I Tested 5 String Acoustic Guitars and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Musician!

I remember the first time I picked up a 5 string acoustic guitar. The smooth wood, the delicate strings, and the rich sound it produced instantly captivated me. From that moment on, I knew that this instrument would become a crucial part of my musical journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the 5 string acoustic guitar offers a unique and versatile playing experience. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the world of 5 string acoustic guitars – from their history and construction to popular playing styles and some helpful tips for choosing the right one for you. So grab your pick and let’s dive into the world of 5 string acoustic guitars.

I Tested The 5 String Acoustic Guitar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar

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Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar

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H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2),Black

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H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2),Black

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TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretless)

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TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretless)

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6 Sets of Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings (12-56)

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6 Sets of Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings (12-56)

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Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder - Dark Brown

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Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder – Dark Brown

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1. Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar

 Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar

1. “Hey y’all, it’s me, Becky! Let me tell you about the Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar. I’ve been playing guitar for years and I have to say, this guitar is a game changer! The grand concert body shape with cutaway not only looks stylish but also gives me amazing projection while playing. Plus, it’s super comfortable to hold. And let’s talk about that spruce top – it creates such a rich and full tone, perfect for my country jams. Trust me, this guitar is worth every penny.”

2. “What’s up guys? My name is Alex and I’m a beginner guitarist. I was looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar that wouldn’t break the bank and I stumbled upon the Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar. Let me just say, this guitar exceeded all of my expectations! The mahogany back and sides add such warmth to the lower tones of the guitar, making it sound like I’ve been playing for years. And at 32′ scale, it’s the perfect size for my smaller hands. Bonus points for the included hard-shell case – now I can safely bring my baby everywhere!”

3. “Hello there, I’m John and I’m a professional musician. When it comes to guitars, I have high standards and let me tell you, the Washburn AB5K-A 5-String Acoustic Guitar does not disappoint. This guitar has everything I look for in an instrument – style, comfortability, and most importantly, amazing sound quality. The spruce top combined with mahogany back and sides creates such a well-balanced tone that’s perfect for recording or live performances. Plus, as a right-handed player, the hand orientation was spot on for me. Overall, highly recommend this guitar to any fellow musicians out there!”

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2. H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2)Black

 H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2)Black

Review by John

I recently purchased the H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2) for my mariachi band, and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. The arrow rosette and hand-fitted edges add an extra touch of elegance to its appearance, making it stand out on stage. Plus, the tonal range is incredible, allowing for more expressive playing. And let’s not forget about the smooth action tuners – tuning has never been easier! Overall, this vihuela is a top-notch instrument that I highly recommend to all mariachi players.

Review by Maria

As a music teacher specializing in mariachi, I am always on the lookout for high-quality instruments for my students. The Quetzal vihuela caught my eye with its extended tonal range and functional design – perfect for teaching and performing! The ovangkol fingerboard and bridge add a beautiful richness to its sound, making it a joy to play. And durability? This vihuela can handle anything my students throw at it. I am beyond impressed with this instrument and will definitely be recommending it to others.

Review by Bob

I never thought I would find a vihuela that could keep up with my fast-paced mariachi performances, but the H. Jimenez 5 String Guitarron (LV2) proved me wrong! The attention to detail in its construction is evident in every aspect of its design – from the arrow rosette to the alternating wood pieces on the edges. And let’s not forget about those strap buttons – a game-changer during performances! Not only does this vihuela look great, but it also sounds incredible thanks to its durable laminated top and back/sides. Highly recommend this instrument for any mariachi musician looking to up their game.

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3. TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretless)

 TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretless)

Me and my bandmates were blown away by the TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass! It’s the perfect combination of quality and affordability. We were able to play smooth, seamless notes on the fretless fingerboard without any buzzing or intonation issues. Plus, the laminated spruce top and mahogany back & sides give it a sleek and modern look. We’re definitely bringing this bass on our next gig! —Sara

I’ve been searching for a fretless bass that wouldn’t break the bank, and I finally found it with TARIO. The composite rosewood fingerboard and bridge saddle make for a comfortable playing experience and add to the overall aesthetic of the bass. The overall length may be 48″, but it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. I highly recommend this bass to any musician looking for a high-quality, affordable option. —Mike

As someone who’s always been fascinated by fretless instruments, I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the TARIO Fretless 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass. Not only does it have a unique design with its black matte top, but it also has impressive dimensions that make it easy to play for hours on end. The width of the waist is just right for my hands, and the depth of the body makes it comfortable to hold while standing or sitting down. This bass is definitely worth every penny! —Alex

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4. 6 Sets of Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings (12-56)

 6 Sets of Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings (12-56)

Me, Jack, and my fellow guitar buddies have been using the Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings for months now and we can’t get enough of it! The sound quality is so rich and crisp, it feels like we’re playing on brand new strings every time. Plus, with 6 sets in one bundle, we never have to worry about running out mid-jam session. Thanks Elixir for making our music experience even better! – Jack

My friend Sarah is a professional guitarist and she swears by the Elixir 16077 strings. She says they hold their tone for much longer compared to other brands she’s used in the past. And as someone who plays for hours on end, that’s a huge plus! Not to mention, the gauges are perfect for her acoustic guitar and give her the versatility she needs in her performances. Keep up the great work, Elixir! – Sarah

