Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 2026

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

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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 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

Martin Guitar DX2E-02 Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar DX2E-02 Mahogany

by Martin Guitar

Rock Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar DX2E-02 MahoganyAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtTop: SpruceBack and sides: Mahogany...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556223

$879

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 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 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

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

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

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

Taylor 110ce Sapele - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Guild D-140CE SB Westerly - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Guild D-140CE SB Westerly

by Guild

Folk Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Guild D-140CE SB WesterlySteel String GuitarBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: SprucesolidBody:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 362255

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X2E Rosewood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Seagull Maritime SWS Natural AE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Seagull Maritime SWS Natural AE

by Seagull

Folk Rock Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Requires good playing technique

Seagull Maritime SWS Natural AESteel-String Guitar with PickupBody shape: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack & sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 484883

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar DX1E Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TS

by Framus

Campfire Sessions Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610268

$989

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 2026

Martin Guitar D Jr E LH

Martin Guitar DX2E-02 Mahogany

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany LH

Martin Guitar DJr-10E StreetMaster LH

Martin Guitar D-X2E Mahogany

Martin Guitar DX Johnny Cash

Martin Guitar DX2E Ziricote Burst

Epiphone Hummingbird

Guild D-140 Cherry Burst

Taylor 110ce Sapele

Guild D-140CE SB Westerly

Martin Guitar D-X2E Rosewood

Seagull Maritime SWS Natural AE

Martin Guitar DX1E Mahogany

Framus Vintage Hootenanny 6 TS

How to Choose the Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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