Since you are done with essential learning, how about going for the next big challenge?
This is where your guitar will indeed come alive.
Your expectations for your guitar will change since you want to get a real taste of the craft. At this stage, as an intermediate player, your choices will be influenced by sound quality, playability, and durability.
These elements will help you continue to grow as a guitarist while having maximum playing satisfaction.
So, let me help you find the best acoustic guitar under 2000 for intermediate players to kickstart the beginning of advanced learning.
Understanding the Needs of Intermediate Players
Now that you no longer struggle with the strings or frets, maybe it is time to buy a guitar to bring out the artist within you.
But how would you choose a guitar with neither advanced nor beginner-level features?
As an intermediate player, you must first understand your expectations from an acoustic guitar. What features do you need to get the best sound out of it?
If you are unclear about your requirements, then don’t worry. Let me guide you through. Here are the several features you will need to prioritize before buying an acoustic guitar.
1.Playability
As you sharpen your skills, the comfort of playing will become essential for you. So, your requirement should be a guitar with good neck strength.
You will go for the one with guitar strings high above the fretboard. It will give you better fretting and smooth transitions between chords.
2. Quality of the sound
Nothing feels better than expressing your musical ideas through balanced tones. As a musician, you will look for a guitar that delivers a warm, rich tone to match your genre.
Consider buying a guitar constructed of tonewoods. Also, pay attention to the body and size of the guitar since they significantly influence the acoustic sound.
3. Craftmanship
Investing good money in a guitar is to use it for a long time. Durability and craftsmanship play crucial roles here. A well-constructed guitar easily lasts longer and projects better functionality and sound quality.
These features will collectively improve your performance as an intermediate player. They will sharpen your technique and allow you to explore various music styles.
Top Three Picks for Intermediate Acoustic Guitars
You will find several top-notch brands that sell the best acoustic guitar for intermediate players. Zager offers the best intermediate acoustic guitars for players who have successfully moved past the beginner level.
Here are the top 3 acoustic guitar picks, which have been shortlisted based on their solid tops, quality features, and affordable price tags. A well-known brand like Zager makes these guitars, and are suitable for intermediate players.
1. ZAD80CE
For a long time, the Zager ZAD80 Series has been a favorite among intermediate players. Its robust wood construction, fine hardware, and first-rate neck style fit the hands perfectly. This proves how Danny Zager has nicely put together the model with top-rated materials and feasible features.
Key Specifications:
- Solid Ceder or Rosewood construction
- The full dreadnought size
- Fishman’s new Aura digital sound system
- Built-in Fishman automatic tuner system
- Lean neck design
- Convention string space
- Smooth fret design
- Adaptable truss rod
- $1720 (With coupon)
The Zager ZAD80CE is a perfect match for the intermediate player in terms of fine sound quality. Once you strumming the guitar, you will immediately feel the handbuilt quality. It comes with a Fisherman pickup and equalizer so that you can change the audio sound. Overall, the ZAD80CE is easy to play without putting too much pressure on the fret.
2. ZAD80CE- OM
The Zager ZAD80CE-OM is one of the preferable choices for intermediate players who appreciate first-class craftsmanship and easy-to-play guitars. Its visually stunning design, optimal play action, and calibrated tuned features show how much effort Mr. Denny Zager puts into the guitars.
Key Specifications:
- Thinner hourglass shape body
- Solid western red cedar
- Smaller Orchestra Model
- Venetian Cutaway box design
- Fishman pickup system
- Built-in tuner
- Fishman equalizer system
- Detailed hand-carved bone, nut, and saddle
- $1520 (With Coupon)
Because of its smaller body size, the ZAD80CE-OM might not produce as much sound as the regular guitar. But it has a Fishman pickup system with a built-in tuner, which helps it play out loud. The ZAD80CE-OM is for intermediate players who are looking for splendid playability and a first-class design.
3. ZAD50CE
The ZAD50CE has all the features that can make it a good option for intermediate players. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate guitarist, the ZAD50CE has exciting attributes that make it an excellent first pick. It combines a built body and sound quality, making the experience ten times better for a guitar player.
Key Specifications:
- Solid Mahogany back-sides, neck, and headstock
- Fishman built-in transducer, tuner, and equalizer
- Genuine Grover’s tuning machine
- Gloss finish
- Abalone rosette with pearl fret
- $1220 (With Coupon)
The ZED50CE provides a rich, warm sound and minimizes string bites. The hardware also plays a significant role in the sound system. Anyone who loves superb sound and an eye for quality will surely enjoy it.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Guitar
It is fascinating to buy a guitar, but you know how overwhelming it can be to choose the perfect one. But if you pay attention to some essential yet crucial factors, it will be much easier to choose.
