Quick Summary
Acoustic guitars are generally cheaper, with entry-level prices ranging from $100 to $500. Higher-end models can cost up to $10,000 or more. Electric guitars are often pricier due to additional equipment costs. Entry-level prices range from $150 to $500, with high-end models costing $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
In this article, we take a closer look to answer the question of how much is a guitar in more detail.
Let’s get into it!
How much is a guitar? Let’s find out…
Guitars are probably the most popular and universally used large instruments in the world today.
Sure, most people have dabbled in the woodwind section, with pipes and recorders, and there is always at least some percussion player about, but more than most turn towards the guitar.
There are many reasons for this: they sound nice, they are not as jarring to listen to when learning, they are diverse in how you can play them, and – most importantly – they are relatively cheap and easy to maintain.
It is this last point that we need to take a pause on, though.
Even though guitars can be cheap, you still want to be sure you’re getting good value for your money. There’s no point in buying a “super-cheap” guitar if it’s not going to sound good or stand up over time.
So, exactly how much is a standard guitar? And how expensive can they become? In this article, we will take a closer look at guitars and decipher the range of prices for the instrument.
Costs Of A guitar
If you want to know how much it costs to buy a guitar, then you need to know what sort of guitar you want first, because that will determine your budget.
If you just want something to learn or practice with, then you should consider a basic electric guitar or even a synth guitar.
However, if you really want to get into playing music professionally, then you will need to invest in a good one.
You can find out how much the average guitar costs by looking online or asking around.
You may be surprised at the amount of money you spend on such a simple thing.
Most people seem to start with a cheaper model (like a Fender Stratocaster) and upgrade to something nicer later on.
However, it is possible to start off with something like a cheap version of a guitar for a fraction of the price of a quality guitar and then later on when you have a bit more cash end up spending $2000+ on a decent model.
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As we mentioned earlier, the price depends on the quality and brand of the guitar, so you will have to do some research before choosing which one to go for.
As well as the cost, another factor will be the size of the guitar. In acoustics, the bigger the body, the better the tone.
This will depend on where you live, too. For example, if you live near a big city, you might expect to pay more for a larger guitar.
But, if you live somewhere rural, you’ll usually be able to pick up a smaller model for less money, due to the economics of the area.
It’s all about finding a balance between what you’re willing to pay and what you think looks best.
The final part of the equation is the type of guitar. There are several types available, including steel stringed and nylon stringed, and different models available from different brands.
Steel-stringed guitars tend to be lighter and easier to carry around, while nylon strings are often favored by players who want to work on their technique.
Both types come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s worth doing some research before making any decisions.
How does the price of acoustic guitars compare to electric guitars?
Let’s compare acoustic guitars and electric guitars to see what they typically cost.
Acoustic Guitars
An acoustic guitar is generally considered to be a wooden double-strung instrument played with both hands, although there are other variants, such as those played with only one hand or with two instruments simultaneously.
They are popular among guitarists for being able to produce a wide variety of sounds, and their tone is typically described as having a ‘warm’ sound.
Acoustic guitars are made from wood, but they can vary widely in terms of materials used and design.
Typically, acoustic guitars are priced considerably more oddly than their electric counterparts.
What we mean by this is that a cheap acoustic will be cheaper than a cheap electric guitar with the former being around $40 to the electric $100, but after this better materials, such as better sounding wood, become more expensive and so do the guitars.
This has changed over time, too. During the 1960s and 70s and even earlier, acoustic guitars were relatively easy to obtain, and many musicians would use them instead of an electric guitar unless they were looking for a specific sound.
As electric guitars became more affordable, however, acoustic guitars became less common outside the home, and this trend continues today for most popular music.
Today, acoustic guitars are seen as both a poor man’s guitar and as an expensive investment, depending on how much you pay.
As such, acoustics can vary in price, but there tend to be three price ranges you have.
The first is cheap. These guitars tend to be playable, but not made of the best material. They go for between $30 to $100.
The second is average. These guitars are better made and have quality wood in their construction. These guitars go for around $200 to $800.
Finally, they are the expensive ones. These guitars have the best materials, strings, and all the trimmings. These guitars tend to be in the thousands and are often made by hand.
Electric Guitars
A typical electric guitar consists of a solid body, neck, pickups, tremolo system, bridge, and tuning machines. Electric guitars are produced in a range of styles and sizes.
In recent years, manufacturers have begun using composite materials in place of traditional woods.
These materials offer greater strength and durability and also allow for greater control when building the instrument.
