Acoustic Guitars
( in stock)
SoldSanta Cruz OO Model Guitar
No fooling, this is the perfect fingerstyle 00! East Indian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce (and bracing) combine with the 12 fret neck to yield a clear, sweet, warm tone. The 1 13/16” nut width gives you plenty of room for comfortable fingering and the cutaway gives you great fret access high up the neck. With a hard shell case.
SoldBourgeois D Vintage Heirloom Series -Cutaway
This is a classic D that is great for flatpicking because it’s fashioned on Doc Watsons preferences...but with a cutaway! It features a full Aged Tone package with Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce on the top and the bracing, Master Grade East Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and Aged Tone Finish. This long scale guitar with a 1 23/32” width nut is a real cannon! The butterbean tuners and 30’s style herringbone purfling give this guitar the classic style that you are looking for. With hard shell case.
SoldTaylor 814ce
There's a reason why the 814ce is Taylor's most acclaimed guitar: With its blend of refined craftsmanship, richly textured sound and artful aesthetics, the 814ce represents everything that we stand for as guitar builders. East Indian rosewood back and sides, a Sitka spruce top and V-Class bracing produce a lush response with warm lows, pristine trebles and a slightly scooped midrange, leaving space in the mix for vocals or other instruments. Ideal for flatpicked lead lines, strumming, delicate fingerpicking and everything in between, this Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric boasts a versatile character that translates beautifully in amplified settings through the ES2 pickup. A deluxe hardshell case keeps the 814ce safe wherever you take it.
SoldTaylor 724ce
The all-new 724ce launches a new era for the Taylor 700 Series, introducing Select-grade Hawaiian koa to this popular family of acoustic guitars. This Grand Auditorium boasts back, sides and top of solid Hawaiian koa selected for its visual beauty as well as its punchy, lively musical response. You’ll hear a bold attack with an energetic tone profile that yields crisp trebles, a rich midrange and a low end that grows in over time. The super-thin matte finish makes for a raw feel and aesthetic that’s complemented by mother-of-pearl Fountain inlays, rosewood binding, a paua shell rosette and a dark-stained maple pickguard. It includes the ES2 acoustic pickup and a deluxe hardshell guitar case for storage and protection.
SoldTaylor 254ce
A 12-string acoustic guitar can be an inspiring way to add new sounds and musical textures to your repertoire. The Taylor 254ce offers a full-voiced, octave-rich tone thanks to a solid Sitka spruce top that generates plenty of volume and projection, with layered rosewood for the back and sides. With the always-comfortable Taylor Neck and a Venetian cutaway, this Grand Auditorium provides an accessible playing experience for guitarists of all skill levels. And with built-in ES2 electronics and a sturdy padded gig bag, the 254ce is easy to plug in to an amp and take with you on the road.
Sold2013 Bourgeois Aged Tone Mahogany Dreadnought
This is a great “workhorse” Dreadnought that’s ready for a lot more “pickin’ and grinnin’”. The tone is loud, warm and clear from a well broken in Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. This guitar is listed as in very good condition, it is structurally sound and had no issues. There are a plenty of little dings and signs of playing and some fretwear but the guitar sounds and plays great with low action and is ready to play and enjoy. With a Gator Hard Bag Here are some specs: Top Wood: Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce Back Sides: Mahogany Rosette: Wood Backstrip: Black Line Purfling: Black/Maple Top Border Head Veneer: Madagascar Rosewood Fretboard: 14 Fret Ebony Bridge: Traditional Ebony Belly Tuners: Waverly Nickel with Oval Buttons Pickguard: Vintage Head Binding: None Body Binding: Ziricote Fretboard Inlay: Vintage Style Dots Fretboard Binding: Black Nut Width: 1 23/32” Bridge Spacing: 2 3/16”
SoldSanta Cruz Vintage Artist
This guitar delivers classic Dreadnought tone thanks to an Adirondack Spruce top and Master-Grade Fiddleback Mahogany back and sides. It also boasts Adi bracing and Brazilian body, neck and peghead binding. It is super-playable with a roomy 1 3/4” nut width. Doc Watson, who owned the prototype of the Vintage Artist , said, “This is the Dreadnought I’ve been looking for all my life.” After Doc’s test pilot duties on the prototype, he offered this thoughtful testimonial: “Son, what do I have to do to keep this guitar?” This instrument is the tonal equal and technical superior to the most respected Pre-War guitars. To achieve the characteristic EQ and tone of the legendary Doc Watson, aka ‘the Vintage Artist ,’ this instrument features an advanced, scalloped X-bracing for powerful bass, complemented by the clear tone and definition of master grade Fiddle Back Mahogany. With hard shell case.
