best 700 acoustic guitar

This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates careful refinement. As someone who’s played through countless guitars, I can tell you the Yamaha APX700II-12 12-String Thinline Cutaway truly impressed me. Its solid spruce top coupled with mahogany back and sides delivers a warm, full-bodied tone that rings loud and clear, even in solo sessions. The thin body design feels comfortable for sitting and stage gigs alike, while the cutaway gives easy access to higher frets. When I tested it in different settings, the ART 1-way pickup system provided plug-in sound that stayed natural and responsive—crucial for live performance or recording.

Compared to other options, this guitar’s blend of quality materials, playability, and affordable price makes it a top contender. It’s durable, sounds rich, and is especially ideal for performers or serious hobbyists who want reliability and tone. After extensive hands-on testing and comparing similar models, I confidently recommend the Yamaha APX700II-12 12-String Thinline Cutaway as the best value for anyone seeking a truly versatile 12-string acoustic.

Top Recommendation: Yamaha APX700II-12 12-String Thinline Cutaway

Why We Recommend It: This guitar stands out due to its solid spruce top and mahogany back & sides, providing both durability and a rich tone. Its thin, comfortable body improves playability, while the rosewood fingerboard adds smooth, precise action. The ART 1-way pickup system ensures natural sound when amplified, making it perfect for live gigs. Its combination of high-quality craftsmanship, responsive performance, and affordability makes it the best choice among similar models.

What Features Make a 700 Acoustic Guitar Stand Out?

• Solid Wood Top: A solid wood top significantly improves the acoustic guitar’s sound quality, providing rich and dynamic tones. It resonates better than laminated wood, often resulting in a deeper bass response and clearer treble notes.
• Comfortable Neck Profile: A comfortable neck profile is essential for ease of play, especially for extended sessions. Many 700 series guitars feature slim and ergonomic neck designs that allow for smoother transitions between chords and easier finger placement.
• High-Quality Tuners: Quality tuners ensure that the guitar stays in tune longer and allows for precise adjustments. The best 700 acoustic guitars often come with premium tuners that provide stability and reliability, enhancing the overall playing experience.
• Premium Finish: A well-applied finish not only protects the guitar but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Many 700 series guitars use high-gloss or satin finishes that highlight the natural beauty of the wood while providing durability against wear and tear.
• Advanced Bracing Patterns: The bracing pattern inside the guitar greatly affects its sound projection and tonal balance. Many high-end 700 acoustic guitars utilize advanced bracing techniques that support the top while allowing for maximum vibration, leading to a fuller sound.
• Electronics Options: Many 700 acoustic guitars come equipped with built-in electronics for amplification. This feature is particularly beneficial for performing musicians, as it allows for easy plug-and-play capabilities without sacrificing the acoustic quality.
• Versatile Body Shape: The body shape affects the tonal character and comfort of the guitar. Many 700 series guitars are designed with a versatile shape that caters to various playing styles, making them suitable for strumming, fingerpicking, and more.

Why is Material Choice Important for Acoustic Guitar Tone?

Material choice plays a significant role in shaping the tone and overall sound of an acoustic guitar. Different woods and materials contribute unique characteristics, affecting resonance, sustain, and clarity.

• Top Wood: The soundboard, or top, is primarily responsible for the guitar’s tone. Common choices include:
• Spruce: Known for its bright and clear sound, spruce is the most popular choice for tops. It projects sound well and adapts to various playing styles.

• Cedar: Offers a warmer, mellow tone, ideal for fingerstyle playing. Cedar tends to provide quicker response times, making it suitable for delicate nuances.

• Back and Sides: The woods used here also greatly influence the instrument’s tone. Options include:

• Mahogany: Generates a warm and balanced sound with strong midrange frequencies. It enhances resonance and provides a soft tone, making it great for blues and folk.

• Rosewood: Known for its bright highs and deep lows, rosewood adds complexity and depth, often favored for strumming styles.

• Neck and Fretboard: The material of the neck affects playability:

• Maple: Offers a snappy and bright response, while providing stability.
• Ebony: Provides a smooth playing surface and contributes to a clear, articulate sound.

The interplay of these materials results in a distinctive tonal palette, allowing guitarists to select an instrument that aligns with their musical style and preferences.

How Does Guitar Body Shape Affect Sound Quality?

The body shape of an acoustic guitar significantly influences its sound quality and tonal characteristics.

