Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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

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

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

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

⭐ 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

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Journey Instruments PJ410N - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 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-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

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Faded Black A/E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Faded Black A/E

by Art & Lutherie

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Less bass response than dreadnought
• Lower volume projection

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Faded Black A/ESteel-String GuitarDesign: ParlorBack and sides: cherryTop: solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 462334

$934

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

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

#10

⭐ 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

Sheeran by Lowden S01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst Ziricote

by Martin Guitar

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst ZiricoteAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand Performance - 14 FretTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556349

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus

by Taylor

Indie Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Limited low-end presence

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus, Acoustic Guitar with PickupA guitar that somehow manages to feel small and sound bigthe GS...

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 483250

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF422 LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 2025

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW Presys

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special

Journey Instruments PJ410N

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special Burst

Martin Guitar GPC-11E LH

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Faded Black A/E

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Case

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th fret

Sheeran by Lowden S01

Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-28VE WN

Martin Guitar GPC-13E Burst Ziricote

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus

Journey Instruments OF422 LH

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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