Welcome to our blog post about the average price of a guitar for acoustic guitars and electric guitars! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how much you should expect to pay for a decent guitar or what price range is typical for most guitarists, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll dive into the different price ranges for guitars, discuss the factors that affect their prices, and provide a rough estimate of the average cost to determine how much guitars cost.
Related: best looking guitars, best left handed guitars, and best Japanese guitars.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or an experienced player seeking an upgrade, this information will help guide you toward making an informed decision on your next guitar purchase.
So, let’s get started and explore the world of guitar prices for acoustic guitars and electric guitars!
Go here if you’re looking for the best electric guitars or the best acoustic guitars.
How much does a guitar cost?
The cost of a guitar can vary widely depending on factors such as the brand, quality, and type of guitar. Acoustic guitars can range from $50 for a very basic model to thousands of dollars for high-end and handcrafted models. Electric guitars can also range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
It is important to set a budget and do research to find a guitar that fits your needs and budget.
What is a good price for a guitar?
A good price for a guitar can vary depending on factors such as the brand, quality, and type of guitar. For beginners, a good quality guitar can be found in the range of $150 to $500. Intermediate and advanced players may need to spend more, anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars.
It is important to set a budget and do research to find a good guitar price that fits your needs and budget.
The Range of Guitar Prices
The range of guitar prices can vary widely depending on several factors, including the brand, quality, and type of guitar.
Here are some general price ranges for different types of guitars:
- Acoustic Guitars:
- Entry-level guitars: $80-$200
- Mid-range guitars: $200-$500
- High-end guitars: $500-$10,000+
- Electric Guitars:
- Entry-level guitars: $150-$400
- Mid-range guitars: $400-$1,000
- High-end guitars: $1,000-$10,000+
- Bass Guitars:
- Entry-level basses: $100-$300
- Mid-range basses: $300-$1,000
- High-end basses: $1,000-$10,000+
It’s important to keep in mind that these are general price ranges and there can be exceptions based on specific models, brands, and features. It’s always a good idea to do your research and try out different guitars before making a purchase to find the one that fits your needs and budget.
For Acoustic Guitars specifically, here is some more in-depth info.
Acoustic guitars come in a wide variety of price ranges, catering to players with different skill levels, needs, and budgets. The cost of an acoustic guitar can range from as low as $80 for entry-level models to over $15,000 for high-end, custom, or vintage guitars. However, the most common price range for the majority of players typically falls between $300 and $3,000.
- Entry-level guitars ($80 – $200): These guitars are designed for beginners and those on a tight budget. They are often made from less expensive materials and may lack some of the features found in higher-priced guitars. However, they can still be a suitable choice for learning the basics and practicing.
- Intermediate guitars ($200 – $500): Guitars in this price range are generally well-built and offer better materials, craftsmanship, and sound quality compared to entry-level models. They cater to players who have some experience and are looking for an upgrade or a more reliable instrument.
- Advanced guitars ($500 – $3,000): These guitars are aimed at more experienced players or professionals who require high-quality instruments with excellent sound, materials, and craftsmanship. They often feature solid wood construction, top-notch hardware, and attention to detail in their design and manufacturing.
- High-end, custom, and vintage guitars ($3,000+): Guitars in this price range are often crafted by skilled luthiers or come from well-known, high-end brands. They may also include rare, unique, or discontinued models that are highly sought after by collectors. These guitars offer exceptional sound, materials, and build quality, and are typically purchased by professional musicians or serious enthusiasts.
It’s important to remember that there is a wide range of guitar prices, and the best choice for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. By understanding the different price ranges and what they offer, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next acoustic guitar.
The Most Common Range of Guitar Prices
The most common price range for guitars generally falls between $300 and $3,000. This range encompasses a wide variety of guitars suitable for players at different skill levels, from beginners to advanced players and even professionals.
- Beginner to intermediate players: For those just starting out or with some experience, guitars in the $300 to $1,000 range are quite popular. These guitars often offer a good balance of quality, playability, and sound without breaking the bank. Many guitarists in this category are looking for an instrument that will help them grow and improve as they progress in their playing journey.
- Intermediate to advanced players: Guitars in the $1,000 to $3,000 range cater to more experienced players who are seeking better materials, craftsmanship, and sound quality. These guitars often feature solid wood construction, higher-quality hardware, and more attention to detail in their design and manufacturing. Players in this range may be serious hobbyists, gigging musicians, or even professionals who need a reliable, high-quality instrument for their performances.
It’s essential to note that the most common price range for guitars can still vary greatly depending on factors such as brand, materials, and features. However, the $300 to $3,000 range generally represents the sweet spot for most guitarists, offering a good selection of instruments that cater to various skill levels and budgets.
The Average Price of Acoustic Guitars
Based on a sample of 312 guitars from a major online music store, the average price of an acoustic guitar is approximately $1,809 (USD), considering the list prices or recommended retail prices.
It’s important to note that the actual price paid for a guitar is often lower than the list price, as discounts and promotions are common. A rough estimate suggests that the average actual price of an acoustic guitar, considering discounts, is likely closer to $1,400 or $1,500 (USD).
When taking into account acoustic-electric guitars, which also include electronics, the average price is slightly higher. In the same sample, the 172 acoustic-electric guitars had an average list price of $2,112 (USD), with an estimated actual price of roughly $1,500. The 140 non-electric acoustics had an average list price of $1,435 (USD), with an estimated actual price of about $1,100.
These average prices should serve as a rough guideline and not an absolute rule, as individual needs, preferences, and budgets will determine the best choice for each guitarist. The most important factor is to find a guitar that suits your needs and provides a good balance of quality, playability, and value for your investment.
Average Actual Price Based On List Price
The average actual price of a guitar based on the list price is often lower than the list price itself, as discounts, promotions, and sales are common in the retail market. In the original post, the author estimated that the actual price paid for a guitar is typically around 75% to 80% of the list price.
Considering the average list price of $1,809 (USD) for the sample of 312 guitars, the estimated average actual price would fall between $1,400 and $1,500 (USD) after applying the 75% to 80% discount assumption. This value provides a more realistic representation of what a buyer might pay for a guitar in the market.
Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and actual price