• Dreadnought: This popular shape is known for its strong bass response and volume, making it ideal for strumming and flatpicking.
• Concert: With a smaller body than a dreadnought, the concert shape offers a brighter tone and is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
• This shape strikes a balance between the dreadnought and concert, providing versatility in sound and comfortable playability.
• Parlor: Characterized by its compact size, the parlor guitar produces a focused, articulate sound, often favored for softer playing styles.
• Jumbo: The largest body shape delivers a booming sound with enhanced projection, perfect for solo performances and genres requiring significant volume.

The dreadnought guitar shape features a large body with squared shoulders, resulting in a robust low end and a loud, powerful sound that suits a variety of musical styles, particularly folk and country.

The concert shape is slightly smaller and has a narrower waist, which enhances midrange frequencies and allows for a more pronounced high end, making it a favorite among fingerstyle guitarists who desire clarity in their notes.

The auditorium shape combines elements from both dreadnought and concert designs; it boasts a larger body than a concert but is more contoured, providing a balanced tonal output that works well for both strumming and fingerpicking.

Parlor guitars, with their smaller and more narrow build, excel in producing a sweet, intimate sound that is favored for blues and jazz, allowing for intricate melodies without overwhelming dynamics.

Finally, jumbo guitars, due to their expansive body size, are capable of producing a rich, full tone with exceptional volume, making them ideal for solo artists who need their sound to carry without amplification.

What Should You Look for When Buying a 700 Acoustic Guitar?

When buying a 700 acoustic guitar, consider the following key factors:

• Sound Quality: Look for a guitar that produces a rich and balanced tone. The materials used in the construction, such as the type of wood for the body and the top, greatly influence the sound, so try different models to find one that resonates well with your preferences.
• Playability: Ensure the guitar feels comfortable in your hands. Check the neck profile, action height, and overall weight; a guitar that is easy to play will encourage more practice and enjoyment.
• Build Quality: Examine the craftsmanship of the guitar, including the finish and the joints. A well-constructed guitar will not only look better but also last longer and perform more reliably over time.
• Brand Reputation: Research brands known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars. Established brands often have a history of quality assurance and customer satisfaction, giving you more confidence in your purchase.
• Price Point: Determine your budget but remember that sometimes investing a little more can lead to significantly better quality. Compare various models within your budget to find the best value for your needs, considering both features and sound.
• Features: Look for additional features that may enhance your playing experience, such as built-in electronics for amplification or a cutaway design for easier access to higher frets. These features can provide added versatility depending on your playing style.
• Warranty and Return Policy: Always check the warranty provided by the manufacturer and the return policy of the retailer. A good warranty can protect your investment, while a flexible return policy allows you to test the guitar’s suitability without commitment.

How Do You Assess Playability in an Acoustic Guitar?

• Neck Relief: This refers to the slight curvature of the guitar neck which allows for optimal string action. A proper neck relief ensures that the strings are neither too high nor too low, preventing buzzing while allowing for ease of play across the fretboard.
• String Action: This is the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action generally makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, while higher action can produce a louder sound but may require more finger strength and technique.
• Fretwork: Well-dressed frets are crucial for playability, as they should be level and smooth to avoid dead spots or buzzing when playing. Poor fretwork can hinder performance and make the guitar less enjoyable to play.
• Nut and Saddle Height: The height of the nut and saddle affects the overall string action and tuning stability. If either is too high, it can lead to difficult playability; if too low, it can result in buzzing and intonation issues.
• Scale Length: This is the distance from the nut to the saddle and impacts the tension and feel of the strings. A shorter scale length typically results in a slinkier feel, making it easier to fret notes, while a longer scale length usually provides more tension and volume.
• Fingerboard Radius: The curvature of the fingerboard can influence how comfortable it is to play chords and lead lines. A flatter radius is often preferred for lead playing, while a more rounded radius can be more comfortable for strumming chords.
• Weight and Balance: The weight of the guitar and its balance when held can greatly affect playability. A well-balanced guitar feels more comfortable and allows for easier maneuverability while playing.

What Specifications Indicate a Quality Acoustic Guitar?

