8 Best Acoustic Guitars in the Philippines 2026 | Clifton, Yamaha, Fender, and More
For an amateur or a professional musician, the acoustic guitar is one of the most versatile instruments, which can be fun to play with. For beginners, before jumping into the big guns like a 12-string or an electric guitar, one must practice their chops first on the ever-reliable acoustic guitar. If you're reading this, you're either a beginner looking for your first guitar, or you're an experienced player needing a better instrument.
Now, choosing a new instrument is exciting and enjoyable, but it can sometimes be astounding. In this article, we will discuss some points on how to choose the right acoustic guitar for you and which brands are available on the market today. So keep on reading to know how you can upscale your guitar knowledge.
Quick List - Top Acoustic Guitars
Rixton
Beginner-Friendly Guitar Set for Kids and Adults
Clifton Guitars
Solid Sitka Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar for Reliable Tone and Everyday Play
Yamaha
Versatile Acoustic Guitar With Reliable Yamaha Craftsmanship
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Acoustic Versus Electric: What's the Difference?
Functionality is one of the major differences between an acoustic and an electric guitar. The acoustic guitar is generally associated with mellower forms of music like folk or country, while an electric guitar is for high decibel sound that is used in rock or metal music. Below are some features that differentiate the two.
Their Structure Has a Huge Distinction
An acoustic guitar has a wooden hollow body with a soundhole beneath the strings. The soundboard, which is the wooden part of the body, is typically made out of spruce or cedar. If you pluck or strum the strings, the vibration travels to the soundboard and amplifies the sound to create that specific melodic sound.
The electric guitar, on the other hand, has a slimmer but solid body that is made out of different types of materials such as wood, metal, resin, or hard plastic. It doesn't have a soundhole, but it uses transducers to convert the string vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the amplifier.
Electric Guitars Have Better Sound Quality
Because of the high-output, electromagnetic pickups that are installed on an electric guitar, it can capture even the slightest of variations on the magnetic field. The highly sensitive pickups can ensure better sound quality.
Acoustic guitars also have electric pickups either inside the soundboard or on top of the soundhole. But it can often sound faint, depending on the quality of the pickup installed.
Acoustic Guitars Don't Need Any Set Up
In terms of portability and ease of setting up, acoustic guitars are the sure winner. It doesn't need any added equipment to be functional since it can be played with or without an amplifier or power. On the contrary, electric guitars require power and amplifiers for sound to come out. Also, beginners can easily get confused when operating several buttons, knobs, and switches along its body.
How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar – Buying Guide
Now that you know the difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar, let's get down to business. Below are some items that can help you make the right acoustic guitar choice.
Know the Types of Acoustic Guitars
Basically, there are three popular types of acoustic guitars that you can buy in the market today - a flat-top, an archtop, and a 12-string guitar. So, which one would you fancy?
Flat-Top Guitars Are the Most Versatile Type
Used in every style of music, flat-top guitars are versatile enough for any musician. It is the most common type that you can find in every instrument store or music shop. The soundboard has a flat surface, hence the name. It uses either steel or nylon strings, and the size could range from baby up to jumbo.
Jazz Guitarists Love Archtop Guitars
This type of acoustic guitar has an arched top instead of a flat top. It could come in acoustic, semi-acoustic, and electric variants. Alternately, the standard round soundhole is replaced by F-holes, a curved treble clef-shaped hole on both sides of the guitar's front. The F-hole is a good indication that the acoustic guitar is an archtop. This guitar type is used by rockabilly, blues, and jazz guitarists.
A 12-String Guitar Produces Fuller Sound
As the name implies, this guitar has 12 strings instead of the standard six strings. It is used mainly for the strumming parts of a song and is very popular among pop, country, or rock music styles. This type of guitar can be time-consuming in terms of tuning and cause a bit of pain when playing barre chords.
