How Much Should You Spend on Your First Guitar in Australia?

How Much Should You Spend on Your First Guitar in Australia?

One of the most common questions beginners ask is:
“How much should I spend on my first guitar?”

In Australia, guitar prices can vary wildly — from very cheap overseas imports to premium local instruments. The key is finding the right balance between price, quality, and playability.

At X Guitars Australia, we guide beginners toward guitars that make learning enjoyable, not frustrating.

🎸 The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make

Many beginners either:

  • Buy the cheapest guitar possible, or

  • Overspend on a guitar they don’t yet need

Very cheap guitars often suffer from:

  • Poor tuning stability

  • Uncomfortable string height

  • Rough fret edges

These issues make learning harder and cause many beginners to quit early.

💰 Beginner Guitar Price Guide (Australia)

Here’s a realistic breakdown for first-time buyers in Australia:

❌ Under $150 AUD

  • Often poor build quality

  • Hard to tune and uncomfortable

  • Not recommended for learning

✅ $200 – $350 AUD (BEST RANGE FOR BEGINNERS)

  • Comfortable necks

  • Better tuning stability

  • Reliable sound quality

👉 This is the sweet spot for most beginners.

🔼 $400 – $600 AUD

  • Better materials and tone

  • Ideal for serious learners

  • Great long-term investment

🎶 Does Price Affect Sound and Playability?

Yes — but only up to a point.

A well-made beginner guitar in the $250–$350 range will:

  • Stay in tune better

  • Feel easier on your fingers

  • Sound noticeably better

Beyond that, improvements become more subtle and matter more to experienced players.

🎯 What Matters More Than Price

Instead of focusing only on cost, beginners should prioritise:

  • Comfortable guitar size (38″, 40″, or 41″)

  • Smooth frets and low action

  • Stable tuning machines

  • Overall build quality

A properly built guitar at a reasonable price will help you progress faster.

🇦🇺 Buying Your First Guitar in Australia

Buying from an Australian store means:

  • Faster local shipping

  • No import surprises

  • Easier support and returns

This is especially important for beginners who may need guidance or exchanges.

🎸 Final Recommendation

For most beginners in Australia, the ideal first guitar budget is:

👉 $250 – $350 AUD

This range gives you:

  • Comfort

  • Reliability

  • Enjoyment

  • Room to grow

At X Guitars Australia, we focus on guitars that deliver the best value for beginners — without unnecessary markups.