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

Sheeran by Lowden W02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sheeran by Lowden W02

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
Sheeran by Lowden W04 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sheeran by Lowden W04

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 & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-Discrete - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Art & Lutherie Legacy Havana Brown Q-Discrete

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
Journey Instruments OF422C - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Journey Instruments OF422C

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
Sheeran by Lowden S02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sheeran by Lowden S02

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
Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB Parlor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Baton Rouge X11S/P-CHB Parlor

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
Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case

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
Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand

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
Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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

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
Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

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
Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

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
Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH

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
Journey Instruments OF660 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

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
Sheeran by Lowden W01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sheeran by Lowden W01

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
Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN

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

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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