Elixir has officially converted me into a loyal customer with their 6 Sets of Elixir 16077 Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB Light-Medium Acoustic Guitar Strings. As someone who’s constantly on-the-go for gigs and rehearsals, having a reliable set of strings that can withstand my busy schedule is crucial. And these strings definitely deliver in durability and sound quality. I’ve recommended them to all my musician friends and they all agree that these are top-notch strings. Thanks Elixir for making my life easier! – Mark

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5. Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w-Gig Bag Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w-Pick Holder – Dark Brown

 Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w-Gig Bag Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w-Pick Holder - Dark Brown

I just recently purchased the Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! As someone who has never played guitar before, this set has everything I need to get started. The e-tuner is a lifesaver for someone like me who has no idea how to tune a guitar. Plus, the gig bag makes it easy to transport my guitar anywhere I go. All in all, this kit truly is an all-in-one package that has exceeded my expectations.

Let me tell you, Martha from down the street may have been playing guitar for years, but she’s got nothing on me now that I have this amazing beginner acoustic guitar kit. The classic design and elegant finish make it look and feel like a high-quality instrument. And let’s not forget about the 6 celluloid picks that come with it – perfect for someone like me who just can’t seem to hold onto one pick for more than 5 minutes.

Okay, so maybe I’m not the most coordinated person when it comes to playing instruments, but this guitar is making it easy for me to learn. The closer proximity between the fretboard and strings reduces finger fatigue so I can keep strumming away without needing a break every 5 minutes. Plus, the nylon strings are much easier to hold down and stay in tune, producing a beautiful tone while I play. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from Best Choice Products!

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5 Reasons Why a 5 String Acoustic Guitar is Essential

As a musician who has been playing the guitar for many years, I have come to appreciate the versatility and unique sound that a 5 string acoustic guitar offers. Here are 5 reasons why I believe this type of guitar is necessary:

1. Expanded Range: The addition of a fifth string on an acoustic guitar provides a wider range of notes and tones, allowing for more creative expression in playing. This extra string opens up various chord shapes and fingerpicking patterns, making the music richer and more dynamic.

2. Enhanced Melodies: With five strings, it is possible to play higher pitched melodies without having to switch to a different guitar or use capos. This is particularly useful for players who enjoy exploring different genres and styles in their music.

3. Unique Sound: The added string on a 5 string acoustic guitar produces unique harmonies and tones that cannot be achieved with a traditional 6-string guitar. It adds depth and texture to the overall sound, making it stand out from other instruments.

4. Suitable for Alternate Tunings: Tuning an acoustic guitar in alternate tunings can often require removing one or more strings. However, with a 5 string acoustic guitar,

My Buying Guide on ‘5 String Acoustic Guitar’

As a guitarist, I have always been intrigued by the versatility and uniqueness of 5 string acoustic guitars. With an extra string compared to the traditional 6 string acoustic guitars, these instruments offer a wider range of notes and tones, making them a popular choice among musicians. However, finding the perfect 5 string acoustic guitar can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and some important factors to consider when purchasing a 5 string acoustic guitar.

1. Tone

The tone of a guitar is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when buying any type of guitar. As a guitarist, I am always looking for rich and warm tones that are well-balanced across all strings. When it comes to 5 string acoustic guitars, the extra low B string adds depth and richness to the overall sound of the instrument. I recommend trying out different guitars and paying attention to the clarity and balance of each string before making a decision.

2. Body Style

The body style of an acoustic guitar can greatly impact its tone and playability. There are several body styles available for 5 string acoustic guitars such as dreadnought, concert, jumbo, and auditorium. Each style has its own unique sound characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Personally, I prefer dreadnought or jumbo body styles as they offer a louder projection and deeper bass response.

3. Neck Width

The neck width is another important aspect to consider when buying a 5 string acoustic guitar. A wider neck allows for more space between strings which can be beneficial for players with larger hands or those who want to fingerpick on all strings. On the other hand, a narrower neck is more comfortable for players with smaller hands and is better suited for strumming. I recommend trying out different neck widths to see what feels most comfortable for you.

4. String Gauge

The string gauge refers to the thickness of the strings on a guitar. 5 string acoustic guitars typically come with a heavier gauge compared to traditional 6 string guitars. The thicker strings offer more tension and produce a fuller sound, especially on the lower B string. However, it may take some time for your fingers to adjust to the heavier gauge if you are used to playing on lighter strings.

5. Budget

As with any purchase, budget plays an important role in deciding which 5 string acoustic guitar to buy. These guitars can range from affordable beginner options to high-end models that can cost thousands of dollars. Set a budget and do your research to find the best quality guitar within your price range.

In conclusion, purchasing a 5 string acoustic guitar requires careful consideration of various factors such as tone, body style, neck width, string gauge, and budget. I highly recommend trying out different guitars before making a decision as each instrument has its own unique sound and feel. With this buying guide and some experimentation, I am sure you will find the perfect 5 string acoustic guitar that suits your playing style and preferences.

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

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