A good guitar typically costs between $300 and $1,500, depending on type and build.

I’ve spent years testing instruments, visiting shops, and helping players choose guitars. In this guide I’ll explain how much does a good guitar cost, why prices vary, and how to pick one that fits your goals and budget. Read on for clear, experience-based advice and practical steps to get a guitar that sounds great and feels right.

What “good” means and the factors that affect price

A “good” guitar is one that sounds right, stays in tune, and feels comfortable to play. How much does a good guitar cost depends on materials, craftsmanship, brand, electronics, and setup. Tonewoods, hardware, and manufacturing location all change the price. A well-set-up mid-range guitar can often feel better than an expensive instrument that has poor setup or flaws.

Typical price ranges by guitar type

Prices vary by type. Knowing these ranges helps set realistic expectations when asking how much does a good guitar cost.

• Acoustic steel-string guitars
  • Entry-level: $100 to $300
  • Mid-range: $300 to $1,200
  • Professional: $1,200 to $5,000+
• Classical (nylon-string) guitars
  • Entry-level: $120 to $300
  • Mid-range: $300 to $1,000
  • Professional: $1,000 to $4,000+
• Electric solid-body guitars
  • Entry-level: $150 to $400
  • Mid-range: $400 to $1,500
  • Professional: $1,500 to $5,000+
• Semi-hollow and hollow-body electrics
  • Mid-range: $600 to $3,000
  • Professional and vintage: $3,000 to $10,000+
• Acoustic-electric and travel guitars
  • Often overlap with acoustic ranges, but electronics add $50 to $300

These bands show typical markets. When people ask how much does a good guitar cost, they often mean instruments in the mid-range that balance tone and playability.

What you get at each price point

Understanding what you get helps you buy smarter. Here’s a practical look at how much does a good guitar cost by feature.

• Under $300
  • Basic woods and hardware. Often mass-produced with simpler finishes.
  • Good for beginners but may need a professional setup to play well.
• $300 to $800
  • Better woods, improved pickups on electrics, and nicer fit and finish.
  • Many players find the sweet spot for value here.
• $800 to $2,000
  • Higher-grade tonewoods, custom neck profiles, boutique electronics, and better assembly.
  • Ideal for serious hobbyists and gigging musicians.
• $2,000+
  • Premium materials, handmade or limited-run builds, and vintage reissues.
  • Long-term investment for professionals and collectors.

If your core question is how much does a good guitar cost, most players aiming for quality without overspending land in the $300–$1,500 range.

Where to buy and how location affects cost

Where you buy changes final cost and risk. Retailers, private sellers, and factories all differ.

• Local music stores
  • Pros: Try before you buy, expert setup, returns or help with warranty.
  • Cons: Slightly higher prices than some online deals.
• Online shops and marketplaces
  • Pros: Wide selection and competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Harder to judge feel and tone; shipping risk.
• Used gear and private sales
  • Pros: Big savings; you can find high-end guitars at lower prices.
  • Cons: Need to check condition, neck warps, electronics, and hidden wear.

When wondering how much does a good guitar cost, factor in tax, shipping, and setup. A cheap-looking price can rise quickly once you add those essentials.

Tips to buy a good guitar without overspending

You can get a great instrument without breaking the bank. Use these tips to keep costs sensible while getting quality.

• Try before you buy whenever possible to judge playability and tone.
• Prioritize a professional setup; many guitars improve dramatically after a setup.
• Consider high-quality used guitars to lower how much does a good guitar cost.
• Focus on playability over looks; a comfortable neck and low action matter more than fancy inlays.
• Buy from reputable sellers who offer return windows or warranties.

I often tell students to spend a bit more on a setup than on cosmetic upgrades. A $400 guitar with a good setup will outplay a $700 guitar that’s untouched.

Accessories and long-term ownership costs

The cost of a guitar goes beyond the instrument. Budget for these items when you ask how much does a good guitar cost.

• Case or gig bag
  • A hard case protects the instrument and adds $80 to $400.
• Strings and maintenance
  • Expect $5 to $20 per set and routine setups every 6–12 months.
• Amplifiers and pedals (for electric players)
  • Small practice amps start at $50; quality amps and pedals add hundreds.
• Lessons and learning resources
  • Investing in lessons speeds progress and preserves the value of your instrument.

Plan for ongoing costs so you don’t underestimate how much does a good guitar cost in real life.

Personal experience: mistakes I’ve made and what I learned

I’ve bought guitars in every price range. Early on I chose looks over neck feel and regretted it. Here are practical lessons from real use.

• A cheap guitar with poor setup felt unplayable until I paid for a pro setup. The setup cost less than the difference to a better guitar.
• Buying used saved me money, but I always checked neck straightness, frets, and electronics before paying.
• I learned that brand prestige doesn’t always equal better tone. Playability and setup matter more.

When asking how much does a good guitar cost, remember that my best-value guitars were mid-priced and well-set-up. Avoid chasing price tags; chase feel and sound.

Buying checklist: final questions to ask

Use this checklist to answer how much does a good guitar cost for your needs.

• Do I prefer acoustic, electric, or classical?
• Is the guitar comfortable in my hands and easy to fret?
• Has it been professionally set up or will I need a setup?
• Are there visible damages, fret wear, or electronic issues?
• What is the total cost after case, strings, setup, and tax?

Answer these and you’ll narrow down a realistic price range quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions of how much does a good guitar cost

How much does a good guitar cost for a beginner?

A good beginner guitar commonly costs between $200 and $600. That range often gives decent tone and playability without large extra setup costs.

Is it worth spending $1,000 on a guitar?

Yes, if you need better tone, durability, and professional features for gigging or recording. For many players, $800–$1,500 is the sweet spot.

Can I find a good guitar used for less?

Yes, used guitars can offer excellent value. Inspect neck straightness, fret wear, and electronics to avoid surprise repair costs.

How much should I budget for accessories and setup?

Plan to add $100 to $500 for a good case, strings, and a professional setup. Amps and pedals will add more for electric players.

Do brand names justify higher price tags?

Brand reputation affects price but not always playability. Try guitars in person; feel and sound matter more than logo.

Conclusion

Choosing how much does a good guitar cost comes down to goals, type, and commitment. Mid-range instruments between $300 and $1,500 deliver the best balance of tone, playability, and value for most players. Test guitars in person, budget for setup and accessories, and don’t hesitate to buy used when the condition is right. Take the checklist, try a few instruments, and choose the guitar that inspires you to play more. If this guide helped, share your experience below or subscribe for more gear advice and buying tips.