Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars for Bluegrass 2026

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

Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 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 New - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster New

by Martin Guitar

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMasterAcoustic Guitar with PickupTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614265

$1,209

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

Furch Violet D-ER a - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Taylor Gold Label 517e SB Firestripe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Taylor Gold Label 517e SB Firestripe

by Taylor

Folk Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 619498

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 60s J-45 Original Ebony LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson 60s J-45 Original Ebony LH

by Gibson

Folk Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Gibson 60s J-45 Ebony LHAcoustic GuitarLeft-hand modelStyle: Round ShoulderTop: Solid sitka spruceBack and Sides: solid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612154

$2,969

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor Gold Label 717e SB Cream - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Taylor Gold Label 717e SB Cream

by Taylor

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Taylor Gold Label 717e SB CreamAcoustic Guitar with Pickup700 SeriesStyle: Grand Pacific DreadnoughtV-Class bracingBack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619527

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Maton S70 Solid Road Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Maton S70 Solid Road Series

by Maton

Folk Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Maton S70 Solid Road SeriesAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtBack and sides: Solid Tasmanian blackwoodTop: Solid A-grade...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618699

$2,492

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 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

Furch Vintage 3 Dc-SR SPE a - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Furch Vintage 3 Dc-SR SPE a

by Furch

Country Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

Furch Vintage 3 Dc-SR SPE aAcoustic Guitar with PickupDesign: Dreadnought with cutawayBack and sides: Solid master...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 615639

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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

#12

⭐ 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

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster LH New - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

#14

⭐ 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

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 Bluegrass 2026

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster New

Gibson J-45 Standard Natural Gloss

Furch Violet D-ER a

Taylor Gold Label 517e SB Firestripe

Gibson 60s J-45 Original Ebony LH

Taylor Gold Label 717e SB Cream

Maton S70 Solid Road Series

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadnought Spruce

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Ambertone 1933

Furch Vintage 3 Dc-SR SPE a

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black Walnut

Martin Guitar D Jr E StreetMaster LH New

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D 1935 Sunburst

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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