Who makes the best acoustic guitars in the world? The answer to that question is, of course, subjective. But by looking at overall instrument quality, brand reputation, and popularity, it's possible to at least come up with a list of the best acoustic guitar brands. 

I've included a range of brands--some are known for making some of the world's best sounding guitars, and others are known for making affordable guitars that punch well above their weight in terms of tone, build quality, and playability. The brands on the list aren't in any particular order, as there's no single brand that outshines them all.

The Top 10 Acoustic Guitar Brands

#1. Taylor--Nuanced, Modern Sound

Taylor makes just about every type of acoustic guitar you could ask for--from affordable, durable workhorses to ornately-inlaid limited editions, you can find something to suit most budgets and playing styles. They're also very pleasant to listen to. To my ear, Taylor guitars have a light, almost airy sound that suits modern singer-songwriters especially well.

One thing that really sets Taylor guitars apart is their Expression System pickups on acoustic-electric models. This pickup system sits behind the saddle (rather than under it). Because the pickup isn't compressed like a typical under-saddle pickup, the sound ends up being much more natural.

Taylor also has pioneered a new bracing style, which many believe is a step up from traditional X bracing. Taylor's V-class bracing is designed to let the soundboard vibrate more freely, resulting in improved sound and sustain. This video offers a demo of some of V-class Taylor guitars.

The Best Picks: If you're looking for a beautifully made, all-solid wood guitar, Taylor's 300 Series is the way to go. Many of these guitars feature V-class bracing and quality appointments. Most are made with either spruce/sapele or mahogany/blackwood, which is a unique departure from more typical tonewood configurations. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line, collector-quality guitar, Presentation models are the way to go.

#2. Martin--Classic Tone, Classic Style

Martin is the manufacturer responsible for introducing the dreadnought body shape, X bracing, and other key innovations to the world of acoustic guitars. Their amazingly responsive dreadnoughts are often used as bluegrass instruments, and they sound great when being played fingerstyle, too. However, their rich tone lends itself well to just about any musical style.

The best-known Martin guitar is probably the D-28. This all solid spruce and rosewood dreadnought has both deep bass response and the sparkling nuances of rosewood. From the body shape to the tonewood configuration, it's what a lot of people would consider the classic acoustic guitar.

Martin is a brand steeped in history, but their guitars aren't without modern touches--acoustic-electric models have sophisticated electronics (usually by Fishman), and the brand has a connection to pop superstar Ed Sheeran. Because Sheeran often played Little Martins onstage, he collaborated with Martin to produce his own signature Little Martins. You can see one of these guitars and listen to it in this video.

The Best Picks: If you want classic Martin sound, the D-28 is a great go-to model. But if you want quality and playability without breaking the bank, I think that the Road Series is a good choice. These guitars are durable, playable, and made with quality electronics. They're great if you need a reliable gigging guitar but don't want to spend a huge amount.

#3. Guild--For Those Looking For A Player's Guitar

Guild has been making quality guitars since the 1950s, and their tagline is "Made to Be Played." And while this brand doesn't have quite the popularity of Gibson or Fender, it's the choice of many professionals. Notably, legendary musician Doyle Dykes plays Guild guitars and has his own signature model, a stunning grand orchestra guitar.

Guild guitars are frequently described as having their own unique sound. To me, they have a brilliant sort of clarity about them, with punchy and natural-sounding bass. This demo of a Guild D-55 might give you an idea of what I mean.

Guild is a company that has been bought out several times, and its tumultuous history may explain why it isn't as well known as Martin or Taylor. The company also focused on electric archtop guitars during the 1950s and 1960s. As archtops fell out of favor, Guild began moving back to manufacturing acoustics. The company's focus on excellent build quality and top-notch materials means that their guitars are a true joy to play.

The Best Picks: Guild doesn't really build budget guitars, so you can't go wrong with any of their models. However, if you're looking for a quality series, the Guild Acoustic Design (GAD) series offers all-solid guitars made with a special focus on craftsmanship. These guitars come in dreadnought, concert, classical, jumbo, and orchestra models. All have satin-finished, tapered necks for excellent playability. Of these, the all-mahogany D-125 is my favorite--it has all the classic depth of a dreadnought with mahogany's added warmth.

#4. Gibson--For Players Who Want A Piece Of History

Even non-guitar players have likely heard of Gibson--it's a brand name seen on stages and in studios around the world. This brand has been making quality guitars for over 100 years. Both their acoustic-guitars and their electric guitars are widely used by professional musicians.

Most Gibson acoustic-guitars are made of all solid wood, and acoustic-electric models typically have L.R. Baggs pickup systems, which gives them a warm, natural-sounding amplified tone. And even though Gibson is a large company, their acoustics are all made by hand at their factory in Montana (you can read more about the process and see some cool factory pictures here). If you've ever compared a cheap, mass-produced guitar to a high-end, handmade one, the difference is significant.

