Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2025

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

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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 DJr-10E StreetMaster LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar DJr-10E StreetMaster LH

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar DJr-10E StreetMaster LHAcoustic Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelType: Dreadnought - D Junior-14...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556139

$956

Buy at Thomann View Details

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 DX Johnny Cash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar DX Johnny Cash

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Rock Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar DX Johnny CashAcoustic Guitar with PickupJohnny Cash Special EditionStyle: D - DreadnoughtTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556229

$824

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

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher Bigsby - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT

by Fender

Folk Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Fender Highway Dreadnought NATSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 571484

$911

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild D-140 Cherry Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guild D-140 Cherry Burst

by Guild

Folk Rock Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild D-140 Cherry Burst; acoustic guitarSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceSitka spruce...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 565183

$869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha A1R II TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha A1R II TBS

by Yamaha

Rock Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha A1R II TBSSteel String GuitarBuild: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBottom and sides: Laminated rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 451028

$868

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X2E Rosewood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-X2E Rosewood

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar D-X2E RosewoodAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceTop and sides: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581140

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 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 DX1E Koa - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Taylor 110ce Sapele - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Taylor 110ce Sapele

by Taylor

Country Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Taylor 110ce-S SapeleAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: solid sitka spruceForward Shifted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 574034

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Highway Dreadnought MAH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Highway Dreadnought MAH

by Fender

Folk Campfire Sessions Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Fender Highway Dreadnought MAHSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnoughtback and sides: Solid mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 571481

$911

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Hummingbird AAN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone Hummingbird AAN

by Epiphone

Rock Folk Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Inspired by Gibon Humming AANSteel-String Guitar with PickupInspired by the Gibson HummingbirdDesign: Square...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 501145

$865

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 Under $1,000 2025

Martin Guitar DJr-10E StreetMaster LH

Martin Guitar DX1EL Mahogany LH

Martin Guitar DX Johnny Cash

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote Burst

Gretsch G5034TFT Rancher Bigsby

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

Fender Highway Dreadnought NAT

Guild D-140 Cherry Burst

Yamaha A1R II TBS

Martin Guitar D-X2E Rosewood

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LH

Martin Guitar DX1E Koa

Taylor 110ce Sapele

Fender Highway Dreadnought MAH

Epiphone Hummingbird AAN

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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