So, you’ve outgrown your beginner guitar and are ready for something more. You’re looking for an instrument that offers better tone without having to pay for high-end, pro-level guitars just yet.
The good news? There are plenty of acoustic guitars designed for intermediate players that will give you the quality you’re after without breaking the bank.
Ready to find your next guitar? Here’s a subjective list created by a dude who records videos about guitars for a living 🙂
Best Acoustic Guitars For Intermediate Players – List
1. Taylor 514ce Urban Ironbark
The Taylor 514ce Urban Ironbark is part of Taylor’s renowned 500 Series, known for delivering excellent build quality and warm, rich tones.
This Grand Auditorium model comes equipped with V-Class bracing, which enhances sustain and tonal clarity. The body is made from solid urban Ironbark for the back and sides, while the top is solid roasted Sitka spruce, giving it a powerful and full sound.
Whether you’re fingerpicking or strumming, this guitar is designed to handle both beautifully. And with the Taylor ES2 pickup system, you’re gig-ready at any moment.
Key Features:
- V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and clarity
- Solid urban Ironbark back and sides with a roasted Sitka spruce top
- Taylor ES2 pickup for clear and natural amplification
- Ebony fingerboard and mahogany neck for smooth playability
My Experience with the Taylor 514ce
Playing the 514ce Urban Ironbark feels like the guitar is singing back at you. The moment I strummed my first chord, I could hear the depth and richness that makes this guitar stand out.
The V-Class bracing? Absolutely a game-changer—it makes the sound more vibrant, and the sustain is something you’ll notice right away.
FYI, the urban Ironbark gives it a weightier, almost fuller sound compared to other woods, and that’s perfect if you want a dynamic, versatile guitar that works both for gigs and home sessions.
Would I recommend it? 100%. 🙂
2. Furch MC Green Dc-SR SPE
The Furch MC Green Dc-SR SPE is a fantastic option for those who want high-end features at a more accessible price point.
Built in the Czech Republic, this guitar offers a dreadnought design with a cutaway, providing deep, booming tones while also giving you access to higher frets.
The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, and the back and sides are crafted from solid rosewood, offering warmth with great projection.
It also comes with an L.R. Baggs Stagepro Element pickup, ensuring that your amplified sound is as close as possible to the acoustic tones.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid rosewood for rich, resonant tones
- Dreadnought design with a cutaway for easy access to higher frets
- L.R. Baggs Stagepro Element pickup for high-quality sound amplification
- Comes with a high-gloss natural finish and includes a case
My Experience with the Furch MC Green
I’ve always been a fan of Furch guitars, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The solid rosewood back and sides give it a deep, resonant tone, perfect for strumming those big chords.
The dreadnought body projects well, so whether you’re at a campfire jam or a small gig, you’ll be heard.
And let’s talk about that L.R. Baggs pickup—the clarity is unreal. IMO, it’s one of the best pickups for keeping the natural tone intact when plugged in.
3. Yamaha Transacoustic LL-TA BS
The Yamaha Transacoustic LL-TA is where innovation meets tradition. This dreadnought-style guitar features a solid Engelmann spruce top paired with solid rosewood back and sides for a classic, full-bodied sound.
But the real kicker? It comes with Yamaha’s Transacoustic technology, which allows you to play with built-in reverb and chorus effects without plugging in! That’s right, the guitar creates these effects acoustically.
Key Features:
- Transacoustic technology for built-in reverb and chorus effects
- Solid Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides
- System70 Transacoustic Preamp + SRT piezo pickup for added versatility
- Includes a soft case
My Experience with the Yamaha Transacoustic
Okay, let’s just say it: built-in reverb and chorus without an amp? Mind-blown. The first time I played this guitar, I honestly thought I had plugged into an amp by accident.
The Transacoustic system adds a whole new level to playing without extra gear. The tone? Classic Yamaha—a nice balance between the spruce top’s brightness and the rosewood warmth.
If you’re the kind of player who loves experimenting with sound, this guitar will keep you busy for hours. Would I buy it for the effects alone? Probably. 😉
4. Taylor 314ce V-Class
The Taylor 314ce is another gem from Taylor, offering that sweet spot between playability and professional features.
It’s a Grand Auditorium model, known for its versatility in handling both fingerpicking and strumming. The body is crafted from solid Sitka spruce on the top and solid sapele on the back and sides.
This guitar also features V-Class bracing, making the sound more dynamic and offering greater sustain and projection.
Key Features:
- V-Class bracing for improved sustain and volume
- Solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid sapele back and sides
- Taylor ES2 pickup system for natural, amplified sound
- Comes with a Taylor Deluxe hardshell case
My Experience with the Taylor 314ce
I’ve played a lot of Taylor guitars, and the 314ce is a great blend of quality and affordability.
The V-Class bracing genuinely makes a difference, especially when it comes to sustain. Even when fingerpicking, you can hear those notes ring out long after you pluck them.
