10 Best Thin Body Acoustic Guitars for Any Budget

There is a wide variety of guitars in the market. Even though there are two main categories of guitars, including acoustic and electric, they are further divided into a plethora of types. Finding the perfect guitar can turn into an overwhelming process due to the degree of variety in the market. There are electro-acoustic, semi-acoustic, steel string, nylon string, and thin body guitars.

All of these come with a unique set of features, and each one of them is appropriate for a specific type of guitarist. The thin body acoustic guitars are light in weight and easy to use, serving as an ideal choice for beginners.

Not only do amateurs choose these guitars, but also several professionals choose these guitars due to the high degree of convenience they bring.

There are hundreds of thin body models, and making the right choice can get stressful. The guide will help guitarists choose the best thin body acoustic guitars along with a list of essential factors of consideration.

10 Best Thin Body Acoustic Guitars

• Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
• PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus A50E
• Yamaha FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
• Taylor Baby Mahogany BT2
• Fender Malibu Player Acoustic Guitar
• Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
• Yamaha FS830 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
• Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
• Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar
• Fender CP-140SE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Don’t have time to read the full post? In short, here are our top picks of the best thin body acoustic guitars:

From Yamaha to Fender and from Martin to Taylor, there is a vast number of choices when it comes to best thin body acoustic guitars. For a more in-depth review of each guitar, keep reading!

Martin LX1E Little Martin Thin Body Acoustic Guitar

Not only in just thin body guitars, but C.F Martin & Company is also one of the most dominant guitar brands in the world. Came into the picture in 1833, this company is known for providing the most exquisitely manufactured guitars. The company offers high-end and expensive guitars.

It has manufactured the finest guitars and strings in the whole world—Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Eric Clapton. Kirk Hammett of Metallica is the top-of-the-line artists that play the Martin guitars.

Now in the list of the most reliable and trusted guitar brands for thin body models, Martin does not stay far behind. The LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar is one of the best in the category due to its exceptional specifications and a dynamic range of features.

Specifications

• Mahogany pattern HPL (high-pressure laminate) textured finish, solid sitka spruce top
•  Rust Stratabond neck, shortened 3/4 scale
• Chrome small-knob tuners. Tusq saddle.
• Solid Morado or East Indian Rosewood fingerboard
• Includes padded gig bag
• 23” Scale Length, Fingerboard Width At Nut: 1 11/16 inch, Brace Size: 5/16 inch, Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/16 inch

A tried-and-tested thin body guitar that has not failed to make it to the top in this category is this model by Martin guitars. Perfect for players with small hands, this guitar is one of the highest quality acoustics for young and aspiring guitarists, specifically children.

The Sound

Starting with one of the most crucial aspects of a guitar, the sound produced by this guitar is excellent. It stays in tune for a long time, does not require a user to tune the equipment again and again during the performance. It is a problem in many other thin body guitars.

The Build Quality

The build quality is something that we cannot overlook. The company, like always, has used the highest quality materials to construct a durable guitar.

Compactness & Affordability

While manufacturing affordable guitars is not something that the company is known for, it still produces some reasonably priced thin body guitars. It is an exceptional model from the company’s affordable travel series.

Pros

• The build quality of this guitar is one of the best in the market.
• The characteristics of resonance and sustain are impressive and worth mentioning.
• The tone offered by this model is perfectly balanced.
• The guitar is very simple to play, making it perfect for children and other aspiring artists. 

Cons

• The aesthetics are not visually pleasing.
• The small size does have an impact on sound quality.

Taylor Baby Mahogany BT2 Thin Body Acoustic Guitar

Taylor Guitars has been a staple guitar manufacturer since 1974. It is an American company that made it to the top of the list in just a few years after it was launched. It is based in El Cajon, California, and has been serving the guitarists for quite some time now.

In the category of thin body acoustic guitars, this company has its fair share of contributions. This Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric is one of the best options in its category. Affordability, functionality, and elite designing are the best ways to describe this model that comes equipped with amazing specifications.

