$300 is a real price point with real guitars in it. Here's what's worth buying — and why used often beats new at this budget.
We're a Fender and Martin dealer in Glens Falls, NY. In this market, that's not common — and it matters when you're buying a beginner guitar, because you're buying from someone who actually stocks and stands behind what they sell.
What to Look For at This Price Point
- Solid top vs. laminate — a solid spruce or cedar top resonates better and improves with age. Most guitars under $300 have laminate tops, which is fine for beginners, but a solid top at this price is worth prioritizing if you can find one.
- Playability — action, nut width, and neck profile matter more than brand at this level. A guitar that's hard to play will slow you down regardless of the name on the headstock.
- Tuning stability — cheap tuners are common at this price. Look for sealed tuners if possible.
- Setup quality — most guitars at this price ship from the factory with action that's higher than it needs to be. A setup makes a significant difference.
Fender at This Price Point
Fender's CD-60S is one of the most recommended beginner acoustics in this range — solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, comfortable neck, and a name that holds some resale value. The CD-140SCE adds electronics if you want the option to plug in. Both are reliable, well-built for the price, and easy to find parts and support for.
We're a Fender dealer — the CD-60S and CD-140SCE are guitars we stock and know well. When we recommend them, it's because we've sold them and seen how they hold up, not because they're on a list.
We carry Fender acoustics at the shop. Stop in and play one before you decide — that's the only way to know if the neck feels right for your hands.
The Case for Buying Used
At $300, used gear is worth serious consideration. A used Fender CD-60S, Yamaha FG800, or similar guitar in good condition often plays better than a new guitar at the same price — and any factory setup issues have usually been addressed.
Used acoustics in the $200 range come through the shop regularly — guitars that were $300–$400 new and usually a better value than anything new at that price. Players come in from across the Capital Region — Glens Falls, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs — looking for exactly this. If you're open to used, it's worth checking what we have on the floor before buying new. See what used acoustics we currently have in stock.
Before You Buy
Whatever you choose, have it set up before you commit to learning on it. High action is the most common reason beginners struggle in the first month — and it's almost always fixable. See when a beginner should get a guitar setup and what to look for.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com