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Best Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar (2024 Update)

If you're looking for a high-quality guitar that delivers rich and powerful sound, you may want to consider the acoustic dreadnought guitar. This type of guitar has a distinctive shape that provides great resonance and projection, making it a popular choice for musicians of all genres.

When shopping for the best acoustic dreadnought guitar, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the materials used in the construction of the guitar, as this can have a big impact on its sound quality and durability. Look for guitars made from high-quality woods like mahogany, rosewood, and spruce for the best results.

You'll also want to consider the size and weight of the guitar, as well as its overall playability. The best acoustic dreadnought guitars should be comfortable to hold and play for extended periods of time, with easy access to all of the frets.

Some questions to consider when shopping for an acoustic dreadnought guitar include:

– What style of music do I primarily play, and what type of sound am I looking for?

– Do I prefer a guitar with a more traditional or modern design?

– What is my budget for purchasing a new guitar, and what features am I willing to pay extra for?

By answering these questions and doing your research, you'll be able to find the best acoustic dreadnought guitar to suit your needs and take your music to the next level.

Table of Contents

10 Best Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, natural-sounding acoustic guitar.
2
The product is ideal for left-handed adults and beginners looking for a full-size acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in EQ.
3
The product is ideal for playing acoustic music and performing on stage or at home.
4
Ideal for acoustic guitar players seeking a warm, rich sound with clear amplification and added flexibility of a cutaway body shape.
5
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, reliable acoustic guitar with a classic design and excellent sound.
6
The product is ideal for those looking for an affordable, high-quality dreadnought acoustic guitar with an ebony finish.
7
Ideal for beginners and professionals looking for a high-quality, full-size acoustic guitar bundle with all necessary accessories.
8
Ideal for musicians seeking high-quality acoustic-electric sound in a visually stunning, sunburst finish dreadnought guitar.
9
The product is ideal for those who want a high-quality acoustic guitar bundle in a unique dark hunter green color.
10
Ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar with a warm and balanced sound at an affordable price.
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, natural-sounding acoustic guitar.
The product is ideal for left-handed adults and beginners looking for a full-size acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in EQ.
The product is ideal for playing acoustic music and performing on stage or at home.
Ideal for acoustic guitar players seeking a warm, rich sound with clear amplification and added flexibility of a cutaway body shape.
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, reliable acoustic guitar with a classic design and excellent sound.
The product is ideal for those looking for an affordable, high-quality dreadnought acoustic guitar with an ebony finish.
Ideal for beginners and professionals looking for a high-quality, full-size acoustic guitar bundle with all necessary accessories.
Ideal for musicians seeking high-quality acoustic-electric sound in a visually stunning, sunburst finish dreadnought guitar.
The product is ideal for those who want a high-quality acoustic guitar bundle in a unique dark hunter green color.
Ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar with a warm and balanced sound at an affordable price.

1. Martin 2017 D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

Martin Guitar's 2017 D-28 has been re-imagined with innovative details that enhance the legendary workhorse. For almost a century, the D-28 has been a favorite of music legends like Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Hank Williams. The 2017 version of the D-28 features antique white binding, aging toner, forward-shifting non-scalloped X-bracing, a dovetail neck joint, and Style 28 mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays. The solid headstock has a square taper and diamond inlay, and the top and back have multi-stripe inlays.

Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO of Martin Guitar, explains that the post-World War II D-28 had a slightly different look than its predecessor and became the centerpiece of the folk and folk rock movements in the 1950s and 1960s. The 2017 D-28 takes the finest features from both Chris Martin's grandfather's and father's respective eras.

The D-28 has always been known for its superior sound quality and durability. The innovative enhancements to the 2017 version of the D-28 only serve to enhance its reputation. The aging toner gives the guitar a vintage look, while the forward-shifting non-scalloped X-bracing provides excellent resonance and tone. The dovetail neck joint ensures stability and durability, while the Style 28 mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays add a touch of elegance.

The solid headstock with a square taper and diamond inlay is both stylish and functional. The SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium (MSP4200) strings provide superior sound quality, while the multi-stripe top and back inlays add a unique touch to the guitar's appearance.

2. Lefty Acoustic Cutaway Electric Guitar Bundle

The left-handed acoustic-electric guitar boasts a well-balanced tone, thanks to its spruce top and mahogany side and back with a dreadnought body. Compared to other sizes, this guitar produces a richer, more balanced, and brighter sound. The improved X-bracing and thinner paints provide better quality, allowing the top to remain stable while vibrating and minimizing the loss of sound.

