Guitars Price Comparison
Compare 189 guitars from Yamaha, PRS, Sigma and more. Find the best price across top UK retailers, from beginner acoustics to premium electrics.
Guitars price comparison UK
Yamaha dominates this catalogue in a way that's hard to ignore — nearly half of the 189 guitars listed carry that tuning fork logo, and for good reason. Their FG and CSF series consistently sit at the top of our most-compared listings, offering solid spruce tops and reliable hardware at prices that undercut many rivals. That said, the market here is genuinely varied: PRS Guitars brings a premium edge with an average price well above the category median, whilst Ibanez keeps things accessible for players who want a fast neck without spending a fortune.
The price spread is striking. At one end, you'll find entry-level classical guitars and beginner kits barely above 39 £ — think Lexibook toy-grade instruments and Best Choice Products bundles aimed squarely at curious children or absolute first-timers. At the other, Sigma's SDM-SG5 and LAVA Music's carbon-fibre offerings push well past 39 £, targeting players who know exactly what they want from a tonewood. Most buyers, however, will find their sweet spot somewhere between 39 £ and 39 £, where Yamaha's FG800 series and Takamine's entry electro-acoustics deliver genuine quality without demanding a second mortgage.
One thing our data makes clear: the electro-acoustic segment is growing. Models like the Yamaha FX370C and CSF1M come with onboard preamps and piezo pickups as standard, making them stage-ready out of the box. If you're shopping for a purely acoustic instrument, the ukulele category offers a lighter, more portable alternative — whilst serious low-end players should head straight to our bass guitars section for dedicated options.
Worth noting for UK buyers: most guitars in this catalogue ship from Amazon.co.uk, Gear4music, or Thomann's UK warehouse, meaning next-day delivery is often available. John Lewis occasionally stocks Yamaha's classical range with their standard two-year guarantee, which is worth factoring in if after-sales support matters to you. Black Friday and the January sales reliably bring 15–20% off mid-range acoustics — if you're not in a rush, patience pays.
How to Choose the Right Guitar: Body Type, Tonewoods, and Budget
With everything from £22 toy classicals to £2,000+ boutique acoustics in this catalogue, the hardest part isn't finding a guitar — it's knowing which questions to ask. Our guide cuts through the noise by focusing on the decisions that actually matter for your playing style and budget.
Body type and playing style
This is the single most important decision, and it's often the one buyers rush past. Dreadnoughts (like the Yamaha FG800) are the workhorses — loud, full-bodied, and suited to strumming and flatpicking. Parlour and concert bodies (like the Yamaha CSF1M) are smaller, quieter, and far more comfortable for fingerpicking or long practice sessions on the sofa. Classical guitars use nylon strings and a wider neck — they're not interchangeable with steel-string acoustics, so don't buy one expecting to play rock. Solid-body electrics (Yamaha Pacifica series) eliminate feedback entirely and suit everything from blues to metal. If you're unsure, a dreadnought acoustic or a Pacifica-style solid-body electric are the safest all-rounders.
Tonewoods: what actually matters at your price point
Tonewoods matter enormously — but only once you're spending enough for them to make a difference. Below 39 £, most guitars use laminate tops (thin layers of wood pressed together), which are durable but acoustically flat. From 39 £ upwards, you start seeing solid spruce or cedar tops, which resonate more freely and improve with age. Spruce (used on most Yamaha FG models) is bright and articulate; cedar is warmer and responds better to a lighter touch. Back and sides in rosewood add depth and sustain; mahogany keeps things mid-forward and punchy. Don't obsess over back and side woods at entry level — the top is where 80% of the tone comes from.
Electro-acoustic or purely acoustic?
If there's any chance you'll want to play live or record directly into an interface, pay the small premium for an electro-acoustic. Models like the Yamaha FX370C include a piezo pickup and onboard preamp with EQ, which means you can plug straight into a PA or audio interface without buying a separate microphone setup. The caveat: onboard electronics add weight and can introduce battery issues mid-gig. If you'll only ever play unplugged at home, skip the electronics and put that money into a better solid top instead.
Neck profile and scale length for comfort
Beginners consistently underestimate how much neck profile affects the learning curve. A slim C-shape neck (common on Ibanez models) makes chord transitions easier for players with smaller hands; a chunkier U-shape suits larger hands and fingerstyle players who want more wood to grip. Scale length is equally important: full-scale (650mm) guitars have higher string tension, which produces better sustain but harder fretting. Three-quarter scale instruments are genuinely useful for children or travel — not just a gimmick — but adults should default to full scale unless they have a specific reason not to.