Steel or Nylon: Consider Which Type of Strings Work for You
Although this may be a small detail, choosing which type of guitar strings has a great impact. It should be dictated by the music you want to play and how you like to play it. Guitars with steel strings are believed to be a true acoustic guitar, while nylon strings are meant for classical or flamenco guitars. If you opt to play country or rock music, a steel-string guitar is the right choice.
Just keep in mind that you cannot interchange steel strings with nylon strings and vice versa. Steel-string guitars can withstand the tension created by steel strings, so installing it on a classical guitar will damage it. Nylon strings produce softer tones and volume, so they cannot withstand higher tensions and could easily break if installed on a steel-string guitar.
The Body Shape and Size Matter
Acoustic guitars could come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the manufacturer. We can say that the style of the guitar could affect the sound that it projects. Let's take a look at the different body shapes to know which one will work for you.
Concert and Grand Concert Shapes Are the Smallest Type
These types of guitars are deemed to be the smallest in the market today. The width could range from 13.5 to 14.5 inches on the widest area of the soundboard. Sometimes called "model 0," a younger or smaller bodied player will find this comfortable to play. It is a medium-sized guitar with a punchy, well-balanced tone suitable for strumming or fingerpicking.
Auditorium and Grand Auditorium Are Ideal for Beginners
Also called the "orchestra" model, this guitar is a bit bigger than the concert - being 15 to 16 inches wider. It is an excellent all-around guitar that is very suitable for beginners. The narrow body waist offers a sweet spot that comfortably fits on laps while sitting down. This type of guitar creates an excellent projection and dynamically balanced sound.
Use Dreadnoughts for a Bigger and Bolder Sound
While it has almost the same width and depth as the auditorium, this guitar has a thicker and boxier appearance. Its sound has just the right bass tone to complement the human voice. This may dissuade those who have a light touch when playing as the sound quality won't be loud or rich enough. The late great Kurt Cobain loves to play this beast of a guitar.
Jumbo Guitars Are for Strummers
The jumbo is the biggest of all acoustic guitars, measuring at least 17 inches across its widest portion. It should be played while standing with a strap to manage its huge profile, it's not for smaller players. Strummers like the King, Elvis Presley, prefer playing a jumbo because of its bassy and powerful sound. It projects a rich and resonant tone enough to fill a room.
Cutaway Guitars Are for Advanced Players
For those who love playing leads, solos, or have advanced guitar skills, a cutaway acoustic guitar can be beneficial. The body of the guitar is cutout at the lower portion just below the fretboard to provide better access to higher frets. This can be a great feature if a player has short fingers and find it difficult to press the strings to produce higher notes.
Choose the Tonewood Type That You Prefer
The quality of sound produced by a guitar will vary depending on the tonewood. This refers to the type of wood used on the soundboard. Several types of wood can resonate differently from each other, so it's essential to know which kind will cater to your preferred sound quality. The following section will discuss some of the commonly used types of wood in acoustic guitars.
Spruce Is Tough and Lightweight
There are three popular types of spruce woods used on guitars - the Sitka, Adirondack, and Engelmann. A Sitka produces a complex tone that shines with fingerpicking and strumming styles. The Adirondack is also a great choice, but it has limited availability because of over-harvesting. The Engelmann spruce is very light and creates an airy sound, often found in very expensive guitars.
Rosewood Makes Warm Tones
Together with a good soundboard, rosewoods make up for the back, neck, and sides of a guitar. This contributes to the excellent projection of an acoustic guitar, most especially if Brazilian rosewoods are used. Nowadays, Indian rosewood is harvested because the Brazilian rosewood is already endangered.
Mahogany Has a Balanced Tone
The highly praised Martin D-15 is the best example of an all-mahogany acoustic guitar. This solid wood guitar is visually distinctive and innovative. It creates a balanced tone between deep lows and warm highs when played. Some manufacturers also use this type of wood for guitar necks and bridges.
