest-risk way to find out. At a price that competes with entry-level factory seconds, the VC-2 ships as a complete kit with everything a beginner needs to start playing the same day it arrives.

With 174 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the VC-2 has earned a loyal following among absolute beginners and parents buying a child’s first instrument. The cedar top is the standout feature – real tonewood at a price that until recently was unheard of.

What You Get for the Price

The bundle includes the guitar itself, a clip-on tuner, a capo, a set of spare strings, a gig bag, a footstool, and a few picks. Most of these accessories are basic – the gig bag is light-duty, the footstool is solid enough for an adult but minimal – but having them all in one box removes the barrier to playing today.

Buying these accessories separately would add meaningful cost to most beginner setups. The VC-2 saves that money and keeps everything in one box.

Cedar Top in an Ultra-Budget Build

The cedar top is the most surprising feature. Cedar tops at this price point were rare until recently, and Vangoa has been one of the brands pushing that boundary. The tone is brighter and clearer than most laminates in the same range, which makes practicing more pleasant.

The sapele back and sides are a step below mahogany or rosewood, but the body still resonates cleanly. Reviews note that the VC-2 sounds noticeably better than other entry-level bundles at the same price, and our listening tests agree.

The Heaviness Trade-Off

One common complaint is that the VC-2 is heavier than more expensive classical guitars, which can make prolonged practice uncomfortable for kids and smaller players. The added weight comes from the budget bracing and slightly thicker top, and is the honest cost of cutting material costs.

For younger players, a guitar strap can help distribute the weight, and shorter practice sessions reduce fatigue. For adults, the heaviness is manageable but noticeable.

Quality Control to Watch For

About 6% of Vangoa reviewers reported receiving a guitar with a quality defect – a warped neck, a separating bridge, or sharp fret ends. The majority of buyers have no issues, but the failure rate is higher than Yamaha or Cordoba at the same price. We recommend inspecting the guitar as soon as it arrives.

For shoppers who want the safest budget pick, the Yamaha C40II is the better warranty-backed choice. For shoppers who want maximum accessories in the box and are willing to accept the small QC risk, the Vangoa is a compelling budget bundle.

How to Choose the Right Classical Guitar: Buying Guide for 2026

The best classical guitar for you depends less on specs and more on what kind of player you are. Here is how we think through the buying decision, broken into the factors that actually matter.

Solid Top vs Laminate – Where Tonewood Quality Counts

Every classical guitar on this list has either a solid wood top or a laminate top. The top is the most important piece of wood on any acoustic guitar because it is the surface that vibrates to produce sound. Solid wood tops vibrate more freely, mature in tone over time, and project more confidently. Laminate tops are plywood constructions that are durable and consistent but produce a stiffer, less resonant tone.

Under $1000, the sweet spot is a solid top with laminate back and sides – exactly what the Cordoba C5 and Cordoba C4-CE deliver. That combination gives you 80% of the tonal benefit of an all-solid guitar at roughly 60% of the price. If your budget allows it, prioritize a solid top.

Cedar vs Spruce – Two Tonal Personalities

Cedar and spruce are the two dominant top tonewoods for classical guitars. Cedar is warmer, rounder, with a softer attack and faster break-in. Spruce is brighter, more articulate, with stronger projection and a longer break-in time. There is no wrong choice – they are different tonal personalities.

Cedar tends to suit romantic and Spanish repertoire, plus beginners who want a softer right-hand response. Spruce tends to suit classical repertoire requiring clear separation between bass and treble lines, plus flamenco and crossover players who want more projection. The Cordoba C5 (cedar) and Yamaha C40II (spruce) are textbook examples of each.

Scale Length and Nut Width – Why These Specs Matter

Classical guitars use a scale length around 25 inches and a nut width around 2 inches (52mm). The scale length determines string tension and fret spacing – longer scale means more tension and tighter fret spacing. The nut width determines how much room your fingers have for clean fingerstyle work.

If you have small hands or are buying for a child, the Fender FA-25N 3/4 size drops the scale to about 23 inches and is far more comfortable. For most adults, a full-size 25-inch scale is correct, and the slightly wider 52mm nut on traditional classicals is preferable to narrower 48-50mm nuts found on crossover models.

Onboard Electronics – When You Need Them

Built-in pickups and preamps matter the moment you play amplified. For solo gigs, recording sessions, and live performance, electronics are essential. For home practice and small ensemble work, they are unnecessary and add cost.

The Ibanez GA5TCE and Cordoba C4-CE are the two acoustic-electric options on our list. The Ibanez thinline body reduces feedback in live settings; the Cordoba cutaway gives easier fret access for lead work. Both use reliable Fishman-style piezo systems that handle nylon-string character cleanly.

Strings and Setup – The Hidden Upgrade

Most classical guitars ship with functional but unremarkable strings. Swapping to Savarez or D’Addario Pro Arte makes a noticeable difference in tone, tuning stability, and feel. A professional setup at a local luthier lowers action, adjusts the truss rod, and dials in intonation across the neck.

We recommend budgeting for both the setup and a string upgrade immediately after buying. The combined upgrade costs less than a meal out, but it transforms how the guitar plays and sounds.

Buying Used vs New in This Price Range

The sub-$1000 classical market has a thriving used scene, and a used solid-top guitar often outperforms a new laminate guitar at the same price. The trade-off is risk – you cannot always verify a used guitar’s setup, fret wear, or hidden cracks before buying. For shoppers comfortable inspecting instruments, used offers strong value. For shoppers who want a warranty and consistent setup, new is the safer choice.

When buying used, look for sellers who allow in-person inspection or a return window. The top of the soundboard and the back should be free of cracks. Fret wear should be visible but not deep. The neck should be straight, not bowed or twisted.

Humidity, Climate, and Long-Term Care

Classical guitars with solid tops are more sensitive to humidity than steel-string acoustics, because the wider neck and lower tension give the top more room to move. The ideal humidity range is 40-55% – dry enough to avoid mold, humid enough to prevent cracking.

A humidifier designed for acoustic guitars is a worthwhile investment if you live in a dry climate or use indoor heating. Keep the guitar in its case when not playing, and avoid leaving it near heating vents or in direct sunlight. These simple habits prevent the most common classical guitar repair – a cracked soundboard from low humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Picking the Best Classical Guitar Under $1000 in 2026

After six weeks of testing, our EDITOR’S CHOICE is the Yamaha C40II. It is the right answer for most players starting a classical guitar journey in 2026 – durable, affordable, well built, and consistent across thousands of classroom and home environments. The 4.5-star rating across 1649 reviews confirms what our test team found.

If you want a real step up in tone and can stretch to the next price band, the Cordoba C5 with its solid cedar top is the obvious choice. For steel-string or electric players crossing over to nylon, the Ibanez GA5TCE thinline is the most comfortable bridge, with the bonus of onboard electronics for live work. For absolute beginners wanting everything in one box, the ADM bundle delivers the most complete package.

For parents shopping for a child, the Fender FA-25N 3/4 size is purpose-built for smaller hands with the bonus of Fender’s 2-year warranty and Fender Play lessons. For gigging fingerstyle players who want plug-and-play classical tone, the Cordoba C4-CE with its Fishman Sonitone pickup is the clear winner. And for shoppers watching every dollar, the Vangoa Premium VC-2 gives you a cedar top and a complete accessory bundle at the lowest price on our list.

Whatever you choose, budget for a setup and a string upgrade – those two small investments transform how any guitar plays. Our full picks above will give you a strong starting point no matter which direction you go.