Specifications

• 3/4 Size Dreadnought
• Solid Sitka Spruce
• Sapele Back/Sides
• Gig Bag Included

Budget-friendly and travel-friendly, what more could a guitarist ask for? The BT1 from the Baby Taylor series by this company is an excellent choice for all guitarists who love traveling and have a tight budget. When these are the primary elements of consideration of a guitarist, this model by Taylor is no less than a champion.

Suitable for Travelers & Children

When talking about who this guitar is most suitable for, the answer is travelers and children. The features and specifications it comes equipped with are praise-worthy making it a small-sized powerhouse. The compactness and small size is an adequate feature for both children and travelers.

The Sound

Talking about the sound, there is a lot that can be said about it. It is equipped with features that pave the way for producing a well-rounded sound, which is something almost every guitarist hopes to achieve. All thanks to the guitar’s X-bracing and Sapele laminate sides.

Playability & tonality

Other features to shed light upon are the playability of the guitar and its tonality. Doing justice to the brand name, even this guitar is offering top-class playability and tonality. The low-string action makes it very comfortable to play, without exerting excessive stress on the fingers or the mind.

The tone quality is fantastic just like its aesthetics. Even though it is a small guitar, the tone and sound do not make it feel like it is any less than a traditional guitar. Moreover, the tone will work well with singing.

Pros

• It is one of the most affordable options in the market.
• The guitar is ideal for travelers and children due to its compact size and lightweight.
• The sound and tone surpass the quality of all other small-sized guitars in the market.
• The playability of this guitar is exceptional.

Cons 

• The double-action truss rod is missing.

PRS Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus A50E Acoustic/Electric Guitar

More towards the group of high-end guitar manufacturers, Paul Reed Smith or PRS has been creating amazing guitars for enthusiastic guitar players since 1985. It is one of the trusted brands in the world due to its high quality.

Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, John Mayer, Ben O’Neill, Mark Tremonti, and Bernie Marsden are the top artists that choose these guitars.

The SE Angelus A50E by PRS is another addition to their catalog of popular guitarists. It is designed to please the guitar enthusiasts. Full with impressive specifications, it offers features that are difficult to find in any other thin body model.

Specifications

• Solid Sitka Spruce top
• Figured Maple back & sides
• Fishman Gt1 electronics
• PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design
• Includes high-quality hard-shell case

It is a model by the PRS model that has been praised highly for its action and its capability of producing rich sounds. Featuring a premium spruce top, this model stands out in its category due to the electronic hardware that has been used to construct this PRS thin body masterpiece. The look and aesthetics of this guitar are elegant and have caught the attention of many aspiring guitarists.

Impressive Sound

The sound of this guitar is exceptional. The beauty of its tone has impressed many users, including the ones with fingerstyle and strumming. The bright and articulate sound is a distinguishing feature of this guitar. It allows users to create a unique sound.  

A Classic High-End Model

Like many of the PRS guitars, even this one belongs to the category of high-end models. It is not affordable, but the features that it comes loaded with make it a phenomenal way to spend money on a guitar. 

Perfect for Blues Players

When talking about who can use this guitar, the answer is blues players. Any guitarists who are blues musicians can use these guitars and enjoy a range of dynamic sounds.

Pros

• The aesthetics of this guitar are exceptionally pleasing.
• It features a high-quality build and is constructed using the best electronic components.
• It is very portable as it is lightweight and features a compact build.
• The guitar is designed to maximize comfort levels while playing.
• The neck stability it offers is impressive.

Cons

• It is not an affordable thin body guitar.
• The string buzz poses some issues.
•  The sound produced with an amp plugged is not of good quality.

Yamaha FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha has been serving the guitar manufacturing industry for a long time, which has helped the brand establish an unparalleled reputation in the industry. IT has long been serving guitar geeks with the most top-quality and exciting guitar models.

Even in the case of thin body models, Yamaha has not disappointed its fans and frequent users. The FS800 by Yamaha is yet another masterpiece in its category. It is packed with exceptional specifications that make a huge impact on a guitarist’s final choice.

