AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ibanez AE275BT Baritone ($673). Harley Benton Baritone CLG-414BCE NT w/Bag gives you the most for the money at $348. Lakewood Natural Series M-31 CP leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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All Baritone Acoustic GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale685.7 mm (27")
- Frets20 frets
This AE275BT-LGS is a surprisingly capable baritone – the solid top gives it a lot of character. The Comfort Grip neck is a real plus for extended playing, and the pickup system is genuinely usable. It's a great option for singer-songwriters or players needing a deep, resonant voice without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers a clear, resonant, and balanced tone.
- Okoume back and sides provide warmth and surprisingly good projection.
- Comfort Grip neck and scalloped bridge enhance playability and comfort.
Cons
- Okoume, while nice, isn’t a premium tonewood like mahogany or rosewood.
- The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can feel a little plasticky.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$673 now$673€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale685.7 mm (27")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyWalnut body
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
This Harley Benton baritone is a seriously impressive value. The solid top and walnut body give it a rich, full tone perfect for genres needing that low-end rumble – think doom metal, orchestral arrangements, or even just adding depth to folk. It's a surprisingly well-built instrument that punches well above its price class.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and resonant tone.
- Walnut back and sides add warmth and sustain, avoiding muddiness.
- Fishman Presys-II preamp offers reliable onboard tuning and amplification.
Cons
- Walnut can be a bit 'woody' initially, requiring some break-in time.
- Hardware, while functional, feels a little basic for the price point.
70AudioFu
Index↓ 11.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$393 · Aug 14$348 now$348€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Guild Westerly Collection BT-240E Baritone
BT-240E Baritone · Guild
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets20 frets
This Guild BT-240E is a seriously good baritone – the solid top gives it a real depth of tone you don’t always find at this price. It's perfect for singer-songwriters needing a low-end foundation or players exploring alternative tunings. The Fishman electronics are a nice bonus for stage work, too.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers rich, balanced baritone tones.
- Mahogany back & sides add warmth and sustain.
- Fishman GT-1 provides clear amplified sound with useful controls.
Cons
- The large body can be unwieldy for smaller players.
- 43mm nut width may feel wide for players used to standard guitars.
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Guild Westerly Collection BT-258E Deluxe Baritone
BT-258E Deluxe Baritone · Guild
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings8-string
This Guild BT-258E is a serious instrument for the adventurous acoustic player. The 8-string baritone tuning creates a wonderfully deep and resonant voice, perfect for ambient textures, orchestral arrangements, or adding a unique low-end to folk and blues. It's a well-built, amplified baritone that won't break the bank, offering a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top delivers a warm, responsive, and projecting tone.
- Rosewood back and sides add rich overtones and sustain.
- Fishman GT-1 provides a usable, natural amplified sound for stage work.
Cons
- 8-string baritone is a niche instrument, limiting versatility for some.
- Deluxe build means it's not as lightweight as some smaller jumbos.
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Lakewood Natural Series M-31 CP
M-31 CP Baritone Natural · Lakewood
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale680 mm (26.77")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses solid spruce and rosewood for a big, bright sound. The included pickup system makes it ready for live gigs without extra cost. It fits players who want a deep baritone range with a sturdy build.
Pros
- Solid AAA spruce top for strong response
- Solid AAA Indian rosewood back and sides
- L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system included
Cons
- No fret count specified in description
- No stated weight or balance info
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,251 now$3,251€2,889 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale704 mm (27.72")
- Frets20 frets
The Baton Rouge X11S/BTE is a surprisingly capable baritone acoustic. The solid top really shines, offering a full, warm tone that's perfect for fingerstyle or mellow strumming. It's an excellent option for players wanting a baritone sound without the premium-priced tag – especially those exploring lower tunings or darker sonic textures.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers clear, resonant projection and sustain
- Mahogany back & sides provide warmth and a focused low-end response
- Bone nut & saddle enhance sustain and improve tuning stability
Cons
- Okoume neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or maple
- Matte finish can feel a little less refined than a gloss finish
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale685 mm (26.97")
This guitar sounds deep and warm thanks to the mahogany top and sides. The cutaway Grand Auditorium shape makes it easy to reach the thick baritone strings. It comes with a pickup so you can play in loud rooms without turning up your amp.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top and sides for rich baritone tone
- Taylor ES2 pickup system included for easy playing
- Grand Auditorium shape with cutaway for comfort
Cons
- Baritone scale length may feel long to some players
- No fret wire diameter or fret count listed
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,756 now$2,756€2,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale710 mm (27.95")
This baritone guitar uses a solid cedar top and mahogany body for a warm, loud sound. The L.R. Baggs pickup makes it easy to play in big rooms. The 710mm scale gives deep low notes, but the wide nut might feel big for some hands. It suits players who want a rich tone with reliable electronics.
