Collection: Acoustic Guitars
Dive into the world of acoustic guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Browse our extensive selection of new, used, and vintage models to find the best acoustic guitar for your playing style. Whether you prefer classic tones or modern innovations, we have the perfect acoustic guitar waiting for you online.
Shop the best selection of dreadnought, OM/000, jumbo, parlor, 12-string, and acoustic-electric guitars at Chicago Music Exchange.
If you’re searching for the best acoustic guitars, new acoustic guitars, or used acoustic guitars for sale, you’re in the right place. At Chicago Music Exchange, we curate a deep lineup of stage-ready and studio-approved instruments—from workhorse dreadnoughts to intimate parlors, modern acoustic-electrics, and collectible vintage acoustic guitars. Every guitar is photographed, weighed, inspected, and set up by our team so you can buy an acoustic guitar online with confidence.
Why players love acoustic guitars (and which style fits you)
Acoustic guitars are the backbone of songwriting and performance: portable, expressive, and record beautifully without extra gear. Players choose them for natural resonance, dynamic touch, and genre versatility—from folk and country to rock, pop, indie, bluegrass, worship, and beyond.
Popular body shapes & what they do:
- Dreadnought (e.g., Martin D-28, Gibson J-45): Big bass, headroom, and projection—great for strumming and flatpicking.
- OM / 000 / Auditorium (e.g., Martin OM-28, 000-18, Taylor 314ce): Balanced mids, clarity, and comfort—excellent for fingerstyle and singer-songwriters.
- Jumbo / Super Jumbo (e.g., Gibson SJ-200): Huge, piano-like lows and shimmering highs—perfect for bold strummers.
- Parlor / 0 / 00: Intimate, vintage-leaning voice with quick response—ideal for couch playing and recording.
- 12-String & Nylon/Classical: Chimier textures or warm, articulate classical tone.
- Acoustic-Electric (with LR Baggs, Fishman, ES2, etc.): Plug-and-play performance with onboard preamps and cutaway options for upper-fret access.
Specs that shape tone
- Top woods: Sitka spruce = versatile, sweet; Adirondack spruce = more headroom/dynamics; Cedar = quick, warm response for fingerstyle.
- Back & sides: Rosewood = deep lows, sparkling highs; Mahogany = dry, focused mids; Maple = articulate, bright; Koa = clear highs with evolving mid warmth.
- Bracing: Scalloped, forward-shifted, or V-class (Taylor) impact volume, sustain, and responsiveness.
- Scale length / nut width: 25.4" long scale = snap and volume; 24.9" short scale = softer feel; nut width affects fingerstyle space.
- Neck profile: From vintage V to modern low-oval—choose what your fretting hand loves.
- Electronics: Consider stage needs—acoustic-electric guitars with feedback-resistant systems simplify live sound.
New vs. used acoustic guitars
- New acoustic guitars: Consistent builds, full warranty, latest neck carves, bracing updates, and pickup systems.
- Used acoustic guitars: Best value per dollar; many have already “opened up.” CME verifies condition and lists exact specs, weights, and detailed photos.
- Vintage acoustic guitars: Pre-war to folk-revival eras with coveted tonewoods and light builds—shop carefully for originality and structural health (we’ll help).
Eras & year variations
- Pre-War & Golden Era: Light builds, forward-shifted bracing, huge dynamic response—collectible benchmarks.
- ’50s–’60s Folk Era: Musical mids and classic recording character.
- ’70s–’80s: Heavier construction varies—many sleepers at friendly prices.
- Modern Era: Improved consistency, PLEK setups, vintage-inspired voicing, and excellent factory electronics.
Famous artists & recordings
From Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, James Taylor, Eric Clapton (“Unplugged”), and modern voices like Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, and John Mayer, the acoustic guitar has carried timeless songs across every generation.
