Gibson is well-known for their electric guitars, and they also have a wide range of outstanding acoustic guitars. This best Gibson acoustic guitars guide will help you find an outstanding Gibson acoustic for your needs.
Quick Answer: Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars
- 1. Best Gibson Acoustic Guitar Overall: 1960s Hummingbird
- 2. Gibson G-45 Acoustic Guitar
- 3. Gibson G-200 Acoustic Guitar
- 4. Gibson G-Writer Acoustic Guitar
- 5. Gibson Dove Original Acoustic Guitar
- 6. Gibson 60s J-45 Original Acoustic Guitar
- 7. Gibson SJ-200 Studio Acoustic Guitar
- 8. Gibson Slash J-45 Acoustic Guitar
- 9. Gibson J-185 EC Modern Rosewood Acoustic Guitar
- 10. Gibson G-00 Acoustic Guitar
I’ve played acoustic guitar for many years, and I’ve found that the quality of a Gibson acoustic is as good as their excellent electric guitars. These acoustic instruments will last a lifetime and sound great every night.
I’ve picked several different models here from their lineup. I feel that all of these guitars would make excellent choices for any player. So whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, Gibson has a guitar for you.
About Gibson Acoustic Guitars
Gibson started in 1902 and is currently based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The company is well-known for both its electric guitars and acoustic instruments. They are considered one of the top guitar brands by many.
Gibson guitars cost quite a bit, but they are an investment in quality. You’ll get an instrument that will be with you for many years. Their guitars have been the backbone of many famous songs in music history.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Gibson Acoustic Guitar
This short guide will give you some pointers when you’re choosing your new Gibson acoustic guitar. It’s important to think about what you need before you make that significant investment. Keep these points in mind.
Size
Gibson guitars are all full-size instruments. They have different body shapes, such as jumbo or smaller bodies, but most are designed for adults.
The Overall Tone & Sound
Gibson guitars have an impressive sound. If you want to record, play live, or have an outstanding acoustic tone, you’ll get that out of a Gibson acoustic guitar.
Price
Gibson guitars cost quite a bit. Therefore, they aren’t the best choice if you have a limited budget. Here’s what to expect in terms of price when you purchase a Gibson acoustic guitar for your playing level.
- Beginner: $1000-2000
- Intermediate: $1200-2500
- Advanced: $2500+
Pickups
Many acoustic guitars today come with pickups. This is ideal if you want to record or play live, as you won’t need an external pickup or have one installed. In addition, most have EQ systems and sometimes even built-in tuners.
Wood
This is a personal choice, as you’ll need to decide what wood sounds the best to your ears. All Gibson guitars are made with high-quality wood, so you can pick and choose the model with the wood you like.
Types of Gibson Acoustic Guitars
There are several different types of Gibson acoustic guitars. This short section outlines the various model categories that you can expect to see when shopping for one.
Best Modern Gibson Acoustic Guitars
These acoustic guitars are moderately priced, with a few in the higher range. They are affordable for beginners or intermediate players looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar. There are various body styles available.
Original Gibson Acoustic Guitars
This lineup features mainly dreadnought acoustics. They’re on the higher end in terms of price, but you’ll be getting a high-quality guitar that sounds great and is easy to play.
Custom Shop Gibson Acoustic Guitars
These guitars are premium offerings with high price tags. A lot of the guitars are based on older Gibson acoustics. They are suitable for any collector or professional that wants a premium guitar.
Exclusive Gibson Acoustic Guitars
This small lineup features a few higher-end guitars. They have ebony finishes and are based on common Gibson models such as the Hummingbird. Their main appeal is the black color.
Artist Series Gibson Acoustic Guitars
These instruments are built to the specifications of famous artists such as Sheryl Crow, Slash, and Tom Petty. These guitars have a high price tag, but you’ll get the same guitar your favorite artist plays.
10 Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars
This guide to the ten best Gibson acoustic guitars will help you find a great model, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced guitar player. You’re sure to find a great Gibson that suits you from this list.
1. Gibson 1960s Hummingbird
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Sitka spruce, rosewood, mahogany, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Professional players
Get the classic Hummingbird tone with the Gibson 1960s Hummingbird. The mahogany back and sides give you superb tones, and it’s got a thermally aged sitka spruce top for even more sound projection.
The bone nut and saddle improve the tuning and the guitar’s intonation. It’s got Gotoh Keystone tuners, which make tuning a breeze. This guitar has everything for today’s professional guitar player.
✅ Bone nut/saddle
✅ Great looks
✅ Big tone
✅ Thermal top
❌ Expensive
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
You’ll get an authentic ’60s Hummingbird tone out of this guitar. It costs quite a bit, but the expense is worth it. I like the thermally aged top, as it gives you that warm feeling of a broken-in acoustic guitar out of the box.