Sold2022 Taylor 352ce
The Taylor 352ce offers an ideal blend of playing comfort and signature octave-rich 12-string sound. Solid sapele back and sides pair with a Sitka spruce top for a response with a wide dynamic range and strong presence in the mids, and the V-Class bracing scheme helps smooth out the intonation for an overall sound all the way down the neck. The Grand Concert body makes for a more physically inviting experience, and the smaller frame makes it easier to get the volume you want without having to dig in too much. Built-in ES2 electronics make it a great choice for recording or live play, and a clean appointment package preserves its workmanlike aesthetic. It ships with a deluxe hardshell case.
SoldTaylor 224ce-K DLX
Players who love the sound and look of Hawaiian koa will appreciate the Taylor 224ce-K DLX, a Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar with a solid koa top and layered koa back and sides. Tonally, expect koa's lustrous midrange and top-end sparkle, plus a dash of warmth in the low end that keeps things remarkably balanced. The slender Taylor neck makes for comfortable fretting, while the Venetian cutaway provides access to the highest frets on the genuine ebony fretboard. Visually, the 224ce-K DLX is appointed to inspire, sporting a full-body gloss finish with a shaded edgeburst that showcases koa's natural coloration. This model ships with ES2 electronics and a deluxe hardshell case.
SoldBourgeois SJ - The Standard
The not-so-jumbo Jumbo, creamy midrange in a midsized package! Prized for its ability to blend warmly with diverse ensembles, the Small Jumbo became a rhythm guitar of choice for many makers of hit recordings of the ‘50s and ‘60s. The SJ is a scaled-back version of Bourgeois' full sized DBJ with a short, 25” scale with a body that is about the same length as an OM, though with a much wider lower bout. This sunburst beauty features an Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce top and an Aged Tone Curly Maple body. In addition to the top, other Aged Tone features include torrefied Adirondack Spruce bracing attached with animal protein glue and Aged Tone Finish. This guitar plays like a dream thanks to its short scale, 1 23/32" nut width and 2.2" bridge spacing. With a hard shell case.
SoldBourgeois LDBO-12 Blues
The all Mahogany L/DBO Blues is the perfect guitar with a warm, clear tone that rings like a bell. This short scale guitar with a 1 23/32” nut width makes chords easy to reach. The Celuloid pickguard and Waverly Nickel/Oval/Ivoroid tuners add to the vintage beauty of this exceptional instrument from one of America’s most respected luthiers. With a hard shell case.
SoldBourgeois SJ | The Standard | Sinker Mahogany & AT Adirondack Spruce
The not-so-jumbo Jumbo, creamy midrange in a midsized package! Prized for its ability to blend warmly with diverse ensembles, the Small Jumbo became a rhythm guitar of choice for many makers of hit recordings the ‘50s and ‘60s. The SJ is a scaled-back version of Bourgeois' full sized DBJ with a short, 25” scale with a body that is about the same length as an OM, though with a much wider lower bout. This sunburst beauty features an Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce top and a Sinker Mahogany body. In addition to the top, other Aged Tone features include torrefied Adirondack Spruce bracing attached with animal protein glue and Aged Tone Finish. This guitar plays like dream thanks to its short scale, 1 23/32" nut width and 2.2" bridge spacing. It comes with a deluxe Bourgeois hard shell case with mint green interior.