Pros
- Solid cedar top drives the guitar loud and bright right away.
- Mahogany body gives it a warm, rich tone with good sustain.
- L.R. Baggs pickup system ensures clean, powerful signal output.
Cons
- Artificial tortoise binding lacks the look of genuine tortoise shell.
- Open-pore finish shows the wood grain but may need more care.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,889 now$1,889€1,679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale710 mm (27.95")
This guitar feels heavy with solid walnut wood and a spruce top. The L.R. Baggs pickup sounds great on stage. It is perfect for players who like a deep, bass-heavy tone.
Pros
- Solid sitka spruce top drives strong bass response
- Solid walnut back and sides add deep warmth
- L.R. Baggs pickup offers clear stage presence
Cons
- CNR neck system adds complexity to repairs
- No fret count specified in the description
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,024 now$2,024€1,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
This guitar uses a spruce top and mahogany body for a warm, loud sound. The straight cutaway shape helps reach high notes easily. It is built for players who want solid wood tone without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong projection
- Mahogany back and sides for warmth
- Mahogany neck offers easy playability
Cons
- No electronic pickups installed
- Heavy scale length of 643mm
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 24Sep 24$562 now$562€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Baritone Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 12 models we track, not a sample.
Median $673 — half of all baritone acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 12 models · 43 mm (1.69")–46 mm (1.81")
median of 11 models · 680 mm (26.77")–710 mm (27.95")
median of 7 models · 20–20
How to choose the best baritone acoustic guitars
Scale Length
Crucially important. Most baritones are 27" or longer to keep string tension manageable while hitting those low notes. Shorter scales just won't have the proper definition and will sound muddy - it's a non-negotiable.
Bracing Pattern
The bracing dictates a lot of the guitar's response. Scalloped bracing will generally give you more warmth and sustain, while forward-shifted bracing might offer more clarity and projection - think about what sonic role you need it to play.
Tonewoods
While mahogany offers a warmer, more fundamental low-end, spruce tops (Sitka, Adirondack) provide more headroom and articulation. The back and sides (rosewood, ebony, ovangkol) contribute to the overall tonal color - rosewood usually adds a bit more mid-range 'honk', while ebony is known for its clarity and sustain.
Neck Profile & Playability
A chunky neck can feel awkward on a larger guitar. Comfort is key, especially when you're playing lower tunings which demand more deliberate movements. Make sure the action is set up well too - too high and those low strings will be a struggle.
Pickup System (if applicable)
Many baritones are used amplified. The pickup's voicing is vital; you want something that captures the low-end without getting boomy or muddy. Piezo systems can be harsh, so look for models with preamp EQ options or consider a magnetic soundhole pickup for a warmer, more natural tone.
Buying guide
So you're looking to rumble? Baritone acoustics are criminally underrated - they offer a depth and richness you just don't get with standard guitars. Forget thin, jangly sounds; we're talking about a low-end thump that cuts through a band mix or adds serious gravitas to your recordings. This isn't just about bigger size; it's about a different voice, a different vibe, and a whole new range of possibilities for your songwriting and playing.
Baritone acoustics are a niche instrument, so expect to pay a premium. Cheaper models often cut corners on bracing, leading to a boxy, undefined low-end. Don't skimp on a good setup - a proper intonation and action adjustment can make a world of difference, especially on a longer scale guitar.
Invest in quality strings too; heavier gauge strings are a must to maintain tension and avoid a floppy feel.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 12 baritone acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are baritone acoustics hard to play?
They can be, especially if you're used to smaller guitars. The longer scale and often wider neck can take some getting used to. A good setup and comfortable neck profile are essential.
What gauge strings do I need for a baritone?
Generally, you'll want to use 12-56 or even heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension. Experiment to find what feels best for you and the guitar's scale length.
Can I tune a standard acoustic guitar down to baritone tuning?
You can, but it's not ideal. You'll likely experience excessive string floppiness and reduced clarity. The guitar's bracing isn't designed for that level of tension reduction.
Are baritones good for recording?
Absolutely. They add a unique depth and warmth to recordings, especially in genres like folk, blues, and cinematic music. Just be mindful of potential boominess and EQ accordingly.
What's the difference between a baritone acoustic and a jumbo acoustic?
While both are larger than standard guitars, baritones are defined by their longer scale length, not just their body size. A jumbo acoustic might have a larger body but still have a standard scale, meaning it won't have the same low-end response as a true baritone.
