Dreadnought
Projection, chords, folk, acoustic rock, and energetic accompaniment.
Choose this if you like a direct sound and a traditional body.Which acoustic guitar should you choose based on your budget?
Acoustic guitar buying guide
Which acoustic guitar should you choose? The complete guide based on your budget
Dreadnought, Auditorium, or Jumbo: the body shape matters as much as the price. This guide helps you choose between under €300, €300 to €600, and €600 to €900, depending on your comfort, playing style, and intended use.
What is your budget?
Which body shape appeals to you?
9 selected guitars
3 price ranges
3 body shapes compared
The body shape comes first
Dreadnought, Auditorium, or Jumbo: what are the differences?
The body size affects comfort, tonal balance, and bass and how the guitar responds to the pick or fingers.
Auditorium
Balance, comfort, fingerstyle, seated playing, and versatility.
Choose this if you want an all-purpose body shape that is easier to handle.Jumbo
Bass, fullness, singing, stage performance, and broad rhythmic playing.
Choose this if you are looking for a big sound and are comfortable with a larger body.Overview
Which price range fits your needs?
First purchase
Under €300
Discover the three main body shapes without overspending.
View the selection → The best balance€300 to €600
More comfort, character, and features.
View the selection → A confident choice€600 to €900
For musicians who already know how they will use the guitar and which body shape they prefer.
View the selection →Budget
Which acoustic guitar should you choose for under €300?
A selection for getting started seriously, choosing your first body shape, and keeping part of your budget for accessories.
Projection & chords
Cort · Dreadnought
Cort Earth60M
An accessible dreadnought for accompaniment, open chords, and energetic playing. Its generous body size suits musicians looking for presence and a traditional acoustic feel.
- Who is it for?
- Beginners, accompaniment, and pick playing
- Key strength
- Dreadnought body shape and projection
- Good to know
- Less compact than an auditorium
Comfort & balance
Cort · Auditorium
Cort L100C
An auditorium guitar designed to offer a balance of comfort, precision, and versatility. It is well suited to seated playing, light fingerstyle, and accompaniment without the need for an overly large body.
- Who is it for?
- Beginners, seated playing, and fingerstyle
- Key strength
- Comfortable and balanced body shape
- Good to know
- Less bass than a jumbo
Fullness & style
Cort · Jumbo
Cort CJ Retro
A jumbo with a bold look for musicians who want fullness, deep lows, and a strong visual presence. It is particularly well suited to accompanying vocals and filling the sound space.
- Who is it for?
- Singing accompaniment and rhythmic playing
- Key strength
- Large body and strong presence
- Good to know
- More cumbersome body shape
Budget
Which acoustic guitar should you choose from €300 to €600?
The heart of the market for gaining comfort, character, and finish quality without exceeding a reasonable budget.
Woody & direct sound
Sigma · Dreadnought
Sigma DM-15
A dreadnought with a restrained, warm character, suited to rhythm playing, folk, and accompaniment. It is aimed at guitarists who want a more serious instrument without moving into a very high price range.
- Who is it for?
- Folk, chords, and accompaniment
- Key strength
- Direct response and traditional character
- Good to know
- Large body, worth trying if you have a smaller build
Versatility & stage
Cort · Auditorium
Cort GA5F Koa
A balanced auditorium guitar designed for versatility, comfort, and broader use. Its body shape works equally well for accompaniment and more detailed playing, while being less cumbersome to hold than a jumbo.
- Who is it for?
- Versatile musician and amplified playing
- Key strength
- Balance between comfort and projection
- Good to know
- Less massive than a dreadnought for powerful strumming
Vocals & accompaniment
Sigma · Jumbo
Sigma GJME
A jumbo made for singing accompaniment, open chords, and broad rhythm playing. It prioritizes size and headroom, with a body shape that gives a genuine sense of a generously voiced instrument.
- Who is it for?
- Singing, strumming, and stage
- Key strength
- Bass, volume, and presence
- Good to know
- Less discreet and less compact
Budget
Which acoustic guitar should you choose from €600 to €900?
More distinctive guitars for musicians who already know their preferences in terms of body shape, playing style, and use.
Premium dreadnought
Sigma · Dreadnought
Sigma DM-SG5 BK
A dreadnought designed for guitarists who want more character, stability, and refined craftsmanship. It is suited to powerful rhythm playing, folk, acoustic rock, and strong accompaniment.
- Who is it for?
- Experienced guitarist, folk, and stage
- Key strength
- Projection and a high-end feel
- Good to know
- A choice geared toward rhythm playing
Our versatile choice
Cort · Auditorium
Cort Gold A8
A high-end auditorium guitar for musicians seeking balance, refinement, and comfort. It is particularly well suited to fingerstyle, nuanced playing, and long-term use.
- Who is it for?
- Fingerstyle, studio, and discerning musicians
- Key strength
- Balance, comfort, and precision
- Good to know
- Less showy than a jumbo, but more versatile
Comfort & large body
Alvarez · Jumbo
Alvarez AEBT70CE Armrest Elite
An ambitious jumbo designed to combine size, comfort, and presence. It suits musicians who want a big sound, strong bass response, and a guitar suited to both accompaniment and the stage.
- Who is it for?
- Singing, stage performance, and expressive playing
- Key strength
- Roomy body designed with comfort in mind
- Good to know
- Size to prioritize if you like larger bodies
Beyond size
Solid wood top, acoustic-electric features, and comfort: what should you look for?
Solid wood top or laminated
A solid wood top can offer greater richness and develop over time. A laminated construction remains a good option for keeping the price down and gaining stability.
Acoustic-electric or purely acoustic
Choose an acoustic-electric guitar if you’re planning to perform on stage, record directly, or use an acoustic amplifier.
Cutaway or non-cutaway
A cutaway makes it easier to reach the higher frets. A non-cutaway body favors a more traditional approach and sometimes provides a larger vibrating surface.
Comfort matters as much as sound
A large Jumbo can be magnificent but tiring for a smaller player. An Auditorium will often be easier to live with day to day.
Common mistakes
What to avoid before buying
Two guitars of the same size can have very different personalities.
A body that’s too large can discourage you from practicing, even if you like the sound.
Don’t pay for electronics you’ll never use.
A gig bag, tuner, picks, capo, and a set of strings should be included in the budget.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right acoustic guitar for your budget
What budget should you plan for a first acoustic guitar?
Under €300 is already enough to get started seriously. It’s often more useful to choose the right size than to immediately aim for the next price range.
Which size is the most versatile?
The Auditorium is generally the most balanced size for comfort, chords, fingerstyle, and accompaniment.
What’s the difference between a Dreadnought and a Jumbo?
The Dreadnought often prioritizes projection and rhythm playing. The Jumbo offers a fuller feel, more bass, and a strong presence.
Does an acoustic-electric guitar sound worse without an amplifier?
Not necessarily. Electronics mainly add the ability to plug in. Acoustic quality depends above all on the instrument’s construction.
Do you need a solid wood top to get started?
It isn’t essential, but it can be a real advantage if your budget allows and you plan to keep the guitar for a long time.
