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Before you look into the differences between guitars of different price ranges, you have to decide how much you're willing to pay at most. Find your maximum and then work from there. Know that most people recommend not paying less than $300 for a new guitar, even if you're a beginner, as the quality will make it sound inferior and difficult to play. Of course if you can find a good deal on a used guitar, there might an exception to the $300 rule. If you're on a tight budget, an acoustic guitar with a laminate top might work for. They're cheaper than solid wood tops, but they don't vibrate as well. This means that the sound won't be as rich and the volume not as loud. You can tell whether a guitar is a laminate top or solid wood top by feeling the top. Laminate tops will feel and look glossier and smoother than pure wood. It's important to consider how much experience you have with guitar because it will help determine how much to spend. An amateur will expect to upgrade guitars eventually, and doesn't have much need for the subtle aspects that make a high-end guitar better than a budget guitar. If you're more experienced with the guitar, you'll want to aim for something in the $700-$1200 range. If you're a pro, something in the $1200-$2500 range will last you a lifetime. Most well-known guitar brands have models for every price point, but some brands do certain price points better. Some brands to look into includes Fender, Yamaha, Epiphone, Takamine, Washburn, Taylor, and Martin.  Fender and Yamaha both make several models of acoustic guitars that are rated highly for beginners on a budget. Washburn, Epiphone, and Takamine all make great acoustic guitars for those with a little higher budget. These are great brands for intermediate players. Taylor and Martin make many high-end acoustic guitars. These guitars will be more expensive but for good reason.

Summary:
Asses your budget. Choose between a laminate and solid wood top. Consider your skill level. Look into some of the best brands for each price point.