Five String Tenor Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

I've been wanting a Blueridge guitar for years. I feel like they are a really good value compared to others. I do not own an American-made classic like Martin because I cannot afford one necessarily. But I am proud to own the next best thing in my opinion. I am really quite surprised that this guitar is not seen more but the tenors seem to be on a comeback. I love the sweet little cords that you can make with only two or three fingers.Kdog

My Blueridge tenor guitar arrived today here in Australia and it travelled perfectly. One hour out of the box, tuned, hooked up to my amp and I can't get the smile off my face. It's a beautifully crafted guitar and well worth the wait. I've been talking myself into buying this for more tha twelve months.Frank

got this open-box model so got a nice discount, but it looks brand new. comes with well-padded gig bag and such a nicely put together instrument with solid top Acacia wood and laminate back and sides. really pretty to look at and easy to play. i play it almost every day and for some reason the 1st string (A-string) is always a little flat but it has a built-in tuner and preamp/pickup (Fishman brand) so it's not a big deal. has nice open-gear tuners and a really nice tone. i've plugged it into a small amp and it sounds great with some added reverb as well. I highly recommend this instrument but there are probably other good options out there as well in this price range (Kula, Luna, Snail, etc.) but i think it is a great value at its price considering solid top, active electronics, and comes with a nice gigbag.justanotherjc

This is a not a bad ukulele but the problem with the Lanikai MA-S is that it's 40 more than the classic and highly rated Lanikai LU-21 and doesn't improve on it other than the wider spacing fretboard (which I do really like). Sound wise, there's no advantage to the wood used being Mahogany rather than the 'Eastern Mahogany' of the LU-21 as they're both just a laminate. The top on the one I received was too thick (in my opinion) and muted it a little compared to my Lanikai Lu-21. If you're going to use laminated soundboards for ukuleles they should be thinner than solid wood ukes since the laminate construction makes them stronger. The one I received had a thicker top than any of my solid wood ukes. Why? Perhaps I got a dud but I would be worried if a ukulele manufacturer couldn't produce a consistent thickness laminate for use in a 110 ukulele.keith_rw

I bought three, expensive, high gloss K-8 8 string KALA ukeleles, thinking they were the best. They are not. This Lanikai is. Why? The KALA's A strings are too close together, which means they can't ring independently and create the required harmonies, because they are touching each other. This much less expensive, satin finish Lanikai has the A strings further apart, so they ring independently and thus give a better sound.t8ersaladbernd

I am thoroughly thrilled with this guitar. It is well made and sounds terrific. The radius neck is so much easier to play chords on than my baratone ukelele with the flat fret board. Since arthritis has limited me to the use of three fingers, I can no longer play chords on a six string guitar. This guitar has brought back the joy of singing songs while strumming a guitar. I recomend it highly!John

Easy to tune and holds the tones. I played around with tuning from Standard to Chicago tuning without changing the original strings. Doing just fine with the new tuning. Compared the string gauges that came on this tenor and found them to be within range of "light" strings for regular guitar. Nice!Sherrie

This is, I think, the least expensive acoustic tenor guitar of MF. But it does what it is designed to do at a great price point. Out of the box it was certainly playable, but I did two things to mine a) a little nut slot filing as they were a bit high, which is better than too low~! and b) I sanded down the saddle bottom 1/16". Now it plays great. The tuners aren't great but hold tune well, compared to most ukes (yes, I know this is a tenor, but they are close in size) I've played. This is a great guitar for those who are just trying to have a tenor to goof around on, as anyone who gets serious would want to move up to a better instrument. I'm having lots of fun with mine. Would be fine to take to jams.backporchmusic

With free shipping both ways I thought I would take a chance. So glad I did it sounds awesome! Not sure how they can put something together like this for so little money. Very happypet675720

The Blueridge BR-60T has amazing sound for a relatively inexpensive guitar. The string height at the 12th fret when I received the guitar was 7/64", which was a little high but not bad. I'm using the guitar with Chicago tuning (DGBE) and DR Sunbeam RCA-12 strings. I checked the intonation at each fret using a Planet Waves NS clip on tuner, and every fret was in the green. I may lower the string height to 5/64" at the 12th fret if I have the clearance to do it. I'm still figuring that out. The only downside to the guitar (which I knew before I purchased it) was that it does not have a strap button at the heel. I'm going to have a luthier install one since I don't feel comfortable playing the guitar with the strap around the headstock. I would highly recommend this guitar to anyone interested in purchasing a tenor guitar.Chip Stewart