This guitar is perfect for both studio and stage performances. When not connected to an amplifier, the lefty acoustic-electric guitar functions just like a regular left-handed acoustic guitar. However, the onboard 4 Band EQ with amp jack allows you to amplify and adjust the guitar's sound to suit a specific music style. You can also get decent volume for home practice, parties, stage shows, or performances.

The left-handed acoustic-electric guitar features a user-friendly design. The type C profile guitar neck with smooth fret ends enables you to move up and down the frets rapidly without worrying about scratching or cutting your fingers. Additionally, the low string action design reduces the string pressure when playing, making it suitable for beginners to learn and practice the left-hand guitar for an extended period.

With the 18:1 ratio gears, you can expect more precise and accurate tuning than 15:1 ratio gears. The sealed chrome-plated tuning pegs feature anti-dust properties, are durable and stable, making it easy for you to tune the left-handed electric acoustic guitar and hold it in tune for longer.

The lefty acoustic-electric guitar bundle comes with all the accessories you need to get started. You don't have to purchase them separately elsewhere. The bundle includes a padded gig bag with a large storage room, a backup set of strings, a capo, three picks with different thickness, a self-adhesive pickguard, a polished cloth, a clip-on tuner, an adjustable shoulder strap, a cable for amplifier connecting, an allen key, and a user manual.

3. Fender Cd-60sce Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Guitar, Natural

The single-cutaway dreadnought body style of this acoustic-electric guitar is designed to provide a comfortable and easy playing experience for musicians of all skill levels. With its Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp, this guitar is perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. The solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing gives the guitar a rich and full sound, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the tone.

The neck of the guitar is easy to play, thanks to its rolled fingerboard edges. This feature makes it comfortable for musicians to play for extended periods of time without experiencing any discomfort or fatigue. The guitar is also available in a left-handed version, as well as a 12-string model for those who prefer a more unique sound.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, this guitar is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric instrument. Its sound quality, ease of play, and versatility make it a great investment for musicians who want to take their performances to the next level.

In terms of specifications, this guitar is designed for right-handed players. It features a single-cutaway dreadnought body style, a Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp, a solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing, and mahogany back and sides. The neck is easy to play with rolled fingerboard edges, and it is also available in left-handed and 12-string versions. Overall, this guitar is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric instrument that can deliver exceptional sound and performance.

4. Fender Cd-140sce All-Mahogany Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Guitar, Natural, With Case

This exquisite acoustic-electric guitar features a single-cutaway dreadnought body style that offers a rich and powerful sound. The solid mahogany top is supported by scalloped "X"-bracing, which enhances the projection and resonance of the guitar. The mahogany back and sides further contribute to the guitar's warm and well-balanced tone.

The neck of the guitar is designed for comfortable playing, with rolled fingerboard edges that allow for smooth and easy movement up and down the fretboard. The Fishman CD pickup/preamp system ensures that the guitar's natural sound is captured and amplified with precision and clarity.

This guitar is perfect for musicians of all levels, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional. It comes with a hardshell case that provides excellent protection during transportation and storage. With its outstanding sound quality and superior craftsmanship, this acoustic-electric guitar is a true masterpiece that will inspire you to create beautiful music.

5. Westerly D-240e: Natural Archback Acoustic Guitar.

The Guild dreadnought is a solid and reliable acoustic guitar designed for guitarists seeking a classic and full-bodied tone. This guitar boasts a solid spruce top, mahogany sides, and an arched mahogany back, creating a balanced voicing and powerful sound.

One of the Guild's signature features is its arched back design, providing great volume and projection, long sustain, and a lush, full sound. This design makes the D-240E a perfect instrument for live performances and recordings.

The D-240E also features Fishman-designed AP-1 electronics, making it easy to plug into an amplifier or sound system. The pau ferro fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, mother-of-pearl rosette, period-correct tortoiseshell pickguard, and matte polyurethane finish further enhance the guitar's sound and appearance.

This guitar is available in a natural finish, showcasing the unique and authentic wood grain and color richness of each instrument. Due to the natural variation of wood, the product shipped may appear slightly lighter or darker than the product shown here.

The D-240E is designed for right-handed players and is a high-quality instrument suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists. Its classic design, balanced tone, and advanced features make it a great investment for any musician seeking a reliable and versatile acoustic guitar.