The following key factors are the ones you can consider:
1. Tonewoods
Wood is the main element that makes guitars sound different. The type of wood used on the top, back, and sides of the guitars significantly influences the tone.
If we listen to Spruce Woods, the tone is clear. On the other hand, mahogany generates more warm and balanced tones. That is how you know that even the difference in wood can impact the sound. So, try different tonewood combinations to find the sound suitable for you.
2. Body Shape and Size
The body shape and size of the guitar determine its sound and comfort. Different body shapes and sizes produce different levels of sound. It also shows how flexible the guitar is while being used.
Guitar-like dreadnoughts have a big body. Because of its big body, it produces a fuller and booming sound. But when you listen to the parlor, you will get an intimate sound because of the compact shape.
3. Neck and Fretboard
One of the major factors when choosing an acoustic guitar is the neck strength and the fretboard profile. Both these features contribute a lot to playability. C-shaped or D-shaped neck profiles get lots of attention because they are considered good.
Then comes the smooth fretboard, mostly made of rosewood or ebony. These fretboards make it much easier for the guitarist to play the chords.
4. Electronic
If you plan on performing live or records, get an acoustic-electric guitar. These guitars have built-in pickup systems, which allow them to amplify the sound.
However, the disadvantage is that these guitars are costly. More importantly, not every guitarist likes their tone compared to a pure acoustic model.
5. Budget
When you are deciding to buy a guitar, try setting realistic budgets. By realistic budget, I mean the price range that aligns more with your needs and requirements. Acoustic guitars can range from affordable to high-end models. Think about the features you want in an acoustic guitar, then try to make the budget.
Additional Accessories for Intermediate Players
As an intermediate player, you should change the look of your guitars. Adding accessories a bit here and there and adequately maintaining the acoustic guitar will enhance its performance.
Here are a few suggestions regarding accessories and maintenance:
1. Guitar Case
Buying a guitar case is always a good idea. A good-quality guitar case can prevent your guitar from being damaged while traveling. Hard guitar cases are better than lightweight gig bags for protection.
2. Guitar Strap
A good-quality guitar strap can reduce the pressure on your shoulder. The strap distributes the guitar's weight evenly on the shoulder, providing comfort during longer playing sessions.
3. Tuner
Having a reliable tuner is essential for keeping the guitar in tune. Clip-on tuners are best for attaching directly to the headstock, while pedal tuners are ideal for live performances.
4. Capo
Capo will help you to change the keys immediately. You can clamp the capo on the fretboard, and you can now quickly change to different songs.
Proper maintenance is also necessary if you want your guitar to perform well in the long run. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your acoustic guitar.
1. Regular cleaning
Give the guitar strings and fretboard a regular wipe with a damp cloth. This will remove all the oil, sweat, and dirt from them, reducing the damage to the hardware.
2. Restring your guitar
Within every 1 to 3 months, change the strings to maintain the tone quality.
3. Adjustment
Try to adjust and check the neck actions and string heights. A professional adjustment can improve the playability.
Investing in good quality accessories and maintaining the guitar will help intermediate players keep the acoustic guitar in great shape.
Tips for Testing and Buying
There are several ways to test your guitar before buying it. If you go in-store and buy the guitar, check the neck profile and strings. A good, comfortable neck strength will improve playability. Focus on the sound quality by strumming the individual strings across the fretboard. It will give a sign of tone clarity.
I suggest you try multiple models before purchasing a guitar. You will get to feel each guitar. Only after testing and trying can you be sure which guitar best suits your style.
Furthermore, buying a guitar isn’t just limited to in-store buying. There are thousands of websites selling good-quality branded guitars. Whether you want to buy online or in-store depends on your preference.
- You get a hands-on experience in-store. You can physically touch the guitars and check everything with the help of staff guidance.
- On the other hand, an online store has a bordered collection, and you can purchase at your convenience. However, it has a few downsides regarding return policies and shipping risks.
Ultimately, it's all about balancing the advantages and disadvantages of testing the in-store and online shop. It all depends on your budget and requirements.
Pick Your Next Best Acoustic Guitar!
Choosing the perfect guitar as an intermediate player requires so many factors to be included, from tonewoods to fretboard quality, everything. All of these key factors are present in Zager’s guitars. They offer top choices like the ZAD80CE, ZAD80CE-OM, and ZAD50CE. All of these models are tailored with quality materials and features. Take your time to test and compare the guitar before settling on the perfect one.
