#1
Seagull S6 Original
Acoustic Guitar · Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back/sides, Canadian-made$250–$380 usedBest for: Best value solid-top upgrade, Canadian quality
The Seagull S6 is a Canadian-made acoustic guitar with solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides — the first guitar at this price to use all-solid construction. The S6 is made by Godin (a respected Canadian manufacturer) and punches above its price. Used at $250–$380, the S6 is the best-value all-solid acoustic for intermediate players upgrading from laminate.
What to check used: Verify the top is solid spruce (not laminate). Check the neck for straightness. Inspect the frets for levelness. Look for cracks in the body or headstock. Seagulls have thin tops — handle with care.
#2
Yamaha LL16
Acoustic Guitar · Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back/sides, Japanese-made$350–$500 usedBest for: Best reliability and playability, Japanese craftsmanship
The Yamaha LL16 is one of the most respected intermediate acoustic guitars — solid spruce top, mahogany back/sides, and Yamaha precision manufacturing. The LL series is used by professional musicians, session players, and serious amateurs. Used at $350–$500, the LL16 is the standard recommendation for intermediate players.
What to check used: Check the top for cracks (common in dry climates). Inspect the neck for straightness and fret wear. Look for humidity damage. Verify tuning machines work smoothly. Check the nut and bridge for damage.
#3
Taylor 114ce
Acoustic-Electric Guitar · Solid spruce top, layered walnut back/sides, electronics included$500–$680 usedBest for: Best electronics, modern playability, plugged-in option
The Taylor 114ce is a Taylor acoustic-electric with solid spruce top, walnut back/sides, and built-in electronics (pickup and preamp). Taylor is one of the most respected American guitar makers. The 114ce is designed for intermediate to advanced players who want plugged-in capability. Used at $500–$680.
What to check used: Verify the electronics work (battery powered). Check the preamp battery compartment. Inspect the solid spruce top carefully for any cracks. Look for humidity damage. Verify the tuning machines work.
#4
Blueridge BR-60
Acoustic Guitar · Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back/sides, handcrafted$280–$400 usedBest for: Best tone for the price, handcrafted quality
The Blueridge BR-60 is a handcrafted acoustic guitar made in South Korea but designed and inspected to high standards. Solid spruce top, mahogany back/sides, and exceptional tone for the price. Used at $280–$400, the BR-60 is a lesser-known gem that sounds better than more expensive guitars.
What to check used: Check the top for finish cracks. Inspect the neck straightness. Look for fret wear. Verify the tuning machines are not loose. Blueridges are less common — harder to find in the used market.
#5
Eastman E10OM
Acoustic Guitar · Solid spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back/sides, handmade$400–$560 usedBest for: Best sound for fingerstyle, artisan quality
The Eastman E10OM is a handmade acoustic guitar from Eastman Guitars (a respected American maker). Solid spruce top with Indian rosewood back/sides produce a bright, articulate tone ideal for fingerstyle. Used at $400–$560, the E10OM is a guitar that improves with age.
What to check used: Inspect for finish cracks in the spruce top. Check the neck straightness. Look for loose braces inside. Verify the bridge is glued securely. Inspect the fretboard for wear.
#6
Martin 000X2E
Acoustic-Electric Guitar · Solid spruce top, HPL back/sides, Martin electronics$300–$420 usedBest for: Best Martin name, budget-friendly acoustic-electric
The Martin 000X2E is a Martin acoustic-electric with solid spruce top and HPL (Laminated) back/sides (unusual for intermediate). But it is a Martin with built-in electronics at reasonable price. The Martin name carries prestige in the acoustic market. Used at $300–$420.
What to check used: Verify the electronics work. Check the battery compartment. Inspect the spruce top for cracks. Look for humidity damage. HPL back (not solid) is compromise for cost.
#7
Fender CD-140SCE
Acoustic-Electric Guitar · Solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back/sides, electronics$250–$380 usedBest for: Best budget acoustic-electric, Fender reliability
The Fender CD-140SCE is Fender entry into acoustic-electric with solid spruce top and built-in electronics. Fender brand recognition provides confidence. Back/sides are laminated (cost compromise) but top is solid. Used at $250–$380, best value for plugged-in intermediate playing.
What to check used: Verify electronics work. Check battery compartment. Inspect solid spruce top for damage. Look for humidity cracks. Laminated back means less resonance than all-solid.