I can't say this is the best quality instrument I've played, but I have nothing negative to say about it. Also, it is my first tenor guitar so I am comparing the quality to other instruments I've owned or played which are not tenors. I've read a few good reviews of the guitar and, for the most part, agree wholeheartedly. As far as quality, I was very impressed. It is comfortable to play, a beautiful instrument, and does not seem cheap at all. Considering it is a factory instrument made in China, I think it is very good. If I were to give one criticism it is that the frets are not as filed and smooth as they would be on a finer instrument. However, like I mentioned before, the instrument is extremely comfortable, just not extraordinarily so. The sound is good, although, given it has a spruce top, it is too soon to judge what it will mature to. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to describe it as glorious or exquisite. It is nice, but not to die for. I expected a bit more volume from the review's I've read as well. Playing acoustic with pandeiro (contemporanea w/leather head), cavaco (rozini RC02), and Nylon Guitar(Cordoba unknown model) It seems a little under-powered as a solo instrument, but not far off. (Will have to find a solution to amplify for balance) Sound is very clear and balanced for the instrument from my assessment. Overall the sound is reasonably good. One other observation: Santos Rosewood is actually Pau Ferro (or from what I understand also called Morado). I like this wood and have other instruments made out of it. However, it is not a true Dalbergia and a more affordable option than Brazilian Rosewood and probably Indian. (not an expert, but have read a little bit around). This might not matter too much in either case given the back and sides are laminated. The guitar delivered most of what I expected. I am extremely satisfied. I was looking for a first tenor guitar that I could grow into and play shows on eventually. (Usually do one payed gig a month) If I sound overly critical it is only to point out the limitations of the instrument to be helpful. I would purchase the instrument again and recommend it to anyone.GeorgeCavaquinho

I read some of the negative reviews and Maybe I just got a good one but this little guitar is great! I've have many acoustic and electric guitars a 5 string banjo and lots of ukuleles. I've been playing for over 40 years, a few of those years as a pro and I can tell you this little guitar has it all. The most important thing in a guitar is the action. If the action is bad forget everything else. Second is the intonation, third is tone, then the fit and finish is last. The one I got has EVERYTHING! The only change I made was to move the string size from 10's to 11's (And I always use Elixir strings). I tune in DGBE because I've played the guitar so long. The finish is flawless the rosewood back and sides are much darker and prettier then the photographs and very glossy also the head stock design has changed, for the better I think. "blue ridge" is not on a banner any more but is a stand alone pearl inlay and is much classier. The other inlays are the same. I was surprised how smooth the frets are as you slide up and down the neck. Note … just remember this is a small body guitar, (Size "0") so it's not going to be as loud as a full sized guitar. (these are made in China and sometimes the quality control can be off but if you get a bad one you can always send it back).Phil

I bought this instrument as a gift for my pregnant daughter. She used to play violin and double bass. I wanted something small and robust that she can play to her baby. It's beautifully made and finished. I have loved playing it in – it sounds super sweet. I'm sure that she and the baby will love it too!Simone P.

Tried this because I curious how a pineapple uke would sound and I really liked the novelty of this design. Returned it because this uke sounds absolutely horrible! (Compared to my other ukes of an Amahi Penguin concert sizes and a vintage Kamaka soprano.) I can confirm that I discovered that I think theat Luna ukes sound absolutely horrible – my ear, my opinion. There is something about the C-string reverbs so loudly that there is a constant background buzz. I have since sampled Luna ukes at two music stores (including one designated uke shop with over a hundred ukes on the showroom floor) and absolutely confirm my dislike fo the sound of a Luna uke. Since this purchase I have sworn off buying ukes online…kind of. But beware of the risk as you don't know how it all sound until you hold it and strum it.gatorbrede