The Best Picks: When it comes to choosing a series of Gibson guitars, I think you can't go wrong with the Original Acoustic collection. Many of these are models that were originally made decades ago, but they remain player and collector favorites today. Of this line, the J-45 Gibson acoustic is my favorite (and it's a guitar I hope to own someday). This historic slope-shouldered dreadnought was used by early folk and blues players, and plenty of modern performers still choose it. You can watch a head-to-head demo of the iconic Hummingbird and J-45 Gibson guitars (both members of this collection) below.

#5. Yamaha--The Best Value Guitars

You probably weren't expecting to see Yamaha on a list of top acoustic guitar brands. However, this is a brand that's been praised for consistent quality and fair (sometimes even budget) prices giving best value for money. Most big manufacturers have a budget line of guitars, but often, you end up paying more for the brand association than you do for the quality of the guitar. And if you ever played a poorly-made acoustic while learning, you know just how frustrating it can be.

However, while Yamaha guitars are mostly known for value, a number of influential players have performed with Yamaha instruments, especially in the 1970s. They include Carlos Santana, John Denver, John Lennon, and Bob Dylan.

Today, it's unusual to see professionals playing Yamaha acoustics, but their guitars remain an excellent choice for those looking for quality construction at a low price. You also can find some surprisingly high-end Yamaha acoustics at most major music stores. This brand makes guitars ranging from professional-quality instruments to very inexpensive, all-laminate beginner models.

The Best Picks: When it comes to the best Yamaha series, I think the A Series wins. Every guitar model in this series is made for performance, comfortable to play, all solid wood and has Yamaha's Studio Response Technology (SRT) pickup systems. However, if you want something more affordable, the best-selling FG Series is a great choice. You can hear the FG800 in action here.

#6. Takamine--Reliable Guitars For The Stage

Like Yamaha, Takamine is another Japanese guitar manufacturer. And while Takamine guitars are certainly well-crafted, they rose to prominence largely because of their sophisticated amplification technology. If you've ever played (or heard) and acoustic-electric guitar amplified with a cheap pickup, you know just how much it can ruin a performance.

Takamine pioneered the bridge-mounted acoustic pickup in an age where many musicians who performed with acoustic-guitars had to stand in front of a microphone.

Despite being one of the early makers of the acoustic-electric guitar, Takamine has kept its instruments relatively affordable. In another similarity to Yamaha, you can find great-quality Takamine guitars for surprisingly low prices. Most of their guitars also use quartersawn bracing, which often increases sustain and tonal quality because its grain is less distinctive and it also ages evenly.

The Best Picks: If you're looking for a quality Takamine instrument at a generally accessible price, the G Series is an excellent choice. These guitars are more affordable than higher-end Takamines, but they offer quality appointments and solid tops. In particular, the G30 division of the G Series sounds great and won't break the bank--you can see it in action here.

#7. Seagull--A New Player On The Value-Brand Field

When I say Seagull is a new player in the game, I should clarify that it's been long enough to show that their guitars are decently high quality. But compared to most brands on this list, Seagull is much younger--it was started in 1982 in Canada.

The company is a division of Godin guitars, but Seagull instruments are generally much more affordable. While most have laminated backs and sides, these laminates are often made of layers of hardwood (as opposed to the very cheap, plywood-style laminate used in most instruments). However, just about every Seagull guitar has a top made of solid wood, and Seagull isn't afraid to venture from your typical spruce top--many of their instruments have pressure-tested cedar soundboards, which give their guitars a distinctive, warm sound.

The Best Picks: When it comes to choosing a series, my recommendation would be the Artist Series. These guitars are crafted from hand-selected woods by master luthiers, and they have the build quality and look of guitars twice their price. The Artist Mosaic Concert Hall CW is an especially beautiful selection. That said, if you need something more affordable, the Seagull S6 is a very affordable solid-top guitar with wild cherry back and sides, that sounds like it's worth much more.

#8. Larrivee--Quality Boutique-Brand Guitars

Another Canadian brand, Larrivee also makes high-quality guitars. They aren't as affordable as Seagull guitars, but it's for good reason--all of their guitars are made of all solid wood. They also select top-notch and exotic tonewoods, making each instrument a work of art.

When it comes to tonal quality, these guitars are suitable for a variety of genres. This is because they have a very balanced tone. They're also very playable--Larrivee guitars have slim, fast-playing necks and low action, and their expertly-braced soundboards are very responsive.

Generally speaking, Larrivee guitars have an understated look about them--most have a satin finish and modest appointments. But the beauty is in the subtlety--the tonewoods are selected for tonal qualities and aesthetics, and everything from the cutting of the nut to the fret dressing is pristine. If you have the cash, one of these guitars is a great investment--like any well-made guitar, the sound will open up and improve over time.

The Best Picks: If you're looking for a playable instrument with some beautiful aesthetic touches, the Artist Series is a great pick. These guitars are made with the classic tonewood configuration of Sitka spruce and rosewood, and each has unique maple trim and a shimmering abalone rosette. These guitars come in a variety of body styles, and some are equipped with cutaways for easier fret access. The LV-09 is an especially exquisite guitar in this collection--this video lets you hear it and get a great look at it, too.