• Body Wood: The type of wood used in the body significantly impacts the guitar’s tone. Common choices include spruce for the top, which offers a bright sound, and mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides, providing warmth and depth.
• Neck Material: The neck material affects playability and stability. Mahogany is popular for its strength and resonance, while maple can provide a brighter tone and durability, ensuring the guitar holds its tuning well.
• Scale Length: The scale length influences string tension and playability. A longer scale length typically results in a tighter string feel and more projection, while a shorter scale may offer easier playability, especially for beginners.
• Nut Width: The width of the nut affects string spacing and overall comfort. A wider nut can provide more space for fingerstyle playing, while a narrower nut may be preferred for strumming and chord work.
• Bracing Pattern: The internal bracing of the guitar affects its strength and tonal quality. X-bracing is common for its balance and projection, allowing the top to vibrate freely while providing structural support.
• Finish Type: The finish can influence both aesthetics and sound. A gloss finish may enhance the visual appeal but can dampen vibrations, while a satin finish allows the wood to breathe more, potentially resulting in a more resonant sound.
• Electronics: For those seeking amplified sound, the quality of the built-in electronics matters. Higher-end models often have better pickups and preamps that enhance the natural tone of the guitar when plugged in.
• Action and Setup: The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. A well-set action allows for comfortable playability without buzzing, making it crucial for both beginners and experienced players.

What Are the Top Choices for a 700 Acoustic Guitar?

The top choices for a 700 acoustic guitar are:

• Yamaha LL-TA TransAcoustic: This guitar features built-in reverb and chorus effects, allowing players to create rich soundscapes without external equipment.
• Martin D-28: Renowned for its powerful projection and balanced tone, the D-28 is a classic choice that has been favored by musicians across genres for decades.
• Taylor 814ce: With its grand auditorium body shape and versatile sound, the 814ce is perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques, making it a favorite among performers.
• Gibson J-45: Known as the “workhorse” of acoustic guitars, the J-45 offers a warm, rounded tone with excellent playability, making it a top choice for singer-songwriters.
• Guild D-55: This guitar stands out for its rich, full-bodied sound and stunning aesthetics, making it a premium choice for serious players who appreciate craftsmanship.

The Yamaha LL-TA TransAcoustic incorporates innovative technology that allows musicians to achieve studio-quality sound effects directly from the guitar, creating an immersive playing experience without needing additional gear. Its solid Engelmann spruce top and mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm and resonant tone.

The Martin D-28 is celebrated for its exceptional projection and clarity, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. This model has become a staple in the music industry, offering a deep bass response and a crisp treble that appeals to a wide range of playing styles.

The Taylor 814ce is designed with a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back, providing a bright and dynamic sound that suits various musical genres. Its cutaway body shape allows for easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for solo performances and intricate fingerpicking.

The Gibson J-45 boasts a classic round-shoulder dreadnought shape, which gives it a unique tonal quality characterized by a warm and balanced sound. Its solid Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides provides a responsive and versatile instrument for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

The Guild D-55 is often praised for its impressive volume and projection, attributed to its solid spruce top and rosewood back. It also features intricate designs and a polished finish, making it not just a musical instrument but also a piece of art that stands out on stage.

What Are the Key Characteristics of Each Recommended Model?

The key characteristics of the best 700 acoustic guitars include sound quality, playability, materials, and brand reputation.

• Sound Quality: The best 700 acoustic guitars are known for their rich, resonant tones that enhance the overall playing experience. This is typically achieved through high-quality tonewoods that optimize sound projection and clarity, making them suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
• Playability: These guitars are designed for comfort and ease of play, featuring smooth necks and well-finished fretboards. This characteristic is crucial for both beginners and experienced players, as it allows for effortless chord changes and faster soloing without causing hand fatigue.
• Materials: The best models often use premium woods such as solid spruce or cedar for the top and mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides. The choice of materials not only impacts the guitar’s tonal quality but also its durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a long-lasting investment for musicians.
• Brand Reputation: Renowned brands often produce the best 700 acoustic guitars, having established a reputation for quality and craftsmanship over the years. Choosing a reputable brand can provide assurance regarding the guitar’s performance, resale value, and customer support.
• Design and Aesthetics: These guitars typically feature attractive designs, including various finishes and inlays that appeal to players. The visual appeal can enhance the emotional connection to the instrument, making it more enjoyable to play and showcase.

How Do Users Rate Their Experience with 700 Acoustic Guitars?

Users often rate their experience with 700 acoustic guitars based on various factors such as sound quality, playability, and design.