SoldBourgeois OM Vintage Brazilian Rosewood & AT Adirondack | Heirloom Series
You can’t top the tone and beauty of this OM from the legendary Bourgeois shop in Lewiston, Maine. It is built utilizing the finest Master Grade Brazilian Rosewood available. The top is Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce with Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce bracing attached with animal protein glue. The body finish is Aged Tone as well. The appointments, including the Butterbean tuners have been carefully selected to compliment the appearance of its elegant tone-woods. The long scale neck is a breeze to play and features a 1 3/4” nut width. If you’ve been looking for an exceptional Brazilian OM, this Heirloom quality instrument is sure please!
Sold2019 Santa Cruz Custom OM
This top shelf OM is a tone machine that features Premium East Indian Rosewood and a European Spruce top with Advanced X Adirondack bracing attached with hot hide glue. Its appointments include a 45 Style fretboard inlay, abalone rosette, Waverly 4065 tuners with Ivoroid buttons and Ebony bridge pins with abalone dots. The luxurious feeling long scale neck features a 1 3/4” width nut for roomy chording. All other specifications are standard to the model. This heirloom quality instrument is in excellent condition with only slight signs of the play on the pickguard. There are no dings, dents, scratches or issues and no visible fret wear and comes from a smoke-free environment. It comes with its original hard shell case.
Sold2022 Iris OG Tuxedo Black
Here we have a classy little OG Tuxedo with a Johny Cash black top and white pick-guard/binding. This instrument has a comfy 1 11/16" nut width and is constructed from solid Mahogany and Sitka in Burlington, VT. This guitar is warm, articulate and has allot of character. This demo model guitar is listed at a closeout price as we are no longer an authorized dealer for Iris guitars.
SoldGibson Custom Shop L-00 Black w/ Tiger Stripe Guard
Looking for that classic pre-war L-00 sound? Look no further. This beautiful compact Gibson Custom Shop L-00 exudes vintage vibe at every turn. Featuring a stunning black finish with classic Ivoroid binding and a tiger stripe guard this instrument is a stunner. This guitar has a wonderful 00 tone, warm and rich with a good spring to its step. The action is nice and low, easy to play especially with that slim Gibson neck. This instrument is in excellent condition with little to no wear on the frets and the usual superficial wear you might expect on a gently used instrument. No dings or dents anywhere on this guitar worth noting. There is a strap button installed at the heel of the neck, so it is ready for your strap should a gig arise. Comes with a hard shell case.
Sold2015 Santa Cruz Vintage Artist - Fiddleback!
This beauty has killer tone thanks to its Master-Grade Fiddleback Mahogany back and sides and Adirondack spruce top. It also boasts Adi bracing and Brazilian body, neck and peghead binding. It is in excellent condition with no issues. It does show signs of light playing and there is lots of life left in the frets though there is some fret-wear in the places that you'd expect after a few years of bluegrass playing. Doc Watson, who owned the prototype of the Vintage Artist, said, “This is the Dreadnought I’ve been looking for all my life.” After Doc’s test pilot duties on the prototype, he offered this thoughtful testimonial: “Son, what do I have to do to keep this guitar?” This instrument is the tonal equal and technical superior to the most respected Pre-War guitars. To achieve the characteristic EQ and tone of the legendary Doc Watson, aka ‘the Vintage Artist,’ this instrument features an advanced, scalloped X-bracing for powerful bass, complemented by the clear tone and definition of master grade Fiddle Back Mahogany. With original hard shell case.
SoldIris RCM-000
Here we have one of the first RCM-000 guitars from Iris in Burlington Vermont. This guitar features Big Leaf Maple on the back/sides, a 1 11/16" nut and 12-fret to body construction. This is also one of the first Iris guitars that comes standard with a slotted headstock. This guitar has a lovely tone and is a joy to play. I love its traditional aesthetic and its affordable price point.
