Looking to get into the world of acoustics? If you’re a total beginner or a veteran six-string aficionado, knowing some of the top guitar brands out there can help identify a model that perfectly suits your style. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best acoustic guitar brands that players usually turn to.

There’s no specific brand that is best. Perhaps you like the ethos of a brand that’s been around for over a century or maybe you prefer a brand that utilises cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking designs – we’ll go over all of them here.

Put simply, the manufacturer that suits you most is a matter of preference, and to that end, we’ll give you all the details on a brand’s background and their most popular creations.

We’ve chosen these brands because they represent some of the most popular names in guitars. They’re manufacturers that many people, even non-guitarists, will recognise thanks to their associations with famous musicians and their place in popular culture.

By extension, their quality and accessibility are also top-notch – you won’t have to go trawling through vintage gear dealers to get your hands on these, and once you do, you can be sure of lifelong durability.

2. Taylor

A relatively young company compared to some others, Taylor have been producing high-quality acoustics since 1974. They’re known for advanced manufacturing processes and innovative designs. Taylor guitars are great for both progressing and professional players that require bright and versatile instruments.

One of the biggest names in the guitar industry despite their relatively young age, Taylor have joined the ranks of Martin and Gibson in terms of reputation and guitar excellence.

Founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug back in the ’70s, the company has gone from strength to strength with their cutting-edge manufacturing processes, exceptionally playable instruments, and sustainable operations.

They’re particularly associated with their “grand auditorium” design that combines elements of the larger dreadnought style and smaller concert shape, resulting in a mid-sized acoustic that Taylor describe as “the Swiss army knife of guitars” – meaning it can do virtually anything!

Bold, punchy chords? Check. Power-driving rhythms? Check. Finessed fingerpicking with articulate note separation? Check! It’s this flexibility which makes the grand auditorium the most popular shape in Taylor’s selection. So popular, that Taylor have grand auditoriums for virtually every product category, from student models to bespoke Builder’s Editions.

In addition to innovative designs, their efficient and groundbreaking manufacturing processes allow Taylor to achieve extremely high levels of consistency across their instruments. They were one of the first brands to use computer-controlled milling and laser-cutting to retain precision craftsmanship on mass-produced models.

And as for the materials used in the processes, Taylor have gone to lengths to ensure sustainability for each natural resource they use. Investing in forestry projects and alternative sources of tonewoods outside the traditional, they’re keeping premium, quality instruments viable for the foreseeable future.

Famous guitarists who use Taylor

• Taylor Swift
• Jason Mraz
• Ed Sheeran

Our Taylor guitar recommendations

The Taylor 214ce is a standout acoustic for its versatility and affordability. Packed with premium Taylor features like a high-quality, solid Sitka spruce top, ES2 electronics, and the do-it-all grand auditorium shape, it’s suitable for a huge range of musicians. It’s great as a gig workhorse or reliable studio recorder, and with its slim neck carve and body cutaway, it’s a breeze for both students and professionals to play.

Our other recommendation fills a niche for the guitarist on the go, Taylor’s GS Mini-e Rosewood Plus. Its parlour-style “GS-Mini” body gives it a bright, chirpy voice that’s well suited to fingerpicking, and its light and compact size makes it ideal for travel and for younger or advancing players.

3. Gibson

A name that dominates the world of guitars, Gibson are another veteran brand that have been rocking for over 100 years. Consequently, they’ve got loads of historic models that players adore, and are typically known for their bold and powerful tones, great for players seeking a dose of vintage class.

Gibson are another veteran company that have stood the test of time. Founded around the turn of the 20th Century by Orville Gibson, they’ve since become a worldwide force in musical instruments.

In that time, Gibson have made many iconic acoustic models, including the esteemed J-45, the hefty SJ-200 Jumbo, and the gorgeous Hummingbird.

And while all these models have been around for quite some time, Gibson continue to innovate with their new Generation collection.

These acoustics embrace classic designs but with enhanced features for the modern player, like cutting-edge electronics, a clever extra sound hole called the Player Port, and upgraded playability for modern styles.

Their long list of sought-after models make Gibson a go-to for many country, rock, and blues players as their guitars have an old-school “aura” about them, in addition to their outstanding tones.

Famous guitarists who use(d) Gibson

• Jimmy Page
• Bob Dylan
• John Lennon

Our Gibson guitar recommendations

The legendary Gibson Hummingbird is an aspirational guitar for many players out there, with bold and punchy tones and the signature “bird” pickguard design. It does have a hefty price tag that represents the craftsmanship, select materials, and timeless design that makes up this beauty. If you want the best of the best in terms of tone and aesthetics, the Hummingbird is it.

