Every guitar player has their own choice when it comes to acoustic guitar brands. While it’s highly subjective, but a newbie would probably want to get a little nudge in the right direction when it comes to their first guitar purchase. Even experienced players appreciate insights when upgrading their gear.
This is where looking at established brands can help guide your choice. The “best” brands of acoustic guitar have decades of expertise in guitar building and have earned strong goodwill by producing reliable, great-sounding instruments.
This article explores some of the best guitar brands for acoustic, highlighting what sets them apart. Whether you’re buying your first guitar or looking to upgrade, read on to make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Premium acoustic brands (Martin, Taylor, Gibson) offer superior quality and innovative design, but at higher price points.
- Mid-range manufacturers (Yamaha, Fender, Seagull) provide excellent value with reliable quality and affordable prices.
- Consider multiple factors when choosing between brands: pricing, build quality, sound, playability and resale value.
- Quality guitars exist at every price point, but premium brands offer better materials, superior tones and lasting value.
Best Brands Of Acoustic Guitars
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro who is seeking the right fit, here are seven top acoustic brands to consider.
1. Martin Guitar (C.F. Martin & Co.)
Founder: Christian Frederick Martin | Headquarters: Nazareth, Pennsylvania, United States
Martin has arguably contributed the most to the look and even the sound of acoustic guitars, particularly in the US. Established in 1833, Martin isn’t just one of the oldest acoustic guitar makers—it’s also widely regarded as the best acoustic guitar company by many professionals.
Their craftsmanship isn’t just hype. It’s rooted in history, marked by real innovations like the dreadnought shape guitar. This design gave their instruments a bolder presence, ideal for country and folk performers.
Compared to Taylor, which leans toward brightness, and Gibson’s warmer, punchy tones, Martins has a balanced richness that fits perfectly in recording sessions or live acoustic sets.
The brand offers a variety of body styles, from the travel-friendly Little Martin (LX) to the Grand Concert (00) and the iconic dreadnought. Each design impacts sound and playability. Their build quality makes Martin a top choice for professional acoustic guitar players and hobbyists alike.
Martin instruments come at all prices, but one thing is constant with them. The quality of their guitars is worth the exorbitant prices they charge.
Martin guitars are quite popular among enthusiasts and even professionals for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality tone. For example, among the famous users of Martin guitars are Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Tony Rice, Stephen Stills, John Mayer, and even American writer Mark Twain.
Here are my top recommendations for Martin Acoustics:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre | Ideal For |
| Beginner | Martin LX1E | LX (Little Martin) | Pop, Folk | Small Hands, Travelers |
| Intermediate | Martin 000-15M | 000 (Auditorium) | Blues, Fingerstyle | Fingerpickers, All-rounders |
| Professional | Martin D-28 | Dreadnought | Bluegrass, Rock | Performers |
If you’re serious about tone, build quality and history, Martin stands out among other steel string acoustic guitar manufacturers as a true legend in the high-end acoustic guitar market.
Things I like:
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Rich, balanced tone
- Wide range of models
Things I Don’t Like:
- Higher price range
- May require regular maintenance
- Limited options in lower price ranges
Also Read: Best Martin Acoustic Guitar Review
2. Taylor Guitars
Founders: Kurt Listug, Bob Taylor | Headquarters: El Cajon, California, United States
In my years of playing, Taylor guitars have stood out as some of the best sounding acoustic guitars—whether fingerpicking or strumming, they excel across genres.
While their instruments are higher up the price ladder – just like it is with Martin guitars – but each of Taylor guitars is certainly worth the price. Taylor’s focus on precision engineering means they rank high in almost any guitar brand ranking.
Taylor provides more versatile sound than the deep bass of Martin’s dreadnoughts or Gibson’s warmer, midrange-heavy acoustics. Taylor’s innovative NT neck design ensures stability and smooth playability, making their guitars particularly appealing to professionals and live performers.
Taylor offers several body styles: the Baby and GS Mini are a compact, portable model, while the Grand Concert (GC) and Grand Symphony (GS) provide different tonal responses for various styles. The GA body, like in the 214ce, is one of their best selling shapes, widely appreciated for its versatility.
Taylor’s American-made craftsmanship is evident in every guitar, and their customer service is among the best I’ve dealt with—always helpful when troubleshooting issues or offering advice.
Highly acclaimed by the working-player class for their customized fit, Taylor acoustic guitars have been widely used by professional musicians like Taylor Swift, George Strait, Jason Mraz, Ben Harper, and Shawn Mendes.