Specifications

• Solid sitka spruce top
•  Nato back & sides
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Rosewood bridge
• Diecast tuners
• This guitar has an adjustable truss rod

Belonging to the FS Series, launched fifty years ago, this guitar is an epitome of quality build, design, and functionality. It is an original Yamaha given the features it offers. Despite being a small-size model, this guitar has a lot to offer.

Portable

First things first, the portability of this guitar is worth discussing. The body is small, and it is lightweight, which allows a guitarist to travel with this equipment without overburdening themselves. It is designed for guitarists who travel a lot for gigs and with friends.

Comfortable to Play

Another added feature of this guitar is the comfort that it provides a guitarist during a performance. The lightweight and compact design allow a guitarist to play with complete ease and peace of mind.

Versatility

The next factor in consideration is its versatility, which is a feature that makes it stand out among the guitars in its category.  It works well for both women, children, and even men. The small body makes it usable by players of all levels of expertise, from beginners to professionals.

Top-Quality Build

One of the major concerns for guitar players is usually the durability or the strength of the body. While most of the thin body models are not that durable, this model by Yamaha offers robust strength and durability.

The Sound & Tone

The tone and sound that this guitar is capable of producing are quite exceptional. It offers a warm tone and loud sound. The authentic and well-balanced sounds are precisely what a stirs excitement among the guitar players.

The Perfect Match

The guitar by Yamaha is ideal for amateurs and beginner guitar players, specifically children and women. Moreover, guitarists who travel frequently and need a portable instrument, this one is a perfect choice.

Affordability

This one by Yamaha lies in the category of affordable equipment. At a reasonable rate, you get to enjoy a small-size yet a model packed with high-grade guitars.

Pros

•  It produces excellent sound and tone.
• The finish and the build-quality are worth praising, which makes it super durable.
• It offers excellent value for money.
• Ideal for beginners and amateurs.

Cons

• The size is not ideal for guitarists with big hands.
• The absence of a strap button on the guitar’s body’s neck side disappoints many users.

Fender Malibu Player Thin Body Acoustic Guitar

One of the oldest and widely trusted guitar brand manufacturing companies, Fender Guitars, never disappoints it, the user. While being used by top of the line artists, the guitars by this company bring in new and innovative features.

When talking about thin body guitars, Fender Guitars launched the Malibu Player acoustic guitar that has made it to the top in its category due to amazing specifications.

Specifications

• Fender-exclusive Malibu body shape
• Painted solid spruce top; painted mahogany back and sides
• Fishman pickup/preamp system
• Mahogany neck with slim-taper “C”-shaped profile; walnut fingerboard and bridge
• Matching painted 6-in-line headstock

It is one of those guitars, where even just taking a name will immediately tell people which model a person is talking about. It belongs to the company’s iconic range of guitar, despite being a small and thin body guitar; this offers features that are comparable to traditional acoustic guitars used by the pros.

The 50s and 60s Look

While most of the manufacturers are taking their manufacturing game to the modern touch, this company is adopting the 50s and 60s look that both impress the consumers and encourages them to put their money in it.

Easy-to-Use

As the primary purpose of thin body guitars is to make the guitar playing experience comfortable and stress-free, this guitar by Fender perfectly fulfills it. The design is compact, which scores high in terms of comfort.

It makes the guitar easy to use, and holding the guitar is comfortable, and balancing it on the knee is possible due to smartness through design.

A Dynamic Range

Another feature that makes people frequently choose this in the category of thin body models is the fact that it supports dynamic range and reacts phenomenally well to different styles of playing. The more it is used, the better sound it produces.

The Electronics

As this is an acoustic/electric guitar, not talking about its electrics is not possible. It comes equipped with Fishman designed pickup and preamp, under-saddle piezo configuration, and EQ, including treble, volume control, and bass.

An Ideal Match

While this is a lightweight and beautifully designed thin body guitar, ti is ideal for young players and those in the learning phase. For the pros and experts, it might not be the best option.

Pros

• The guitar’s look is impressive and catches the eye of many young players.
• The playability of this guitar is beyond exceptional.
• The build quality needs to be praised as it is one of the most durable designs by Fender.
•  For an entry-level guitar, this one takes the lead.