The J-45 Studio Walnut is a versatile songwriting and performing machine that’s built for the modern performer. With every essential acoustic ingredient you need like a Sitka spruce top and walnut body, a Fishman Sonitone under-saddle pickup, and a dreadnought-sized body, it delivers a rich, crisp sound with excellent projection. 

4. Hartwood

A fantastic value brand, Hartwood provide premium appointments at a much lower cost than some other brands. Consequently, they’re great for any level of player that needs a reliable acoustic with key features and an affordable price point. 

Hartwood acoustics might not be the most widely recognised name on this list, but their vast range of acoustics can compete with any instrument brand out there.

From high-end “Prime” dreadnoughts down to bright and chirpy ukuleles, Hartwood produce the acoustic you’re looking for. And with a commitment to providing key features at lower costs, you’re guaranteed to get great value from their range.

If you’re after a big and bold strummer sound, the Prime series provides that depth with solid-top articulation and a variety of shapes to suit any player.

But if you’d prefer something with a refined tone and vintage character, Hartwood’s Villanelle range presents a wide variety of shapes – from dreadnought to parlour – with a retro look. On top of this timeless style, they’re all equipped with solid tops for that premium sound.

And while all these models offer traditional tones at superb value, Hartwood’s Sonata-FX is a guitar that truly breaks the mould. Offering superb appointments and a distinctive, eye-catching design, the Sonata-FX has on-board effects and a player-facing soundhole cutout to give you a sound that’s unlike any other.

Overall, Hartwood promote distinctive style and premium appointments in every instrument, and their accessible pricing makes them a superb choice for musicians of any level.

Our Hartwood guitar recommendations

As we’ve just mentioned, the Sonata-FX is a standout acoustic for its individuality and great value. Premium appointments like its flame maple veneer, solid spruce top, intricate fingerboard inlay, built-in effects, and play-facing soundhole cutout make it unique in its price range. And with an easy-playing neck shape, you’ll have endless fun experimenting with different tones each time you pick it up.

If you’re in the mood for something different, Harwood’s Renaissance Electro-Resonator brings metallic, chiming sounds and old-school blues style. With a premium steel-alloy body and an easy-playing mahogany neck, it’s a superb way of getting those vintage fingerpickin’ and slide tones without breaking the bank.

5. Fender

An instantly recognisable name, Fender are a titan of the music industry. They produce a huge range of acoustics suitable for beginner, intermediate, and professional levels, all at affordable prices for their respective categories.

Fender’s acoustics might not be as well-known as their electrics, but they still boast the spirit and excellence that has made their solid body guitars such a success.

Like their electrics, Fender’s acoustic range covers every type of player, from value-focused beginner models to professional workhorse instruments.

Unlike other brands that focus more on traditional aesthetics, Fender blends their electric expertise into their designs to produce attractive and distinct instruments, appealing to newer artists that want to make a statement.

Their California series, introduced way back in the 1960s, adopts bright pastel colours and an electric guitar-style headstock for a vibrant “fun in the sun” look, in addition to great tones and beginner-friendly pricing.

They’re a superb starting point for any player looking for a reliable instrument that has a unique, surfer-scene look.

Then there’s the futuristic Acoustasonic series which really set Fender apart from their competitors. These use the iconic Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Offset Fender shapes, but combine them with acoustic-style construction and a unique set of pickups for a truly versatile instrument.

Famous guitarists who use(d) Fender

• Tim Armstrong
• Dick Dale
• Billie Eilish (ukulele!)

Our Fender guitar recommendations

The Fender CD-60s features a solid mahogany top for warm and articulate tones. Its dreadnought shape and mahogany tonewoods project a bold voice with plenty of depth and volume, and with Fender’s “easy-to-play” neck carve, it’s a much more approachable acoustic than traditional dreadnoughts that typically have fatter necks.

For an innovative electro-acoustic, try the Fender Highway Series Dreadnought. As well as a solid mahogany body construction, the guitar also features a tapered X bracing pattern and a 2.25″-thick chambered body for extra resonance and playing comfort. There’s also the Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickup system, which comprises a curved magnetic pickup and all-analog technology, producing musical tones and excellent resistance to feedback. 

6. Tanglewood

Tanglewood cater to a wide variety of guitarists, from beginner to pro. They’re known for their stunning finishes and high-quality craftsmanship that encapsulates all the natural beauty of the acoustic.

