AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lakewood Premium Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Lakewood Natural Series M-31 CP ($3,150). Lakewood M-Koa Custom leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses real solid wood for both the top and the body, giving it a strong, natural sound. The L.R. Baggs pickup ensures you can play with a band without losing clarity. It's a great choice for players who want reliable tone and a professional output, but you should check the weight before buying.
Pros
- Solid AAA cedar top for bright, punchy tone
- Solid AAA Indian rosewood back and sides
- L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup for clear output
Cons
- Cedro neck material is an unusual choice
- Weight not listed in the description
58AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,235 · Aug 17$3,150 now$3,150€2,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar has a bright spruce top and rich rosewood body with a cutaway for easy reach. The L.R. Baggs pickup makes it ready to play in a band right out of the box. It suits players who want solid wood tone without needing to build it up themselves.
Pros
- Solid AAA European spruce top for bright attack
- Solid AAA Indian rosewood back and sides
- L.R. Baggs Anthem System pickup installed
Cons
- Neck material listed as Cedro rather than common wood
- No stated weight or comfort for large hands
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,140 now$4,140€3,679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar sounds warm and punchy thanks to its solid mahogany top and back. The LR.Baggs pickup makes it easy to play with an amp, and the cedar neck feels sturdy. It suits players who like a thick, resonant voice without needing exotic tonewoods.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top and back create rich, warm tones
- LR.Baggs Anthem pickup ensures clear signal from pickups
- One-piece cedar neck offers sturdy construction and playability
Cons
- Mahogany back and sides can limit high-end sparkle compared to rosewood
- No listed weight makes handling and balance unknown
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,500 now$4,500€3,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses real solid spruce and rosewood, giving it a rich, balanced sound. The L.R. Baggs pickup makes it perfect for playing live without losing clarity. It is a premium German build that suits players who want solid tone and reliable performance.
Pros
- Solid AAA spruce top for strong attack and projection
- Solid AAA Indian rosewood back and sides for warmth
- L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup ensures clear on-stage sound
Cons
- No weight specification listed for player comfort
- Grand concert body may lack deep bass response
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,005 now$4,005€3,559 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar uses solid mahogany all over, giving it a bright, punchy sound. The 19-fret neck lets you play higher notes easily. It is built in Germany but has no pickups, so it works best unplugged. Great for players who want solid wood tone without extra parts.
Pros
- Solid pommelé mahogany for top, back, and sides
- 19 frets for extended play
- Rosewood fingerboard with bone nut
Cons
- No electronics included for amplification
- Grand Concert body limits low end volume
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,825 now$3,825€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileV-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The M 41 Custom is a beautifully crafted instrument, really showcasing the unique voice of Chakte Viga wood. It's got that classic European spruce clarity paired with a surprisingly warm and focused low end. This is perfect for the discerning player who values nuanced tone and refined construction – someone who appreciates a more subtle, sophisticated acoustic voice.
Pros
- Exceptional European spruce top delivers clarity and shimmering overtones.
- Chakte Viga back/sides offer a unique warmth and sustain.
- The L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system is remarkably natural and responsive.
Cons
- Chakte Viga's tonal character might be too subtle for some players’ preferences.
- The V-shaped neck profile isn't universally comfortable; requires adaptation.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,152 now$4,152€3,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar uses an old spruce top and koa for a big, warm sound. It has a solid pickup so you can play loud without noise. The shape makes reaching high notes easy, but the natural color looks dusty and the price is high.
Pros
- Solid 50-year-old European spruce top offers great projection
- Gallery wood koa back and sides provide rich, warm tone
- L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup ensures clear signal on stage
Cons
- Natural finish shows wear and dust very clearly
- No weight information listed in the product details
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,175 now$5,175€4,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar has a solid koa top that sounds warm and loud. The ebony neck feels smooth under your fingers. It is a great choice for players who want a rich tone without electronics. The heavy koa wood adds character but may feel substantial. It suits acoustic enthusiasts who prefer natural sound over amplified features.
Pros
- Solid Gallery Wood koa top for rich, warm tone
- Premium ebony neck provides a smooth playing feel
- High-quality Gotoh tuners ensure stable pitch
Cons
- No electronics included for amplification
- Koa wood can be heavy and prone to cracking
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,313 now$7,313€6,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar sounds like a classic acoustic with a solid spruce top and warm rosewood body. The L.R. Baggs pickup makes it easy to play in a band without sounding thin. It suits players who want a warm tone and reliable electronics, though the matte finish needs care.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers strong attack and clarity
- Solid Indian rosewood back and sides provide warm, rich low end
- L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup ensures reliable amplification
Cons
- Open-pore matte finish may show fingerprints and wear quickly
- Cedro neck material is less common and harder to find than maple
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,767 now$2,767€2,459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels like a solid choice for players who want real wood tone without breaking the bank. The solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides give it a rich sound that fills a room. With a built-in pickup and a nice cutaway, it's easy to reach high notes. It suits anyone looking for a reliable workhorse that sounds as good as it looks.