Walnut Produces Richer Tone Over Time While Cedar Has Mellower Tone
As the walnut ages, it creates a richer tone. It yields a rich and warm bass with more punch on the mid and treble side. The sound is a sort of in-between mahogany and rosewood. This traditional material is used for the back or sides of the guitar.
On the other hand, cedar is favored by fingerpickers or fingerstyle players because of its luscious tone. The wood produces a darker and "bell-like" tone, which is not ideal for strumming. It is generally used on the sides and back of acoustic guitars.
Maple Offers Tone Clarity on Live Performances
Archtop guitars use this wood to create a low-velocity transmission of vibration and to enhance the note separation for clarity. Maple wood is often used on sides, backs, or necks because of the transparent tone and its beautiful wood grain. Jazz and blues guitarists love the sound it produces on their beloved archtops.
Find the Right Finish That You Like
A guitar's wood finish not only makes it gorgeous looking but also protects the wood from scratches while preserving the tone and sound quality. Lacquer is the most common finish for many guitar makers. It is longer-lasting with a shiny gloss that is easier to clean.
A Shellac finish offers a more durable finish that seals the wood against damage and scratches. Lastly, a varnish finish brings out the natural grain look of the wood with a less glossy finish, but it isn't as durable as the other finishes.
Inspect the Fret to Get Good Intonation and Better Action
When it comes to the action of the guitar, remember to check the distance between the fretboard and the strings. It must be set low enough to eliminate dead notes or buzzes when pressing the strings against the fretboard.
Many cheap guitars have high action that makes it frustrating to play and may discourage beginners to continue learning. Fortunately, an experienced guitar tech could easily resolve this issue.
Correct fret distancing plays a major role in a guitar's intonation. This pertains to the ability of the guitar to play in tune across the fretboard. A poor intonation may be caused by old or rusty strings, issues with the neck, or if the saddle needs some adjustment. Check all of these items before your purchase. But if you encounter this issue after buying, it is time to bring the guitar to a tech.
Each Tuner Should Turn Smoothly
Check if the guitar tuners can immediately tighten or loosen the corresponding string. Cheap guitar tuners can slip out of tune quickly because of substandard materials.
If you're a beginner, this is a huge drawback since you will constantly retune your guitar from time to time. A good guitar tuner should be able to hold its tune for days, except on newly installed strings as it's still stretching itself out.
8 Best Acoustic Guitars to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | String | Body Shape | Body Length | Tonewood | Finish | Tuner | |||||
1 | Rixton Acoustic Guitar for Beginners with Complete Sets｜38-Inch | | Beginner-Friendly Guitar Set for Kids and Adults | Acoustic | Steel | Auditorium | 38 in | Basswood | High-gloss | Semi-closed knob design | |
2 | D&D Django Jr. Acoustic Guitar | | Produces a Versatile Sound for Aspiring and Experienced Musicians | Acoustic、Electric | Steel | unknown | 36 in | Mahogany 、Spruce | Matte | unknown | |
3 | Clifton Guitars A1 Series Grand Orchestra Guitar | | Solid Sitka Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar for Reliable Tone and Everyday Play | Flat-top | Copper | Grand Orchestra | 41 in | Silka Spruce | Natural | Die-cast material | |
4 | Yamaha Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar｜F-310 | | Versatile Acoustic Guitar With Reliable Yamaha Craftsmanship | Flat-top | Steel | Dreadnought | 40 in | Spruce | unknown | Die-cast chrome | |
5 | RJ Guitars Exotic Wood | | Premium Acoustic Performance With Exotic Wood Craftsmanship | Flat-top | unknown | unknown | 40 in | Ashwood | Matte | Digital | |
6 | Fernando OF-SAPELE Acoustic Guitar | | Balanced Sound and Playability for Beginners and Intermediates | Flat-top | unknown | Orchestra | 39 in | Sapele | Satin | Chrome die-cast | |
7 | Phoebus Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar｜PG-50 v3 | | Versatile Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar With Gig Bag | Flat-top | Steel | Dreadnought | 40 in | Solid Spruce | Matte | unknown | |
8 | RJ Guitars Little Wing | | Versatile Acoustic Guitar With Built-In EQ and Tuner for Enhanced Playability | Flat-top | Steel | unknown | unknown | Spruce | Natural gloss | Die-cast | |
RixtonAcoustic Guitar for Beginners with Complete Sets ｜ 38-Inch
Beginner-Friendly Guitar Set for Kids and Adults
- Beginner-friendly guitar set with comfortable playability suited for both kids and adults
- Low action setup with adjustable truss rod enhances ease of play and reduces finger strain
- Durable wood neck and body construction provide a solid feel while maintaining affordability
- Includes plenty of accessories to support beginner learning and practice
Reviews mention:
Online reviews mention that users appreciate the guitar’s ease of play and the complete accessory set that helps beginners get started right away. The sound quality is noted as good for beginners with some praising its lightweight build. Overall, it is seen as a practical and value-packed choice for new players.
