Mitchell T313CE: Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500

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Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500?

I was recently down at my local Guitar Center, testing various guitars that I’m writing reviews for. As I was browsing the usual suspects, I noticed a Mitchell, and to be honest, it was a brand I had never heard of. Based on its price point, I just assumed it was a cheap, subpar beginner guitar. Knowing that I’m reviewing beginner guitars, or more to the point – guitars in the under $500 category, I thought I’d give it a try. I picked out the T313CE model from Mitchell’s Terra series. I was extremely surprised at how nice this guitar is – from its ease of playability to its quality of sound. No one was more shocked than me to find that this hidden gem is my pick for the best acoustic guitar under $500.

Mitchell Guitars is owned and developed by Guitar Center, and is their house brand. The T313CE is an acoustic/electric model that is auditorium sized – smaller than a dreadnought. The cutout makes for easier access to the highest frets. The quality of this guitar far exceeds its price.

Who Is This Guitar Best Suited For?

If you were to base your buying decision only on this guitar’s price, you almost can’t go wrong. Compared to other guitars in the under $500 range, this instrument definitely stands out. In reality, you can get this gem for under two bills…

So, as a starting point, if you’re concerned about a tight budget, or whether or not to make a serious investment in an instrument, this guitar could be a good choice for you, since it won’t break the bank.

With its body classified as “Auditorium” rather than “Dreadnought”, it’s smaller in scale and will be a better fit for smaller folks, and folks with smaller hands.

If you’re like me, an experienced player, I believe you’ll also find this guitar to be quite enjoyable to play. The guitar has a solid feel, good intonation, and a bright sound.

It may be of benefit to you to also read my Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners review for the reasons I chose the Mitchell to be included in the list, as well as other acoustic guitar options.

Comfort & Playability

The “Auditorium” size body makes this a very comfortable guitar to hold and play. The cut-away style also makes for easier access to the higher frets.

The slim C-neck design, with a satin finish and rosewood fretboard makes for comfortable fingering. This is a better fit for younger players and those with smaller hands trying to get used to sliding up and down the neck as they hone their skills.

Sound

I was pleasantly surprised by the sound of the T313CE. I can fully understand, and appreciate, the fact many guitar players are turned off by the notion of guitars built with laminates, instead of pure tonewoods. Based on the price point, laminates used in construction, keep the cost low. Most important – with regard to this guitar’s sound – is the use of a solid spruce top, to achieve a bright tone. The mahogany laminate back and sides, plus an open-pore satin body finish and forward-shifted X bracing, contribute to its deeper resonance.

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Durability

This Mitchell guitar feels very solid, on par with guitars costing 2-3 times more money.

As I’ve learned over the years, if a guitar stays in tune, the intonation is good and the neck is straight, the guitar should last many years, and give you lots of enjoyment.

And again, per the price point, you shouldn’t have any qualms about taking this guitar out of the house – on tour or camping.

Affordability

I found myself double-checking the price a couple of times as I was somewhat in disbelief that it would be possible to build this nice a guitar at this price point.

What Buyers Say About This Guitar

With twelve reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5, buyers are overall happy with their purchase of this guitar.

More than a couple of reviewers stated they had intended to spend more money, purchasing a (sub $1000) Taylor or Martin. After trying out the T313CE they liked the sound, quality, and value of the Mitchell better, and ultimately purchased the Mitchell.

The one negative review was regarding an alleged factory defect.

Prominent Features

What’s in the Box

To keep the cost of this guitar low, you only receive the guitar. A hardshell case or gig bag, to protect your new instrument, is sold separately.

Verdict/Conclusion

To recap, I found the Mitchell T313CE to be a surprisingly good little guitar, especially considering its price point. There’s something you know immediately when you first pick up a guitar, when you wrap your hand around the neck, and press your fingers down onto the fretboard. If it’s comfortable, chances are high the sound will be good, too.

I must admit, I don’t fully understand how these guitars are made with cheaper quality wood products, yet manage to sound as good as more expensive guitars. It must be engineering magic!

At any rate, you can be the owner of a fine instrument that will give you lots of enjoyment, whether you’re a beginner, or have been playing for years. And – it won’t keep you from sending junior to college.

Pros

• Good Feel
• Easy to Play
• Fun to Play
• Good Quality
• Affordable Price
• Stays in Tune
• Good Sound

Cons

• Laminates used for Back and Sides
• Built in Indonesia
• No Case Included

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