Buying Guides / 19 April 2024

The Best Acoustic Guitars Under SGD$500

Playing an acoustic guitar

Shopping for your very first acoustic guitar? Congratulations! Getting your beginner acoustic guitar can be both an exciting and daunting prospect as there are so many great options out there. Fortunately, we have curated a comprehensive list of the best acoustic guitar series under SGD$500 available at Swee Lee.

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At this price point, you can expect to get a fantastic beginner or mid-range instrument with premium appointments such as solid tops and high-quality craftsmanship. You’ll find offerings from many of the big-name brands including Harmony, Fender, Ibanez, Cort, Gretsch and many more!

Check out our picks of the best acoustic guitar series under SGD$500 below.

Harmony Foundation Terra Series Acoustic Guitars

Harmony Foundation Terra Series Acoustic Guitars

Designed to cater to the needs of beginners through to experienced players alike, the Harmony Foundation Series Terra Acoustic Guitars have all the tone and playability you’ll need to embark on your own musical adventure. Here are some reasons why these acoustics deserve your attention:

Unbeatable Value: The Harmony Foundation Terra Series of acoustic guitars are priced under SGD$500, making them accessible to all guitar players – from the budding beginner to the seasoned sessionist looking for a reliable guitar.

Widest Selection Range: This series offers a range of features, body shapes, and tone woods (all-solid wood to laminated) tailored to different preferences and playing styles, ensuring that every guitarist can find their perfect match.

Comfortable Playability: The Harmony Foundation Terra Series Acoustic Guitars feature a comfortable neck profile and a slim taper, making them easy to play for hours on end – even for beginners and players with smaller hands alike.

Read more: Harmony Foundation Series Terra: Quality Acoustic Guitars at Amazing Prices

Fender California Redondo Series Mini Acoustic Guitars

Inspired by the California lifestyle, the Fender California Redondo series are smaller-bodied guitars that offer a range of options for players of all levels. They come in quirky colours and are the perfect size for children or anyone who wants a petite guitar. Here are some reasons why they’re worth considering:

Small Guitar, Big Sound: The California series guitars are designed to produce a wide range of tones, from bright and punchy to warm and mellow.

Durable Construction: These guitars are built to last, with a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back & sides.

Easy playability: The California Redondo Series Mini Acoustic Guitars feature a comfortable neck profile and shorter scale length. This makes them an absolute breeze to play for most beginners who have not built up the necessary finger and hand strength.

Fender Alternative Acoustic Series Acoustic Guitars

The Fender Alternative Acoustic Series is a great option for players looking for a unique and versatile acoustic guitar that is both affordable and durable. Here are some key features of the Fender Alternative Acoustic series:

Modern Sound: The Fender Alternative Acoustic series offers a unique sound that is different from traditional acoustic guitars. These guitars are designed to provide a contemporary and bright tone – making them perfect for beginners who want to start with a different sound.

Affordable Tones: The Fender Alternative Acoustic series is an affordable option for players who want a good acoustic guitar without breaking the bank.

Made to Last: The Fender Alternative Acoustic series is built to last, with laminate wood construction that can withstand the rigours of regular use. These guitars are designed to provide years of reliable performance – making them a great investment for any budding beginner.

Ibanez AAM Series Acoustic Guitars

Just like their electric guitar counterparts, the Ibanez Advanced Acoustic Series is designed to push sonic boundaries. These innovative acoustics are designed from scratch to deliver a richer, brighter, and powerful tone. Here are some details you have to know about this acoustic guitar series:

All-New Shape: Inspired by the famous grand auditorium silhouette, the Ibanez AAM Series sports its Advanced Auditorium shape. With a slightly wider waist, this shape boasts richer low mids and improved body-to-weight balance.

Innovative Acoustic Bracing: Developed specifically for their Advanced Auditorium guitar bodies, Ibanez’s proprietary X-M bracing helps the AAM Series Acoustic Guitars produce the ultimate sound for the stage and studio.

Beginner-Friendly Hardware: An absolute advantage over old-fashioned pins, the Ibanez Advantage™ bridge pins on the Ibanez AAM guitars are easier to take out and put in than standard pins – making it easier to change strings for beginners.

Cort Earth Series Acoustic Guitars

Cort has been making great electric guitars for a while now and their acoustic guitars are on the same trajectory. The Cort Earth Series is a line of acoustic guitars that pay homage to the great vintage acoustic guitars, offering a classic look, sound, feel, and playability with uncompromising quality and excellent value. Here are some of the features from this series:

Excellent Woods + Build Quality: The Cort Earth series guitars are made with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, producing a rich, full sound. These guitars are also crafted with a dovetail neck joint – ensuring maximum note sustain and enhanced durability.

Comfortable playability: The Earth series guitars feature a slim neck profile and a comfortable fingerboard, making them easy to play for hours on end. The perfect fit for beginners or younger players!

Specially Coated Strings: All Cort Earth guitars come stock with specially coated strings – designed to resist humidity, dirt, and sweat, ensuring a longer string life and consistent playability, even in challenging conditions

Gretsch Jim Dandy Series Acoustic Guitars

A nod to the historic “Rex” line of instruments offered by mail-order catalogue during the mid-20th century, the Gretsch Jim Dandy Series captures the charm of the early Gretsch® guitars – but with improved playability and superior sound quality. This line of guitars is a great option for players looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar at an affordable price. Here are some reasons why:|

Nostalgic Design: With period-correct details like a vintage-style pinned bridge, “G”-graphic pickguard, and oversized dot fingerboard inlays – the Gretsch Jim Dandy Series Acoustic Guitars exude a nostalgic personality reminiscent of early Gretsch instruments.

Compact and Lightweight: The Gretsch Jim Dandy guitars’ compact body shape and lightweight basswood construction make them easy to transport and comfortable to play for extended periods – an appealing point for beginners and experienced players alike.

Ideal for Roots Music: Known for their woody vintage tone, the Gretsch Jim Dandy guitars are ideal for older music styles – think Delta Blues, Slide, Ragtime, and other old-time fingerstyle tunes.


Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s an acoustic guitar in this guide that’s perfect for you. With a range of options under SGD$500, you’re sure to find a guitar that fits your budget and your playing style.

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On the lookout for another type of guitar? No sweat, our Swee Lee stores are locked and loaded with different makes and models. If you’re not sure what your dream axe is called, search it up on the website first.

Read more: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners


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