Best Folk Acoustic Guitars 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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 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

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

⭐ 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 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

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

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Martin Guitar GPC-11E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPC-11E

by Martin Guitar

Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar GPC-11EAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand Performance Fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556335

$1,517

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

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 W03 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sheeran by Lowden W03

by Sheeran by Lowden

Acoustic Pop Fingerpicking Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Sheeran by Lowden W03Steel-String Guitar with PickupDeveloped in cooperation with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 564120

$688

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar GPC-13E-01 Ziricote - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar GPC-13E-01 Ziricote

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Indie Folk

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar GPC-13E-01 ZiricoteAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Grand Performance - 14 FretTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556345

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments PJ410N - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 W01

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition

Cuntz Guitars Marie Parlour 12th fret

Martin Guitar SC-13E Special Burst

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special

Martin Guitar GPC-11E

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries Special

Sheeran by Lowden W03

Martin Guitar GPC-13E-01 Ziricote

Journey Instruments PJ410N

Art & Lutherie Legacy Bourbon Burst CW Presys

How to Choose the Best Folk Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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