If you want the coolest acoustic guitars in your collection, Taylor is a reliable bet. Here’s a quick breakdown of my top picks:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre | Ideal For |
| Beginner | Baby Taylor | Baby | Folk, Pop | Kids, Travelers |
| Intermediate | Taylor 214CE Deluxe | Grand Auditorium | Rock, Fingerstyle | All-rounders |
| Professional | Taylor Custom Model | Varies | Jazz, Blues, Studio | Collectors, Performers |
Taylor has mastered balancing tradition with innovation, making it one of the famous guitar brands that appeals to players of every level. Whether you’re after a reliable American-made guitar for gigging or one of the finest models for your studio, Taylor is hard to beat.
Things I Like:
- Consistent sound quality
- Excellent build quality
- Wide range of models
Things I Don’t Like:
- Premium pricing
- Modern sound may not suit all styles
- Can be bright-sounding for some
3. Gibson (Gibson Brands, Inc.)
Founder: Orville H. Gibson | Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Gibson, one of the most expensive acoustic guitar brands, has been crafting instruments since 1894. Their journey from mandolins to guitars is fascinating.
It took a while for the guitar brand name to get proper recognition, but Gibson grew unrivaled and has remained so for many years. I’ve found Gibson’s consistency in style and design remarkable. Their rich tone and solid construction are hard to beat.
Gibson’s acoustics have a distinct identity, known for their round-shoulder and square-shoulder body shapes. These designs influence the tonal output—round-shoulder models like the J-45 deliver a warm, mellow tone with a deep low end, ideal for folk and blues.
In contrast, square-shoulder models like the Hummingbird offer brighter highs and better articulation, making them great for strumming. Gibson’s jumbo and super jumbo guitars, like the SJ-200, provide powerful projection and rich bass, often favored by country artists.
B.B. King, Jimmy Page, Neil Young, Alex Lifeson, John Mclaughlin, Robert Johnson, and Brian Jones are some of the top artists who have played Gibson acoustic guitars. Elvis Presley even played a Gibson J-200N acoustic guitar!
Compared to other brands, I find Gibson’s sound warmer than Taylor’s bright tone. Martin offers similar quality, but Gibson’s playability often feels smoother to me.
Here’s my recommendation for Gibson Acoustics:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre | Ideal For |
| Intermediate | Gibson G-45 Standard | Round Shoulder | Folk, Rock | Singer-Songwriter |
| Professional | Gibson SJ-200 Standard | Super Jumbo | Country, Rock | Collectors, Performers |
If you’re into a boutique acoustic guitar vibe but want something from an iconic name, Gibson’s premium models will hit the mark.
Things I Like:
- Solid wood construction
- Diverse body shapes
- Rich, warm tone
Things I Don’t Like:
- Higher price point
- Can be heavy
- Some models prone to neck issues
5. Yamaha (Yamaha Corporation)
Founder: Torakusu Yamaha | Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
Yamaha certainly is an exceptionally experienced guitar producer. In my experience, Yamaha consistently ranks among the top names in any acoustic guitar brand list.
It has been in the industry for more than a century and has manufactured some of the best acoustic guitars. You will find Yamaha acoustic guitars in almost every music store, and they come in a range of different shapes and sizes.
When comparing popular acoustic guitar models, I find Yamaha’s build quality surpasses similarly-priced Fenders. The FG800, for instance, offers better projection than Fender’s entry-level models, thanks to its scalloped bracing system.
Yamaha’s diverse body styles include dreadnought, concert, and grand auditorium. I particularly love their dreadnought’s forward-shifted bracing pattern, which delivers richer bass than comparable Seagulls or Takamine. The concert body suits fingerstyle players, while their jumbo models pack serious volume.
In terms of tonewoods, Yamaha excels at getting premium sound from budget materials. Their solid spruce tops undergo specific aging processes. This contributes to better tonal development over time.
Artists like John Denver, James Taylor, Joe Bonamassa, and Andy Mckee are some notable musicians who played Yamaha acoustic guitars. So, be assured that the guitar you purchase will be good enough for stage performances.
Here’s my recommended lineup based on guitar price points:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre |
| Beginner | Yamaha FG800 | Dreadnought | Folk, Rock |
| Intermediate | Yamaha AC3R | Concert | Fingerstyle |
| Professional | Yamaha LL36 ARE | Grand Auditorium | All Genres |
Unlike Martin’s entry-level guitars, Yamaha consistently delivers professional features at modest prices. I often recommend them to new students for their exceptional value proposition.
Things I Like:
- Excellent value across price ranges
- Consistent quality
- Wide variety of options
Things I Don’t Like:
- Less prestige than some premium brands
- Some models may lack character
- Limited high-end options
5. Fender (Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)
Founder: Clarence Leonidas Fender | Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
Fender guitars have been a staple in my collection since my early days of playing. Their blend of quality and affordability makes them one of the top budget acoustic guitar brands.
