Best Acoustic Guitars of 2026

Fender's California series is the step-up tier — solid mahogany top (warmer than spruce), Venetian cutaway for easier upper-fret access, and a hand-applied gloss finish. For intermediate players outgrowing the CD-60 this is the right next step.

The non-cutaway version of the California Debut — same chassis and tonewoods, fuller bass response because the body is unbroken. For players who prioritise strumming over upper-fret lead work.

Alternative finish/configuration of the California Debut Redondo at #2. Functionally identical chassis with the same tonewoods and cutaway. Choose between #2 and #5 on finish colour and current stock — sound is the same.

Martin Smith is the UK's dominant sub-£100 guitar brand, named to invoke (but not be) the legendary Martin and Smith brand. The kit bundles a basic plywood-top guitar with stand, picks, strap and a tuner — fine as a gift, not a long-term instrument.

Martin Smith's simpler bundle — guitar plus strap, no stand. Cheaper entry point if you don't need the stand or accessories. Same caveats about laminate top and high action apply.

Max SoloArt's classical (nylon-string) starter kit — nylon strings are gentler on beginner fingertips than steel, but the genres they teach (Spanish/classical) sit at an odd angle to typical UK pop-rock lesson content. Good for absolute beginners worried about finger pain.

3rd Avenue is another budget UK brand at the sub-£60 entry tier. The bundle includes 6 months of free online lessons, same as Max SoloArt. Functionally similar to the Martin Smith picks; pick on colour, current price, and bundled extras.

Generic 38-inch cutaway acoustic at the absolute budget tier (sub-£35). The build is plywood, the tuners are basic, and setup is not optional — but for testing if a child or adult wants to learn before committing to a real instrument, it works for a few weeks.