Cons

• The acoustic sound produced by this guitar is not very balanced.
• It is not an affordable model by Fender.

Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Yamaha is a well-known and well-reputed brand when it comes to designing guitars. There was a time when this brand was designing the most reliable and top-quality guitars in the world. Even today, the name of the company dominates in many areas.

Talking about thin body guitars, even in this category, Yamaha has launched some fantastic models. Out of these, one that is stealing the show is the APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar. It is jam-packed with impressive features that make it a top choice for guitarists in search of lightweight, thin body models.

Specifications

•  Thin-line cutaway body design for exceptional playability
• 25″ Scale Length and narrower string spacing for Enhanced comfort
•  New scalloped bracing pattern for increased bass response
• Abalone soundhole rosette
• Stage-focused pickup system for shaping your sound in the mix

Starting with the design, this model deserves the praise for the mastery it is equipped with. It is super easy to use, and the degree of comfort offered by this model is beyond the comprehension of a guitarist’s mind.

High Degree of Comfort

The smartly-thought design makes it easy for a user to hold the guitar in a perfect position. Moreover, the cutaway design ensures that a guitarist can easily access all the frets on the guitar neck.

The extra dose of playability, along with the quality of sound crafting, impresses the people, convincing them to invest their money on it.

It has been designed to be used for long periods due to the factor of comfort the brand has so carefully focused on.

The Sound Quality

The sound quality is worth mentioning, and in terms of clarity when amplified, there is hard to find a match.

The Perfect Match

One question to ponder upon is, “who is this guitar designed for?” It is an ideal option for country musicians and guitarists willing to join a jamming session. Also, this guitar works well for guitar players who frequently play among a small venue.

Affordable Yet Powerful

For anyone thinking that this one by Yamaha is not an affordable option, it most definitely is. It offers excellent value for money. The features it comes equipped with are phenomenal, given the price that a buyer pays for it.

Pros

• The quality of strings is reliable and praise-worthy.
• The design is well-thought and very impressive.
• It comes equipped with the capability to shape sound due to its stage-focused pickup system.
• The power and volume are fabulous.
• It comes with a built-in tuner, and the shape lets a user hold the guitar with ease, contributing to a high degree of convenience.

Cons

• The neck binding is not of the best quality.
• The quality of electronics it comes with is not reliable.
• Uses with large hands might have trouble using the frets on the neck.

Yamaha FS830 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha is one of the most well-reputed guitar brands in the world. It has been manufacturing some of the best guitar models for guitar enthusiasts since 1955. The brand has produced guitars that have impressed the masses, and even today, it is one of the most reliable guitar brands.

Talking about reliable and durable guitars by Yamaha, it does not stay back even in the category of thin body models. The FS830 is a guitar model that deserves to be added to the list. Not only is this model known for its solid construction, but this brand is also equipped with phenomenal specifications.

Specifications

• Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Rosewood Back & Sides
• Rosewood Fingerboard
• Rosewood Bridge
• Diecast Tuners
• This guitar has an adjustable truss rod

It is one of the iconic guitars of the company’s 800 series, and it features a new scalloped “X” bracing pattern.  With a solid Sitka spruce top, nato back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge, this one is a winner in terms of classic looks.

Travel-Friendliness & Comfort

The guitar by Yamaha is one of the most travel-friendly options in the market. While providing features of a concert-sized guitar, this one by the company allows users to carry their equipment when on travel.

In comparison to the FG Series, the FS830 is thinner and more compact, making this guitar very comfortable to play on.

Variety in Colors

Guitarists who want to get their hands on a guitar that suits their personality and their craft need to choose this guitar by Yamaha as it comes with a variety of different colors. Moreover, the white binding makes this guitar looks super attractive.

Pros

• The build quality is satisfying.
• It is excellent for travelers and aspiring guitarists due to its compactness and small size.
• It is an affordable guitar.

Cons

• Several issues can be addressed with minor fixes.

