As a songwriter/singer myself, I take it upon myself to find you the best singer songwriter guitars that go well with singing voices in particular.
In my experience, Martins with mahogany backs and sides and Gibson J-series does fantastic jobs, but I would like you to see for yourself.
I’m a finger-picker and strummer, alto voice, of the pop/folk tradition. I cover Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bob Dylan and am following their footsteps.
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Best Singer Songwriter Guitars for the Money
If you’re anything like me, you would love these recommendations.
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Martin D-18 (Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars with Authentic Wood) – Best Martin Guitar for Singer Songwriter
The Martin D-18 is simple, has a classic design, and is a model many Bluegrass players used most often.
Mine I beautiful to look at too and has a far milder sides and backs than my Gibson Hummingbird. It plays and sounds incredible too.
It’s loud, clear and punchy too, it does not have much treble or bass with lots of mid-range – more mids than the HD-28 and D-41 models I once owned.
The feel and sound produced as I stroke is indescribable. The more I play it the more things I hear going on with the sound, more like a boy getting to know his crush (Ya Know).
This D-18 is an all-round guitar for me whether I play it hard, soft, hard, finger style, and whether soloing or strumming.
I’m in love with the Mahogany and spruce combo, forward bracing, wide nut, tortoise binding and pick guard (the binding isn’t black, it’s tortoise if you look close), great action, nice feel and solid tone. Comes with an excellent hard shell case. I think this is a true heirloom, a great investment, and the beginning of a new life-long friendship.
ALSO SEE: Best Breedlove Guitar for the Money
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D-35 (Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars with Authentic Wood D-35)
Another one from Martin here. The D35 Standard Series is an amazing guitar that features understated looks that don’t distract from the wonderful sound of this rather special guitar.
The Solid Sitka Spruce top with Indian Rosewood back and sides are a tried and tested combination of tonewoods that has a wide variety of tones from light and delicate and subtle through to energetic and powerful.
The Martins D35 has a dynamic range you could wish for and allows your playing style do the talking. It is not restricted to a particular style of playing.
You can do fingerpicking, strumming etc and so much more on the Martin D35 because it has all the dynamic range you could wish for and lets your playing style do the talking!
The low profile neck ensuring a comfortable positive grip as it provides a superb playing style.
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Gibson 50’s J-50 Original Antique Natural – Best Taylor Guitar for Singer Songwriter
The Gibson J-50 is basically a natural finished J-45 that was made in small numbers in 1942. This classic acoustic guitar is part of the best 2020 guitars.
It has a natural sounding tone when played. It is built with mahogany and Sitka spruce. The J-50’s Antique Natural top is is highlighted with a Unitone back and sides finish for a simple and clean appearance, dressed with a distinctive 1950s’-style tortoise pick guard.
READ MORE: Best Martin Guitar for Blues
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Gibson J-45 Acoustic Guitars – Best Electric Guitar Singer Songwriter
Named the best-selling acoustic of all time, the J-45 is popular with singer-songwriters. It spots a round-shoulder shape, as opposed to the Hummingbird’s square-shoulder. For some, this makes it a far more comfortable playing experience and also takes away some of the top-end brightness.
That makes it perfect for singer-songwriters
World renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the J-45is perfect for singer-songwriters.
Notable for its subtle burst finish, warm low-end production and comfortable playability, it’s been used by countless artists across the spectrum.
What do you think? Is there a guitar you know that should make our list of best singer songwriter guitars for the money? Let us know!
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