6. Epiphone Songmaker Dr-100, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Ebony

The Songmaker DR-100 is a top-of-the-line guitar designed to meet the needs of musicians of all levels. With its classic go-to Dreadnought Shape, it offers a timeless design that is both elegant and functional. The guitar is made of high-quality materials, including a Select Spruce top and Mahogany Body & Neck, which provide excellent sound quality and durability.

One of the key features of the Songmaker DR-100 is its SlimTaper C-profile neck, which is designed to provide maximum comfort and playability. This feature makes it easy for players to move up and down the fretboard, allowing them to play complex chords and melodies with ease. The guitar also comes with an Epiphone Sloped Dovewing headstock, which adds to its aesthetic appeal and gives it a distinctive look.

In addition to its outstanding design, the Songmaker DR-100 also boasts premium Die Cast tuners, which help to keep the guitar in tune for longer periods of time. This feature is especially important for musicians who perform live or record in a studio setting, as it ensures that their playing is always in tune and sounds great.

Epiphone, the maker of the Songmaker DR-100, is one of America's oldest and most respected instrument makers, with a rich history dating back to 1873. Over the years, Epiphone has made instruments for every style of popular music, and the Songmaker DR-100 is no exception. With its exceptional sound quality, elegant design, and top-of-the-line features, this guitar is sure to be a hit with musicians of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Songmaker DR-100 is a guitar that you can rely on for years to come.

7. Lotmusic Professional Acoustic Guitar Bundle

The Lotmusic 41in HAG-1 Cutaway Acoustic Guitar is a perfect choice for both beginners and professionals, with its easy cutaway design that allows for easier access to the upper frets. The classical bridge unique design not only provides easy string changing but also ensures a great playing tone.

This acoustic guitar is designed with comfort touch in mind, featuring an inserted smooth fretboard that provides a comfortable and smooth playing experience without scratching your hand. The strings are soft and smooth to touch, producing a clear and sweet sound that is sure to please any ear.

The 41inch HAG-1 Cutaway Acoustic Guitar is equipped with 18:1 premium machine heads that run very smoothly with no slack, ensuring accurate tuning. This feature enables you to lock the string in position and adjust the pitch more accurately, giving you the confidence to play with precision.

Built-in truss rod technology allows for tension balance, ensuring a straight and durable neck that is resistant to temperature change and string tension. The adjustable acoustic guitar neck allows you to keep your hand in a comfortable position by keeping the strings at perfect height.

This Lotmusic 41in HAG-1 Cutaway Acoustic Guitar comes with all the accessories you need, including a zipped padded bag, tuner, adjustable guitar strap, extra strings, 5 guitar picks, capo, clean cloth, and guitar silicone mute. The inclusion of these accessories makes it easy for you to take your guitar with you wherever you go and to keep it in excellent condition.

8. Gretsch Guitars G5024e Rancher Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Sunburst

This acoustic guitar boasts a high-quality construction featuring a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides. The dreadnought body shape offers a well-balanced and rich sound, making it suitable for various genres of music. The arched laminated mahogany back and sides further enhance the tonal quality and projection of the guitar. With its sturdy and durable build, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. The laminated mahogany sides also add to the aesthetic appeal of the instrument. Overall, this guitar offers exceptional value for its price and is a great addition to any musician's collection.

9. Dark Hunter Green Acoustic Guitar Bundle.

Introducing the FIRST CHOICE 3/4 size 36 inches dreadnought acoustic guitar – a high-quality, attractive, and affordable entry-level guitar. It's perfect for travellers, children, students, and beginners who are looking for a great value for their money.

Crafted with a handcrafted body and an "X" bracing structure, this guitar produces a balanced sound that offers both bright and warm tones with excellent acoustic properties and great extension and response. Its high-density wood fingerboard and bridge provide both a sturdy construct and a smooth touch that allows you to roll over the nickel silver frets freely. The Sealed Gear machine head keeps the strings in tune, while the dual-action truss rod allows fine adjustment of the guitar neck for a smooth playing experience.

Not only does this guitar perform well, but it also looks exquisite. With state-of-the-art crafting and assembling, hand-rubbed finish, retro style, silky smooth body lines, and white ABS binding, this guitar is a work of art.

The FIRST CHOICE guitar comes with a full outfit, which includes a 1-month online lesson, gig bag, metronome tuner (2 × AAA batteries required – not included), wall-mounted hanger, adjustable strap, picks, and cleaning cloth. With everything in one pack, you can start your splendid music journey right away.

