Time to Begin the Journey of a Lifetime!
So many choices in the Guitar Rooms in Musicmaker
So, you’ve decided to learn guitar.
First of all—fantastic choice. You’re about to embark on a noisy, beautiful, calloused-fingers adventure.
Which, hopefully, never ends.
But here’s the deal: your first guitar can make or break the journey. Too big? Ouch. Bad sound? Demoralising. Looks like it’s been dragged behind a bus? Not inspiring.
That’s why we’ve rounded up five absolute belters of beginner acoustics available right here at Musicmaker, Dublin’s own temple of tone since time immemorial. Let’s get into it.
It's never a bad time to start.
What To Look For in Your First Acoustic Guitar
Before we dive into the guitars, here’s what you actually need to care about when shopping:
- Comfort: If it feels like wrestling an octopus, it’s not the right fit. Size matters.
- Sound Quality: Your ear will develop fast. Start with a guitar that rings out beautifully and you’ll be addicted to playing.
- Build Quality: Cheap doesn’t mean bad—but flimsy does. Solid tops and decent hardware mean your guitar will age gracefully.
- Style (Yes, Really): If you love how it looks, you’ll want to pick it up again and again. Trust us.
And you can make music with friends. Is there anything better?
Our Top 5 Beginner Acoustic Guitars (Handpicked by Real Humans Who Care)
1. Stagg SA25 Spruce Travel Acoustic Guitar
Big sound. Small package. Zero compromises.
This beauty punches WAY above its weight. Its compact size is perfect for younger players, people with smaller hands, or anyone who just wants a guitar that won’t scare the cat. The spruce top gives a bright, lively tone that’ll sound just as good in your bedroom as it will by a campfire. And if you’re planning to be the person who always has a guitar handy? This is your ride-or-die.
2. Stagg SA25 A Sapele Mahogany Auditorium Acoustic Guitar - Natural
Warmth. Balance. All the good stuff.
This auditorium-sized marvel serves up the kind of warm, mellow tones that’ll make your first chords sound chef’s kiss. The sapele mahogany body doesn’t just look gorgeous—it adds a depth to your sound that’s rare at this price. Plus, the slightly smaller body is comfy without sacrificing tone.
3. Crafter HT-100/OP.N Orchestra Acoustic Guitar - Natural
For the beginner who wants to sound pro from day one.
If guitars were cars, this would be your sleek, reliable, and surprisingly powerful city cruiser. Engelmann spruce top and mahogany back & sides? Yes, please. The orchestra body shape makes it versatile for strumming, fingerpicking, or whatever playing style TikTok teaches you next.
4. Vintage VE130VSB Historic Series 'Folk' Electro-Acoustic - Sunburst
Classic looks. Modern brains.
Okay, if you want a guitar that looks like it’s already got stories to tell, this is the one. Vintage sunburst finish, folk body shape (easy on the shoulders), and—drumroll—built-in electronics. That means you can plug in and be stage-ready without needing to tape a mic to your sound hole like a caveman.
5. Sigma DSME Dreadnought Shortscale 14-Fret Acoustic Guitar
Big guitar feel. Small guitar effort.
This Sigma is a dream for players who love the dreadnought sound (bold, rich, full) but don’t want to wrestle a tree trunk. The short scale means the frets are closer together—less of a stretch. The solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany sides/back deliver the kind of sound that’ll make your mates assume you’ve been playing for years. Let them think that.
FAQ: Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
What size acoustic guitar should a beginner choose?
- Smaller body shapes like auditorium, folk, or travel guitars are ideal for comfort and ease of play. Dreadnoughts work well too, especially short-scale models.
Do I need an electro-acoustic guitar as a beginner?
- Not necessarily. However, having built-in electronics can be useful if you plan to perform or record in the future.
What wood is best for a beginner acoustic guitar?
- Spruce tops are popular for their bright, clear tone, while mahogany and sapele bodies add warmth and depth.
Is it worth spending more on a beginner guitar?
- Yes. A better-quality guitar stays in tune, feels easier to play, and sounds more inspiring—keeping you motivated to practice.
Can I try these guitars in-store at Musicmaker?
- Absolutely. Come in and give them a strum! Our team is always ready to help you find the perfect fit.
So many wonderful choices, come to Musicmaker and ask us questions!
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here
Choosing your first guitar can feel overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be. Every one of these five options has been hand-picked by real players at Musicmaker who actually care about your musical journey. We’ve helped beginners become pros for over 40 years—now it’s your turn.
Swing by the shop, give them a strum, have a chat.
Or if you’re browsing online—drop us a message and we’ll steer you right.
Here’s to your first chord. It’s the first step of many. Welcome to the family.
Browse all our Acoustic Guitars Here.