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar

Established in 1873, Epiphone is one of the oldest guitar brands in the world. It is known for its handcrafted models that are a classic example of perfection.

They are praised for their high build quality models. It is a choice of several top-of-the-line artists, two of them include John Lennon and George Harrison.

In the category of the best thin body guitars, Epiphone is a name that cannot be looked over. The DR-100 Acoustic guitar is one of the best in this category.

 The design and sound, both aspects of this guitar, have been beautifully focused on producing a masterpiece for the guitar players. Along with this, it offers a dynamic range of specifications.

Specifications

• Classic go-to Dreadnought Shape
• Select Spruce top
• Mahogany Body
• Premium Machine Heads
• SlimTaper Neck Profile

The guitar that is enlisted as one of the best thin body models in the market in 2020 comes with high-quality pickups. The resulting volume is attention-grabbing, and the sound stays clear throughout. In terms of money, you do not have to worry as it comes with a budget-friendly-tag.

The Perfect Match

Starting with the perfect match, this guitar is ideal for anyone looking for a guitar. Meaning, this model by Epiphone is designed to suit the needs of everyone. Moreover, those who are in for a little challenge, this guitar will be in perfect sync with them.

The Electronics

It is definitely no exaggeration when it is said that this budget-friendly guitar offers high-grade electronics. The electronics that a guitarist might look for in an expensive and high-end model, they can find it in this affordable model by the brand.

Pros

• The sound quality is fantastic due to its perfectly balanced characteristic.
• The price versus value ratio is impressive; in an affordable range, you get a guitar that has it all.
• The multiple preamp controls allow a player to shape the sounds efficiently.
• The battery house is located at the outer side, which means you can change it without messing up the gorgeousness of the guitar.

Cons

• The slight buzzing and humming issue might get frustrating for many people.
• To get the best sound, users need to adjust their rank as per their needs.

Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar

Fender is one of the most popular guitar brands in the world, and there is no denying there. It stands among the guitar brands that are the oldest in the world. Not only does the company excel in producing professional-grade guitars, but is also dominating the category of thin-body guitars.

One of the top thin body guitars that have made it to the list of top ten thin-body guitars is the CP-60S parlor acoustic guitar. It is equipped with dynamic specifications and is full of impressive features.

Specifications

• Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar – Fender 2 Year Limited Warranty
• Body Back: Laminated Mahogany
• Body Sides: Laminated Mahogany
• Body Top: Solid Spruce
• Body Finish: Gloss

The light, airy parlor guitar by Fender is a top-class addition to this list. The reason why this model has been added to the list is its affordability. It is one of the most affordable options in the market and is not from the high-end category.

Despite it being the most reasonably priced thin body guitar in the market at present, this model by Fender has been able to gain a global fan base due to its amazing features.

Long-Lasting & Top-quality Build

Out of the many features this guitar is equipped with is its build quality. This model by Fender has been designed and built to last long. It has been manufactured using rich mahogany, something not many people expect from an acoustic guitar in this price range.

The Sound

Generally, all parlor guitars produce a quiet and boxy tone, but with this model by Fender provides excellent sound. The tone is tight and focused, which is an attractive characteristic for many guitarists.

Pros

• It is one of the most affordable thin body guitars in the market.
• The build quality is exceptional as it is made using the strongest materials.
• The finishing of the body is praise-worthy.

Cons

• The loudness of the sound is not very perfect.

Fender CP-140SE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Fender Guitars are not unknown in the world of guitar brands. It is one of the most trusted brands among guitar professionals as well as beginners. Founded in 1946, this brand has been manufacturing quality acoustic and electric instruments for the musicians.

Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Blackmore, and David Gilmour are some of the artists that actively use Fender Guitar instruments for their performance. The CP-140SE Acoustic-Electric Guitar is another one from Fender that is gaining rapid popularity in the guitar world.

Specifications

•  Parlor body style
•  Solid spruce top with scalloped “X”-bracing
•  Rosewood back and sides
•  Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
• Fishman Presys pickup/preamp

The CP-140SE is a guitar that needs to be added in the list of best thin body guitars in the market as of 2020. The primary purpose of guitar players looking for thin body guitars is comfort and convenience. This guitar by Fender offers both to its users.

