Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $300 2025

Affordable folk acoustic guitars under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Fingerpicking Indie Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton CLF-200 WN*Acoustic Guitar*Solid Standard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539018

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME*Steel-String...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540469

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle

by Harley Benton

Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE*Acoustic Guitar with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537054

$273

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME

by Harley Benton

Folk Fingerpicking Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Lower volume projection
• Not ideal for band situations

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15MESteel-String Guitar with Pickup00-12 Design with dovetail constructionSolid okoume...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 370308

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRST

by Gretsch

Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRSTSteel-Steel ~String GuitarStyle: ParlorTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609331

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez PN14MHE-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez PN14MHE-WK

by Ibanez

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez PN14MHE-WKSteel-String Guitar with PickupType: ParlorBody: OkoumeNeck: NyatohFingerboard and bridge:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605826

$264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Applause Jump OM CE Celeste - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Applause Jump OM CE Celeste

by Applause

Acoustic Pop Indie Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Applause Jump OM CE CelesteAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: OM - Orchestra with cutawayTop: solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 560069

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN

by Harley Benton

Acoustic Pop Folk Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton CLF-200 WNAcoustic GuitarSolid Standard SeriesStyle: ParlorTop: solid sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 425372

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M

by Harley Benton

Indie Acoustic Pop Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15MAcoustic GuitarStyle: 00-12 with dovetail constructionOkoume topScalloped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 370305

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WN

by Fender

Folk Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WNSteel-String GuitarBody style: concert with cutawayClassic designTop: Solid spruce (scalloped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457725

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black

by Fender

Acoustic Pop Fingerpicking Indie

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Great for fingerpicking
• Balanced tone across frequencies

✗ CONS

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

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN BlackSteel-String Guitar With PickupAlternative seriesDesign: Concert with cutawayBack &...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 524512

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton TravelMate-E - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton TravelMate-E

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Great for fingerpicking

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for band situations
• Lower volume projection

Harley Benton TravelMate-EAcoustic Travel Guitar with PickupSize: 1/2 (89 cm)With carbon fibre bodyBluetooth and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 575732

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Monterey Standard BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Monterey Standard BLK

by Fender

Indie Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Great for fingerpicking

✗ CONS

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

Fender Montery Standard BLKSteel-String Guitar with PickupBody: Laminated SapeleNeck: Sapele with satin urethane...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570934

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Comfortable smaller body size

✓ PROS

• Comfortable smaller body size
• Easy to handle and transport

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 540497

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch JD Parlor WPG RXB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Gretsch JD Parlor WPG RXB

by Gretsch

Fingerpicking Folk Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Clear note separation

✓ PROS

• Easy to handle and transport
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch JD Parlor WPG RXBAcoustic GuitarStyle: ParlorTop: Basswood laminatedBack and sides: Basswood laminatedNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 583813

$219

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 $300 2025

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN w/Bag

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME w/Bag

Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE Bundle

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15ME

Gretsch JD LTD Parlor ST HRTG BRST

Ibanez PN14MHE-WK

Applause Jump OM CE Celeste

Harley Benton CLF-200 WN

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M

Fender CC-60SCE Nat WN

Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black

Harley Benton TravelMate-E

Fender Monterey Standard BLK

Harley Benton Custom Line CLP-15M w/Bag

Gretsch JD Parlor WPG RXB

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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