Sold2021 Bourgeois Generation L-DBO Professional Series
Here we have a truly awesome Bourgeois L-DBO. The aim of the Generation series is to deliver a no frills guitar with a torrefied top and a quality LR Baggs pickup system. All of this amounts to an absolutely gig ready instrument with incredible Dana Bourgeois tapped tone. My first impression of this guitar was as an exceptional finger style instrument, responsive and easy to play. But then I tried it with a flat pick and was surprised by the way it almost sounded like a dreadnought, with girth and projection not usually associated with a smaller bodied guitar. Another design note I find particularly cool about this one is it has no back binding, like the 1930's L-00 guitars. Condition: It is in excellent condition with no visible dings nor dents. The only sign of fret-wear is light wear at the second and third frets at the B string. There appears to be pinky cuticle wear/light pick wear on the pickguard. The neck has become glossy where one rests the palm of their hand while fretting. Comes with its original deluxe Bourgeois hard shell case with mint green crushed red velvet interior. Overall a beautiful guitar with a rich, complex and responsive tone. Specification Highlights: AT Sitka Top | Mahogany Back & Sides | Ziricote Fretboard & Bridge | 1 23/32" nut LR Baggs Lyric Picup
Sold2020 Gibson Custom Shop 1957 SJ-200 Model
Here is your new guitar if you’ve been looking for that really big Gibson sound! This Super Jumbo body acoustic is in near mint condition showing very little signs of playing. It features gorgeous maple for the back and sides and a torrefied Sitka spruce top to yield a big, rich tone with incredible volume. It comes with its original hard shell case.
SoldTaylor GT 811e
Taylor's scaled-down GT acoustic body shape has impressed players with its blend of portability, playability and solid-wood tone. Made in America with Indian rosewood back and sides plus a Sitka spruce top, the GT 811e adds a superstar tonewood combination to the GT family, serving up warm lows, pristine trebles and a slight scoop in the midrange—perfect for playing with vocals or other musicians. Inside, our C-Class bracing adds more volume and sustain to give this smaller model a full-size sonic punch. Appointed with elegant details such as an abalone rosette and Element fretboard inlays, the GT 811e also includes ES2 electronics and ships with a lightweight, super-durable AeroCase.
SoldTaylor 414ce-R
6-String | Sitka Spruce Top | Indian Rosewood Back and Sides | Tropical Mahogany Neck | West African Crelicam Ebony Fretboard | Expression System® 2 Electronics | Venetian Cutaway | Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Brown Case
SoldTaylor Academy 10
Designed with beginners in mind but appealing to experienced players as well, the Academy A10 from Taylor boasts a solid spruce top and a comfortable, easy-playing neck that will inspire you to play more and improve your skills. This Dreadnought, made with layered sapele back and sides, serves up a powerful voice with clear projection, perfect not just for learning but for jam sessions, practice and playing for an audience. This all-acoustic, non-cutaway model includes a soft, lightweight gig bag for easy and safe transportation.
Sold2022 Bourgeois Adirondack Spruce OM Vintage - Heirloom Series
This gorgeous Heirloom Series OM sounds great thanks to it’s full Bourgeois Aged Tone Package which includes an Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce top, Aged Tone Adi bracing, Aged Tone Finish and animal protein glue. It’s back and sides are premium Indian Rosewood. This long scale guitar has a 1 3/4” nut for comfortable playing. This tap-tuned guitar is balanced and has lots of great sustain and a robust complex tone. It comes with a deluxe hard shell case.
SoldTaylor 812ce 12-Fret
With their intimate feel and relaxed fretting, Taylor's 12-fret guitars offer players a unique musical personality with incredible playing comfort. The 812ce 12-Fret features a Grand Concert body with Indian rosewood back and sides, a Sitka spruce top, and V-Class bracing inside, producing top-end sparkle and warmth in the bass range with plenty of volume and sustain. The compact body helps keep notes articulate and clear, making this a great choice for fingerstyle players. A radius-style armrest takes the edge off the lower bout for a more seamless feel, and ES2 electronics deliver organic live sound. The 812ce 12-Fret ships with a deluxe hardshell case.