There were a number of issues I had to correct before it was playable. The fretboard was slightly warped at the 13 fret, but filing that fret wire down helped with the problem. The nut slots were very rough and sharp causing some nicking of the strings. That was an easy fix, but a little dissapointed about the quality control at Kala. It is a beautiful instrument to behold and I like the gloss finish. It is very rich and bright and I am going through some string changes so that I don't get so much string slap. I like it but I don't think I will buy another Kala. This is the third one that had issues. I had to send the others back.reefisher

I have been playing classical since age 12, I am now 72. I have found this instrument to be most comfortable and responsive to my needs. I still have my first guitar that was purchased by my parents in 1954. As I play for my own pleasure and an occasional recital, I have found much satisfaction with this product. My son gave it to me 2 years ago for a birthday present. This instrument "fits" me perfectly. The neck is of perfect dimension for my left hand and fingers. As I transitioned from my first guitar to this one, I found it to be so comfortable. As I do not use much, if any, amplification, it is nice for large rooms like church buildings or recitals. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. The instrument must compliment the human body. Thank you for allowing me to comment on this instrument.Sounds of the past

I have several classical guitars, and this was the least expensive. It has become my go-to guitar for gigging, including a few spots for TV. At home, this Ibanez is the one that was always out of the case on a stand, ready to pick up whenever. So it became comfortable, but then noticeably reliable. It stays in tune. The electronics sound better than the Fishman on another that I have, particularly the bass response. The tuners (particularly the low E) have withstood routine changes to drop D a few times while playing, without obvious sign of wear. When I first started gigging I used another great sounding guitar but then changed to the Ibanez to protect the other(s) from bumps, weather, people, and other hazards. If something terrible happened to my guitar collection, probably the first replacement might be this Ibanez.Tim - ATL

I had this on my wish list for a couple of years and after finally getting to try it out at my local Sam Ash, it did not disappoint. Online reviews were consistently good with a few mentions of the strings being coated and how it gave an unusual feel and sound. According to the Michael Kelly website, the strings are D'Addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze, Light, 12-53, so they shouldn't be some off the wall knock offs but my experience over the last few weeks has been that after a few minutes of playing, the tips of my fingers on my fret hand and the palm of my strumming hand turned black. I've never had this happen on any other guitars I have. I tried rotating after 15 minutes between my Jackson, my Strat, my Martin Backpacker and then my Michael Kelly and, every time, after a few minutes of playing the Forte Port, my fingers turned black. I've played a lot of guitars since the 80's (not professionally) and this is a new one on me. Obviously, the strings can be changed but I feel it is worth mentioning because for someone's first guitar, it may be off putting if they are unaware. If I can edit a review, I'll try to add a pic of my fingers (there's no way to make that sound right…) when I get time. That's my two cents…Sean

Overall: I was reluctant to buy this Michael Kelly. I like to try it before I buy it . With that being said , The guitar come it flawless. It was packaged very good . I played for about an hour after opening the box. The action is spot on. It plays and feels more like an electric guitar. Hammer on pull offs pitch bends are perfect. The sustain goes on forever. The neck feels a touch wider than my Martin, but that's a good thing for me. There are no fret buzzes at. It's vert light and comfortable , light weight is a must , I have had shoulder surgery 3 times. The balance and weight are near perfect . Michael Kelly may not have the prestige of Martin. Gibson and such , but as far as the sound and quality build , it simply can not be beat in this price range.Mark

I was after that Banjo of a Lifetime, so called on the good Deering Folks. My taste in banjo music is broadly based; encompassing the earliest American Classic Banjo Style, through the great miracle of the ‘20s Tenor Banjo Legend Mr. Harry Reser, all through everything Blugrass and Country. Already had a Deering Midnight Special 5-stringer which I outfitted with Nylgut strings for the Classic Banjo Sound of the likes of Van Eps, Ossman and Bradbury. Worked open backed beyond my wild expectations. But I wanted access to Tenor and Plectrum vantage points, principally for my lifelong admiration of Mr. Harry Reser’s Incredible Virtuosity. My father also had known Reser personally. So I have some very special interest. Being used to a longer neck banjo than most Tenor instruments, I was steered towards an extremely high quality 4-string Plectrum. A Deering could hold tension on such a long neck for that A above middle C. For Traditional Tenor tuning. Now steel of sufficient tensile strength was some issue of course! But solved. And so I had a long neck Tenor, in the form of an incredibly beautiful instrument the Deering Company custom built and inscribed to me. Even better (and infinitely easier on old hands) the Deering Plectrum is readily set to the great Chicago-Style Tuning. And then it’s playable by all my guitar friends. Do they ever love the SOUND! None better than me! So I cannot say enough in praise of the Deering Family. They are truly friends of music and supreme Craftsmen. You have set me in wonderful new musical directions. Thank you! Frank HimpslFrank H.

