Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $5,000 - 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 D-35 Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-35 SunburstSteel-String GuitarType: Dreadnought D-14 FretTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556440

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D-16E-01

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Rock Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D-16E-01 2024Steel-String Guitar with PickupType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 592584

$3,024

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-28 StreetLegend - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-28 StreetLegend

by Martin Guitar

Country Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-28 StreetLegendAcoustic GuitarStyle: D - DreadnoughtTop: solid spruceBack and sides: solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 563916

$2,959

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D28 StreetLegend

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Rock Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D28 StreetLegendSteel-String Guitar2025 modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605994

$4,124

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SB Fat Lady - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SB Fat Lady

by Cole Clark

Rock Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SB Fat LadySteel-String GuitarBody shape: Fat Lady (Dreadnought) with cutawayMade from 100%...

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 476690

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar HD-35 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar HD-35

by Martin Guitar

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar D-35Steel-String GuitarType: Dreadnought D-14 FretTop: SpruceBack and sides: RosewoodForward-Shifted...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556441

$4,949

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D18 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D18

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D18Steel-String Guitar2025 modelType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605812

$4,146

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Cole Clark CCAN3EC-BLBL Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Cole Clark CCAN3EC-BLBL Natural

by Cole Clark

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Cole Clark CCAN3EC-BLBL NaturalSteel String GuitarBody shape: Angel (Grand Auditorium) with cutawayAAA grade solid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 478916

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-19 190th anniversary - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D-19 190th anniversary

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-19 190th anniversaryAcoustic GuitarSpecial model to celebrate the arrival of the Martin family to the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 577634

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D28 Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D28 Satin

by Martin Guitar

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar D28 SatinSteel-String Guitar2025 modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 605895

$4,146

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D17 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D17 LH

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D17 LHSteel-String Guitar2025 modelLeft-handed modelType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid mahoganyBack and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605785

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cole Clark AN2EC-BLBL-SB Satin Box Fretb. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Cole Clark AN2EC-BLBL-SB Satin Box Fretb.

by Cole Clark

Folk Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Cole Clark AN2EC-BLBL-SB Satin Box Fretb.Steel String GuitarBody shape: Angel (Grand Auditorium) with cutaway100%...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 478903

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 2024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 2024

by Martin Guitar

Rock Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 2024Steel-String Guitar with PickupType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: solid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 592587

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-28 Sunburst Lefthand - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-28 Sunburst Lefthand

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Campfire Sessions Rock

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-28 Sunburst LefthandAcoustic GuitarLefthand / left-handed modelBody: D - dreadnoughtTop: solid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556458

$3,959

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 $5,000 2025

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst

Martin Guitar D-16E-01

Martin Guitar D-28 StreetLegend

Martin Guitar D28 StreetLegend

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SB Fat Lady

Martin Guitar HD-35

Martin Guitar D18

Martin Guitar Custom Shop D Black Walnut

Cole Clark CCAN3EC-BLBL Natural

Martin Guitar D-19 190th anniversary

Martin Guitar D28 Satin

Martin Guitar D17 LH

Cole Clark AN2EC-BLBL-SB Satin Box Fretb.

Martin Guitar D-16E-02 2024

Martin Guitar D-28 Sunburst Lefthand

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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