AudioFu

Best Folk Acoustic Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable folk acoustic guitars under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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 W01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 S01 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Sheeran by Lowden W03 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Sheeran by Lowden W02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sheeran by Lowden W02

by Sheeran by Lowden
Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone across frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Sheeran by Lowden W02Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 564089
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Baton Rouge X35S/FCE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Baton Rouge X35S/FCE

by Baton Rouge
Classical Crossover Folk Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Clear note separation
  • • Easy to handle and transport
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Lower volume projection

Baton Rouge X35S/FCEAcoustic Guitar with PickupFolk body shape with CutawayTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Black...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 614889
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sheeran by Lowden S02 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sheeran by Lowden S02

by Sheeran by Lowden
Fingerpicking Singer-Songwriter Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Easy to handle and transport
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming
  • • Not ideal for band situations

Sheeran by Lowden S02Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in cooperation with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsStyle: S...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 564084
$747
Buy at Thomann View Details
Taylor BT-KOA Baby Taylor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Taylor BT-KOA Baby Taylor

by Taylor
Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Clear note separation
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Lower volume projection

Taylor , Acoustic Travel GuitarStyle: small bodyBack and sides: Layered koaX-bracingTop: Solid koaNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598810
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild M-240E Troubadour Westerly - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Guild M-240E Troubadour Westerly

by Guild
Acoustic Pop Fingerpicking Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Guild M-240E Troubadour WesterlySteel String Guitar with PickupWesterly CollectionBuild: ConcertTop: Sitka...

⭐ 5.0/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 406796
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sheeran by Lowden W04 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sheeran by Lowden W04

by Sheeran by Lowden
Classical Crossover Indie Folk
Key Feature:
• Balanced tone across frequencies
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Lower volume projection
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Sheeran by Lowden W04Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in cooperation with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 564124
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Richwood P-65-VA Parlor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Richwood P-65-VA Parlor

by Richwood
Indie Singer-Songwriter Folk
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Richwood P-65-VA ParlorSteel-String GuitarMaster seriesBody shape: ParlorTop: Solid A spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 500738
$505
Buy at Thomann View Details
Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Natural EQ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Natural EQ

by Art & Lutherie
Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Folk
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Clear note separation
  • • Great for fingerpicking
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Natural EQAcoustic guitar with pickupImport SeriesType: ParlorTop: Solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 534986
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor Black

by Gretsch
Indie Fingerpicking Classical Crossover
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor BlackAcoustic Guitar with PickupPenguin seriesStyle: ParlorTop: solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 536215
$580
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor MMet. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor MMet.

by Gretsch
Indie Classical Crossover Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
• Great for fingerpicking
✓ PROS
  • • Great for fingerpicking
  • • Comfortable smaller body size
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • Lower volume projection

Gretsch G5021E Ran. Peng. Parlor MMet.Acoustic Guitar with PickupPenguin seriesStyle: ParlorTop: solid spruceBack and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 536206
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details
Taylor BT1e Baby Taylor Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Taylor BT1e Baby Taylor Walnut

by Taylor
Indie Acoustic Pop Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Not ideal for band situations
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought

Taylor Walnut, Steel-String GuitarA small guitar with Taylor ES-B electronics for beginners or travellers with active...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 483230
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Guild P-240 Memoir Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Guild P-240 Memoir Series

by Guild
Fingerpicking Classical Crossover Acoustic Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable smaller body size
✓ PROS
  • • Easy to handle and transport
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
✗ CONS
  • • Less bass response than dreadnought
  • • Limited low-end presence

Guild P-240 Memoir SeriesSteel String GuitarBody shape: ParlorBack & sides: MahoganyTop: Solid Sitka spruceNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 457797
$571
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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