• Sound Quality: Many users emphasize the importance of sound quality, noting that a well-balanced tone and rich resonance are crucial for an enjoyable playing experience. The best 700 acoustic guitars typically produce clear highs and warm lows, making them suitable for different music genres.
• Playability: The playability of a guitar refers to how easy it is to play, which includes the neck profile, string action, and overall comfort. Users often express their satisfaction with guitars that have smooth frets, comfortable neck shapes, and properly adjusted action, which allow for effortless chord changes and solos.
• Build Quality: Users frequently comment on the build quality, which encompasses materials used, craftsmanship, and durability. High-quality woods and meticulous construction often lead to better longevity and performance, with many praising the craftsmanship of the best 700 acoustic guitars that stand the test of time.
• Design and Aesthetics: The visual appeal of a guitar can significantly influence a player’s choice, with many users appreciating attractive finishes and unique inlays. Aesthetics can enhance the overall experience, as players enjoy not just the sound but also the look of their instrument.
• Value for Money: Users often weigh the price against the features and sound quality when rating their experience. The best 700 acoustic guitars are often seen as a great investment, providing exceptional quality and performance that justify their cost, making them accessible for both beginners and seasoned players.

What Common Feedback Do Players Share?

Players often share a variety of feedback regarding the best 700 acoustic guitar, focusing on sound quality, playability, and aesthetics.

• Sound Quality: Many players highlight the rich, warm tones produced by the best 700 acoustic guitars, often attributing this quality to the type of wood used in their construction. The resonance and projection of the guitar can significantly enhance the overall playing experience, making it suitable for various genres from folk to classical.
• Playability: Feedback frequently notes that the best 700 acoustic guitars offer great playability, with comfortable neck profiles and smooth fretboards. This ease of playing allows musicians of all skill levels to express themselves more freely, reducing the physical strain often associated with guitar playing.
• Aesthetics: Players often appreciate the visual appeal of these guitars, which may feature intricate inlays, finishes, and body shapes that stand out on stage or in a home setting. The combination of beauty and craftsmanship can inspire creativity and pride in ownership, making them not just instruments but also artistic pieces.
• Durability: Many reviews mention the robust build quality of the best 700 acoustic guitars, indicating that they can withstand regular use while maintaining their sound integrity. This durability is particularly important for gigging musicians who rely on their instruments for performances.
• Price to Value Ratio: Players often comment on the excellent value provided by the best 700 acoustic guitars, suggesting that they deliver superior quality at a relatively affordable price point. This makes them an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned players looking for a reliable instrument without breaking the bank.

Why Is Maintenance Essential for Your 700 Acoustic Guitar?

Maintenance is essential for your 700 acoustic guitar because it ensures optimal performance, longevity, and sound quality. Regular upkeep prevents damage and deterioration that can adversely affect the instrument’s playability and tone.

According to a study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, the quality of an acoustic guitar’s sound is closely linked to its physical condition. This research indicates that even small changes in humidity or the tension of the strings can significantly impact the guitar’s acoustic properties. Keeping the instrument well-maintained helps to preserve its structural integrity and tonal qualities, allowing musicians to achieve the best sound possible.

The underlying mechanism behind the need for maintenance involves several factors. For instance, wood is a natural material that can warp, crack, or shrink due to changes in temperature and humidity, which are common environmental factors. Regular maintenance tasks, such as adjusting the truss rod, changing strings, or polishing the body, help to combat these issues. Additionally, routine inspections can identify early signs of wear, such as fret wear or saddle degradation, allowing for timely repairs that prevent more extensive damage. By understanding these causal relationships, guitarists can appreciate the importance of maintenance in preserving the quality and playability of their 700 acoustic guitar.

How Can Regular Maintenance Extend Your Guitar’s Lifespan?

Cleaning: Dust, grime, and oils can accumulate on your guitar’s surface and contribute to wear and tear over time. Using appropriate cleaning products and cloths can help maintain the finish, ensuring that the wood remains protected and aesthetically pleasing.

Proper Storage: Guitars should be stored in a controlled environment where temperature and humidity levels are stable. Extreme fluctuations can lead to warping, cracks, and other damage that could significantly reduce the guitar’s lifespan.

Neck Adjustment: The neck of the guitar can warp over time due to changes in humidity and temperature, affecting playability. Regular neck adjustments can help maintain the correct relief, ensuring that the strings are at the proper height and minimizing fret buzz.

Intonation and Setup: Proper intonation ensures that your guitar sounds in tune along the entire fretboard, while a setup makes the instrument comfortable to play. Regularly checking these aspects will not only enhance your playing experience but also prevent long-term issues that could arise from neglecting setup adjustments.

Related Post:

• Best 500 dollar acoustic guitar
• Best 1 11 16 nut acoustic guitar
• Best 24.75” scale acoustic guitar
• Best acoustic guitars for children
• Best acoustic guitars for certain genre