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Best Acoustic Guitars for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best acoustic guitars for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 25th, 2024

Last Updated: July 24th, 2024

🎸Acoustic guitars have a timeless allure and are essential for all sorts of musical genres. With so many options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. We've done the legwork and analyzed top reviews to compile a list of the best acoustic guitars for every style, budget, and preference.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our recommendations will help you find the perfect guitar to suit your needs.

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Overall Best: Martin D-28

The Martin D-28 stands as our top pick for its legendary tone, unparalleled craftsmanship, and exceptional comfort and durability. Featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top, East Indian Rosewood body, and Ebony fingerboard, this guitar produces a resonant and rich sound that suits genres from country to rock. It’s a favorite among legends like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, setting the gold standard for acoustic guitars. According to our research, its robust construction and versatile tone make it the ultimate choice for both performance and recording.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$3,199.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Martin D-28? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Martin D-28 worth the high price tag?

Wondering if the Martin D-28 is worth its steep price can be a bit of a brain-teaser, but it's a little more than just the numbers on the price tag. From what the manufacturer's product description says, the Martin D-28 is a dreadnought acoustic guitar that stands out for its immaculate sound and detail-oriented craftsmanship. It uses top-notch materials like a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, creating a rich, balanced sound. Plus, the ebony fingerboard adds a layer of smooth playability and toughness, which is something a lot of musicians really appreciate. According to our research, this guitar is a favorite in both stage and studio settings, often getting called a 'tone cannon' because it projects sound strongly without losing the depth or intricacy of its tone. Whether you're strumming or fingerpicking, it delivers beautiful, nuanced sounds that many folks admire. One of the standout features is its forward-shifted bracing. This not only keeps the guitar sturdy but also brings out complex and vibrant high tones. This detail becomes a real asset in professional environments where you need a wide dynamic range and responsiveness, like during recording sessions. Our data shows that people who've used the D-28 often rave about its amazing sound and solid build. It's frequently called the 'gold standard' of acoustic guitars. For some, owning one has been a lifelong dream. More experienced players mention that its easy playability and high-quality tone make long jam sessions something to look forward to rather than a slog. Sure, with a price of around $3,199 on sites like Amazon, it's a significant expense. But keep in mind, it often retains its value well over time. Dedicated musicians often find it's worth the splurge due to its iconic status and superior construction. So, if you're someone who'll truly make the most of its high-quality sound and build, the Martin D-28 could be a fantastic addition to your collection.

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What is the sound quality of the Martin D-28 acoustic guitar?

The Martin D-28 acoustic guitar is famous for its incredible sound quality. It's got this warm, rich, and full-bodied tone that's been adored by musicians for a long time. We found that it doesn't have any built-in electronics like pickups, so it's all about that classic, pure acoustic sound. People often talk about its clarity and great projection; plus, it's really well-balanced, making it perfect for various music styles. It's a favorite among pros who love its natural resonance and depth. Now, if you're planning to use it for gigs or recordings where you need amplification, just know that it doesn’t come with factory-installed electronics. While that might seem like a downside if you often need amplified sound, it actually helps preserve its natural acoustic charm. You can still amplify it. A [soundhole pickup](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsoundhole%2Bpickup%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is a great option—it's easy to use and doesn't mess with the guitar’s tone. You can attach it and remove it without affecting the guitar much. Or, if you're looking for something more specific to your needs, getting a professional to install a pickup might be the way to go. That way, you can keep its rich tones and still get the volume you need for larger venues or other settings. So, while you might need some extra gear for amplified performances, the D-28’s amazing acoustic sound makes it a go-to instrument for anyone wanting a high-quality acoustic experience. Decide if you want to keep it purely acoustic or add some electronic options—either way, it's a solid choice for beautiful music-making.

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How does the Martin D-28 compare to other high-end acoustic guitars?

The Martin D-28 is kind of a legend when it comes to high-end acoustic guitars. It's known for its classic craftsmanship and balanced sound, making it a go-to for a lot of styles, whether you're strumming hard or picking out fingertip melodies. It's such a staple that many pro guitarists have it in their collection because of its top-notch sound and build. The manufacturer's product description mentions it has East Indian Rosewood for the back and sides, paired with a Spruce top. This combo is famous for delivering a warm, full-bodied sound with great depth and projection. Plus, it includes modern features like forward-shifted bracing, which gives it that rich, complex sound while keeping the clear, balanced tone Martin is known for. From our research, a lot of people praise the D-28 for how easy it is to play. The neck is comfortable, and the action is nice and smooth, appealing to both newbies and long-time players. It also gets points for its dynamic range, with strong projection and sustain that works well whether you're recording or performing live. When you stack the Martin D-28 against other high-end acoustic guitars, it's all about combining traditional craftsmanship with some modern tweaks. It's been a fixture for musicians around the world for quite some time, which says a lot about the quality and sound consistency Martin offers. If you're thinking about getting a high-quality, reliable acoustic guitar, the Martin D-28 should be on your radar. Its mix of history, forward-thinking design, and playability makes it a favorite for musicians who want an inspiring instrument that can handle different musical settings. Whether you're jamming at home or rocking the stage, the Martin D-28 is likely to deliver the sound and feel you're looking for.

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Runner-up: Gibson J-45 Standard

The Gibson J-45 Standard is an iconic acoustic guitar celebrated for its tonal versatility and superb build quality. With a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an LR Baggs VTC pickup, it excels in styles ranging from blues to fingerstyle. This guitar delivers crisp clarity and impressive note separation, whether played acoustically or amplified. Reviewers rave about its rich, warm tone and reliable performance, making it a strong contender for any serious guitarist.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$2,999.00 at Guitar Center

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Budget Pick: Yamaha FG800

YAMAHA 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Natural, Dreadnought (FG800J NT)

For those on a budget, the Yamaha FG800 offers remarkable quality at an affordable price. It boasts a solid spruce top, nato/okoume back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, delivering a warm, balanced tone that belies its cost. Its durability and sturdy construction make it a fantastic choice for beginners, while its pleasing sound ensures that you won’t outgrow it quickly. According to our findings, this guitar is a standout in its price range, offering both reliability and great sound.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.99 at Amazon

Best for Fingerstyle: Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe

If fingerstyle is your forte, the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe won’t disappoint. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard. Modern enhancements like an asymmetrical neck shape and a titanium truss rod offer superior playability and a refined, resonant tone. This premium guitar is perfect for intricate fingerstyle playing, blending classic Martin quality with contemporary advancements.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$4,399.00 at Amazon

Best Travel Guitar: Taylor GS Mini

The Taylor GS Mini is the ideal travel companion thanks to its compact size and outstanding sound quality. Despite its smaller body, it projects a rich, balanced tone with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's perfect for practice sessions on the go or casual performances. According to our detailed analysis, the GS Mini’s portability and sound make it a must-have for the traveling musician.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.99 at Amazon

Best for Small Hands: Martin LX1E Little Martin

Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag

For players with smaller hands or younger musicians, the Martin LX1E Little Martin is a fantastic option. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and HPL (high-pressure laminate) back and sides, providing both durability and responsiveness. Despite its compact size, it offers a surprisingly full and rich tone, making it excellent for travel and practice. Our research highlights its impressive sound quality and comfortable playability, proving that good things come in small packages.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$549.00 at Amazon

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🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.