This guitar has you covered for all styles of music, and the tone is huge. You may want to get a pickup if you plan to record or play live, as it doesn’t come with one. If you want a classic tone, this guitar is it.
2. Gibson G-45 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Sitka spruce, walnut, utile, ebony, satin finish
- Best for: Beginner/intermediate players
The Gibson G-45 is an affordable guitar for beginners. It comes with the unique Gibson Player Port. This side opening allows the guitar to breathe, and it gives it a better acoustic tone. The utile neck is smooth and easy on your hand.
The TUSQ nut and saddle help keep the tuning stable. The satin finish is smooth and attractive. It comes with scalloped X-bracing for a better tone and stability. This is one of the best cheap Gibson acoustic guitars.
✅ Unique side port
✅ Good tone
✅ Solid wood
✅ TUSQ nut/saddle
❌ Some may not like the side port
❌ Case could be better
Why I Recommend It
The Gibson Player Port is a concept from the 1960s that’s now applied to some new Gibson models. The G-45 sounds great at this price, and it’s quite affordable. The port does give the guitar some nice tones.
The utile neck is fast and responsive. You’ll be able to play up and down the ebony fretboard with ease on this model. This is a fantastic guitar and pretty cheap for Gibson, so pick one up today.
3. Gibson G-200 Acoustic Guitar
- Size: Cutaway dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickups: LR Baggs Element
- Material & finish: Utile, walnut, sitka spruce, ebony, satin nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Intermediate players
The Gibson G-200 is a moderately-priced acoustic-electric with an LR Baggs Element pickup system for great amplified tones. It features the Player Port on the side, which further enhances the sound of this instrument.
The utile neck with ebony fingerboard is smooth on the hand. You’ll be playing chords and soloing effortlessly in no time on the G-200. This is the best intermediate Gibson guitar with good looks, a full tone, and easy playability.
✅ X-bracing
✅ Player Port
✅ Deep cutaway
✅ Pickup
❌ Some may not like side port
❌ A bit expensive
Why I Recommend It
The Gibson G-200 has a nice cutaway for easy access to all of the frets. I like the side Player Port as it opens up the guitar and enhances the tone of each string. The included LR Baggs pickup system gives you a good amplified tone.
I like the utile neck on the model and the smooth ebony fingerboard. The controls for the pickup are easy to access inside the soundhole. This is a well-made mid-range Gibson acoustic that delivers the sounds you want.
4. Gibson G-Writer Acoustic Guitar
- Size: Dreadnought cutaway
- What’s included: Guitar, gigbag
- Pickups:LR Baggs
- Material & finish: Sitka spruce, walnut, utile, ebony nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
The Gibson G-Writer is the perfect option for today’s songwriter. It’s got an amazing acoustic tone and a pickup for recording or the stage. In addition, the deep cutaway gives you easy access to the higher frets.
The sitka spruce top gives the guitar a good tone, and this is further enhanced by the open side port feature. The guitar has good intonation, thanks to the mini Grover machine heads. This guitar is ready for your next song.
✅ Good pickup system
✅ Easy to play
✅ Unique side port
✅ Deep cutaway
❌ Some may not like the side port
❌ A bit expensive
Why I Recommend It
The G-Writer is a steal in its price range. You get amazing amplified tones thanks to the pickup system that has easy button access via the soundhole. I love the Player Port, as it enhances the tones significantly.
The body is thinner than a regular dreadnought, so it’s much easier to hold while standing up, which makes the guitar perfect for a small concert. The instrument has excellent tonewood and an overall superb tone for its price.
5. Gibson Dove Original Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hardshell case
- Pickups: LR Baggs VTC
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, maple, rosewood, gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Professional players
The Gibson Dove Original is a superior guitar for today’s player. It’s got an excellent LR Baggs VTC pickup system for enhanced amplified tones. The sitka spruce top further enhances the sound quality of the guitar.
The guitar will stay in tune longer with Grover tuners along with a bone nut and saddle. The cherry sunburst color is striking, which makes your guitar stand out from all the rest. This instrument will provide years of performance and easy playability.
✅ Great tone
✅ Electronics
✅ Good case
✅ Bone nut/saddle
❌ Expensive
❌ No cutaway
Why I Recommend It
The Gibson Dove Original will cost you a lot, but it’s well worth it if you want a superior-sounding acoustic guitar for performances or recording sessions. This guitar has that classic Gibson tone that you want.
It’s easy to access the controls for the pickup inside the soundhole while you’re playing. You’ll find that the action, intonation, and everything else are great right out of the box, so you can get down to playing and not tweaking your guitar.
6. Gibson 60s J-45 Original Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Sitka spruce, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, gloss finish
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
Get a classic 60s J-45 sound with the Gibson 60s J-45 Original. This guitar has a huge tone and easy playability for today’s player. The guitar is comfortable to play and suited for many guitar styles.