Comfortable Playing Experience

For users who are looking for a comfortable playing experience need to consider this guitar by Fenders. The compact design, along with its lightweight, has captured the attention of all guitarists who want to enjoy a perfectly comfortable playing experience.

Warm & Intimate Sound

It is a thin body guitar by Fender that holds the capability of producing warm and intimate sound. The sound is distinctively impressive and something that all guitarists love.

The Right Users

Every guitar is designed to suit the needs of a specific group of guitarists. Similarly, this one by Fender has been designed for folk and blues players. Moreover, this model is compatible with fingerstyle players.

Pros

• It features a super compact design and is very lightweight, making a user’s experience comfortable.
• It is ideal for folk and blues players.
• It supports fingerstyle guitar playing.
• It is an affordable model by Fender.

Cons

• It requires frequent tuning.

Thin Body Acoustic Guitar Features and Benefits

The thin body acoustic guitars are most suitable for young and aspiring artists who have just stepped into the world of guitar. Moreover, these guitars serve their purpose well when it comes to travelers. The features that these guitars come with make this guitar a top choice for such guitarists.

The top features and benefits of this guitar include:

Ergonomics & Playability

When it comes to beginners and aspiring artists, the two factors that need to be considered are the ergonomics and the playability. These guitars are small-sized, yet they offer professional-grade features. The models are designed ergonomically to provide the guitarists with top-class comfort and playability.

These guitars can be balanced on knees and support both fingerstyle and strumming. Playing these guitars for too long does not put a strain on the wrist, providing users with a satisfying playability experience.

Size

The reason why these guitars are the top choice for beginners and aspiring artists is that it is effortless to handle. It is easy to play the frets and lets a user enjoy comfort throughout their performance.

Handling a full-scale guitar requires a lot of practice, and this cannot be done while a person is learning to play the guitar. The compactness of these guitars makes it perfect for those in the learning phase.

Weight

Another factor that needs to be considered when handling a guitar is its weight. Beginners cannot handle guitars that are too heavy. It is due to this reason these guitars are an excellent option for learners and beginners.

Sound

These thin body guitars offer a well-rounded and balanced sound that is what many guitarists look for when choosing to purchase an instrument for themselves.

Choosing The Best Thin Body Acoustic Guitar (Buyer’s Guide)

Choosing the best thin body acoustic guitar can turn into an overwhelming process, given the number of options that are available in the market. When choosing any product, there are several factors of consideration. Without considering these factors, an individual might end up selecting the wrong product

Similarly, when choosing the best thin body acoustic guitars, the buyer needs to consider the following factors.

Shape

While some guitarists like to go with the classic-cut guitars, others look for a unique shape that gives a cool vibe. There are thin body guitars available in different sizes; it is best to choose the standard shape because it allows easy handling, which is a factor that young guitarists look for in their instrument.

Playability

As the primary purpose of thin body guitars is to support aspiring artists in the learning phase, looking for an instrument that offers ease-in-playability is a smart option. Adjusting the tune after every short while is not an ideal situation.

Price

While price should not be the decisive factor when choosing a guitar, it must not be ignored. A learner or a frequent traveler needs an instrument that works well during rough use. A very expensive guitar might offer exceptional durability, but in case it incurs damage, the costs associated with will be high.

As the thin body guitars are suitable for travelers and learners, getting a costly guitar might not be a smart option.

Aesthetics 

It is not an essential factor of consideration in this process, but for some people, it might serve as a deal-breaker. The functionality of guitars is a priority, but guitar enthusiasts do look for the aesthetics in the guitars they choose.

Conclusion

Any aspiring guitarist who wants to acquire and develop these skills need to choose a guitar on which they can primarily focus on their craft. Handling and tuning the guitars can get in the way of a person’s learning and make it difficult for them to reach the pro-level.

These top ten thin body guitars are the best options in the market that offer top-class handling and do not require much tuning.

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