I own a later model Sierra in maple. Like Jens Kruger says, it has all the parts for a good banjo. I would add parts AND workmanship. It’s really amazing how loud this in-amplified instrument can be yet soft if you pick lightly. So it’s very lively and responsive and it really feels that way while playing it. Not as fancy as high end banjos with the regular chrome hardware and matte finish but this is a banjo to be played and played a lot. The slender neck is great and the whole package is simply wonderful and a great price for an instrument with this sound. Now I’ll tell you I picked mine up from a pawn shop in Tennessee. Someone had bought it new right down the road in 2014. Maybe played it a few times. Took the head off, slapped it all back together and pawned it a year later. What a shame. I cleaned it up, got everything back the way it should be, and now it gets played daily and sounds great too. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Deering and I recommend them to my music friends.Vince K.

I've been playing my Hartford (grenadillo tone ring) on the road for a little over a year now, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on this beautiful banjo. I am absolutely amazed that Deering has found a way to pack so much volume and tone into this light weight banjo! The note separation is incredible, the volume is neck and neck with my Deering Calico, and the satin finish feels great to the touch. Many sound engineers have commented on how beautifully the banjo comes across on a microphone and after listening to our live recordings, I couldn't agree more. The tone variation between the x and y positions (close to the bridge/away from the bridge) on this model is remarkable! I can dig in and play straight ahead powerful bluegrass, or by moving my right hand closer to the neck, I can evoke a beautiful fat warm tone, all without sacrificing any volume. Now, this review would not be complete without mentioning how absolutely gorgeous this instrument is! Perfect fit and finish, wonderfully understated inlays, silky satin finish, and a handsome dark chocolate wood stain. Easily one of the prettiest banjos I have ever seen. I look forward to seeing how this banjo will evolve over time and I'm excited to create many great memories with it in the years to come! SnapSnap J.

Been playing it for a couple of weeks. My feedback. 1. Bajaoo Service The delivery and packaging was to my expectations. 2. The guitar Ideal for someone who has relatively less longer fingers. I used to play on a yamaha c40 which has a std 52mm nut size, whereas this comes with a 46 mm one, so the stretching is comparatively smoother. 2. Retuning of strings is a must before each session, but after a few days the strings seem to retain their tone, which is the case with all guitars. 3. Due to the thin soundboard, the sound is not very projecting but good enough for soloing in a medium sized room. However, the tone for me is acceptable. 4. The preamp works well after connecting to my kustomsound amp if one really needs amplification. There is no on/off switch, so the battery may have to be removed if you are not using the amp. 5. It is artfully finished in terms of its looks. 6. Would be a good buy for someone playing the steel guitar which usually have a 43mm nutsize and wanting to move to a nylon guitar. My overall experience with this guitar has been good so far.Nikhil D.

We love the print. My baby will even make the monkey sounds when he sees me bringing out the pajamas. We love your pajamas quality as well. The little ribbon loop you add on to hold the paper marketing label comes in handy to know which side is the back of the shirt in dimmed light. Is there any way you would consider adding a loop to the pants for when I need to put them back on a sleepy baby after a diaper change?Suzy N.

I just received my handmade Linea Profesional built by Alhambra in Spain. This is perhaps one of the absolute best professional level classical guitars you can buy for the money. It has a cedar soundboard giving the guitar a deep melodious, Spanish tone with excellent sustain. The innovative strut design offers the guitar magnificent projection. It came with two saddles. I use the lower saddle without buzz. The tuning machines are beautiful and compliment the instrument. The rosette, saddle decoration, and binding are all beautifully matched. You cannot find a better classical guitar in this price point. I recommend it without reservation. This is my forever guitar.frona-22

Astounding quality for the price. Compared to an $800 Cordoba, there was no contest; the Cordoba (as typical) had so many quality issues (frets that slice fingers etc). The natural finish feels great (subjective) and the tone is bright and full but keep it in a case to avoid dust.Z

