10 Best Steel String Acoustic Guitars for Beginners and Professionals

Steel string acoustic guitars are a staple in the music industry, used by beginners and professionals alike. They are known for their bright, crisp sound and versatility in playing various genres of music. When looking for the best steel string acoustic guitar, there are a few critical things to consider. The type of wood used in the construction of the guitar can significantly impact its sound quality, as well as the size and shape of the body.

One of the essential things to consider when purchasing a steel string acoustic guitar is the type of wood used in its construction. The wood used can affect the guitar’s tone, resonance, and overall sound quality. Mahogany and rosewood are common woods used in guitar construction, with mahogany providing a warmer tone and rosewood producing a brighter, more vibrant sound. Additionally, the size and shape of the guitar’s body can impact its sound quality, with larger bodies producing a more robust, bass-heavy sound and smaller bodies providing a brighter, more balanced tone.

When it comes to finding the best steel string acoustic guitar, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, finding the right guitar can make all the difference in your playing experience. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the top steel string acoustic guitars on the market, taking into account their construction, sound quality, and overall value.

Best Steel String Acoustic Guitars

If you’re a music enthusiast looking for a new guitar to add to your collection, or a beginner looking for your first guitar, a steel string acoustic guitar is a great choice. These guitars produce a bright and clear sound that is perfect for a wide range of music styles. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for you. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best steel string acoustic guitars that are currently available. These guitars have been carefully selected based on their sound quality, build, and overall value for money.

Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Blue, with Gig Bag

If you’re a beginner or developing player looking for a visually stunning and budget-friendly steel string acoustic guitar, the Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is a great option.

Pros

• Quality laminate construction for a great sound
• Mahogany neck provides a lively tone and feel
• Comes with a gig bag for easy transport

Cons

• May not be suitable for advanced players
• Some users have reported issues with the chords sounding off at times
• Blue color may not be to everyone’s taste

The Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners and developing players who want a high-quality instrument that won’t break the bank. With its visually stunning design and modern Fender 3+3 headstock and Viking bridge, this guitar is not only easy to play but also sounds great.

The quality laminate construction, combined with the mahogany neck, gives the guitar a lively tone and feel that is sure to impress. And with its 3/4 scale size, it’s the perfect size for smaller hands or younger players.

One of the best things about the Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is that it comes with a gig bag for easy transport. This makes it perfect for taking to lessons or gigs, or simply for playing on the go.

Overall, if you’re a beginner or developing player looking for a budget-friendly steel string acoustic guitar that looks and sounds great, the Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is definitely worth considering.

Fender FA-15 3/4-Scale Kids Steel String Acoustic Guitar

If you are looking for a budget-friendly 3/4-size steel-string acoustic guitar for children ages 6 to 12 years, the Fender FA-15 is a visually stunning instrument that is easy to play and sounds great.

Pros

• Quality laminate construction
• Nato neck that gives the guitar a lively tone and feel
• Bundle includes necessary accessories for beginners and developing players

Cons

• Gig bag is not very sturdy
• Tuner is not very accurate
• Some users complain that the guitar does not sound as good as more expensive models

The Fender FA-15 3/4-Scale Kids Steel String Acoustic Guitar is a great choice for parents who want to introduce their children to the world of music without breaking the bank. The guitar is well-made and has a modern Fender 3+3 headstock and walnut bridge that give it a stylish look.

The nato neck of the guitar provides a lively tone and feel, making it easy for beginners and developing players to learn and play. The bundle includes a clip-on tuner, a guitar strap, picks, Fender Play online lessons, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, which are all necessary accessories for new guitar players.

However, some users have complained that the gig bag is not very sturdy and the tuner is not very accurate. Additionally, some users have noted that the guitar does not sound as good as more expensive models. Nonetheless, the Fender FA-15 is a great value for the price and is a solid choice for parents who want to encourage their children’s musical interests.

Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly guitar that looks great and sounds good, the Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice.

Pros

• The 3/4 scale is perfect for beginners or children who may find full-size guitars too large and unwieldy.
• The agathis top and sapele back and sides produce a lively tone that’s great for strumming and fingerpicking.
• The guitar comes with a gig bag, making it easy to transport to lessons or gigs.

Cons

• The glossy finish may not be to everyone’s taste.
• The gig bag is thin and flimsy and may not offer much protection.
• The guitar only has 18 frets, which may limit the range of notes you can play.

The Fender FA-15 is a visually stunning guitar that’s easy to play and produces a great sound. The nato neck gives the guitar a lively tone and feel, and the modern Fender 3+3 headstock and Viking bridge add to the guitar’s overall aesthetic appeal.

If you’re a beginner or developing player, you’ll appreciate the style and sound of this guitar. The 3/4 scale is perfect for those with smaller hands or who find full-size guitars too large and unwieldy. The agathis top and sapele back and sides produce a lively tone that’s great for strumming and fingerpicking, and the guitar comes with a gig bag, making it easy to transport to lessons or gigs.

