Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners in New Zealand: Sigma, Martin & Benavides
Last updated: March 2026. All prices and availability current as of publication.
When starting your journey into the world of acoustic guitars, choosing the right instrument is crucial. A beginner guitar needs to offer the right balance of quality, playability, and price to ensure a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.
The last thing you want is to buy something used off TradeMe, only to give up on your guitar journey because the action is too high, making it almost impossible on your fingers. You are much better off buying a new acoustic guitar that has been set up well, ready to play and enjoy for years to come, knowing that it comes with a warranty and support should you need it.
If you're based in New Zealand and looking for the best acoustic guitars for beginners, you've come to the right place. At Studio 1, although we specialise in high-end and vintage acoustic guitars, we stock a range of high-quality instruments perfect for new players. In this guide, we'll look at the two brands we recommend most for beginners: Sigma and Martin.
Why Choosing the Right Beginner Guitar Matters
Learning to play the guitar should be an enjoyable experience. A poorly made guitar, or one that hasn't been set up correctly, can lead to frustration and even discomfort, discouraging beginners from continuing. On the other hand, a well-crafted guitar that has been set up properly can make learning easier, more enjoyable, and more inspiring.
Factors like the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard), neck profile, and overall sound quality are critical in making a guitar beginner-friendly. You might also want features like an electronic pickup system or onboard tuner to make life easier.
1. Sigma Guitars: Exceptional Value from $599
Sigma Guitars are renowned for providing exceptional value for money, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Founded in 1970 as a subsidiary of Martin Guitars, Sigma offers instruments that mirror Martin's quality at a much more affordable price point. We stock a full range of over 20 Sigma models in 00, 000, OM, dreadnought, and 12-string styles.
Sigma DME — $599
The most affordable guitar in our range, and an outstanding starting point. The DME features a solid spruce top with laminate back and sides in a full-size dreadnought body. It comes with built-in electronics, so you can plug in from day one. For under $600, this is hard to beat as a first guitar in New Zealand.
Sigma 000M-1 — $599
If you prefer a slightly smaller body than the dreadnought, the 000M-1 is a great alternative at the same price. The 000 body shape is easier to handle — especially for younger players or anyone who finds a full dreadnought a bit unwieldy. All-mahogany construction gives it a warm, mellow tone.
Sigma OMT-1 — $675
The OMT-1 sits in the sweet spot between the smaller 000 and the full dreadnought. The Orchestra Model shape is versatile enough for strumming and fingerpicking alike, and the slightly wider lower bout gives you more projection than a 000 without the bulk of a dreadnought.
Sigma DT-1 — $750
A step up from the DME, the DT-1 features a solid Sitka spruce top with laminate back and sides. The tone is brighter and more articulate, with a classic dreadnought fullness that works for everything from campfire strumming to more serious practice sessions.
Sigma 000M-15 — $799
One of our most popular models among beginners. The 000M-15 has a smaller body size that's easier to handle, with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides offering a warm, mellow tone that's perfect for blues and folk music. Also available in a left-handed version at the same price.
Sigma DM-SG5 — $1,195
For beginners who want something with a bit more personality, the DM-SG5 features a classic sunburst finish and pickguard inspired by iconic American designs. Solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides provide a balanced tone with clarity and warmth. This is a guitar that will grow with you as your playing develops.
Browse the full Sigma collection →
2. Martin Guitars: The Legendary Name, More Accessible Than You Think
For those who are serious about their musical journey from the start, Martin offers an iconic name synonymous with quality and heritage. While Martin is known for professional-level guitars, they also produce a range of more accessible instruments that are perfect for committed beginners. These are made by Martin in their Mexico and international factories, and carry all the quality and reputation you'd expect from the Martin name.
Martin LX1E Little Martin — $1,295
Despite its smaller size, the Little Martin delivers the quality and sound that the brand is famous for. It's a compact guitar, making it comfortable for beginners and younger players. The solid Sitka spruce top ensures a crisp, bright tone, while the high-pressure laminate back and sides provide durability. Equipped with Fishman electronics, it's a great option if you might want to perform or record down the line.
Martin Dreadnought Junior — $1,650
The Junior series offers the classic Martin dreadnought sound in a more manageable size. A solid spruce top with sapele back and sides produces a balanced, rich tone. It's slightly smaller than a standard dreadnought, making it easier to play while still delivering powerful sound. Built-in Fishman electronics allow for easy amplification.
Martin DX Johnny Cash — $1,750
A striking all-black dreadnought that pays tribute to the Man in Black. Beyond the looks, it's a genuinely capable guitar with a solid spruce top and HPL back and sides built for durability. If you want a full-size Martin with electronics at a competitive price — and you appreciate the aesthetic — this is a fantastic option.
Martin 000-X2E Brazilian — $1,850
A rich, resonant 000-body guitar with the look and feel of Brazilian rosewood at a fraction of the cost. The solid spruce top paired with patterned HPL back and sides gives you a warm, balanced tone in a comfortable body shape. Built-in Fishman MX electronics round out the package.
Martin 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes Signature — $1,995
Don't let the signature branding put you off — this is genuinely one of the best playing junior-sized Martins available. Solid spruce top, sapele back and sides, and a comfortable parlour-inspired shape that works brilliantly for singer-songwriters and fingerpickers.
Martin D-X2E Billy Strings Signature — $2,250
A full-size dreadnought with a solid spruce top, designed in collaboration with one of the most exciting acoustic guitarists playing today. If you want a Martin that can handle aggressive flatpicking as well as gentle strumming, this is the one.
Browse the full Martin collection →
Ready to Step Up? Handmade and Boutique Options
Once you've been playing for a while and know what you like, our showroom has plenty to aspire to. We stock handmade Benavides guitars crafted in the Far North of New Zealand, Edmonds guitars, and of course our ever-changing collection of vintage and used instruments from Martin, Gibson, Fender, and more. But for your first guitar, start with a Sigma or an entry-level Martin — learn what you love, then come back and we'll help you find the next one.
Not Sure a Guitar Is Right? Consider a Ukulele
If you're drawn to stringed instruments but find a guitar a bit daunting, a ukulele is a brilliant place to start. They're smaller, easier on the fingers, and you can be playing songs within your first session. We stock Kala and Martin ukuleles from $149, and we've put together a guide to help you choose between concert and tenor sizes.
Essential Accessories
Don't head home without the basics. We stock Stringjoy, Martin, and Ernie Ball strings — for beginners, start with light gauge or silk and steel strings while your fingers toughen up. A good capo opens up hundreds of songs in easier keys. And protect your investment with a Hiscox case or quality gig bag.
Finding Your Perfect Beginner Guitar
Whether you're drawn to the exceptional value of Sigma (from just $599) or the heritage and quality of Martin, you'll find a guitar that fits your needs and budget at Studio 1. Every guitar that leaves our shop is set up and ready to play — that's something you won't get buying online.
Visit us at Victoria Park Market in Auckland, or explore our full collection of new guitars online. We're here to help you make the right choice, with honest advice and a genuine passion for getting the right instrument into your hands.