Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars under $800 - 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

Takamine GD90CEZC-NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Takamine GD90CEZC-NAT

by Takamine

Singer-Songwriter Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Large body may be uncomfortable
• Requires good playing technique

Takamine GD90CEZC-NATSteel String Guitar with PickupBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 442176

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD93CE-NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Takamine GD93CE-NAT

by Takamine

Singer-Songwriter Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Takamine GD93CE-NATSteel String GuitarBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceQuartersawn X BracingBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 444427

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD21CE SM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Takamine GD21CE SM

by Takamine

Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• May lack upper-mid clarity

Takamine GD21CE SMSteel-String Guitar with PickupWith cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608402

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD51CE-BSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Takamine GD51CE-BSB

by Takamine

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Takamine GD51CE-BSBAcoustic GuitarType: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: solid spruceQuartersawn X BracingBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 444410

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha FG830 TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha FG830 TBS

by Yamaha

Folk Bluegrass Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Yamaha FG830 TBSSteel-String GuitarTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: RosewoodNeck: NatoFretboard and bridge: Rosewood20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 379939

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild D-120 Nat Westerly - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Guild D-120 Nat Westerly

by Guild

Folk Campfire Sessions Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Balanced across all frequencies
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Guild D-120 Nat WesterlyAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtBody: Mahoganysolid"Westerly Concert Scalloped"...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 361960

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-X1 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar D-X1 Black

by Martin Guitar

Campfire Sessions Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Large body may be uncomfortable

Martin Guitar D-X1 BlackAcoustic GuitarStyle: DreadnoughtTop: HPL (high-pressure laminate)Back and sides: HPLNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589813

$578

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine GD30CE-N - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Takamine GD30CE-N

by Takamine

Bluegrass Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Can overpower fingerpicking
• Requires good playing technique

Takamine GD30CE-NSteel String GuitarBuild: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyQuartersawn...

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 423916

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild D-120CE Nat Westerly - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Guild D-120CE Nat Westerly

by Guild

Rock Bluegrass Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Less comfortable for smaller players

Guild D-120CE Nat WesterlySteel-String GuitarDreadnought design with cutawaySolid mahogany bodyWesterly Concert...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 361964

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seagull Entourage Autumn Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Seagull Entourage Autumn Burst

by Seagull

Campfire Sessions Bluegrass Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for strumming

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Seagull Entourage Autumn BurstSteel-String GuitarType: DreadnoughtBack & sides: CherryTop: Solid spruceNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 462409

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

by Harley Benton

Campfire Sessions Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Powerful projection and volume

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 540432

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha FGX820C NTII - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha FGX820C NTII

by Yamaha

Bluegrass Singer-Songwriter Country

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Rich bass response
• Great for strumming

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha FGX820C NTIISteel-String Guitar with PickupWith cutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 510996

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB

by Breedlove

Folk Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Rich bass response

✓ PROS

• Classic dreadnought tone
• Balanced across all frequencies

✗ CONS

• Less comfortable for smaller players
• Requires good playing technique

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EBSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Dreadnought Concerto with cutawayBack and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 612721

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AW247CE-WKH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez AW247CE-WKH

by Ibanez

Rock Bluegrass Campfire Sessions

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for strumming
• Powerful projection and volume

✗ CONS

• Requires good playing technique
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Ibanez AW247CE-WKHSteel-String Guitar with PickupArtwood seriesType: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid OkumeBack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575475

$536

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar DX1EL-03 Mahogany LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar DX1EL-03 Mahogany LH

by Martin Guitar

Country Rock Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Classic dreadnought tone

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Can overpower fingerpicking

Martin Guitar DX1EL-03 Mahogany LHAcoustic Guitar with PickupLefthand / left-handed modelStyle: DreadnoughtTop:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 559830

$758

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 $800 2025

Takamine GD90CEZC-NAT

Takamine GD93CE-NAT

Takamine GD21CE SM

Takamine GD51CE-BSB

Yamaha FG830 TBS

Guild D-120 Nat Westerly

Martin Guitar D-X1 Black

Takamine GD30CE-N

Guild D-120CE Nat Westerly

Seagull Entourage Autumn Burst

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-41SE WN w/Case

Yamaha FGX820C NTII

Breedlove Discovery S Dreadn Conc CE EB

Ibanez AW247CE-WKH

Martin Guitar DX1EL-03 Mahogany LH

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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