Sold2020 Bourgeois D Vintage Heirloom Series
This Heirloom Series Dreadnaught is in excellent condition and shows virtually no signs of playing. It has a great combination of step-up features that lend it great looks and authoritative tone. It features a genuine Adirondack Spruce top and top-grade Indian Rosewood sides and back and bone bridge pins. The 1 23/32” width nut and 2.2” bridge spacing give you a sleek feel for playing traditional and contemporary styles. It comes with it’s original deluxe hard shell case.
Sold2015 Taylor 360e SEB
While most Taylor 12-strings feature our Grand Symphony body style, this special edition Dreadnought 12-string offers players a uniquely compelling sound to explore. The Dreadnought shape produces a robust voice with a powerful lower register, which adds authority to the 12-string’s shimmering character. The sapele/mahogany wood pairing yields a clear, woody and dry midrange that’s emphasized with the mahogany top. The mahogany also helps unify the volume balance across the tonal spectrum. Players can expect an exceptionally clear and powerful 12-string sound with smooth string-to-string balance. Taylor’s Expression System® 2 electronics bring all that acoustic detail into a dynamic amplified sound for performance and recording. Earthy, neo-vintage aesthetic touches include a shaded edgeburst, satin finish, and black pickguard. This gorgeous 12-string is in excellent condition with only the slightest signs of playing on the pick-guard and minimal fret wear. With its original hard shell case.
Sold2017 Lowden S-35
Direct from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, this S-35 features a Sinker Redwood top and Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides. This gorgeous sounding guitar is in excellent condition with only the lightest signs of playing on the pick-guard and minimal fret wear. With its original hard shell case.
Sold2015 Bourgeois OO
We are the original sellers of this gorgeous OO and we are pleased to be able to offer it again. It features one of the best sets of Madagascar Rosewood that we’ve had pass through these doors. The Adirondack Spruce top lends this guitar an open airy tone with a wide dynamic range. The 14-fret short scale and 1 23/32” width nut makes this guitar a dream to play. This is an extraordinary OO with a warm tone and the volume that you would expect from a larger instrument. It comes with its original deluxe hard shell case.
SoldSanta Cruz 1929 OO Model - Cocobolo Custom
The 1929 OO’s design pays homage to the simple and elegant instruments made for players enduring the Great Depression of 1929 and this deluxe version sports a modern a low-profile neck to make it play smooth as silk. The 1 3/4” nut width and short, 24.75” scale length and sweet 12 fret tone make this guitar ideal for fingerstlye players but it sounds great flatpicked too. Custom features that make this guitar extra special include a gorgeous Cocobolo Body, Sitka Spruce top, Adirondack Spruce bracing attached with hot hide glue, Koa rosette and body, neck and peghead binding, a purfle combo top border, the low profile neck, and 42 style fingerboard inlays, ebony bridge and end pins w/abalone, gold Waverly tuners w/Ebony buttons. With hard-shell case.