Pros
- Solid AAA spruce top for strong projection
- Solid Indian rosewood back and sides
- L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup included
Cons
- Open-pore finish shows wood grain clearly
- No fret count specified in description
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,364 now$3,364€2,989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 premium acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Lakewood D-32 P DeluxeLakewood45↓ 1.5%$3,824€3,398$3,824€3,398Check ↗
- 12
Lakewood A-36 CP PremiumLakewood45Stable$5,096€4,529$5,096€4,529Check ↗
- 13
Lakewood M-Cocobolo CustomLakewood45Stable$5,625€4,999$5,625€4,999Check ↗
- 14
Lakewood Deluxe Series M-35 CPM-35 CP Deluxe · Lakewood43Stable$4,140€3,679$4,140€3,679Check ↗
Premium Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 67 models we track, not a sample.
Median $4,152 — half of all premium acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 64 models · 42.9 mm (1.69")–47.6 mm (1.87")
median of 66 models · 629 mm (24.76")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 44 models · 19–22
most common · 49 models
How to choose the best premium acoustic guitars
Bracing Patterns
Lakewood's signature scalloped bracing is a big part of their magic. It allows the top to vibrate more freely, resulting in a surprisingly loud and responsive instrument - even on smaller body sizes. This isn't just about volume; it's about nuanced dynamics and a really articulate low-end thump.
Tonewood Selection
They aren't shy about using non-traditional tonewoods, and often pair them in interesting ways. A Sitka Spruce top with a Cocobolo back and sides? Yeah, they do that. This allows for a wider range of tonal possibilities, often pushing beyond the predictable 'Martin-esque' sound.
Neck Profiles
Lakewood offers a range of neck profiles, which is fantastic for players with different hand sizes and playing preferences. Their 'Slim' profile is surprisingly comfortable for faster playing, while the 'Medium' and 'Vintage' profiles provide more sustain and a classic feel.
Headroom and Breakup
These guitars have surprising headroom. You can really dig in and drive them without them immediately turning boxy; the breakup is musical and complex, not just a harsh, brittle distortion. This is crucial for players who like to play with a bit of aggression or need to cut through a loud band.
Finish and Build Quality
The finish is thinner than you might expect, which allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely. The overall build quality is consistently excellent - tight fretwork, clean binding, and a solid feel that inspires confidence, even on their more affordable models.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Lakewood. You've probably heard the name whispered among serious acoustic players-they're not the flashiest brand, but they consistently deliver instruments that punch way above their price point. Lakewood guitars aren't for the bedroom strummer looking for a pretty wall hanger; they're built for players who demand responsiveness, clarity, and a sound that'll cut through a band mix or shine in a studio recording. If you're tired of guitars that sound muddy or lack dynamic range, Lakewood is worth a serious look.
Don't expect flashy aesthetics; Lakewood's focus is on tone and playability. The action is often a little higher out of the box than what some players are used to, but it's easily adjustable. Spending a little extra for a higher-grade tonewood pairing (like Engelmann Spruce or Rosewood) will definitely give you a more complex and nuanced tone, but even the standard Sitka/Mahogany models are incredibly capable.
Be prepared to spend a bit more than a standard 'entry-level' acoustic - this is a guitar built to last and sound great for years.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 16 premium acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 67 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Lakewood guitars loud enough for live performance?
Absolutely. Their scalloped bracing and thoughtful designs deliver surprising volume and projection, easily cutting through a band mix without needing a pickup - though they respond well to them when you do.
What's the difference between the different neck profiles?
The 'Slim' is a modern, comfortable profile, good for faster playing. 'Medium' is a versatile all-rounder. 'Vintage' has a rounder, more substantial feel, often preferred for fingerstyle or a more traditional vibe.
Do I need to have my Lakewood professionally set up?
Like any new guitar, a setup is always a good idea. Lakewoods often benefit from a slight nut slot adjustment and action lowering to optimize playability.
Are Lakewood guitars easy to record?
Very. Their balanced frequency response and dynamic range make them incredibly forgiving to record. They capture well with both condenser and ribbon mics, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.
How do Lakewood guitars compare to Martin or Taylor?
Lakewood offers a different flavor. Martins are known for their warm, foundational tone, while Taylors often have a brighter, more articulate sound. Lakewood sits somewhere in between, often with more headroom and a more complex midrange - a real 'sweet spot' for many players.
