Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars 2026

Top-rated dreadnought acoustic guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026

Best

Best Guitars and Basses

Best Acoustic Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Country For Folk For Bluegrass For Rock For Singer-Songwriter For Campfire Sessions

BRANDS: Martin Guitar Harley Benton Gibson Furch Yamaha Fender Guild Ibanez Takamine Epiphone Taylor DAngelico Lakewood Applause Cole Clark Maton Baton Rouge Cort Framus Seagull

Martin Guitar D-28E Modern Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-28E Modern Deluxe

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Martin Guitar D-28E Modern DeluxeAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: D-14 Fret with Dovetail neck jointTop: solid spruce...

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556488

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst LH

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst LHSteel-String Guitar2025 modelLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605813

$3,574

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D17 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D17

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Martin Guitar D17Steel-String GuitarTyype: D - DreadnoughtTop: solid mahoganyBack and sides: solid mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605784

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Country Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 545394

$493

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-200 Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D-200 Deluxe

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Martin Guitar D-200 DeluxeAcoustic GuitarSet of Martin D-200 guitar and a high-quality RGM D200 watchDesigned in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556676

$164,989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Martin Guitar D-35 SunburstSteel-String GuitarType: Dreadnought D-14 FretTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556440

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 LH

by Martin Guitar

Rock Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 LHAcoustic Guitar with PickupLefthand / left-handed modelBody: D - DreadnoughtTop: solid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561711

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X2EL Rosewood LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D-X2EL Rosewood LH

by Martin Guitar

Country Rock Folk

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar D-X2EL Rosewood LHSteel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 581145

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar Custom D-18 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar Custom D-18

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Rock Folk

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar 70th Anni. Custom D-18Steel-String GuitarConstruction: Dreadnought - inspired by the Martin Guitar D-18...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595170

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar HD28E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar HD28E

by Martin Guitar

Rock Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Martin Guitar HD28ESteel-String Guitar with Pickup2025 modelType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605888

$5,498

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D17 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D17 LH

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D17 LHSteel-String Guitar2025 modelLeft-handed modelType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid mahoganyBack and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605785

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 LH 2024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 LH 2024

by Martin Guitar

Folk Campfire Sessions Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 LH 2024Steel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 592589

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar DX1E Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar DX1E Mahogany

by Martin Guitar

Rock Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar DX1E MahoganyAcoustic GuitarType: Dreadnoughtback and sides: Mahogany high-pressure laminateNeck: Rust...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 581105

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar CFM 50th Anniversary - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar CFM 50th Anniversary

by Martin Guitar

Country Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Martin Guitar CFM 50th AnniversarySteel-String GuitarSpecial model to mark the 50th anniversary of Christian Frederick...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 580532

$69,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar CFM 50th Anniversary

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Martin Guitar CFM 50th AnniversarySteel-String GuitarSpecial model to mark the 50th anniversary of Christian Frederick...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 580542

$6,929

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced dreadnought acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars 2026

Martin Guitar D-28E Modern Deluxe

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst LH

Martin Guitar D17

Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood w/Bag

Martin Guitar D-200 Deluxe

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 LH

Martin Guitar D-X2EL Rosewood LH

Martin Guitar Custom D-18

Martin Guitar HD28E

Martin Guitar D17 LH

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 LH 2024

Martin Guitar DX1E Mahogany

Martin Guitar CFM 50th Anniversary

Martin Guitar CFM 50th Anniversary

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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