And let’s not forget about the ES2 system—Taylor’s pickups are some of the best in the business, giving you that pure, natural tone even when amplified.
This one’s a keeper.
5. Gibson 1957 SJ-200 AN
If you want a guitar that’s steeped in history and delivers massive sound, the Gibson 1957 SJ-200 AN is your answer.
Known as the “King of the Flat-Tops,” this Jumbo guitar has been a staple in the music industry for decades.
With solid flamed maple back and sides and a thermally aged red spruce top, this guitar delivers an iconic, booming sound with exceptional clarity.
Key Features:
- Jumbo body design for massive sound and projection
- Solid flamed maple back and sides paired with a thermally aged red spruce top
- Bone nut and rosewood moustache bridge for enhanced tone and sustain
- Comes with a hardshell case
My Experience with the Gibson SJ-200
This guitar is a beast. The Jumbo body just throws out sound like nobody’s business, and the thermally aged spruce top adds a vintage warmth that’s hard to beat. Every time I play this thing, it feels like I’m on stage at some legendary venue.
And yes, it’s pricey, but FYI, you’re getting a piece of history here. If you’re ready to step up to an iconic guitar, the SJ-200 is worth every penny.
6. Yamaha AC5R ARE
The Yamaha AC5R ARE is another solid option for intermediate players looking for a balance between quality and affordability.
It features a concert body with a cutaway, offering a more focused and intimate sound. The solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid rosewood back and sides provides a warm, rich tone perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming.
Yamaha’s ARE (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology gives the wood a well-aged sound straight out of the box, and the built-in SRT piezo pickup system ensures you sound great when plugged in.
Key Features:
- ARE technology for a vintage, well-aged sound
- Solid Sitka spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides
- Built-in SRT piezo pickup system with volume and mic controls
- Comes with a high-gloss vintage natural finish and a hard case
My Experience with the Yamaha AC5R
The AC5R is like a fine wine—it gets better with every play. Yamaha’s ARE technology gives this guitar a broken-in, vintage tone that’s usually reserved for guitars that have been played for years.
The sound is super warm, especially with the rosewood body, and the SRT pickup really does an amazing job of recreating that natural acoustic sound when plugged in.
If you’re someone who gigs often but wants a more traditional, warm acoustic tone, this guitar is a solid choice.
7. Taylor 517e Urban Ironbark
The Taylor 517e brings together the Grand Pacific Dreadnought body style with V-Class bracing, making it a great option for players who want a more balanced, rounded sound.
The back and sides are made from solid urban Ironbark, while the top is solid roasted Sitka spruce, providing a strong, yet warm tone.
The Grand Pacific shape lends itself to a smoother, less “boxy” sound than a traditional dreadnought, making this guitar perfect for players who want the depth of a dreadnought without the overwhelming low-end.
Key Features:
- Grand Pacific Dreadnought body for a balanced, smooth tone
- V-Class bracing for better sustain and projection
- Solid urban Ironbark back and sides with roasted Sitka spruce top
- Taylor ES2 pickup system for amplified performance
My Experience with the Taylor 517e
The 517e is the type of guitar you pick up and instantly feel comfortable with. It’s got that Grand Pacific body shape, which is a bit different from your standard dreadnought, offering a more balanced sound that doesn’t overwhelm the low-end.
The tone is both warm and articulate, making it perfect for players who want versatility. And with the V-Class bracing, it projects beautifully. Honestly, it’s like this guitar just begs to be played all day.
8. Taylor 210ce
The Taylor 210ce is a more affordable option within Taylor’s lineup but still packs a punch when it comes to quality and playability.
This dreadnought with a cutaway features a solid torrefied spruce top and walnut back and sides, offering a nice balance between warmth and brightness.
The C-Class bracing makes this guitar stand out for its sustain and dynamic range, while the ES2 pickup ensures that you’ll sound great when plugged in.
Key Features:
- C-Class bracing for improved sustain and dynamic range
- Solid torrefied spruce top with walnut back and sides
- ES2 pickup system for natural amplified sound
- Includes a gig bag for easy transport
My Experience with the Taylor 210ce
I have to say, the Taylor 210ce really surprised me for the price. It’s not as high-end as some of Taylor’s other models, but the tone is still rich and full.
The torrefied spruce top gives it a broken-in sound right away, and the walnut body keeps the tone warm yet balanced.
The C-Class bracing adds a nice touch of sustain, especially when fingerpicking. For an intermediate player looking for a reliable guitar that won’t break the bank, the 210ce is a great choice.
9. Gibson Elvis SJ-200
The Gibson Elvis SJ-200 is an iconic guitar that pays tribute to the King of Rock himself. With a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, this jumbo guitar delivers a huge, booming sound perfect for anyone looking to make an impression.
The Mother-of-Pearl Graduated Crown fingerboard inlays and rosewood moustache bridge give it a distinctive look that sets it apart from other acoustics.