10. Ibanez Performance Series Pf12mhceopn Mahogany Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Satin Natural

The PF12MHCE is a high-quality acoustic guitar that boasts a warm and full tone, thanks to its dreadnought cutaway body style and mahogany top, back, and sides. The instrument's open pore natural finish not only adds to its subtle aesthetics but also contributes to its overall sound quality.

Equipped with Ibanez under-saddle pickup and the Ibanez AEQ2T preamp with built-in tuner, this guitar is perfect for live performances and recording sessions. The electronics system delivers a clear and natural sound that captures the essence of the instrument.

The PF12MHCE also features a tortoise rosette, rosewood fretboard, and bridge with Ibanez Advantage bridge pins that provide improved tuning stability. The neck is made of mahogany and has a scale length of 25.6 inches, with 20 frets and a nut width of 1.69 inches (43 mm).

Best Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar FAQs

Can a beginner also benefit from investing in the best acoustic dreadnought guitar?

Yes, a beginner can definitely benefit from investing in the best acoustic dreadnought guitar. The dreadnought style of guitar is a popular choice among beginners and professionals alike due to its versatility and balanced sound. Investing in a high-quality dreadnought guitar can help a beginner develop their skills faster and make their playing experience more enjoyable.

A good quality dreadnought guitar will have a solid top, which produces a richer and more resonant sound than a laminated top. It will also have a comfortable neck and a well-built body that will make it easier to play and produce a good tone. Additionally, a better quality guitar will retain its value over time and can be resold if the beginner decides to upgrade to a different model.

However, it is important to note that while investing in a quality guitar can be beneficial, it is not necessary for a beginner to spend a lot of money on a guitar when they are just starting out. There are many affordable options available that will still provide a good playing experience and allow the beginner to develop their skills before making a larger investment.

How does the size and shape of a dreadnought guitar affect its sound and playability?

The size and shape of a dreadnought guitar have a significant impact on its sound and playability. Dreadnought guitars are known for their large, boxy shape, which produces a full, robust sound with plenty of bass and midrange frequencies. The larger size of the dreadnought body allows for a greater amount of air to be moved, resulting in a more powerful sound that is well-suited to strumming and flatpicking.

However, the large size of the dreadnought can also make it less comfortable to play for some musicians. The wider body can be more difficult to hold and maneuver, especially for those with smaller frames or arms. Additionally, the shape of the guitar can affect its balance and weight, which can impact the way it feels when played.

Overall, the size and shape of a dreadnought guitar can greatly impact its sound and playability. While the large size may produce a powerful sound, it may not be the best choice for all musicians based on their individual preferences and physical characteristics.

How does the sound quality of a dreadnought guitar compare to other types of acoustic guitars?

Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful and balanced sound, which makes them popular among musicians who play different genres like rock, country, and bluegrass. The sound of a dreadnought guitar is characterized by strong bass, warm mid-range, and clear treble tones. This makes it an excellent choice for strumming chords and playing rhythm.

Compared to other acoustic guitar types like concert, parlor, and jumbo, dreadnought guitars have a louder and more robust sound. This is because they have a larger body size, which allows for more air to vibrate inside the guitar, creating a fuller and richer sound. However, this can also make them less suitable for fingerpicking and delicate playing styles.

In summary, if you're looking for a guitar with a powerful and balanced sound that can handle different playing styles, a dreadnought guitar is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more delicate and nuanced sound, you may want to consider other guitar types.

How important is the overall design and aesthetic appeal of a dreadnought guitar when choosing the best one?

The overall design and aesthetic appeal of a dreadnought guitar can be important factors to consider when choosing the best one, but they should not be the sole determining factors. Aesthetics are a matter of personal preference, and what one person finds visually appealing may not be the same for another. It is essential to prioritize the sound quality, playability, and durability of the guitar over its appearance.

That being said, the design of a guitar can affect its playability and comfort level. For example, the size and shape of the guitar's body can impact how easy it is to hold and play. Additionally, the quality of the materials used in the construction of the guitar can affect its sound quality, which should be the primary consideration when choosing a guitar.

Ultimately, while the aesthetics of a dreadnought guitar are important, they should be secondary to the instrument's overall quality and functionality. It is crucial to choose a guitar that sounds great, feels comfortable to play, and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

What are the advantages of choosing a solid wood acoustic dreadnought guitar over a laminate guitar?

Choosing a solid wood acoustic dreadnought guitar over a laminate guitar offers several advantages. Firstly, solid wood guitars produce a richer and more complex sound compared to laminates as the solid wood resonates better and improves with age. Additionally, solid wood guitars offer improved sustain and projection, which is essential for live performances.