| Type | Acoustic |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Body Shape | Auditorium |
| Body Length | 38 in |
| Tonewood | Basswood |
| Finish | High-gloss |
| Tuner | Semi-closed knob design |
Produces a Versatile Sound for Aspiring and Experienced Musicians
- Balanced and resonant sound by combining a spruce top with mahogany back and sides.
- Easy amplification and precise tuning on the go with the GT-2 pickup and integrated tuner.
- Smaller guitar body, making comfortable for musicians seeking a portable travel guitar.
- Padded gig bag offers added protection, making it easy to transport your instrument safely.
Reviews mention:
Online reviews consistently praise the Django Jr. for its excellent value, attractive design, and solid sound quality, especially considering its affordable price point. Users highlight its comfortable playability and the convenience of the built-in tuner and pickup system. Some reviewers note that the compact size is ideal for beginners or as a secondary travel guitar.
| Type | Acoustic、Electric |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Body Shape | unknown |
| Body Length | 36 in |
| Tonewood | Mahogany 、Spruce |
| Finish | Matte |
| Tuner | unknown |
Solid Sitka Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar for Reliable Tone and Everyday Play
Features and benefits:
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers clear, resonant sound compared to laminated tops.
- Laminated sapele back and sides for durability and longevity of the instrument.
- Comfortable Grand Orchestra body shape suited for various playing styles.
- Rosewood fingerboard and bone nut for smooth playability.
Reviews mention:
Users frequently highlight the Clifton A Series A1’s impressive sound quality for its price, noting that the solid top construction produces a fuller and more resonant tone than many entry-level guitars. Many appreciate its clean look and reliable build, making it a popular choice among Filipino beginners and budget-conscious musicians. Overall, the guitar is regarded as a strong value for those seeking solid performance without unnecessary extras.
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | Copper |
| Body Shape | Grand Orchestra |
| Body Length | 41 in |
| Tonewood | Silka Spruce |
| Finish | Natural |
| Tuner | Die-cast material |
Versatile Acoustic Guitar With Reliable Yamaha Craftsmanship
- Spruce top with Meranti back and sides for balanced tone
- Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
- Durable build quality from a trusted brand
- Lightweight and portable design for on-the-go gigs
Reviews mention:
Customers often highlight the F-310’s excellent sound quality and value for money, especially appreciating its suitability for beginners and hobbyists. Many reviews praise the comfortable feel of the neck and the overall build quality. Some users note that the factory string action may be slightly high and recommend a setup for optimal playability. Overall, buyers are satisfied with the instrument’s performance and Yamaha’s reputation for reliability.