In terms of construction, Fender guitars tend to use Sitka spruce tops for tonal clarity, paired with laminate woods to reduce cost without sacrificing durability. While they don’t match the tonal complexity of a Martin or the boutique feel of a Taylor, they excel at offering a good acoustic guitar for the price.
That’s one of the main reasons to buy Fender—consistency and value.
Fender’s most popular body styles include the dreadnought and concert shapes. The dreadnought is known for its powerful projection, while the concert body provides a more balanced sound with easier playability for smaller hands.
One thing that sets Fender guitars apart is their unique sound. Compared to Yamaha, Fender acoustics generally feature a more pronounced midrange, giving them an edge in blues and country settings.
Yamaha, on the other hand, leans towards tonal balance and warmth, making it a better fit for classical or fingerstyle players.
Top musicians like Tim Armstrong and Joe Strummer have been playing Fender acoustics for decades.
Here are my top picks for different skill levels:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre |
| Beginner | Fender CD-60S | Dreadnought | Country, Folk |
| Intermediate | Fender PM-1 | Parlor | Blues, Folk |
| Professional | Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster | Solid body hybrid | All Genres |
Their starter and intermediate guitars may not compete with high-end brands in every category, but for players looking for reliability and playability without breaking the bank, good acoustic guitars from Fender remain a solid choice.
Things I Like:
- Affordable options
- Reliable build quality
- Good for beginners and intermediates
Things I Don’t Like:
- Less renowned for acoustics
- Some models lack high-end features
- Tone may not suit all styles
Related Article: To check out more about our honest thoughts on the top five Fender acoustic guitars, continue reading this article.
6. Seagull Guitars
Founder: Robert Godin | Headquarters: Montreal, Canada | Parent: Godin Guitars
Many enthusiasts highly value the guitar production of Seagull, even though I can’t say that it is a world-renowned guitar brand. But having played countless guitars for so many years, I’ve developed a real appreciation for Seagull’s craftsmanship.
Seagull was established by Robert Godin in 1982 and is owned by Godin Guitars. Remarkably, Godin Guitars coincidentally is the parent company of LaPatrie, which also is a rather renowned Canadian guitar brand.
Seagull mostly produces relatively affordable guitars, and it is their quality for the price that has been strongly attracting newbies and experienced players alike.
What allows for the high quality of Seagull acoustic guitars is that they are all crafted by hand. Needless to say, handmade guitars imply increased attention to detail and the quality of the material.
Their use of pressure-tested solid cedar tops and wild cherry backs sets them apart from entry-level Yamahas or Fenders. I particularly love their distinctive tapered headstock design, which improves tuning stability – something I wish more manufacturers would adopt.
In my experience, Seagull’s dreadnought body style produces a warmer, more rounded tone compared to Gibson’s brighter sound. Their concert models feature slightly narrower necks than comparable Martins, making them ideal for fingerstyle players.
In addition, Seagull guitars boast that they get their materials from sustainable sources. The company also claims that it uses hydroelectric power for its manufacturing process. If you care about your natural environment, then you’ll probably appreciate Seagull’s approach.
Here’s my recommended Seagull lineup:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre |
| Beginner | Seagull S6 Original | Dreadnought | Folk, Rock, Blues |
| Intermediate | Seagull Entourage | Dreadnought | Singer-Songwriter, Country |
| Professional | Seagull Artist Mosaic | Concert | Jazz, Fingerstyle |
While they might lack the prestige of high-end Gibson or Martin models, I’ve found Seagull guitars offer remarkable quality for their price point. Their attention to detail in hand-crafting truly shines through in the final product.
Things I Like:
- Excellent value for money
- Handcrafted guitars
- Sustainable materials
Things I Don’t Like:
- Less brand recognition
- Limited availability in some regions
- Some find the headstock design unusual
7. Guild Guitars (Guild Guitar Company)
Founder: Alfred Dronge | Headquarters: Oxnard, California, United States | Parent: Córdoba Music Group
The Guild Guitar Company began in the 1950s and quickly gained a reputation as a builder of high-quality, player-centric acoustic guitars. Their guitars are often compared to the guitars of Martin and Gibson, and many pro players swear by their Guild acoustics.
Guild makes different acoustic guitars, from small folk models to jumbo acoustics. They’re best known for their American-made models, but they also have a line of imported guitars that are often more affordable.
Guild acoustics are typically well-crafted and designed for comfort and playability. Their jumbo models deliver deeper bass response than comparable Gibsons, while their smaller body designs offer focused mids perfect for fingerpicking.
Many models feature dovetail neck joints, 12″-radius fingerboards, and bone nuts and saddles for superior tone. Their electro-acoustic models feature premium L.R. Baggs pickups that capture natural tones better than most competitors.
Guild is also best known for its archtop guitars played by jazz and blues musicians. However, they make great acoustic guitars for any musician.
