Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2026

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

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 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

Sheeran by Lowden W02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sheeran by Lowden W02

by Sheeran by Lowden

Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Sheeran by Lowden W02Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564089

$659

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

Art & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-Discrete - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-Discrete

by Art & Lutherie

Classical Crossover Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Art & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-DiscreteSteel-String Guitar with PickupConcert Hall designCherry back and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 464874

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF422C - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Journey Instruments OF422C

by Journey Instruments

Singer-Songwriter Folk Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Not ideal for band situations

Journey Instruments OF422CAcoustic Travel Guitar with PickupType: 00 with neck scoop-away for easy access to the upper...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619197

$912

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

Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB Parlor - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB Parlor

by Baton Rouge

Indie Acoustic Pop Folk

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Less bass response than dreadnought
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB ParlorSteel-String GuitarBody shape: Parlor 12Top: Solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 496388

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case

by Harley Benton

Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME*Steel-String...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 540466

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand

by Sheeran by Lowden

Fingerpicking Singer-Songwriter Indie

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition LefthandAcoustic Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelSpecial model for Ed Sheeran's...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584577

$945

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Indie Classical Crossover Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540420

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

by Sheeran by Lowden

Indie Singer-Songwriter Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition*Acoustic Guitar with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 603430

$1,256

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH

by Martin Guitar

Acoustic Pop Classical Crossover Indie

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LHSteel-String Guitar with PickupLeft-handed modelType: Grand Performance...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617519

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF660 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Sheeran by Lowden W01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN

by Harley Benton

Classical Crossover Fingerpicking Folk

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WNAcoustic Guitar with PickupAuditorium designDovetail constructionSolid sitka...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 414102

$428

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

Sheeran by Lowden W02

Sheeran by Lowden W04

Art & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-Discrete

Journey Instruments OF422C

Sheeran by Lowden S02

Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB Parlor

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN w/Bag

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

Sheeran by Lowden W01

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN

How to Choose the Best Folk Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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