How Much Does A Guitar Cost? (Acoustic, Electric, Bass & More)

In this article, we will discuss how much does a guitar cost. Purchasing a guitar can be difficult if you are not familiar with this instrument.  

There is no doubt that these instruments may be costly, more so, because of the variety they have.  Acoustic, Bass, classical, and electric guitars vary in price from each other. Additionally, shipping a guitar from somewhere will cost you a bit extra. 

Full Breakdown Of Guitar Cost 

Acoustic Guitar Cost 

Acoustic guitars for beginners typically cost between $100 and $250 and are manufactured in China and Indonesia. They frequently feature laminate wood bodies that are less resonant than more expensive solid body acoustic guitars. 

Low-mid range acoustic guitars typically range in price from $250 to $400 and are aimed at players wishing to upgrade from their entry-level model. The body is frequently still laminate wood, but they are usually of higher quality and may have more unusual treatments. 

Acoustic guitars in the $500-$800 price range are aimed at serious players. They will frequently have a sturdy body to improve tonal quality, and you will begin to see larger brands in this price bracket. 

High-end acoustic guitars start from $1000 and can go up to $5000. Martin, Taylor, and Gibson are among the most popular brands in this price range. 

Related Article – Best Acoustic Guitar Accessories 

Electric Guitar Cost 

There are guitars that cost under $100. There are numerous possibilities for beginners in this price range. Almost every major guitar manufacturer or brand offers a low-cost series. 

Beginner guitars range in price from $100 to $400. As the price rises, so do your options. Intermediate guitars range in price from $400 to $900. If you believe that getting an American Gibson or Fender for less than a thousand dollars is impossible, you may be mistaken. 

Top-tier guitars range in price from $1000 to $2500. This is an excellent price range for a guitar provided you have learned the necessary skills and are familiar with the music you intend to perform. 

Learn More – Best Electric Guitars Under $400 

Bass Guitar Cost 

A bass guitar can cost as little as $150 or as much as $1,500 or more. When shopping for a bass guitar, keep your budget and spending limit in mind. 

There are numerous excellent entry-level bass guitars available, and many of these lower-priced options are nonetheless excellent instruments. 

Read Also – Can You Use A Guitar Capo On Bass? 

Classical Guitar Cost 

The nylon string classical guitar is also very popular with its dynamic range of soft and warm tone production capability. The nylon strings work great for soft fingers, especially for children. So, it is great to start your guitar journey with a classical guitar. 

In terms of price, there are two kinds of classical guitars. One is called the student guitar which is great for beginners. And the other is called the concert guitar which is suitable for the professionals. 

The student classical guitar price may vary from $120 to $250 depending on the wood quality and different features. The concert classical guitar price starts from $1000 and you wouldn’t mind getting one for $5000 either.  

Related Article – How Many Guitar Chords Are There? 

Ukulele Cost 

A variety of toy-grade ukuleles are available for less than $35. These instruments are frequently made of plastic or incredibly inexpensive laminated wood. 

The inexpensive ukulele pricing runs around $50 and can be challenging to find. There are some very fantastic ukes in this category, but there is also a lot of garbage. For many individuals, ukes priced between $50 and $150 are the sweet spot. 

Most ukuleles in the “beginning” category provide an excellent balance of cost and quality. This makes them an obvious choice for beginning players, but many intermediate and experienced players are also content with ukes in this price range. 

You have to spend around  $150 to $500 to buy mid-level ukuleles. The upside is that a lot of variety is covered in this range. High-end ukuleles will cost you over $500 but you’ll be more than happy with the body, finish, size, and grade of it. 

Learn More – Can You Use A Guitar Capo On Ukulele?

How Much Does A Beginner Guitar Cost?

There are plenty of other aspects to consider before purchasing your first guitar. When should you buy it, for example? Why you shouldn’t buy too cheaply, what kind of guitar you should get, where you should buy it, and so on. 

If you want to buy an electric guitar, you should pay at least $200 and no more than $400. If you want to buy an acoustic or a classical guitar, you should spend at least $150 and no more than $250. 

Related Article – Top Tips For Beginner Guitar Lessons

Cost Vs Quality Of Guitars

Expensive guitars are constructed with higher quality parts, better craftsmanship, and better construction. 

Cheap guitars are bulk produced in factories using unskilled labor and lesser quality control standards and will include cheaper components that may impair playability or tone. 

What To Look For In A Guitar For Beginners? 

You should surely select something that draws your attention. As long as the price is reasonable. Stick with well-known brands. You must ensure that the guitar is comfortable for you. 

Also, when you try the instrument, you should definitely pay attention to how firm it is. Take note of the sound your guitar creates when you play it. 

Learn More – Best Guitar Chords For Beginners

Average Guitar Setup Costs 

What’s Included In A Typical Setup? 

A typical budget guitar setup costs $40 to $85, occasionally up to $125, including strings and any required repairs. The scope of work should at the very least include an entire inspection, new strings, tune, intonation, and detailing. 

Adjusting the truss rod (neck), pickup heights/angles, string action, string radius, saddle heights, bridge angle (floating trems), and tightening loose jacks, knobs, tuners, and so on is common. Inquire about the tuning process and look for a shop that employs a rack-mounted digital strobe tuner. 

Some things may not need to be altered depending on the guitar or bass. Sometimes a lot of adjusting is required. Poorly maintained (rarely properly serviced) guitars, in particular, frequently require more work than well-kept guitars. 

Guitar Maintenance Cost 

Most musical-instrument stores offer their own setups or will refer you to someone nearby. The price will vary by region and by how much work the guitar or bass needs. Generally speaking, a professional setup costs around $50, but it could be upwards of $100 if there’s a lot of work to be done. 

New strings are usually part of the setup process since the gauges of the strings affect intonation. This expense may be included in the setup cost or it may be an additional charge—be sure to ask. 

Most of the shops will almost certainly include a full cleaning, moisturizing, and polishing, as well as a spray of interface cleaner on any gadgets. 

Budgeting & Saving On Your First Guitar

Simply because you are conscious of your financial constraints does not mean you have to suffer. 

You might uncover a few ways to get a good deal on your current gear crush, resurrect an old guitar, or discover simple, low-cost hacks that will make your life as a guitarist just a little bit sweeter. 

Frequently Asked Guitar Cost Questions

How much does an electric guitar and amp cost? 

Electric guitars range in price from $200 to $2000, with the majority falling between $600 and $900. Depending on the quality, an amp can cost $100 or more. 

How much does it cost to replace a guitar string? 

Replacing the strings yourself is usually the most cost-effective alternative, as most string sets range from $5 to $15. Going to a shop to get a restring usually costs between $15 and $30, depending on where you get it done, what strings are used, and how much time it takes to set up.

Read Also – How Long Do Guitar Strings Last? 

Conclusion

Choosing the best guitar for a specific musician entails matching the proper price and quality to the player’s skill and drive. A good guitar shop should provide a wide assortment of well-made guitars at various pricing points.