Here’s my Guild recommendation table:
| Level | Guitar Model | Body Style | Suitable Genre |
| Beginner | Guild D-240E | Dreadnought | Folk, Rock |
| Intermediate | Guild F-2512E Deluxe | Jumbo Archback | Country, Bluegrass |
| Professional | Guild F-512 | Jumbo | Jazz, Fingerstyle |
While Martin and Taylor dominate the high-end market, I’ve found Guild offers comparable quality at more accessible prices. Their attention to playability and tone makes them especially appealing for serious players seeking value.
Things I Like:
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Rich, warm tone
- Variety of body styles
Things I Don’t Like:
- Less widely available
- Some models can be expensive
- Brand recognition not as strong as others
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Guitar Brand
There are a ton of great acoustic guitar brands ranked out there, but it can be tough to determine which one is right for you. Some factors make an acoustic guitar brand stand out from the rest.
The best guitar brands are known for their quality construction, wide variety of styles and models, and great sound. They also offer affordable prices, making them a decent choice for beginner and pro musicians alike.
Here we’ll check out each factor that makes an acoustic guitar brand praiseworthy.
Quality Construction
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an acoustic guitar brand is the quality of construction. The best brands use high-quality materials in their guitars, ensuring they sound great and last for years. Materials like mahogany, spruce, and rosewood are often used in the construction of acoustic guitars, giving them a rich, full sound.
Wide Range of Styles and Models
Top acoustic guitar brands also offer a wide range of styles and models to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dreadnought guitar or something more modern like an acoustic-electric, there’s a guitar brand out there for you. Many brands also offer various size options, making it easy to find the perfect guitar for any musician.
Great Sound Quality
Of course, the most vital factor when choosing an acoustic guitar is its sound. The best guitar brands are known for their great sound, making them a favorite choice for musicians of all levels. Acoustic guitars tend to have a warmer, richer sound than electric guitars, making them a great choice for folk, country, and other genres.
Affordable Prices
Affordability is another major factor to consider when choosing an acoustic guitar brand. The best brands deliver guitars at different price points, making it easy for beginners and pros alike to find the perfect guitar for their budget.
Here affordability does not mean cheap quality. The top brands use high-quality materials in their guitars, so you can be sure you’re getting a great instrument no matter what your budget may be.
Of course, you can’t look for the same quality from all nice acoustic guitar brands. Some brands are familiar with their high-end guitars, while others are more affordable. It’s essential to do your research before you buy and make sure you’re getting a guitar from a brand you can trust.
Playability and Comfort
A guitar’s playability depends on how it feels in your hands. Factors like neck shape, action height, and body size all influence comfort, especially during long practice sessions.
Some brands, like Taylor, focus on sleek neck profiles and lower action, making them a dream for fingerstyle players.
Meanwhile, dreadnoughts from brands like Martin can feel bulky but deliver powerful sound. Finding a guitar that suits your playing style and hand size is crucial.
Resale Value
Guitars from expensive acoustic guitar brands tend to hold their value over time. Brands like Gibson and Martin are known for high resale demand, thanks to their craftsmanship and reputation.
Well-maintained models from these companies can fetch impressive prices on the used market. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Fender may depreciate faster, though they remain popular for beginners seeking reliable instruments.
Excellent Customer Service
Finally, a great acoustic guitar brand should offer excellent customer service. If you have any questions or problems with your guitar, you should be able to count on the brand’s customer service department to help you out.
Make sure to read reviews before you buy to see what other musicians have had to say about a brand’s customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is best for beginners?
Popular beginner-friendly acoustic guitar brands include Yamaha, Fender, and Seagull. They all offers quality sound and build at reasonable prices. Consider starting with Yamaha’s FG series or Fender’s CD-60, which provide excellent value and playability for newcomers.
What’s the best brand for professional musicians?
For professional musicians, top-tier brands include Martin, Taylor, and Gibson, known for their craftsmanship and consistent performance.
Ultra high-end options like Bourgeois, Collings, Goodall, and Santa Cruz offer exceptional tone, craftsmanship, and playability at ultra-premium prices. Built with top-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, these instruments are ideal for studio work, live performances, and lifelong musical journeys.
Are expensive guitar brands worth the investment?
Expensive guitar brands can be worth the investment if you’re looking for superior craftsmanship, tone, and playability. High-end guitars often use premium materials and meticulous detail to ensure durability and exceptional performance.
Additionally, brands like Gibson, Martin, and Taylor tend to hold strong resale value which makes them a solid choice for both serious musicians and collectors.
How do I choose between these brands?
To choose between top acoustic guitar brands, consider your budget, playing style, and sound preference. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you should test different guitars to feel their playability and tone.
Established brands like Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha offer consistent quality and distinct sounds, but remember that personal comfort and connection with the instrument matter most.