Best Folk Acoustic Guitars for Advanced 2025

Perfect folk acoustic guitars for advanced - easy to play and learn on

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

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

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

⭐ 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

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

Harley Benton CLP-15ME SolidWood w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton CLP-15ME SolidWood w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Indie Fingerpicking Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton CLP-15ME SolidWood w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLP-15ME SolidWood*Acoustic Guitar with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599743

$373

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

Gibson Parlor Rosewood EC RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson Parlor Rosewood EC RB

by Gibson

Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Indie

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Gibson Parlor Rosewood EC RBAcoustic Guitar with PickupType: Parlor with cutawayBack and sides: Solid rosewoodTop:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616597

$3,299

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

Martin Guitar 11SP0010E Road Series Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar 11SP0010E Road Series Special

by Martin Guitar

Folk Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Less bass response than dreadnought
• Lower volume projection

Martin Guitar 11SP0010E Road Series SpecialSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Grand ConcertTop: Solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599432

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Les Paul Parlor Acoustic VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson Les Paul Parlor Acoustic VS

by Gibson

Folk Acoustic Pop Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Gibson Les Paul Parlor Acoustic VSSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: Parlor with cutawayBack and sides: Solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617720

$4,069

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Gibson L-00 Special Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gibson L-00 Special Vintage Sunburst

by Gibson

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Gibson L-00 Special Vintage SunburstSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: 00Top: Sitka spruceBack and Sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608726

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst

by Taylor

Folk Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

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

Taylor GS-Mini-e SakuraburstAcoustic Guitar with PickupLimited editionStyle: Small BodyBack and sides: Sapele...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 622486

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood SB

by Taylor

Fingerpicking Acoustic Pop Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood SBAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Small BodyBack and sides: Rosewood laminatedX bracing...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608843

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Discovery S Parlor Concert RC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Breedlove Discovery S Parlor Concert RC

by Breedlove

Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Breedlove Discovery S Parlor Concert RCAcoustic GuitarStyle: Parlor ConcertinaTop: Solid European spruceCascade...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618722

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Baton Rouge X11LS/PE-AB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Baton Rouge X11LS/PE-AB

by Baton Rouge

Fingerpicking Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Baton Rouge X11LS/PE-ABAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Parlor 12Top: SpruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 619297

$307

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 for Advanced 2025

Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition

Martin Guitar GPC-10E Roadseries Special

Journey Instruments OF422C

Harley Benton CLP-15ME SolidWood w/Bag

Martin Guitar SC-10E Spruce

Gibson Parlor Rosewood EC RB

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Lefthand

Martin Guitar 11SP0010E Road Series Special

Gibson Les Paul Parlor Acoustic VS

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special

Gibson L-00 Special Vintage Sunburst

Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood SB

Breedlove Discovery S Parlor Concert RC

Baton Rouge X11LS/PE-AB

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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