Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2026

Top-rated folk acoustic guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

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 Folk For Fingerpicking For Singer-Songwriter For Classical Crossover For Indie For Acoustic Pop

BRANDS: Harley Benton Martin Guitar Baton Rouge Fender Sheeran by Lowden Gibson Taylor Furch Gretsch Journey Instruments Applause Ibanez Yamaha

Journey Instruments OF422 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Journey Instruments OF422 LH

by Journey Instruments

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Not ideal for band situations

Journey Instruments OF422 LHTravel Steel-String Guitar with PickupLefthanded modelStylised 00 body...

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511049

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden S02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sheeran by Lowden S02

by Sheeran by Lowden

Fingerpicking Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy strumming
• Not ideal for band situations

Sheeran by Lowden S02Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in cooperation with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsStyle: S...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 564084

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden W01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sheeran by Lowden W01

by Sheeran by Lowden

Folk Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Less bass response than dreadnought
• Lower volume projection

Sheeran by Lowden W01Acoustic GuitarDeveloped in collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on Ed's...

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 564088

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition

by Sheeran by Lowden

Indie Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Less bass response than dreadnought

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium EditionAcoustic Guitar with PickupDesign: WL (Wee Lowden) with custom thin bodyExact...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 586852

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden W04 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sheeran by Lowden W04

by Sheeran by Lowden

Classical Crossover Indie Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Sheeran by Lowden W04Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in cooperation with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564124

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

by Journey Instruments

Acoustic Pop Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy strumming
• Not ideal for band situations

Journey Instruments OF660 BK MTravel Western GuitarStylized 00 body shape with cutawayPatenteddetachable neck system...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460892

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

by Martin Guitar

Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LHAcoustic Guitar with PickupLefthand / left-handed modelStyle: Grand Performance -...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 559852

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF660 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

by Journey Instruments

Classical Crossover Indie Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Journey Instruments OF660 BKTravel Western GuitarStylized 00 body shape with cutawayPatenteddetachable neck system that...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460890

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar SC-10E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-10E

by Martin Guitar

Indie Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Martin Guitar SC-10EAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: S-13 fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides: KoaX-Brace...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556355

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar SC-10E Spruce - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-10E Spruce

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Limited low-end presence

Martin Guitar SC-10E SpruceSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: SC with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sideS: Solid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617577

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LH

by Martin Guitar

Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter Indie

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LHAcoustic Guitar with PickupLefthand / left-handed modelStyle: Grand Performance Fret with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556338

$1,517

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th fret

by Cuntz Guitars

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th FretSteel-String Guitar with PickupTop: Selected solid alpine spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 337379

$5,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special

by Martin Guitar

Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Less bass response than dreadnought

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote SpecialSttel-String Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand PerformanceTop: solid sapeleBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617506

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW Presys - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW Presys

by Art & Lutherie

Fingerpicking Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW PresysSteel String GuitarBuild: Concert with cutawayTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 462289

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson 1933 L-00 Light Aged Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson 1933 L-00 Light Aged Ebony

by Gibson

Classical Crossover Indie Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Gibson 1933 L-00 Light Aged EbonyAcoustic GuitarMurphy Lab ModelType: 00Top: solid Adirondack spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 567414

$5,499

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Folk 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 folk 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.

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Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2026

Journey Instruments OF422 LH

Sheeran by Lowden S02

Sheeran by Lowden W01

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition

Sheeran by Lowden W04

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

Martin Guitar SC-10E

Martin Guitar SC-10E Spruce

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LH

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th fret

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW Presys

Gibson 1933 L-00 Light Aged Ebony

How to Choose the Best Folk Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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