Moreover, solid wood guitars are known for their durability and longevity as they are less prone to cracking and warping. They also tend to hold their value better over time, making them a better investment.

On the other hand, laminate guitars are often less expensive and more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. They also require less maintenance compared to solid wood guitars.

In conclusion, while laminate guitars can be a more practical option, choosing a solid wood acoustic dreadnought guitar can offer superior sound quality, durability, and value in the long run.

What are the essential features to consider when choosing the best acoustic dreadnought guitar?

Choosing the best acoustic dreadnought guitar can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, certain essential features must be considered to ensure you get the best quality sound and value for your money.

Firstly, the wood used in making the guitar is crucial. The top wood, also known as the soundboard, is responsible for the guitar's tone. Sitka spruce, cedar and mahogany are some of the commonly used woods for the top.

Secondly, the back and sides of the guitar should also be made of high-quality wood for the best sound. Rosewood, maple and mahogany are some of the commonly used woods for the back and sides.

Thirdly, the guitar's neck should be comfortable to play. A slim neck allows for easy movement on the fretboard while playing.

Fourthly, the size of the guitar matters. A dreadnought guitar is larger than other acoustic guitars, but the size should still be comfortable for the player.

Lastly, the hardware, such as the tuning pegs, bridge and nut, should be of high quality to ensure the guitar can stay in tune and produce clear sound.

Overall, when choosing the best acoustic dreadnought guitar, consider the wood used, the comfort of the neck, the guitar's size, and the quality of the hardware.

What are the most popular brands of acoustic dreadnought guitars among professional musicians?

When it comes to acoustic dreadnought guitars, there are several popular brands that are favored by professional musicians. One of the most well-known brands is Martin, which has been making guitars for over 180 years. Martin's dreadnought models are known for their rich and full sound, as well as their high-quality craftsmanship. Another popular brand is Taylor, which is known for its innovative design and attention to detail. Taylor dreadnoughts are often praised for their playability and clarity of tone. Gibson is another brand that is popular among professionals, particularly for its vintage models. Other brands that are often mentioned in discussions of top-notch acoustic dreadnoughts include Collings, Santa Cruz, and Guild. Ultimately, the best brand for a given musician will depend on their personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to try out a few different models before making a purchase.

What are the top-rated acoustic dreadnought guitars available in the market?

There are several top-rated acoustic dreadnought guitars available in the market. One of the most popular is the Martin D-28, which has been a favorite of musicians since it was first introduced in the 1930s. Another great option is the Taylor 814ce, which is known for its excellent sound quality and playability. The Gibson J-45 is also a highly regarded model, with a warm, rich tone that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. Other notable options include the Yamaha FG830, the Seagull S6, and the Guild D-55. When choosing a dreadnought guitar, it's important to consider factors such as sound quality, playability, and build quality. Ultimately, the best guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.

What is the price range for the best acoustic dreadnought guitars?

The price range for the best acoustic dreadnought guitars can vary widely depending on the brand, materials used, and level of craftsmanship. Generally speaking, a good quality acoustic dreadnought guitar can range anywhere from $300 to $3000 or more.

For those on a budget, there are many great options in the $300 to $500 range that offer solid tops, quality tonewoods, and good playability. Brands such as Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone offer great options in this range.

For those looking for higher-end options, some of the best acoustic dreadnought guitars can cost upwards of $3000 or more. These guitars often feature premium tonewoods, intricate inlay work, and exceptional craftsmanship. Brands such as Martin, Taylor, and Gibson are known for producing some of the best high-end acoustic guitars on the market.

Ultimately, the price range for the best acoustic dreadnought guitars depends on the individual's budget and preferences. It's important to do research and play different guitars before making a decision to ensure you find the right one for your needs.

What makes a dreadnought guitar the best choice for acoustic guitar players?

A dreadnought guitar is considered the best choice for acoustic guitar players due to its versatility, sound projection, and overall balance. The larger body size and shape of a dreadnought guitar allow for a fuller and richer sound compared to smaller acoustic guitars. This is especially beneficial for players who perform in larger venues or with a group of musicians as the dreadnought's sound can easily cut through the mix.

Additionally, the dreadnought's design allows for a balanced tone, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres from folk to rock. The guitar's strong low-end also makes it a popular choice for players who enjoy fingerpicking or strumming with a pick.

Overall, the dreadnought guitar's combination of sound projection, balanced tone, and versatility make it a great choice for any acoustic guitar player looking for a reliable and high-quality instrument.