Hardware quality: where cheap guitars cut corners
The first thing to check on any budget guitar is the tuning machines. Die-cast open-gear tuners on sub-39 £ instruments often slip, meaning you'll spend more time tuning than playing. Sealed tuners hold pitch far better. The nut is the second weak point: plastic nuts (standard below 39 £) can cause strings to bind and go out of tune after bending. A simple bone or Tusq nut upgrade costs under £20 fitted and transforms a mid-range guitar. PRS and higher-end Sigma models include quality hardware as standard — one reason their resale value holds better than budget alternatives.
Brand reputation and what the warranty actually covers
Yamaha's two-year warranty and widespread UK service network make them the lowest-risk choice for first-time buyers. PRS Guitars offer a limited lifetime warranty on their core range, which is exceptional at their price point. Sigma (distributed by AMI Musical Instruments) provides solid coverage but with fewer UK service centres. Be cautious with Best Choice Products and RockJam: these are starter/gift-grade instruments with minimal after-sales support. They're fine for a child's first guitar, but don't expect them to last beyond a year of regular playing.
- Beginner and gift-grade (From 39 £ to 39 £) : This tier is almost entirely laminate-top acoustics, classical nylon-string guitars, and beginner kits. Yamaha's C40 and CGS103AII classical models are the standout options here — genuinely playable instruments with decent intonation. Best Choice Products and RockJam bundles sit at the very bottom and are best treated as gifts rather than serious instruments. Expect plastic nuts, basic tuners, and laminate everything. Fine for a curious child; frustrating for a motivated adult.
- The sweet spot (From 39 £ to 39 £) : This is where the catalogue gets interesting. Yamaha's FG800 series dominates, offering solid spruce tops and scalloped bracing at a price that embarrasses many rivals. Ibanez also delivers well here with fast, slim necks suited to electric-style playing. You'll find your first genuinely solid-top acoustics in this range, along with entry-level electro-acoustics. The Fender CD-60 sits at the lower end and is a reliable dreadnought for strummers. Recommended for adults learning seriously or returning players.
- For the committed player (From 39 £ to 39 £) : Yamaha's CSF1M parlour guitars and PAC311H electric sit here, alongside Takamine's electro-acoustics and Sterling by Music Man's electric range. Solid tops are standard; electronics are more refined; hardware quality takes a noticeable step up. This is the range where tonewoods start to genuinely differentiate instruments. A good choice for intermediate players who've outgrown their first guitar and want something that will last a decade.
- Premium and boutique (Over 39 £) : PRS Guitars and Sigma's high-end models (SDM-SG5 at over £1,000) occupy this tier, along with LAVA Music's carbon-fibre acoustics. These are instruments for players who know what they want: specific tonewoods, premium hardware, exceptional build quality. The Yamaha PAC611HFM electric also sits here with its flamed maple top and HSH pickup configuration. Not for beginners — but if you're buying once and buying right, this tier rewards the investment.
Top products
- Yamaha FG800M NT Acoustic guitar 6 strings Wood (Yamaha) : The benchmark mid-range acoustic: solid Sitka spruce top, scalloped bracing, and reliable hardware at a price that makes most rivals look overpriced. The matte finish is a nice touch for players who dislike the plasticky feel of gloss. Our top pick for serious beginners and returning players.
- Yamaha FX370C BL Acoustic-electric guitar 6 strings Black (Yamaha) : The most-compared electro-acoustic in the catalogue, and deservedly so. The onboard preamp and piezo system are stage-ready, and the black finish looks sharp. Not the warmest unplugged tone — the laminate top limits resonance — but as a gigging workhorse under 39 £, it's hard to fault.
- Yamaha CSF1M TBS Acoustic guitar 6 strings Brown (Yamaha) : A parlour-body acoustic with a solid mahogany top that produces a warm, mid-forward tone ideal for fingerpicking and singer-songwriters. More comfortable for long sessions than a dreadnought. The tobacco sunburst finish is genuinely attractive. Worth every penny for players who prioritise feel over volume.
