Best Solid Top Steel-String Acoustic Guitars of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Solid top steel-string acoustic guitars are a popular choice among musicians due to their versatility and durability. The solid top construction produces a richer, fuller tone that improves with age, while the steel strings provide a bright, clear sound. These guitars are ideal for a range of playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The solid top also makes them more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, ensuring they maintain their quality over time. With a variety of sizes and finishes available, there is a solid top steel-string acoustic guitar to suit every taste and budget.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha FG800J NT Cover #TOP 1
Yamaha FG800J NT
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple Steel-String Acoustic Guitar Cover #TOP 2
Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple Steel-String Acoustic Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Donner Rising-G1 Acoustic Guitar Kit Cover #TOP 3
Donner Rising-G1 Acoustic Guitar Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Solid Top Steel-String Acoustic Guitars

FG800J NT
Natural
Dreadnought
Yamaha FG800J NT Cover
Yamaha 6 String Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish, Right, (FG800J NT)

The Yamaha FG800J NT, also known as the Yamaha 6 String Acoustic Guitar, is a high-quality instrument designed for acoustic guitar enthusiasts. With its solid Sitka spruce top, this guitar produces rich and vibrant tones, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced players. The nato and mahogany back & sides provide excellent resonance and projection, ensuring that every note rings out with clarity. The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the fretboard. The rosewood bridge enhances sustain and adds warmth to the sound. Additionally, the diecast chrome tuners ensure accurate and stable tuning, so you can focus on playing without worrying about constantly retuning. Overall, the Yamaha FG800J NT is a reliable and versatile instrument that delivers exceptional sound quality and playability.

What We Like
Great value
Durable and reliable
Easy to play
Beautiful tone

Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple Steel-String Acoustic Guitar

PSTGT71BL
Blue,Grey
Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple Steel-String Acoustic Guitar Cover
Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple, Steel String Acoustic Guitar with Solid Spruce Top&Glossy Finish, Full Size with Complete Accessory Kit, Digital Tuner, Great for Beginners, Student Practice, Kids and Adults

The Pyle Blue Ocean Ripple Steel-String Acoustic Guitar is a full-size 41” guitar perfect for all ages. It has a grand auditorium cutaway body made of sapele plywood, with a solid spruce top and blue ocean ripple glossy finish. The guitar comes with a complete set of accessories, including a digital tuner, 2 picks, a strap, and more. With a free 2-month online guitar lesson subscription, anyone can learn to play straight out of the box.

What We Like
Complete starter set with accessories
Free 2-month online guitar lesson subscription
Full-size 41” guitar perfect for all ages
#TOP 3

Donner Rising-G1 Acoustic Guitar Kit

RISING-G1
Black
Donner Rising-G1 Acoustic Guitar Kit Cover
Donner Carbon X Wood Acoustic Guitar Beginner & Intermediate Learner Kits - Carbon Fiber Top, Wooden Bowl, 38" Durable Solid Guitar with Case, Strap, Steel-String RISING-G1 (Gloss, Black)

The Donner Rising-G1 Guitar is designed for both beginners and intermediate players, combining modern materials with traditional sound. Its carbon fiber top and wooden bowl create a guitar that is not only durable but also produces a warm, natural tone. You will appreciate the exceptional stability and strength from its layered carbon fiber soundboard, ensuring a reliable playing experience. The African mahogany back and sides enhance acoustic warmth and resonance, giving you a beautifully crafted instrument. Plus, the anti-oxidation rounded frets and high-density fretboard provide a smooth, comfortable touch, making your practice and performances enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable carbon fiber construction
Warm acoustic tone
Comfortable playing experience
Travel-ready with accessories
#TOP 4

Fender CD-60S All Mahogany Acoustic Guitar Bundle

AUS-0961702021-COMBO-DLX
Mahogany
Fender CD-60S All Mahogany Acoustic Guitar Bundle Cover
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

The Fender CD-60S is an affordable, high-quality all mahogany dreadnought acoustic guitar that delivers great tone and playability. Its solid mahogany top with scalloped "X"-bracing and mahogany back and sides produce a warm, rich sound. The easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges makes it comfortable for beginners and experienced players alike. This bundle includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, making it an excellent value for any guitarist.

What We Like
High-quality all mahogany dreadnought at an affordable price
Warm and rich sound with solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides
Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges for comfort
#TOP 5

SIGMA Mini Acoustic Guitar

Natural Gloss
SIGMA Mini Acoustic Guitar Cover
SIGMA Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Solid Spruce Top, Dao Back & Sides, Natural Gloss, Rosewood Bridge, Premium Name-Brand Steel Strings, Mini Acoustic Guitar Suitable for Travel, Right (20MINI)

The SIGMA Mini Acoustic Guitar is a handcrafted, portable instrument made with solid Spruce top and Dao sides and back, featuring premium brand steel strings and solid tuning machine heads. With a warm, rich tone, it is perfect for musicians of all levels, while remaining affordable and attractive. Its 30-day return guarantee ensures customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Handcrafted with solid Spruce top and Dao sides and back
Premium brand steel strings and solid tuning machine heads
Warm, rich tone perfect for musicians of all levels
Affordable and attractive design
30-day return guarantee ensures customer satisfaction
#TOP 6

Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

961596221
Mahogany
CD-60S
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle Cover
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

The Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice for players who seek affordability without compromising on quality. The guitar has a dreadnought body style, solid mahogany top with scalloped "X"-bracing, mahogany back and sides, and an easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges. These features produce great tone and excellent playability, making it an ideal choice for beginners and professionals alike.

