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If you’ve ever walked into a guitar shop and felt your wallet physically recoil at the price tags on acoustic guitars, you’re not alone. A solid new acoustic easily runs $300–$800. On Reverb that same guitar — played a handful of times by someone who bought it with good intentions and then got busy — regularly sells for half that. Sometimes less.
Acoustic guitars are one of the best used buys in music for a simple reason: the instrument itself improves with age. Unlike electronics, there are no circuits or capacitors to fail. The wood continues to vibrate, dry, and open up. A well-maintained ten-year-old Yamaha FG800 often projects better and feels more responsive than it did when it was new. That is not marketing language. It is how solid and quality laminate tops behave over time.
Quick Decision
Best overall used starting point: Yamaha FG800 or FS800
Best step-up used value: Taylor 114ce or Martin DX1
Where to buy: Reverb — deepest selection, price history, and buyer protection
Why Reverb Beats New Retail for Most Players
New acoustics take their biggest depreciation hit the moment they leave the store. Used ones on Reverb have already absorbed that drop. You get more guitar for the money, and the platform’s seller ratings, return window, and buyer protection make the process safer than most local classifieds or Facebook Marketplace deals.
Reverb also shows price history on many listings, so you can see whether the asking price is realistic compared with recent sales of the same model. For a broader look at used gear strategy, see the Used Music Gear Complete Buying Guide.
What to Look for When Buying Used
Start with the photos. Look around the soundhole and top for heavy pick wear and any cracks. Light cosmetic dings and finish checking are normal and almost never affect tone. Cracks that run near the bridge, along the top bracing, or through the neck joint are different — ask the seller for more detail and clear close-ups before you move forward.
Request photos of the neck joint, headstock, and frets if they are missing. Fret wear is common on well-played instruments and is usually fixable, but deep divots under the wound strings can add cost later.
Ask specifically about the action (string height). High action on an acoustic makes fretting and bending harder than it needs to be and often means the guitar needs a setup. A professional setup typically costs $50–$80 and can completely change how the instrument feels. Factor that into your total budget.
Also ask whether the guitar has had a recent setup, neck adjustment, or any major repairs. Honest sellers usually disclose this; vague answers are a reason to dig deeper or walk away. The same inspection habits apply when shopping for used electric guitars.
Best Used Acoustic Guitars to Hunt on Reverb
Yamaha FG800
Best for: Reliable, great-sounding starter and everyday acoustic that holds up for years
Typical used price: $150–$250
See used Yamaha FG800 →Taylor 114ce
Best for: Players who want easy playability, a slim neck, and a modern Taylor voice at a used price
Typical used price: $450–$650
See used Taylor 114ce →Martin DX1
Best for: Players who want Martin tone and build quality without stepping into solid-wood pricing
Typical used price: $350–$550
Browse used Martin DX1 →Seagull S6 Original
Best for: Players looking for strong value and a distinctive Canadian-made voice at used prices
Typical used price: $300–$450
See used Seagull S6 →Practical Buying Tips
Read the full description and every photo. Message the seller with specific questions about action, recent setups, and any known issues. Compare the asking price against recent sold listings of the same model when that data is available.
Budget for a setup after purchase. Even a well-kept used acoustic often benefits from a fresh neck adjustment, nut and saddle check, and new strings once it arrives. For more on building a practical setup around good instruments, see the Gear Every Home Studio Needs guide.
The Bottom Line
Your next acoustic guitar is already listed on Reverb at a price that makes more sense than most new options. Check there first, ask the right questions, and plan for a setup if the action needs work. Done correctly, a used acoustic is one of the highest-value purchases you can make in music.
Looking for more specific recommendations? Start with the Recommended Gear list and the Home Studio Setup Guide.
Related Posts:
- Best Used Electric Guitars 2026
- Used Music Gear Complete Buying Guide
- Guitar Tremolo Types Explained
- Recommended Gear
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