Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $5,000 - 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 D-28 Ambertone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D-28 Ambertone

by Martin Guitar

Folk Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556275

$4,729

Buy at Thomann View Details

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-28 Sunburst Lefthand - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Martin Guitar D17 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D17

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D17Steel-String GuitarTyype: D - DreadnoughtTop: solid mahoganyBack and sides: solid mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605784

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Country Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere IIIAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: Solid FSC-certified sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 614215

$3,299

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 D17 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 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-28 Lefthand - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar HD-28 Lefthand

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Rock

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar D-28Steel-String GuitarLeft-handed modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid SpruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556285

$4,729

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D28 Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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 D18 Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D18 Sunburst

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Campfire Sessions Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar D18 SunburstSteel-String Guitar2025 modelType: D - DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605855

$4,432

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakewood D-38 Cherry Custom - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lakewood D-38 Cherry Custom

by Lakewood

Bluegrass Country Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Lakewood D-38 Cherry CustomAcoustic Guitar with PickupBuilt only from native European woodsType: Dreadnought with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599109

$3,739

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 BurstSteel-String Guitar2025 modelType: DreadnoughtTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605689

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakewood D-30 European Wood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Lakewood D-30 European Wood

by Lakewood

Singer-Songwriter Folk Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Lakewood D-30 European WoodSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: DreadnoughtConstructed using only European woodsTop:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585556

$4,179

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SUN Fat Lady

by Cole Clark

Bluegrass Campfire Sessions Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Rich bass response

✗ CONS

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

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SUN Fat LadySteel-String Guitar with PickupBody: Fat Lady (Dreadnought) with cutawaySolid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 478673

$3,739

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-28 Ambertone

Martin Guitar D-35 Sunburst

Martin Guitar D-28 Sunburst Lefthand

Martin Guitar D17

Martin Guitar D Bioshpere III

Martin Guitar HD-35

Martin Guitar D17 LH

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SB Fat Lady

Martin Guitar HD-28 Lefthand

Martin Guitar D28 Satin

Martin Guitar D18 Sunburst

Lakewood D-38 Cherry Custom

Martin Guitar D18 Satin 1935 Burst

Lakewood D-30 European Wood

Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-SUN Fat Lady

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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