Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $2,000 2026

Affordable folk acoustic guitars under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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 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

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

Martin Guitar SC-10E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-10E

by Martin Guitar

Indie Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Martin Guitar SC-10EAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: S-13 fret with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides: KoaX-Brace...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556355

$1,759

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 GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

by Martin Guitar

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

Art. 559852

$1,979

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

⭐ 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 SC-10E-02 Sapele - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar SC-10E-02 Sapele

by Martin Guitar

Singer-Songwriter Fingerpicking Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Martin Guitar SC-10E-02 SapeleAcoustic Guitar with PickupType: S-13 fret with cutawayTop: solid sapeleBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 571336

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

Furch LJ 11-SR Little Jane - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Furch LJ 11-SR Little Jane

by Furch

Acoustic Pop Folk Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Furch LJ-11 SR Little JaneTravel Guitar / Folding GuitarStyle: Little JaneTop: solid AAA sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 587700

$1,968

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Guild M-20 USA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Guild M-20 USA

by Guild

Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Guild M-20 USASteel-string GuitarType: ConcertBody: MahoganysolidNeck: MahoganyFretboard: Rosewood20 FretsScale: 628...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 361896

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Furch Pioneer-ER a - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Furch Pioneer-ER a

by Furch

Indie Folk Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Furch Pioneer-ERAcoustic GuitarTravel body sizeWith cutawayTop: Solid Engelmann spruceBooster Soundport at the top of...

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602101

$1,075

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Furch Pioneer-CM a - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Furch Pioneer-CM a

by Furch

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• May lack power for heavy strumming

Furch Pioneer-CMTravel Acoustic GuitarWith cutawayTop: Solid cedarBack and sides: Solid mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 602106

$1,044

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 Under $2,000 2026

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

Martin Guitar SC-10E

Sheeran by Lowden Tour Edition Bundle

Martin Guitar GPC-13EL-01 Ziricote LH

Martin Guitar GPC-11E

Martin Guitar GP-X2E Ziricote Special LH

Martin Guitar SC-10E-02 Sapele

Furch LJ 11-SR Little Jane

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD

Guild M-20 USA

Furch Pioneer-ER a

Gibson L-00 Special Vintage Sunburst

Martin Guitar SPOMC10E Road Series Special

Furch Pioneer-CM a

How to Choose the Best Folk Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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