- Yamaha PAC311H Electric guitar Solid 6 strings Brown, Rosewood, Wood, Yellow (Yamaha) : The Pacifica series has been the go-to beginner electric for decades, and the PAC311H keeps that tradition alive. Versatile HSS pickup configuration, comfortable C-shape neck, and solid build quality. Not the most exciting guitar aesthetically, but it will outlast cheaper alternatives and hold its resale value.
- Sigma Guitars SDM-SG5 guitar Acoustic guitar 6 strings Multicolour (Sigma Guitars) : The premium outlier in this catalogue — a high-end dreadnought with a price tag to match. Sigma's build quality at this level is exceptional, with solid tonewoods throughout and hardware that rivals guitars costing significantly more. Only recommended for experienced players who know what they're buying; overkill for anyone still learning.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an acoustic and an electro-acoustic guitar?
An electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic instrument with a built-in pickup system — typically a piezo transducer under the saddle — and an onboard preamp that lets you plug into an amplifier or PA system. Unplugged, it sounds identical to a standard acoustic. The practical difference is that electro-acoustics like the Yamaha FX370C or CSF1M are stage-ready without needing a separate microphone, making them the better choice if you ever plan to perform live or record directly. If you'll only ever play at home, a pure acoustic with a better solid top is often the smarter spend at the same price point.
Is a Yamaha guitar worth the premium over cheaper brands?
Yes, for most buyers — particularly in the 39 £ to 39 £ range where Yamaha's quality control is genuinely hard to beat. Their FG800 series uses a solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing that you'd expect to find on instruments costing significantly more. The two-year warranty and widespread UK service network add real peace of mind. Below 39 £, the gap narrows — Yamaha's C40 classical is excellent, but so are some rivals at similar prices. Above 39 £, brands like PRS and Sigma offer more specialised options that may suit experienced players better.
What size guitar should a child start on?
Children under 8 should start on a half or three-quarter size guitar; ages 8–12 typically suit a three-quarter (around 580mm scale length); teenagers and adults can go straight to full scale. Yamaha's CGS103AII is a well-made three-quarter classical that holds its tuning reliably — a significant advantage for young learners who get frustrated quickly. Avoid the very cheapest beginner kits: poor intonation and high action make learning genuinely harder, and a child who can't get a clean chord sound will give up faster.
Should I avoid buying a guitar online without trying it first?
Not necessarily, but you should buy from a retailer with a clear returns policy. Most guitars in this catalogue are sold through Amazon.co.uk, Gear4music, or Thomann — all of whom offer free returns within 30 days. The risk with online purchases is action height: some guitars arrive with action set too high, making fretting uncomfortable. This is fixable (a setup costs £30–£50 at most guitar shops), but factor that into your budget. Established models like the Yamaha FG800 or Fender CD-60 have consistent factory setups, making them safer blind buys than obscure brands.
What are the most common mistakes first-time guitar buyers make?
Buying on looks rather than playability is the most expensive mistake. A guitar that's uncomfortable to hold or has high action will sit in a corner unused within a month. The second mistake is over-spending on electronics for a beginner — a £400 electro-acoustic is wasted on someone still learning open chords. Third: ignoring the nut and tuning machines on budget instruments. A guitar that won't stay in tune is demoralising. Stick to Yamaha or Fender at entry level, get a basic setup done if needed, and upgrade once you know what you actually want from an instrument.
Are PRS guitars worth the price in 2026?
PRS guitars justify their premium for intermediate-to-advanced players who prioritise build consistency and long-term resale value. With an average price well above 39 £ in this catalogue, they're not entry-level instruments — but their hardware quality, fretwork, and tonewoods are noticeably superior to mid-range alternatives. The limited lifetime warranty is a genuine differentiator. That said, for a player still developing their technique, the difference between a PRS and a well-set-up Yamaha Pacifica is unlikely to be audible. Spend the PRS money once you've outgrown two or three previous guitars.
What does 'action' mean, and why does it matter when buying a guitar?
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, measured at the 12th fret. High action makes fretting harder and more painful — a common issue on budget guitars straight out of the box. Low action makes playing easier but can cause fret buzz if set too low. The ideal is medium action: roughly 2–2.5mm on the bass strings and 1.5–2mm on the treble strings. Always check reviews for action complaints before buying, particularly on instruments below 39 £. A professional setup can correct poor action, but it adds cost and shouldn't be necessary on a well-made instrument.