Price ranges
- Entry / Beginner acoustic guitar: $199–$699 (great setups and electronics at friendly prices)
- Intermediate / Working player: $699–$1,899 (Taylor 200/300 Series, Martin Road/Standard, Guild USA/Mex)
- Pro & Boutique: $1,999–$6,999+ (Martin Standard/Modern Deluxe/Authentic, Gibson Montana, Taylor 800/900, Santa Cruz, Collings)
- Used & Vintage acoustic guitars: Pricing varies by era/condition—our listings are transparent and detailed.
Why buy your acoustic guitar from Chicago Music Exchange?
Chicago Music Exchange is the #1 destination for vintage, used, and Custom Shop acoustic guitars. Trusted by touring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.
- Expert setups, accurate specs, exact weights, and high-res photos
- Deep selection of new acoustic guitars and used acoustic guitars
- Trade-in, financing, left-handed options, and boutique customs
- Friendly, knowledgeable team that matches tonewoods, bracing, necks, and electronics to your style
Acoustic Guitars FAQ
What are the most popular acoustic guitar models?
Search favorites include Martin D-28/D-18, Gibson J-45/Hummingbird, and Taylor 314ce/814ce, plus OM/000 bodies for fingerstyle.
Which body shape is best for beginners?
Concert/OM/000 sizes are comfortable and balanced; dreadnoughts excel for strumming and volume.
What’s the difference between rosewood and mahogany back/sides?
Rosewood = deep bass and sparkling highs; mahogany = punchy mids and clear fundamentals—great for recording.
Should I buy a new or used acoustic guitar?
New offers warranty and consistency; used can deliver more tone per dollar. CME inspects both and lists transparent specs.
Do I need an acoustic-electric guitar for gigs?
If you play live, yes—built-in electronics (LR Baggs, Fishman, ES2) simplify amplification and reduce feedback.
What’s a good beginner acoustic guitar?
Look for comfortable necks, solid-top builds, and strong setups. Our team can recommend the best beginner acoustic guitars in your budget.
Do you carry left-handed acoustic guitars?
Yes—left-handed acoustic guitars are stocked across major brands. Check current availability or contact us.
New Acoustic Guitars
Discover our collection of new acoustic guitars, featuring the latest models from the world’s most trusted names in acoustic craftsmanship. From Martin, Taylor, and Gibson to modern innovators and boutique luthiers, these fresh arrivals represent the best in tone, build quality, and performance-ready design. Whether you’re a stage performer, recording artist, or dedicated hobbyist, our new acoustics are handpicked to inspire every note.
Explore a wide range of dreadnoughts for powerful projection, OM and 000 bodies for balanced clarity, and parlor-sized guitars perfect for intimate fingerstyle or songwriting sessions. Choose from premium tonewoods such as Sitka spruce, Adirondack spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and maple, each offering its own unique voice and dynamic response. Many modern models also feature cutaways, onboard electronics, and advanced bracing, delivering exceptional resonance both unplugged and amplified.
At Chicago Music Exchange, every new acoustic guitar is professionally inspected and set up to ensure it plays beautifully straight out of the case. Whether you’re seeking vintage character, modern precision, or something truly one-of-a-kind, our selection offers instruments built to grow with you over a lifetime of music.
Used & Vintage Acoustic Guitars
Explore our collection of new acoustic guitars, where modern innovation meets timeless tone. Whether you're a seasoned performer, an emerging songwriter, or picking up your first serious instrument, our latest arrivals feature the finest acoustic guitars from iconic brands like Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Guild, Fender, and boutique builders around the world. Each guitar is chosen for its superior craftsmanship, tonal character, and playability—ensuring every player finds their perfect match.
From solid spruce and mahogany dreadnoughts with bold projection to small-body parlor and OM models designed for intimate fingerstyle playing, our new acoustic guitars cover every tonewood pairing, body shape, and playing style. Discover instruments with cutaway designs, onboard electronics, and advanced bracing systems that offer refined resonance and stage-ready performance.
At Chicago Music Exchange, every new acoustic guitar is carefully inspected and professionally set up, so it’s ready to inspire right out of the case. Whether you're chasing shimmering highs, warm midrange, or deep, full bass response, our guitars deliver the sound and feel you need to create with confidence.