The guitar has classic looks with cream-colored machine heads, antique binding, and a striking pickguard. The premium sitka spruce and mahogany tonewoods give you the volume and sound you want every night.
✅ Great tone
✅ Narrow nut
✅ Grover machine heads
✅ Hard case
❌ No pickup
❌ Expensive
Why I Recommend It
If you’re looking for a great classic-sounding acoustic guitar, the Gibson 60s J-45 has the tones you want. The guitar has a solid mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard for effortless chords and single notes at all positions.
The tone and sustain is improved with a bone saddle and nut. The nut itself is narrow, so chords are easier at all positions. It’s a superior guitar for chording due to this narrow nut. These are the best Gibson acoustic guitars.
7. Gibson SJ-200 Studio Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Jumbo dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: LR Baggs
- Material & finish: Rosewood, sitka spruce, mahogany, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Professional players
Get a huge tone with the Gibson SJ-200 Studio. This guitar is ready for any amplifier with its LR Baggs Element pickup system. In addition, the sitka spruce top produces the rich and vibrant tones that you want.
It’s got a TUSQ nut and saddle for good tuning stability and better intonation. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard are smooth at all positions for effortless playing. This is one of the best Gibson acoustic guitars.
✅ Big tones
✅ TUSQ nut/saddle
✅ Electronics
✅ Solid wood
❌ A bit big for some
❌ Expensive
Why I Recommend It
For those that do a lot of heavy chord strumming, the SJ-200 has you covered. The larger body size gives you the tone and punch you need. It’s great for jazz or country music and many other guitar styles, too.
The advanced response mahogany neck is comfortable to play, so your chords and single-note lines will feel effortless. The jumbo body is slimmed down some, so it’s more comfortable when you’re standing up. This is an amazing guitar.
8. Gibson Slash J-45 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: LR Baggs VTC
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, rosewood, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Slash fans
Enjoy the tones of Slash with the Gibson Slash J-45 model. This guitar is the same one that he plays. It’s got a huge tone and an LR Baggs VTC pickup for great amplified tones. The sitka spruce top further enhances the tone.
This is the perfect guitar for any Slash fan. You’ll enjoy playing chords, soloing, or fingerpicking on this top-notch instrument. It’s one of the best Gibson acoustic guitars on the market today.
✅ Good electronics
✅ Big tone
✅ Case included
✅ Solid construction
❌ Expensive
❌ No cutaway
Why I Recommend It
The Gibson Slash J-45 is a nice guitar. I like the neck, as it’s got a smaller 16″ radius fingerboard. This makes it easier to play chords and single notes. Also, the neck is custom-shaped to his specifications, so your guitar feels great as you play.
The LR Baggs VTC has an under-saddle transducer that’s durable and provides an excellent amplified tone no matter what you’re playing. So for Slash fans or those that want a big tone, this guitar has it all.
9. Gibson J-185 EC Modern Rosewood Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought cutaway
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: LR Baggs VTC
- Material & finish: Spruce, rosewood, mahogany, gloss nitrocellulose
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
The Gibson J-185 is a superior acoustic guitar for today’s player. It’s got an excellent LR Baggs pickup system for plugged-in tones. In addition, the deep cutaway makes it easy to access the higher frets for lead solos.
The sitka spruce top and rosewood body give the guitar plenty of sustain and a huge tone, so you’ll sound good all the time. It comes with a great hardshell case to protect your valuable investment.
✅ Cutaway
✅ Good electronics
✅ Excellent neck
✅ X-bracing
❌ Expensive
❌ Some may not like shape
Why I Recommend It
I like the thin body on this cutaway as it’s easier to hold and more comfortable while you’re standing up or sitting down. The frets are plek’d, so they’re smooth and even up and down the fretboard.
The advanced response neck gives you superior comfort and enhanced playability, so you’ll feel comfortable with the guitar no matter what you’re playing. This is one of the best Gibson acoustic guitars that you can buy.
10. Gibson G-00 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickup: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, walnut, utile, ebony, satin finish
- Best for: Beginners
The Gibson G-00 is a low-cost introduction to Gibson guitars. It features the side Player Port for excellent sound projections and improved tone. The smaller body size means the guitar is easier to hold for younger players.
The sitka spruce top gives this guitar a lot of volume, and it stays in tune well thanks to the Grover machine heads. This is one of the best cheap Gibson acoustic guitars for today’s guitar student.
✅ Player Port
✅ Good price
✅ Easy to play
✅ Solid tone
❌ May be small for some
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
I like this Gibson as it’s under $1,000, so it’s affordable for those on a budget. The neck is made with utile, which feels like mahogany. The ebony fingerboard is smooth up and down the fretboard for easy playing.