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Body Length | 40 in |
| Tonewood | Spruce |
| Finish | unknown |
| Tuner | Die-cast chrome |
Premium Acoustic Performance With Exotic Wood Craftsmanship
- Made from high-quality ashwood, providing rich, warm tones and enhanced acoustic resonance
- Engineered for optimal sound projection and clarity, making it ideal for musicians and audio enthusiasts
- Sleek, natural wood grain offers a stylish aesthetic while ensuring long-lasting durability
- Balances portability with stability, making it easy to handle without compromising on performance
Reviews mention:
Customers frequently highlight the guitar’s excellent sound quality and beautiful craftsmanship, with many noting its value for the price. Some users appreciate its comfortable playability and well-balanced tone. However, a few mention that the strings could be upgraded for better performance, while others suggest checking the setup upon arrival for optimal playability.
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | unknown |
| Body Shape | unknown |
| Body Length | 40 in |
| Tonewood | Ashwood |
| Finish | Matte |
| Tuner | Digital |
Balanced Sound and Playability for Beginners and Intermediates
- Sapele wood construction delivers a warm tone with enhanced durability
- Cutaway OM body design provides comfortable playability and easier access to higher frets
- Seamless amplification with its acoustic-electric capability and a pickup system
- Smooth mahogany neck ensures a comfortable grip and smooth playability for extended sessions
Reviews mention:
Many users appreciate the guitar’s rich, well-balanced sound and sturdy build, noting its excellent value for the price. Several highlight the comfortable neck and cutaway design as great for both beginners and intermediate players. However, a few mention that the factory strings could be upgraded for better tonal quality, and some suggest a professional setup for optimal playability.
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | unknown |
| Body Shape | Orchestra |
| Body Length | 39 in |
| Tonewood | Sapele |
| Finish | Satin |
| Tuner | Chrome die-cast |
PhoebusSolid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar ｜ PG-50 v3
Versatile Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar With Gig Bag
- Solid spruce top construction delivers enhanced resonance and richer tone
- Dreadnought body shape provides powerful projection and a balanced sound for various music styles
- Optional built-in pickup allows seamless transition from acoustic to amplified performance
- Included gig bag ensures safe, convenient transport and instrument protection
Reviews mention:
Customers appreciate the Phoebus PG-50 v3’s solid top for its improved sound quality and value at its price point, with many noting the guitar’s comfortable playability and attractive finish. The addition of a gig bag is frequently mentioned as a practical bonus. Some users suggest that the factory setup may require minor adjustments for optimal action, and a few recommend checking the electronics if opting for the pickup version. Overall, feedback highlights the guitar as a reliable choice for both learners and casual performers.
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Body Length | 40 in |
| Tonewood | Solid Spruce |
| Finish | Matte |
| Tuner | unknown |
Versatile Acoustic Guitar With Built-In EQ and Tuner for Enhanced Playability
- Integrated RJ Premium EQ and Tuner for easy sound customization and accurate tuning
- Natural gloss finish provides a classic, attractive appearance while protecting the guitar’s surface
- Crafted by RJ Premium Acoustics, known for reliable instruments suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians
- Lightweight and compact design makes it convenient for travel and comfortable for extended playing sessions
Reviews mention:
Buyers on Shopee highlight the guitar’s built-in tuner and EQ as especially helpful for quick adjustments and sound shaping. Many users appreciate the guitar’s attractive natural gloss finish and note that it arrives well-packaged and in good condition. Some mention that the guitar is well-suited for beginners due to its playability and features. However, a few reviewers express a desire for more detailed setup instructions or additional accessories to be included with the purchase
| Type | Flat-top |
|---|---|
| String | Steel |
| Body Shape | unknown |
| Body Length | unknown |
| Tonewood | Spruce |
| Finish | Natural gloss |
| Tuner | Die-cast |
It’s Time Expand Your Music Quotient
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Author: C. Lacson
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Acoustic Guitars
No. 1: Rixton｜Acoustic Guitar for Beginners with Complete Sets｜38-Inch
No. 2: D&D｜Django Jr. Acoustic Guitar
No. 3: Clifton Guitars｜A1 Series Grand Orchestra Guitar
No. 4: Yamaha｜Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar｜F-310
No. 5: RJ Guitars｜Exotic Wood
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.