Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2025

Top-rated folk acoustic guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 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 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 Journey Instruments Gretsch Furch Yamaha Ibanez Applause

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

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD

by Journey Instruments

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Indie

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTDTravel Acoustic Guitar with PickupLimited modelStyle:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 573584

$1,286

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 SC-13E Special Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special Burst

by Martin Guitar

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special BurstSteel-String Guitar with PickupShape: S-13 Fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556376

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst Ziricote LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst Ziricote LH

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 559851

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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 SC-13E Koa - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar SC-13E Koa

by Martin Guitar

Folk Fingerpicking Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar SC-13E KoaAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: S-13 Fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides: KoaX-Brace...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556365

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

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

Journey Instruments PJ410N - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Journey Instruments PJ410N

by Journey Instruments

Acoustic Pop Folk Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Limited low-end presence

Journey Instruments PJ410NTravel GuitarPuddle Jumper SeriesStylised 00 body shapePatented detachable neck system that...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 486308

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries Special

by Martin Guitar

Classical Crossover Indie Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries SpecialAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand Performance Fret with cutawayTop: solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 587616

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden S01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sheeran by Lowden S01

by Sheeran by Lowden

Folk Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Less bass response than dreadnought
• Lower volume projection

Sheeran by Lowden S01Acoustic GuitarDeveloped in cooperation between Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsStyle: S (Small)Top:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 564080

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special

by Martin Guitar

Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Folk

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar SC-13E SpecialSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: S-13 Fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556372

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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 SPOMC10E Road Series Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Not ideal for band situations

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series SpecialSteel-String Guitar with PickupStyle: Auditorium with cutawayTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599417

$1,209

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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TOP

Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2025

Sheeran by Lowden S02

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special Burst

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst Ziricote LH

Martin Guitar SC-10E Spruce

Martin Guitar SC-13E Koa

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LH

Journey Instruments OF422 LH

Journey Instruments PJ410N

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries Special

Sheeran by Lowden S01

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special

How to Choose the Best Folk Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying folk acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on folk acoustic guitars?

Are expensive folk acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for folk acoustic guitars?

Should I buy folk acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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