Founded in 1988, Tanglewood have evolved into a brand associated with excellent build quality and premium acoustic sound that responds well to fingerpicking, strumming, and other playing techniques. The core aim of the brand is to offer a range of guitars that are both aesthetically pleasing and capable of producing exceptional sound with great projection.

They do this by using traditional guitar-making techniques combined with modern design and innovation.

Each model, from the Blackbird series to the Winterleaf, is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. This dedication to quality extends across their line of electric, steel-string acoustic, and classical guitars, each offering a distinctive tone that sets Tanglewood apart. Plus, the guitars are relatively affordable – a win-win!

Famous guitarists who use Tanglewood

• Levi Washington
• Ben Haenow

Our Tanglewood guitar recommendation

The Tanglewood Blackbird Folk Electro Acoustic is a striking acoustic with a body crafted entirely from mahogany. Its orchestra shape is shallower than a dreadnought, allowing for a comfortable setup and easy portability, however, it still delivers plenty of warmth and richness with great projection. Plus, the Tanglewood Premium Plus electronics are there for when you want some extra oomph on stage.

Coating the neck is Tanglewood’s renowned satin finish, adding to the comfortable playability. And it includes all those small details that Tanglewood are known for: an elegant soundhole rosette, chrome hardware, and die-cast tuning machines.

7. Yamaha

Yamaha are known all over the world for their dedication to high standards of quality and innovative music technology. And their acoustics are no different, well-regarded for their price and craftsmanship. They cover affordable beginner, intermediate, and professional-level instruments.

Yamaha are another music icon, producing virtually every instrument under the sun.

As one of the few companies on our list that makes everything from motorbikes to reed organs, it might be surprising that such a large multinational can create highly refined acoustics – good enough even to compete with the more specialised manufacturers!

Founded in 1887 as a piano and reed organ manufacturer, Yamaha’s explosive success has seen them become one of the world’s largest producers of musical instruments. And they’ve leveraged this huge reserve of resources to create advanced labs and workshops that drive guitar innovation.

From these methodical technicians, Yamaha have created their A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) process that utilises heat, humidity, and other proprietary techniques to accelerate the ageing process of the wood, resulting in a more mature and natural sound.

In short – you don’t have to wait years for the sweet sound of a veteran solid-wood acoustic, you get it straight out of the box!

And with inspiring acoustics like the magical TransAcoustic line and the hybrid SLG series, there’s plenty of exciting equipment in their range. The TransAcoustics blend traditional acoustic shapes with a hidden actuator that infuses your natural sound with effects, meaning you can enjoy stompbox-like sounds without needing to plug in your guitar!

Famous guitarists who use Yamaha

• James Blake
• Joe Bonamassa
• Lee Ritenour

Our Yamaha guitar recommendations

Quality, class, and innovation. The LS-TA TransAcoustic concert-shaped guitar is a true all-rounder. A slightly treble-focused voice is enhanced by the TransAcoustic actuator and Yamaha’s A.R.E. process to extract every ounce of tone from the premium spruce and rosewood materials. If you’re looking for a trusty fingerpicking companion or a bright-voiced guitar to cut through, this is it.

At the other end of the scale, if you’re looking for an affordable dreadnought that can sing out rhythms with sonority, the ever-popular Yamaha F310 will do the business. With a low action, slim neck, and rich tonality from its large body shape, the F310 is one of the best-selling acoustics of all time, and for good reason!

8. Takamine

Producing quality acoustics for over 60 years, Takamine offer a wide range of models with renowned craftsmanship and advanced features. They have everything from first-time player models to luxurious professional models.

Takamine Guitars are a brand that’s crafted high-quality acoustics for decades, earning a reputation for their feel, exceptional sound, and aesthetics. Named after the Takamine mountain near where the company is based, they use this natural beauty as inspiration when designing their guitars.

Today, Takamine are known for their expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. They use high-quality materials like solid woods and proprietary pickup systems to create guitars that are distinct and unique.

Takamine’s unique features, such as their Palathetic pickup system, Thermal Top technology, split saddle design, CTP-3 CoolTube preamp, and Tri-Axial Dynamic Bracing system, set them apart from other acoustic guitar brands.

At the entry-level, Takamine’s G Series provides affordable options that still maintain the brand’s exceptional quality. Models like the GD11M offer solid top options at an accessible price point, while the GD20 offers a full-bodied sound at a mid-level price.

For professionals and serious musicians, Takamine’s Pro Series includes models like the EF341 SC, which has been used by famous artists like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The P3DC also provides exceptional tonality and projection thanks to its innovative design features.