This guitar seems to be well built and has a nice deep sound. I’ve only had it for about 30 days, but I play it frequently for hours each time. I am excited everyday to play it during my breaks or when I am at home. The tuner is convenient, the controls are clear and the glossy finish is attractive. I took the guitar to GC for a truss rod adjustment which lowered the action. Frets and fingerboard are all up to par. Not much else to say. This is a good mid-level beginner’s guitar. Guitar is the third instrument that I am learning, after piano and drums. I look forward to playing this guitar during my breaks, at work, and when I come home. Most cordoba acoustic electric models are smaller than the standard 2 inch nut width. I teach music at a school who has the non-electric version, so it took a bit of time getting used to this. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I know that I can grow into this guitar, and if necessary I can “upgrade” if I become really good and dedicated. But in the meantime, I am content with enjoying the journey.Brian

I have had this guitar over 5 years. The Suarez high tension strings give it a clean sound. Warm bass string and higher treble strings. The guitar looks great and holds sound longer then some of the guitars I own in this price range. Plan to stick with Cordoba is I ever upgrade. Also enjoy the cutout and pickup. After you change your strings it does take 1-2 days before your strings tighten and settle. This is due to the high tension.Eloy

I purchased this guitar about 3 weeks ago and wanted to wait to give a review until after I'd played it for a while… turns out my first impressions were really accurate — this is an excellent guitar! The C4-CE is well-built, beautiful, and sounds warm and full. The frets are smooth, and overall this guitar seems better-constructed than some more expensive nylon-string models that were available at my local GC. This is my first nylon-string guitar, though I have played acoustics for nearly 20 years. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the C4-CE, and the sound, quality, and playability are really exceptional for the cost. The solid wood top resonates beautifully and I think the volume is great for nylon strings. I really look forward to owning and playing this guitar for years to come! (Plus, it's beautiful!)Ann V.

I purchased this ukulele for my daughter and straight out the box, it is jaw dropping. Stunning and well made. The sound is surprisingly beautiful for its unique shape. I do recommend upgrading the gig bag it comes with.Peter

If you were planning to build ukuleles modeled after iconic guitars, you probably would not pick the Iceman… This is a whimsical instrument that just makes you smile & that is what happens every time I play it. Any rock guitarist looking to try out a uke should have one, unlikely you will find anything cooler than an Iceman… Whilst serious ukulele players should check it out, as you can never own enough instruments, & the smile factor is enormous. Music should be fun, & in the Iceman ukulele, that is exactly what you get… Now where is my face paint…?Andy

This ukulele is the only one like it. Definitely gets looks whenever I pull it out. People always ask what is that? It plays well especially when hooked up to an amp but sounds good acoustic as well. The BIGGEST drawback is it doesn't even come with a cheap gig bag and with the unique design doesn't fit into anything that I've found yet. I travel by car every week so I at least need something to keep from scratching it. Come on Ibanez how much more could it cost to include a cheap gig bag designed specifically for this ukulele? Huge drawback. I've been told by Guitar center that they can custom make one but it's too expensive. Other than that it's a great ukulele as long as you don't want to take it out of the house.Mark

So far, I really love the sound, construction and appointments. I asked my guitar tech to check it out before I picked it up at the store and he played it for 20 minutes. Andy Powers really did a nice job redesigning the 614ce into the V-Class. So far, I've found no flaws, and the factory setup is perfect. The action matches that of any of my electrics and is extremely playable above the 12th fret without any tuning issues. The appointments are as nice or better than that of my 2006 Taylor NC62ce, which is also maple and spruce.Chris

This is a beautiful instrument. The flamed maple back and sides with the brown sugar stain look incredible, the ebony backstrap is a nice touch as well. I'd prefer abalone to ivoroid for the fretboard markers, but other than that I have no visual complaints. The rock maple neck might be the best I have ever played. The re-voicing work Taylor has done has really brought some additional warmth to the Maple tone, however it still sounds bright next to a rosewood guitar, and I find it can sound a little 'thin' in certain applications. The clarity and note-to-note separation are the best I have ever heard though. Excellent sound when plugged in. Overall a great, and highly unique, instrument.Ryan