However, the glossy finish may not be to everyone’s taste, and the gig bag is thin and flimsy and may not offer much protection. Additionally, the guitar only has 18 frets, which may limit the range of notes you can play.

Overall, the Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel String Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly guitar that looks great and sounds good.

Yamaha F310 – Full Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar – Traditional Western Body – Tobacco Brown Sunburst

If you’re looking for a full-size steel string guitar, then Yamaha F310 is an affordable option that is worth considering.

Pros

• Crafted from select tonewoods.
• Comfortable slim neck and slightly shorter scale length.
• Even and accurate fret positioning and quality tuning gears.

Cons

• No gigbag included.
• Not suitable for professional use.
• Some users may find the sound quality lacking.

The Yamaha F310 is a great entry-level guitar that is perfect for beginners. The guitar is crafted from select tonewoods such as a spruce top and rosewood fingerboard, combined with a tough thin lacquer finish to give the guitar a warm responsive and refined sound. The comfortable slim neck and slightly shorter scale length make it easier to play without compromising the sound of the instrument. In addition, the even and accurate fret positioning and quality tuning gears make it easy to play along the full length of the neck.

While the Yamaha F310 is a great guitar for beginners, it may not be suitable for professional use. The sound quality may not be up to par with more expensive guitars, and some users may find the sound lacking. Additionally, the guitar does not come with a gigbag, so you will need to purchase one separately if you plan on taking it on the go.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable option for a full-size steel string guitar, the Yamaha F310 is a great choice. It’s perfect for beginners and offers a great sound for the price.

Huntington GA41PS-BK Acoustic Guitar

If you’re looking for an affordable steel-string acoustic guitar, the Huntington GA41PS-BK Acoustic Guitar might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The guitar comes with additional accessories such as a string winder, two sets of strings, and three picks.
• The adjustable truss rod allows for customization of the guitar’s action and playability.
• The guitar has a full-size dreadnought body, which produces a rich and full sound.

Cons

• The guitar’s construction is not very sturdy, which may affect its durability over time.
• The stock strings that come with the guitar may not be of the highest quality, so you may want to consider purchasing new strings separately.
• The guitar may require some setup and adjustment out of the box.

The Huntington GA41PS-BK Acoustic Guitar is a great option for beginners or intermediate players who are looking for an affordable steel-string acoustic guitar. The guitar comes with additional accessories such as a string winder, two sets of strings, and three picks, which is a nice bonus. The adjustable truss rod allows for customization of the guitar’s action and playability, which is another plus. The guitar has a full-size dreadnought body, which produces a rich and full sound.

However, the guitar’s construction is not very sturdy, which may affect its durability over time. The stock strings that come with the guitar may not be of the highest quality, so you may want to consider purchasing new strings separately. The guitar may require some setup and adjustment out of the box, so keep that in mind if you’re not comfortable with making those adjustments yourself.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable steel-string acoustic guitar, the Huntington GA41PS-BK Acoustic Guitar is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure you’re comfortable with any necessary adjustments before making your purchase.

Costzon Full Size Beginner Acoustic Guitar

If you are looking for a budget-friendly guitar for beginners, the Costzon Full Size Beginner Acoustic Guitar is a great option.

Pros

• Comes with a nylon case, a shoulder strap, a pick and an extra set of strings for replacement.
• High-quality steel strings with good sound quality and stable pitch.
• High gloss surface with a polished paint on the surface, which is very glossy and looks noble.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with the action being too high and dead notes.
• The tuner that comes with the guitar may not work properly.
• The quality of the guitar may not be as good as higher-end models.

This guitar is suitable for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the guitar. It is easy to use and perfect for guitar lessons, recitals, band rehearsals, on-stage performances, and more.

The guitar’s wooden structure brings a brighter sound, and the high-quality steel strings produce a rich sound when lightly plucked. This guitar is also a great gift option for guitar beginners.

While some customers have reported issues with the action being too high and dead notes, this can be adjusted with an Allen wrench that comes with the guitar. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the tuner that comes with the guitar not working properly.

Overall, the Costzon Full Size Beginner Acoustic Guitar is a great budget-friendly option for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play the guitar.

Pyle Full Size Acoustic Guitar Kit

If you’re a beginner or looking for an affordable guitar to take on the road, the Pyle Full Size Acoustic Guitar Kit is a solid option.

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to start playing
• Stylish cutaway body style
• Excellent for beginners and children

Cons

• Strings may need to be replaced for optimal sound quality
• Gig bag is not the most durable
• Tuner may not be the most accurate

This 41” dreadnought cutaway guitar set includes a storage gig bag, pitch pipe tuner, steel strings, picks, cleaning cloth, capo, and detachable shoulder strap. The full-scale standard size guitar is perfect for use on lessons, recitals, band rehearsals, performances, or when practicing at home.

