Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

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 Ibanez Guild Takamine Epiphone Taylor Lakewood DAngelico Maton Cole Clark Applause Seagull Framus Cort Baton Rouge

Martin Guitar DX1EL Mahogany LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar DX1EL Mahogany LH

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Rock Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar DX1EL Mahogany LHSteel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581102

$835

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar DX1E Koa - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar DX1E Koa

by Martin Guitar

Rock Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar DX1E KoaAcoustic Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnoughtback and sides: Koa high-pressure laminateNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581088

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LH

by Martin Guitar

Country Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LHSteel-String GuitarLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBack and sides: Mahogany...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581137

$967

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

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote Burst

by Martin Guitar

Rock Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote BurstAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBack and sides: High pressure...

⭐ 4.4/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585376

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar D-X2E MahoganyAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBack and sides: Mahogany high-pressure laminate...

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581131

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD37CE PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Takamine GD37CE PW

by Takamine

Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

Takamine GD37CE PWSteel-String GuitarDreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MapleSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608458

$879

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Epiphone Hummingbird - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Hummingbird

by Epiphone

Bluegrass Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson HummingbirdSteel-String Guitar with PickupInspired by the Gibson square shoulder...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 501128

$873

Buy at Thomann View Details

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 SB Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 SB Satin

by Framus

Rock Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Requires good playing technique

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 SB SatinSteel-String GuitarType: Round Shoulder DreadnoughtBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610269

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Seagull Performer CW HG Presys II - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Seagull Performer CW HG Presys II

by Seagull

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Seagull Performer CW HG Presys IISteel-String Guitar with PickupBody shape: DreadnoughtWith cutawayBack & sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 484885

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher Bigsby - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher Bigsby

by Gretsch

Country Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher BigsbySteel-String GuitarDesign: DreadnoughtTop: Curved laminated spruceBody: Laminated...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 331622

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild D-140ce Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guild D-140ce Black

by Guild

Rock Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild D-140ce BlackSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 565193

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha FGC-TA Brown Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha FGC-TA Brown Sunburst

by Yamaha

Campfire Sessions Folk Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha FGC-TA Brown SunburstSteel-string guitar with pickupWith cutewayBody: Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis)Top: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 531930

$817

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Epiphone Masterbuilt Frontier - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Masterbuilt Frontier

by Epiphone

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Epiphone Masterbuilt FrontierAcoustic GuitarTop: solid spruceBack and sides: solid mapleNeck: MahoganyFingerboard and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 482844

$928

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

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Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Martin Guitar DX1EL Mahogany LH

Martin Guitar DX1E Koa

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LH

Martin Guitar D Jr E

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote Burst

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany

Takamine GD37CE PW

Epiphone Hummingbird

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 SB Satin

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

Seagull Performer CW HG Presys II

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher Bigsby

Guild D-140ce Black

Yamaha FGC-TA Brown Sunburst

Epiphone Masterbuilt Frontier

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying dreadnought acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Are expensive dreadnought acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for dreadnought acoustic guitars?

Should I buy dreadnought acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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