Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars for Advanced 2026

Perfect dreadnought acoustic guitars for advanced - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 Jr E StreetMaster LH New - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster LH New

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Rock Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster LH NewSteel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616564

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D 1935 Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D 1935 Sunburst

by Martin Guitar

Rock Folk Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D 1935 SunburstSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid Adirondack spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 616289

$9,129

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Ambertone 1933 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Ambertone 1933

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Ambertone 1933Steel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid Adirondack spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616272

$10,449

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson J-45 Standard Natural Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson J-45 Standard Natural Gloss

by Gibson

Country Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Gibson J-45 Standard Natural GlossSteel-String Guitar with PickupTop: Solid sitka spruceMulti-ply top bindingBack and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617046

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Jr E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D Jr E

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar D Jr EAcoustic Guitar with PickupTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonyScale:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614263

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TN

by Framus

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TNSteel-String GuitarType: Round Shoulder DreadnoughtBack and sides: Solid sapeleBracing:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610772

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere IIIAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid FSC-certified sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614215

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar D Jr E LHSteel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 616897

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB

by Breedlove

Folk Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EBSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnought Concerto with cutawayBack and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 612721

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor Gold Label 517e Blacktop - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Taylor Gold Label 517e Blacktop

by Taylor

Singer-Songwriter Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Taylor Gold Label 517e BlacktopAcoustic Guitar with Pickup500 SeriesStyle: Grand Pacific DreadnoughtTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619499

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Furch Violet D-ER a - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Furch Violet D-ER a

by Furch

Bluegrass Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Furch Violet D-ERSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid Englemann spruceBack and sides: Solid rosewoodNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615643

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

by Breedlove

Country Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought SpruceAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid European spruceCascade bracingBack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 618728

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPE Inception Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPE Inception Maple

by Martin Guitar

Folk Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar GPE Inception MapleSteel-String Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand PerformanceTop: Solid spruceBack: Maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617591

$6,049

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black Walnut

by Martin Guitar

Rock Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black WalnutSteel-String GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 616333

$4,729

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Margo Price J-45, HCS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson Margo Price J-45, HCS

by Gibson

Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Margo Price J-45Steel-String Guitar with PickupMargo Price Signature ModelType: DreadnoughtBack and sides: solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 613797

$4,179

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 for Advanced 2026

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster LH New

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D 1935 Sunburst

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Ambertone 1933

Gibson J-45 Standard Natural Gloss

Martin Guitar D Jr E

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TN

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB

Taylor Gold Label 517e Blacktop

Furch Violet D-ER a

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

Martin Guitar GPE Inception Maple

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black Walnut

Gibson Margo Price J-45, HCS

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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