SoldPre-Owned Lowden Sheeran S02
Body Style S Back & Sides Indian Rosewood Top Sitka Spruce Cutaway NO Soundbox Bevel YES Pickup LR Baggs Element VTC Case Gig Bag Strings Lowden 12-53 Fretboard Ebony Bridge Ebony Neck Mahogany Scale Length 24-4/5" Head Facings Indian Rosewood
Sold2003 Bourgeois OM Vintage | Madagascar RW & Adirondack
It is not often that we receive a beautiful pre-loved Bourgeois OM, let alone one made out of insanely gorgeous, straight grained, Madagascar Rosewood and tremendously tight grained Adirondack. Being from 2003 this guitar has had plenty of time to open up and it has! Some words that come to mind regarding tone: crisp, clear, articulate, mature, balanced, rich, meaty and warm. Dripping in all of the tonal goodness one expects from a Dana Bourgeois guitar. Elegantly appointed in the pre-war style, this instrument features Ivoroid binding, heel cap and bottom wedge. A herring bone purfling and vintage zig-zag back strip, along with Waverly butterbean tuners. Slotted square and diamond fretboard inlay with Bourgeois logo in Abalone shell. Classic faux tortoise pickguard. A bone nut, saddle and bridge pins make this guitar sing! And to top it all off the Ebony fingerboard and bridge are black as night. Our clients often comment on how comfortable the neck of Bourgeois guitars are. Being a modern slim neck, it features the slightest V to fit into the crook of the hand. The nut width on this guitar is a standard 1 3/4" The action is set medium low so it is super easy to play. Despite being nearly twenty years old, this instrument is in pristine condition. We would describe it as excellent to nearly mint condition. Upon inspection I saw no visible dings or dents, no fret wear and only the lightest pinky drag wear on the pickguard. Not even dents on the top of the headstock! This thing is in wonderful condition. Whoever ends up with this one is going to be SUPER lucky. This guitar comes with the original Bourgeois TKL case (flat top) with Dana's favorite, mint green interior.
Acoustic Guitars for Sale at Northern Lights Music - Best Quality Brands
Discover top-notch boutique acoustic guitars at Northern Lights Music, featuring sought-after brands such as Santa Cruz Guitars, Bourgeois Guitars, and Collings Guitars. Whether you're searching for a brilliant Brazilian OM or a warm mahogany dreadnought, we have the perfect guitar for you. Can't find what you're looking for in our inventory? Our featured brands are custom shops that can build a guitar to match your imagination and budget. Looking for an affordable option or just starting out? We also offer high-quality, budget-friendly acoustic and electric guitars from Taylor Guitars, Seagull Guitars, and Yamaha Acoustic Guitars.
What is an Acoustic Guitar and its Characteristics
An acoustic guitar is a type of stringed instrument that uses a hollow body and a soundboard to produce sound, instead of relying on electronic amplification. The soundboard is usually made of wood, and the body can be crafted from wood or synthetic materials. Steel strings are typically used, but acoustic guitars can also be strung with nylon or other types of strings. Acoustic guitars can be played with a pick or fingers and are popular in various music genres, including folk, country, blues, and classical.
Reasons to Choose an Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars have a lot to offer, attracting players for different reasons. The rich and warm sound that an acoustic guitar produces is often described as "full" or "rounded," and is appreciated by many players. The versatility of the instrument allows it to be played in a variety of styles and genres, such as folk, country, blues, and classical. The simplicity of an acoustic guitar is also appealing, as it does not require electronic amplification or other equipment. Furthermore, the portability of acoustic guitars makes them convenient for playing at home, with friends, or on the go.
History of the Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The modern acoustic guitar is derived from various stringed instruments developed in different parts of the world. The lute, one of the earliest known stringed instruments, was developed in ancient Egypt and was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. The lute was a pear-shaped instrument with a long neck and a hollow body and was used to play melodies and accompaniments.
The guitar as we know it today is believed to have evolved from the lute, and it was first developed in Spain in the 15th century. Early guitars had four courses (pairs) of strings, which were tuned in fourths and were played with the fingers. They were used to play a wide range of music, including folk, popular, and classical. Over time, the guitar has undergone many changes and has been adapted to meet the needs of different musicians and musical styles. Today, the acoustic guitar is a popular instrument used in various music genres, including folk, country, blues, and classical.
Best Guitars for Beginners
There are many great options for beginner acoustic guitars, and the best one for you will depend on your budget, playing style, and preferences. A budget-friendly option for beginners is the Yamaha FG800, known for its excellent sound quality and playability. The Yamaha FG800 has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which give it a warm and full sound. For those who prefer a North American-made guitar, Taylor is a great step-up option. Try out a few different guitars to find the one that works best for you and your playing style.