The TUSQ nut and saddle improve the intonation and keep the guitar in tune for longer. Many cheaper guitars only use plastic, so this is a nice addition. You can’t go wrong at this price for a Gibson acoustic guitar.
Gibson Acoustic Guitars Aesthetics & Build
Here’s what you need to know about the build of Gibson acoustic guitars. These instruments are built to a high quality, so they can cost more than other guitars, but you get what you pay for. Here’s what to expect.
Material
There are many different tonewoods that go into acoustic guitars. Here’s a rundown of the basic ones that go into these instruments.
- Spruce: Spruce is used for guitar tops, as it has a warm sound. There are various types of spruce, such as sitka spruce, which is commonly used for acoustics.
- Mahogany: Another common acoustic guitar wood is mahogany. This is often used for the back, sides, and sometimes the neck. It’s got a good tone and is another common wood choice.
- Walnut: This wood is similar to mahogany and has a good tone.
- Maple: This wood is durable and hard. It’s often used for a guitar neck but isn’t so common on acoustic guitars.
- Rosewood: This wood is smooth and used often for fingerboards.
- Ebony: Another smooth wood used as an alternative to rosewood for fingerboards.
Finish
There are various different finishes used for acoustic guitars. Here’s a breakdown of the basics that you need to know before you buy.
- Gloss: This finish is typical for acoustic guitars. The finish is durable and shiny.
- Satin: This finish is smooth to the touch and flat looking. It looks great on many guitars.
- Nitrocellulose lacquer: This finish is shiny, durable, and long-lasting.
- Polyurethane: This is another durable and long-lasting finish with a good shine.
- Polyester: Another hard finish with a good shine and long life
Color
The main color for Gibson acoustic guitars is natural wood grain. You can get a few different colors like sunburst or black, but expect to find mainly natural wood finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions that people ask about Gibson acoustic guitars. This will make it easier for you to make an informed purchasing decision.
How Much Do Gibson Acoustic Guitars Cost?
Gibson guitars tend to cost more than similar acoustics do. The reason for this is that they are made to a higher quality. Here’s what to expect in terms of price ranges.
- Beginner: $1000-2000
- Intermediate: $1200-2500
- Advanced: $2500+
What Are the Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars?
Here’s a list of the three best Gibson acoustic guitars. You’re sure to find a great guitar whether you start as a beginner or have played guitar for many years.
Gibson G-00: Best for Beginners
The Gibson G-00 is a smaller body dreadnought that’s easy to hold, sounds great, and has a great neck. The best part is that it’s under $1,000, which is hard to find when it comes to Gibson acoustic guitars. As a result, this is an excellent first-time guitar.
Gibson G-Writer: Best for Intermediate Players
The Gibson G-Writer is a dreadnought that features a deep cutaway for easy access to the higher frets. The Player Ports on this guitar improve the overall tone. Plug it in and enjoy amplification via the LR Baggs pickup system.
Gibson SJ-200 Studio Acoustic Guitar: Best for Professionals
The Gibson SJ-200 Studio guitar has a big tone thanks to the jumbo size, but it’s thinner than a regular jumbo, so it’s easier to hold. In addition, the LR Baggs pickup system gives you great amplified tones. The guitar has everything a professional needs.
Where Are Gibson Acoustic Guitars Made?
Gibson guitars are made in the USA. They are currently put together in Nashville. You pay more for a Gibson, but you get a high-quality acoustic guitar.
What Is the Best Sounding Gibson Acoustic Guitar?
The best sound will be determined by your own needs and preferences. I like the Gibson G-Writer as it has a very nice tone for the price. The cutaway for soloing is nice, and it’s got the LR Baggs pickup system.
Where to Buy Gibson Acoustic Guitars
There are several locations where you can buy musical instruments, and buying online can be ideal. You’ll find a wider selection of products, fast shipping, and good customer service.
Amazon
Purchasing musical instruments on Amazon is a good idea. They have a huge selection, and you can read product reviews prior to ordering. In addition, they have fast shipping times and work with you to resolve issues quickly.
Online Music Retailers
Sweetwater and Guitar Center are two other locations that stock guitars online, including Gibson acoustics. They have great selections, fast shipping times, and quality customer service for their customers.
Your Local Music Store
Your local music store is also a good option for Gibson acoustic guitars. You’ll be able to try the guitar out in the store, but the downside is that many stores don’t stock a lot of guitars that you may want.
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In Conclusion
Thank you for reading my best Gibson acoustic guitars guide. Gibson makes great acoustic guitars as well as electrics, so you’re making a wise choice when you purchase one.
Please comment, like, and share this article. I want to hear from you about Gibson acoustic guitars and guitars in general. Now, go play your new Gibson. You’ve earned it.