Plus, with a bone nut and gold-plated Grover tuners, you know you’re getting premium hardware.
Key Features:
- Jumbo body design for massive sound and projection
- Solid spruce top with solid maple back and sides
- Mother-of-Pearl inlays and rosewood moustache bridge
- Comes with a hardshell case
My Experience with the Gibson Elvis SJ-200
This is hands down one of the most iconic guitars I’ve ever played. The sound that comes out of the SJ-200 is massive, thanks to the jumbo body and solid maple construction.
It’s the kind of guitar that demands attention, and you can feel the history behind it every time you strum a chord. The rosewood moustache bridge and Mother-of-Pearl inlays give it a vintage feel, but it’s the sound that really makes this guitar stand out.
If you’re into Elvis or just want a guitar with serious presence, this is the one.
10. Takamine P3DC
Rounding out the list is the Takamine P3DC, a dreadnought guitar with a cutaway that offers superb playability and tone for intermediate players.
The solid cedar top combined with sapele back and sides gives it a warm, balanced sound that’s perfect for fingerpicking and light strumming.
The CT4B II preamp system ensures great sound when plugged in, and the gold machine heads add a touch of class to its overall design.
Key Features:
- Solid cedar top with sapele back and sides for a warm, balanced tone
- CT4B II preamp system for excellent amplified sound
- Gold machine heads for smooth and precise tuning
- Includes a soft case for protection
My Experience with the Takamine P3DC
The Takamine P3DC feels like it was made for fingerstyle players. The cedar top gives it a soft, warm tone, but it’s still plenty articulate when you need it to be.
The CT4B II preamp really captures the natural sound of the guitar when you’re plugged in, which is a huge bonus for gigging musicians.
Plus, the gold machine heads not only look great but make tuning a breeze. If you’re after a guitar that’s both affordable and high-quality, this one checks all the boxes.
My Subjective Choice
Alright, so after all this talk about these awesome guitars, it’s time for my subjective choice—the one that stands out just a little more to me.
For this, I’m going with the Taylor 514ce Urban Ironbark.
Why? Well, it’s all about the balance between rich tone, versatility, and playability.
The combination of the solid roasted Sitka spruce top with the urban Ironbark back and sides just creates this full-bodied, resonant sound that’s perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
The V-Class bracing gives it superior sustain and volume, which is a total game-changer. Plus, it’s a guitar that’s built to last, and with the Taylor ES2 pickup system, you’re ready for anything from intimate solo performances to larger gigs.
IMO, if I had to pick just one to keep in my arsenal, it’s this one.
FAQ
Q: Are solid wood guitars really worth the extra cost compared to laminate?
A: Definitely. Solid wood guitars tend to sound better with age, offering richer, more resonant tones the more you play them. Laminate guitars are more affordable and durable but won’t give you that same depth of sound. If you’re serious about guitar, the investment in solid wood is totally worth it.
Q: How often should I change the strings on an acoustic guitar?
A: It really depends on how often you play. If you’re playing daily, every 6-8 weeks is a good timeframe for changing strings. If you play less frequently, you could probably go a few months. But trust me, fresh strings make a huge difference in sound and playability. If your tone sounds dull or you’re struggling to stay in tune, it’s probably time for new strings.
Q: Can I use medium or heavy strings on these guitars for a deeper sound?
A: You sure can, but proceed with caution! Medium or heavy strings can give you a fuller, deeper tone, but they also put more tension on the neck and bridge, which could lead to long-term damage if your guitar isn’t built for it. Always check with the manufacturer’s recommendations first, and if in doubt, stick with light or medium-light strings.
Q: Are these guitars good for recording as well as live performances?
A: Absolutely! Most of the guitars on this list, like the Taylor 514ce or Gibson SJ-200, come with built-in pickup systems that sound fantastic both live and in the studio. With a good mic setup, these guitars will record beautifully. The natural resonance and clarity you get from high-quality woods make them perfect for studio recordings.
Q: What’s the difference between Grand Auditorium, Dreadnought, and Jumbo body types?
A: The Grand Auditorium is more balanced, great for both fingerpicking and strumming, with a slightly smaller, more comfortable body. The Dreadnought is all about big, bold sound with deep bass, ideal for strummers and flatpickers. Jumbo guitars, like the Gibson SJ-200, have massive sound projection with an emphasis on low-end, making them perfect for players looking for volume and punch.
Final Thoughts
When you’re ready to move past your beginner guitar and step up to an intermediate instrument, these 10 options give you everything you need—better tone, improved playability, and higher-quality materials.
Whether you lean toward the vintage vibes of the Gibson Elvis SJ-200, the versatility of the Taylor 314ce, or the innovative features of the Yamaha Transacoustic, there’s a guitar here for every kind of intermediate player.
Remember: Finding the right guitar is about what feels good in your hands and sounds right to your ears. So, try out a few, see what speaks to you, and happy playing!