However, composites do have limitations in terms of tone and feel, so the guitarist must still make sure that he/she gets the right combination of material and design for his/her needs.
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There are a number of different kinds of electric guitars available, including:
• Traditional designs, which tend to be heavy and bulky, and thus difficult to transport.
• Lightweight designs, which are built from lightweight materials such as carbon fiber.
• Semi-hollow designs, which have a hollow center section containing electronics and pickup systems.
• Hollow bodies, which may contain electronics, but no pickup system.
• Solid bodies, which are designed without a hollow cavity, and therefore cannot house electronics.
Many guitarists prefer electric guitars because they are smaller, lighter, and more portable than acoustic guitars. In fact, most electric guitars are designed with portability in mind.
This means that they tend to weigh less than acoustic guitars, and are usually designed to fit easily into a backpack or suitcase.
This makes them ideal for touring, where they can be carried around without occupying too much space.
Some people will opt for an electric guitar simply because they enjoy playing it more than an acoustic guitar.
Others like the convenience of an electric guitar, especially if they play out of doors frequently.
Unlike acoustic guitars, the price of electric guitars tends to rise steadily with the more things you put in them.
This is because every change that makes an electric better is a small change with a small component being changed. As such, the price is not as affected by the materials and does not fluctuate as much.
However, this does not mean they cannot be expensive, in fact, electric guitar prices tend to be far higher than acoustics.
The cheapest playable guitar you can get is around $100 and the most expensive are in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
If you are looking at buying an electric for the first time, it is probably best to spend around $200 to $300.
You won’t get the best guitar, but it will be decent, and you can figure out what sound you want for your next guitar purchase after playing.
FAQ’s
What is the most expensive electric guitar?
One of the most expensive electric guitars ever sold is the “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Stratocaster. It was auctioned for charity in 2005 to raise funds for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
The guitar was signed by 19 legendary musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Brian May, Keith Richards, and Paul McCartney, among others.
The “Reach Out to Asia” Fender Stratocaster was sold for a whopping $2.7 million, making it one of the most expensive guitars ever sold.
However…
The most expensive guitar ever sold goes to Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd, sold at auction through Christie’s. The guitar was Gilmour’s “Black Strat” which sold for US$3.975 million, becoming the most valuable guitar ever sold, privately or at auction. It was purchased by Colts’ owner Jim Irsay.
Is acoustic guitar beginner friendly?
Acoustic guitars can be more challenging to play for beginners due to the thicker strings and larger body, but they can also help build finger strength and offer a more traditional playing experience.
My recommendation is to start with an acoustic guitar.
Is it good to buy an electric guitar for beginners?
Electric guitars can be a good choice for beginners who prioritize versatility and customization options, but they can also be more expensive and require external equipment like an amplifier.
If your goal is to be a rock star, an electric guitar is your best bet.
Is electric guitar easier after learning acoustic?
While there may be some transferable skills between acoustic and electric guitar, the two instruments have distinct differences in terms of playing technique, sound production, and equipment.
It’s not necessarily easier or harder to learn one after the other but your finger dexterity will transfer between the two instruments and make learning how to play an electric somewhat easier and faster.
Should I learn acoustic before electric?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s ultimately up to personal preference and goals. Learning acoustic guitar first may help build finger strength and develop a traditional playing style, while learning electric guitar first may offer more versatility and customization options.
Is it easier to learn acoustic or electric first?
Again, there’s no definitive answer to this question. Some beginners may find acoustic guitar more challenging due to the thicker strings and larger body, while others may prefer the versatility and ease of playing an electric guitar. It’s important to try out different instruments and find what works best for you.
What is the average price of a quality acoustic guitar for beginners?
The average price of a quality acoustic guitar for beginners can vary depending on the brand, model, and features, but generally ranges from $100 to $500. Some well-known brands that offer affordable and high-quality acoustic guitars for beginners include Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone.
What is the average price of a quality electric guitar for beginners?
The average price of a quality electric guitar for beginners can also vary widely but is generally higher than that of an acoustic guitar due to the added cost of an amplifier and other accessories.
Electric guitars for beginners can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 or more. Some popular brands that offer quality electric guitars for beginners include Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez.
It’s important to note that higher-end models can cost significantly more.
Conclusion
Guitars are more expensive now than they were in the past, however with that expense comes quality and diversity.
Even though it is a little dearer to buy a guitar, it is also the best time to work out exactly how you want your guitar to sound because you can also make it happen.
Happy Playing!
