Good acoustic for under £200?

[solo4652]

I've been playing bass for 20 years. I'm starting to think about buying a half-decent (electro) acoustic guitar for strumming along to some simple songs. I've done some research, and Yamaha F310 keeps cropping up. Plenty on ebay for under £100. This seems pretty cheap to me - are they any good? I'd happily spend up to £200, and I'd happily consider used. Any other makes to consider? Tanglewood? Takamine??

[ezbass]

I always reckon you can’t go wrong with a Yamaha, their gear always punches way above its price point.

[Crusoe]

Yep, you won't go wrong with a Yamaha F-310. It's long been considered one of the best (and best value) acoustic guitars for beginners. I've had one for about 20 years and still play it.

[Dad3353]

3 hours ago, solo4652 said:

I've been playing bass for 20 years. I'm starting to think about buying a half-decent (electro) acoustic guitar for strumming along to some simple songs. I've done some research, and Yamaha F310 keeps cropping up. Plenty on ebay for under £100. This seems pretty cheap to me - are they any good? I'd happily spend up to £200, and I'd happily consider used. Any other makes to consider? Tanglewood? Takamine??

 

A good shout-out for the F310, but be aware that it is an acoustic guitar. If you want an electro-acoustic, Yamaha offer the FX400, but at a higher price (£255 from Thomann, for instance...). Do you really need the 'electro' part, though..? For 'playing out', it's very useful, but for home use, the only real advantage is for recording, and even then, it's not the same sound as using an external mic. Your call, of course.
The other makers cited are very good, too, especially second-hand, where one may get a better instrument, if there's enough knowledge to judge the instrument offered. Hope this helps. 

[Crusoe]

20 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

 

A good shout-out for the F310, but be aware that it is an acoustic guitar. If you want an electro-acoustic, Yamaha offer the FX400, but at a higher price (£255 from Thomann, for instance...). Do you really need the 'electro' part, though..? For 'playing out', it's very useful, but for home use, the only real advantage is for recording, and even then, it's not the same sound as using an external mic. Your call, of course.
The other makers cited are very good, too, especially second-hand, where one may get a better instrument, if there's enough knowledge to judge the instrument offered. Hope this helps. 

I missed the electro bit   Yamaha Music London do the FX310A for £235

[solo4652]

Thanks everybody. Internet advice seems to be to forget about on-board electrics at this price. I'm only thinking about easy chord strumming at home at this stage, so electrics can wait - maybe add later with a soundhole pickup. 

 

I have a 1971 Gretsch 6025 classical guitar here. Might sell it. Might not - my mum bought it for me....

[Crusoe]

I had a quick look and you'll probably get less than £60 for the Gretsch. Maybe hold on to it for sentimental value (unless you don't like your mum )

[solo4652]

On 17/10/2025 at 11:14, Crusoe said:

I had a quick look and you'll probably get less than £60 for the Gretsch. Maybe hold on to it for sentimental value (unless you don't like your mum )

Yep - I think you're right about the Gretsch. Not worth trying to sell it, and it does have sentimental value - it was the guitar that got me started, albeit fleetingly. I stopped playing it in 1973, but started playing bass in 2005.

Edited October 19 by solo4652

[Dad3353]

There's always room in one's life for a nylon-strung guitar. Keep it safe, but keep it. 

[ezbass]

4 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

There's always room in one's life for a nylon-strung guitar.

+1