I have been playing guitar for 60 years. I have an extensive collection of vintage guitars including several Martin, Gibson, etc acoustic and electric guitars. The Taylor Koa K28e is the best guitar that I have ever played. The beauty, action, and sweet tone of this guitar is above my expectations. This is a pricey guitar, but once you strum the strings and hear the melodic sound, you will hear why this guitar is expensive. It is made using the best and finest materials and workmanship. I believe the Taylor K28e has a richer sound than my Martin D-28. It is certainly prettier than the Martin; or any other guitar that I own, Gibson, Rickenbacker, etc.Donal

My dream guitar. Had one priced up as a custom build a few years back and it came to more than double what these are selling for. So, not cheap but a comparative bargainReviewed by Kenny's Music custom

Incontrovertibly, the most exquisitely beautiful instrument I own. Easy to play and sounds magnificent right from the factory. As this all solid Koa body and top ages, it will only sound deeper and richer.Fred

THIS GUITAR IS AN ABSOLUTE WORK OF ART. THE KOA TOP IS THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOOKING AND PERFECTLY RENDERED. THE FINGERBOARD INLAY IS METICULOUS AND BEAUTIFUL. THE BINDING IS FLAWLESS. THE SOUND OF THIS INSTRUMENT IS SO RESONANT THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS REVERBERATING. THERE IS NO BETTER GUITAR THAN THIS!JCOFFEY

I thought getting back into professional music would be easy, no problem-BUUUUUT what I didn't take into account was all those years of abuse to my hands (in workshops all my life) took a toll. The love I have for acoustic guitars has given way to the love I now have for my new T5z. Talk about easy to play! It is more electric than acoustic, of course, but I play it all the time and am now taking a "commercial guitar" course and loving it. Without amplification, it's the best practice tool EVER! (Mine is the spruce top version) Through an amp it has more sounds and tones than can be imagined. It eventually will be replacing my acoustics for both five piece country band and twin guitars duo. I will be playing it through a Bose L-1 and Fender Blues Jr. They both sound great carrying this guitar-I'm the only thing holding it back-but that's changing. The quality, beauty, fit and finish from Taylor couldn't be better. My hands thank me every day for trading my HD28 for this inspiring T5z! I still have a lot to learn, but the T5z Standard is taking me where I want to go. Love it!!SuperJeff

FIRST AND FOREMOST: I'm just starting to play it, but my first impressions are very positive. THAT SAID: It's very flexible and interesting as an electric depending on how it's switched, and warm but crisp as an acoustic. It has a great neck and quick action, and the look-and-feel are beautiful and solid. The mahogany top is gorgeous. ALTHOUGH: It's a little light … I wish it had a bit more heft. AND: Those Taylor gig bags aren't impressive. It's not a cheap instrument and should include a hard case. IN BRIEF: Unplugged, it delivers a lovely acoustic sound; plugged in and pushed, it can certainly get wiry and crunchy. I think it's an excellent guitar and I'm delighted to own – and play – it.RICHARD

#5)Ease of use. I bought this guitar 5 months ago. After becoming blind with all of its "psychological warfare", having the jumbo frets, the spacing of the strings and the thinness of the neck has made playing guitar much easier. I like the placement of the controls. The navigation process like playing a rhythm acoustic switching to an electric lead can become quite seamless. #4) Say goodbye to cumbersome, clumsy, awkward and sore shoulders. The size and weight of this guitar is fantastic. #3) The Sound. Unplugged it's amazing, plugged in it's magical. The versatility of sound on this is unmatched. #2) Synergistic! When you combine all of the qualities mentioned, it's a no-brainer for a guitar that can do it all. #1) It's a Taylor! Couple this with a great company like AMS. #1 This was a very easy transaction from beginning to end. They have a knowledgeable staff in both sales and customer service. (Dan sent me 3 different pictures so the people with me could describe the guitar. Thank You Dan!). #2. The financing and the automatic payment plan was quick and easy. #3. The quality of the AMS company and staff exceeds all expectations before, during and after each transaction. I enjoy doing business with AMS. Thank you.Candice

What a beautiful instrument! I had a nice starter banjo but wanted something a little more advanced. Well worth the money!!!!kell7574