The Pyle Full Size Acoustic Guitar Kit features a beautiful multi-ply inlay and handcrafted construction with all linden wood body, okoume headstock, natural matte finish w/ white ABS binding, and chrome die-cast machine head. The beginner guitar kit is excellent for both beginner and children looking to start guitar playing.

Overall, the Pyle Full Size Acoustic Guitar Kit is a great option for those looking for an affordable guitar to learn on or take on the road. With everything you need to start playing straight out of the box, it’s a convenient and practical choice.

Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly acoustic guitar for beginners, the Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is a great option.

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, tuner, extra strings, picks, cleaning cloth, and shoulder strap
• 3/4 size is perfect for kids and beginners
• Handcrafted construction with a stylish matte black finish

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the tuning pegs slipping
• The sound quality may not be as good as more expensive guitars
• The included accessories may not be of the highest quality

This guitar kit is perfect for those who are just starting out and don’t want to spend a lot of money on an instrument. The 3/4 size is ideal for kids and beginners, and the kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, tuner, extra strings, picks, cleaning cloth, and shoulder strap.

The handcrafted construction and matte black finish give this guitar a stylish look, but some users have reported issues with the tuning pegs slipping. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as good as more expensive guitars, but for the price, this is a great option for those who are just starting out.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly acoustic guitar for beginners, the Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is definitely worth considering.

Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit

If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable guitar to start learning, the Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is a decent option.

Pros

• The all-linden plywood top, back, and sides with a red burst pattern give the guitar a traditional look.
• The hand-rubbed matte finish on the body, neck, and headstock adds a nice touch.
• The package comes with everything you need to start playing, including a gig bag case, spare strings, a detachable shoulder strap, a pitch pipe tuner, a cleaning cloth, and picks.

Cons

• The guitar may not have the best sound quality compared to higher-end models.
• The fretwork could be better, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
• Some users may find the guitar too small, as it’s a 1/2 junior size.

The Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is suitable for beginners who want to learn how to play guitar without spending too much money. The guitar has a traditional look with a nice matte finish. It also comes with a complete package of accessories, so you don’t have to buy anything separately.

The sound quality may not be the best, but it’s decent for a beginner guitar. The fretwork could be better, but it’s not a major issue. The guitar is also a 1/2 junior size, so some users may find it too small.

Overall, the Pyle Acoustic Guitar Kit is a decent option for beginners who want an affordable guitar to start learning.

Martin Steel String Backpacker Travel Guitar with Bag

If you’re looking for a compact and travel-friendly guitar, the Martin Steel String Backpacker is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The solid spruce top provides a bright and clear tone.
• The unique contour neck shape makes it comfortable to play for extended periods of time.
• Comes with a padded carry bag for easy transportation.

Cons

• The small size of the guitar may take some getting used to if you’re used to playing full-sized guitars.
• The sound may not be as full and rich as larger guitars.
• The 15 frets may limit the range of notes you can play.

This guitar is perfect for those who want to take their music on the go. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and travel with, and the padded carry bag provides protection during transportation. The solid spruce top provides a bright and clear tone, while the unique contour neck shape makes it comfortable to play for extended periods of time.

If you’re used to playing full-sized guitars, the small size of the Backpacker may take some getting used to. The sound may not be as full and rich as larger guitars, but it still provides a decent sound for its size. With only 15 frets, the range of notes you can play may be limited, but it’s still a great option for those who want a portable guitar for practicing and playing on the go.

Overall, the Martin Steel String Backpacker is a great option for those who want a compact and travel-friendly guitar. Its solid construction and unique design make it a reliable and comfortable option for playing on the go.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best steel string acoustic guitar, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are some important features to look for:

Body Style and Size

The body style and size of the guitar can greatly affect its sound and playability. There are several types of body styles, including dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Each style has its own unique sound and feel, so it’s important to choose one that fits your playing style and preferences.

Wood Type

The type of wood used for the guitar’s top, back, and sides can also affect its sound. Some common woods used for acoustic guitars include spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. Each wood type has its own tonal characteristics, so it’s important to choose one that produces the sound you’re looking for.

Neck and Fingerboard

The neck and fingerboard of the guitar should also be considered when making a purchase. The neck should be comfortable to hold and play, and the fingerboard should be smooth and easy to navigate. Look for guitars with a comfortable neck profile and a fingerboard that’s easy to play chords and notes on.

Electronics

If you plan on performing with your guitar or recording music, you may want to consider a guitar with built-in electronics. This will allow you to plug in your guitar and amplify its sound. Look for guitars with high-quality pickups and preamps to ensure a clear and natural sound.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when shopping for a steel string acoustic guitar. While there are many high-end guitars on the market, there are also many affordable options that offer great sound and playability. Determine your budget and look for guitars that fit within your price range.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best steel string acoustic guitar for your needs and preferences.