Famous guitarists who use Takamine

• Jon Bon Jovi
• Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro

Our Takamine guitar recommendations

The GN11MCE Electro Acoustic serves up Takamine class in a highly affordable package. An all-mahogany body creates a rich and lush soundscape, while its versatile and unique NEX shape powers surprising levels of volume. Combine that with a playability-enhancing cutaway and Takamine’s proprietary electronics, and you’ve got a guitar that can gig with ease and adapt to any playing style.

For a larger and more imposing sound, the GD11M Dreadnought offers a powerful sound to drive rhythms and chords. At an attractive entry-level price, it’s great for players on a budget that need plenty of volume and high-class Takamine design.

9. Epiphone

A brand that had its own history before being acquired by Gibson in 1957, Epiphone produce a range of affordable versions of Gibson classics – in addition to some that are unique to Epiphone. Going for an Epiphone is a great way to get a legendary model at a cheaper price or an affordable acoustic with bags of vintage character.

Epiphone have a rich and lengthy history, stretching back to the 1800s! Founded by Greek luthier Anastasios Stathopoulos who migrated to New York City, Epiphone have risen from a small instrument shop that crossed the Atlantic to a worldwide brand that are loved by beginners and professionals alike.

The name stems from Anastasios’ first son, Epaminondas – or “Epi” for short. Following his parents passing, he renamed it from “House of Stathopoulos” to the much snappier Epiphone, and thus a new brand and future Gibson rival was born.

Throughout the 20th Century, Epiphone produced a range of high-quality acoustics that competed with Gibson at the high end of the market. In fact, they were in a small arms race for creating bigger and louder acoustics in the ’30s, which led to the creation of the mighty Gibson J-200.

After falling on hard times in the ’50s, Gibson acquired Epiphone and continued producing high-end acoustics to corner the premium market. That’s where outstanding models like the Epiphone Excellente were created, still available today through the Masterbilt range that recreate vintage Epiphone acoustics.

Eventually, Epiphone were assigned production of cheaper alternatives of staple Gibson models – but that’s by no means a bad thing! After all, those Gibson classics are cherished for a reason but might be prohibitively expensive for many players today.

Under the Epihphone name, you can grab a Hummingbird or J-200 that’s every bit as sonorous and good-looking as their Gibson counterparts, made outside the USA and with slightly different materials.

Famous guitarists who use Epiphone

• Paul McCartney
• Peter Frampton

 Our Epiphone guitar recommendations

The Epiphone Hummingbird is a true classic at a much more accessible price point. Dressed in a gorgeous cherry sunburst finish and sporting the unmistakable bird pickguard, it’s hard to take your eyes off it. And with a solid spruce top voicing every note in pristine clarity, you’ll enjoy the full and rich soundscape of a true Hummingbird.

If you like the Hummingbird design, you’ll really like the Epiphone Dove which features a slightly more sloped body shape. Its tone is slightly warmer and rounder, with key differences being the pickguard and bridge designs.

10. Gear4Music

Our own in-house brand of acoustics offer a range of affordable styles and essential features to suit any musical need and are great for players on a budget. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new sound, our instruments are the ideal place to look.

The Gear4Music range of acoustic guitars is designed to cater to a wide audience. Whether you’re a novice musician purchasing your first instrument or an experienced player seeking affordable options to explore new sounds, our range covers all popular acoustic guitar styles.

It covers everything from steel string dreadnoughts to junior Spanish guitars, offering a huge selection of tones and genres. With both full-size and scaled-down options available, the Gear4Music brand is great for any age or size of player.

More advanced players might look to try out the lush octaval sound of a 12-string acoustic without having to splash the cash on a much pricier alternative, the Gear4Music range lets anyone try out virtually all shapes and forms of acoustic at highly accessible prices.

And what’s more, these are all backed by a generous three-year warranty.

Our Gear4Music guitar recommendations

The Gear4Music Dreadnought Cutaway offers bold, rounded tones and modern playability for players of all abilities. Its large body size promotes a superb bass response and volume level, great for powerful chording and rhythm work. And for fingerpicked melodies, the “C” shape neck makes finessed playing that much easier. Complete with a preamp for live playing and a built-in tuner, it’s a great all-rounder

Our Parlour Guitar is there for those who want a smaller, brighter instrument. Supremely easy to play thanks to its compact body, the parlour style is great for fingerpicking riffs and old bluesy tones. This Gear4Music model is an accessible option for anybody to get those sweet sounds, and with its oil poplar laminate material, it’s constructed with sustainability in mind.