What We Like
Comes with a hard case, tuner, strap, strings, picks and an Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD.
High-quality affordable dreadnought with great tone and playability.
Solid mahogany top with scalloped "X"-bracing and mahogany back and sides.
#TOP 7

Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle

AUS-0970150422-COMBO-DLX
Mahogany
Concert Size CC-60S
Fender CC-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle Cover
Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD - Mahogany

The Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Acoustic Guitar is an all-mahogany bundle that includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, Fender Play online lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD. The guitar features a solid mahogany top, comfortable walnut fingerboard with rolled edges, and a new, easy-to-play neck shape. The mahogany back and sides provide a rich, warm tone. This steel-string acoustic guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

What We Like
Bundle includes everything you need to get started playing right away
Solid mahogany top provides a rich, warm tone
Comfortable walnut fingerboard with rolled edges for easy playing
#TOP 8

Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

970110206
Black
Full
Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Cover
Fender Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard and Alloy Steel Strings, Glossed Black Finish, Spruce Top, Includes Hard-Shell Case

The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike. With its dreadnought body style, spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing, and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces a nicely balanced tone and plenty of volume. The easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges and the walnut fingerboard and bridge make playing comfortable and enjoyable. It also includes a hardshell case for safe and convenient transport and storage.

What We Like
Produces nicely balanced tone and plenty of volume
Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges and walnut fingerboard and bridge
Includes hardshell case for safe and convenient transport and storage
#TOP 9

SIGMA 40” Acoustic Guitar, OOO, 4/4 Full-Size

SIG10AVTS
Vintage Tinted
39.9"
SIGMA 40” Acoustic Guitar, OOO, 4/4 Full-Size Cover
SIGMA 40” Acoustic Guitar, OOO, 4/4 Full-Size, with D'Addario EXP16 Strings, Solid Spruce Top, Vintage Tinted Gloss, Mahogany Back & Sides, Right(10A)

The SIGMA 40” Acoustic Guitar is handcrafted, has a solid spruce top, Sapele back & sides, and a rosewood fingerboard & bridge. The guitar produces warm, rich tones with an open sound and retains its tonal integrity. The guitar is 39.9” long, has 20 frets, solid tuners, and comes with D'Addario EXP16 strings. It is an attractive, affordable guitar that is perfect for both beginners and advanced players.

What We Like
Handcrafted with solid spruce top, Sapele back & sides, and rosewood fingerboard & bridge
Produces warm, rich tones with an open sound and retains its tonal integrity
Attractive, affordable guitar that is perfect for both beginners and advanced players
#TOP 10

Rosen Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Rosen
blue
Full
Rosen Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle Cover
Rosen Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar 41 Inches Spruce Guitar Beginner Bundle with Book, Padded Bag, Strings, Picks, Hexwrench, Strap, Polishing Cloth, Blue

The Rosen Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle is a great starter kit for beginners, including a solid A-grade spruce top with laminated sapeli back and sides, reinforced "X" bracing structure, and phosphor bronze strings with an 18:1 tuner machine. The kit comes with a padded gig bag, extra strings, clip-on digital tuner, adjustable strap, picks, capo, clean cloth, and Allen wrench. The classic full-size steel-string acoustic has a C-shaped neck, friendly for all hand sizes, and can adjust the height of the chord distance with a hex wrench. It's perfect for anyone, from beginner to professional.

What We Like
Great starter kit for beginners
Comes with everything you need to start playing
Reinforced "X" bracing structure for better resonance vibration
Phosphor bronze strings and 18:1 tuner machine for precise tuning
Classic full-size steel-string acoustic with a C-shaped neck friendly for all hand sizes
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do solid top guitars sound better?

A solid-top improves tone and volume, so even if the rest of the guitar is laminate, having a solid top is pretty cool and a sign of a nicer instrument that is usually at least one step up from the cheaper acoustics.

2. Are steel string guitars harder to play?

Steel String Guitars: Steel string guitars, such as the Pursuit Concert, produce a sharper, crisper and louder sound which most musicians prefer. However, playing on steel strings is also harder as they need to be pressed down firmly to adequately produce sound.

3. How can you tell if a acoustic guitar is solid top?

Look at the grain of the wood on the top of the guitar. Pick a line within the grain and follow it to the sound hole. If the top is sold, the grain will flow over the edge into the sound hole. If is not solid it will stop.

Dreadnought. When it comes to steel-string acoustic guitars the dreadnought style is probably the most popular. The larger size and stronger construction of the body offer tremendous projection whether flat-picking or playing finger-style.

Editor's Notes

During our solid top steel-string acoustic guitar research, we found 24 solid top steel-string acoustic guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,348 customer reviews through our big data system to write the solid top steel-string acoustic guitars list. We found that most customers choose solid top steel-string acoustic guitars with an average price of $163.59.

The solid top steel-string acoustic guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of solid top steel-string acoustic guitars, including Yamaha, Pyle, Donner, Fender, SIGMA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.