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Instruments: the best budget picks

4instruments guides from our Musical Instruments department. Each shows its top pick and budget pick with typical prices.

Recording & Studio2
Best affordable acoustic guitar
Top pickYamaha FG800J~$260–$280
Budget pickFender FA-25 Dreadnought~$109–$110
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Best budget electric guitar
Top pickYamaha Pacifica PAC112V~$370–$380
Budget pickSquier Debut Stratocaster~$140–$150
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Best budget bass
Top pickIbanez GSR200SM GIO~$300–$314
Budget pickGlarry Full-Size Four-String Electric Bass~$95–$97
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Best budget piano
Top pickYamaha P71~$440–$460
Budget pickDEP-20~$300–$320
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About these prices: typical ranges from our research. Prices change often; the "Check price" button on each guide shows today's price at the retailer.