#9. Breedlove--Warm-Sounding Guitars for a Fair Price

Breedlove is a company that isn't quite as well known as some of the larger brands on the list, but these guitars are nonetheless an excellent value for the money. They have won several industry awards despite the fact that they only started making guitars in 1990. Their higher-end instruments are made in Oregon, but they also offer budget-line instruments made overseas.

Breedlove has set itself apart as a manufacturer that isn't afraid of innovation. With pinless bridges, unique truss systems that increase sustain, and other distinctive design features, these guitars are ideal for players who want to break the mold.

The Best Picks: If you want a truly unique and beautiful instrument, Breedlove's Oregon Myrtlewood Series offers guitars made with a wood that's native to Oregon. Breedlove claims that this wood has a combination of the tonal qualities of maple, mahogany, and rosewood, and it has a complex grain pattern that makes it stand out. If you want to see this wood and hear how it sounds, this video shows you the Oregon Concert CE from the series.

#10. Fender--Reliable Starter and Intermediate Guitars

Fender is the world's largest guitar manufacturer. But despite that status, their acoustic-guitars don't have nearly the acclaim that their electric guitars do. That isn't to say that Fender acoustics are necessarily bad--in fact, if you're someone who likes unique guitar designs, you might appreciate the Acoustasonic series, which includes acoustic versions of the Telecaster and Stratocaster. These guitars have the fast-playing neck of an electric guitar, making them a good choice for those who typically play electric.

Still, Fender manufactures decent acoustic-guitars, especially for beginners and intermediate players. Among them is the CD-60, an affordable dreadnought that sounds surprisingly good for the price. (This video offers a brief sound demo if you want to hear for yourself.) Many of their beginner guitars are made of all laminated wood in order to keep costs down, and this might be one of the things contributing to the somewhat mixed reputation of Fender acoustics. For those looking for a higher-quality instrument, it's a good idea to look at some of the brand's higher-end models with solid tops.

The Best Picks: When it comes to choosing a Fender acoustic guitar series, the Paramount Series is a well-made, vintage-inspired lineup of acoustic-electric guitars. Each of these guitars has a specially-designed pickup that's meant to work with its individual voice. This video shows off the PM-3, a beautifully-finished and great guitar from the series.

Other Notable Acoustic Guitar Brands

Your preference matters a lot when it comes to choosing a brand. The above list covers my top picks, but those are far from the only best acoustic guitar brands worth considering. In this section, I'll also cover some other guitar brands like Ovation, Washburn, Blueridge, Ibanez, to name a few, that are worth a look. Again, they are in no particular order.

#11. Ovation--Unique Look, Unique Sound

Ovation is an unusual guitar manufacturer--its founder was initially a successful maker of helicopters. You might think that helicopters and guitars don't have a whole lot in common, but Ovation's unique roundback design incorporates the same composite materials used in building aircraft. To the traditionalist, a high-end guitar made of something other than premium tonewoods might seem like sacrilege, but even early Ovation models were praised for their full, rich tone. The composite design also has the advantage of strength and durability--it resists breaking, cracks, and warping, and it's also uniquely resistant to changes in humidity.

Today, Ovation guitars are used and loved by casual players and professionals alike--Melissa Etheridge, Glen Campbell, and Al DeMiola are a few who have chosen these remarkable instruments.

The Best Picks: If you're looking for excellent sound quality and are up for playing an acoustic guitar with an unusual design, we think the Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus is a great model. It's relatively affordable, but its nuanced sound and easy to play neck that makes it play like an electric-guitar makes it a great choice for players of all abilities. If you want to hear it in action, this demo gives you a sense of what it can do.

#12. Washburn--Classic Design, Modern Affordability

When looking for an acoustic guitar that offers both great sound and great value for money spent, Washburn is an excellent brand to turn to. They're known best for their mandolins, but players of all abilities choose their acoustic and electric guitar offerings. Washburn is also one of the best lesser-known manufacturers of guitars for beginners. Many of their affordable acoustic-guitars, like the HG12S, have a superior build quality to beginner guitars from more prominent brands. For instance, the beautifully-finished HG12S comes with a solid mahogany top and a laminated mahogany body, and it costs less than $300.

Washburn also has many higher-end acoustic guitars, many of which are designed in the style of older instruments. If you're working within a limited price range but still want great sound quality, this brand is worth a look. And if you want a good acoustic guitar with a truly distinct aesthetic, Washburn also offers instruments finished in non-traditional colors.

The Best Picks: Washburn's Heritage Series guitars have solid Sitka spruce or cedar top and NuBone nuts and saddles. Like most of the company's acoustic guitars, Heritage Series instruments offer impressive sound at an affordable price. The video below gives you a sense of the sound quality from one of Washburn's Heritage Series instruments.

#13. Epiphone--For Gibson Fans On A Budget

While Epiphone started out as a distinct company, it was acquired by Gibson many years ago in 1957. It is now known as Gibson's budget brand. Despite this, plenty of acclaimed players prefer Epiphone instruments. And with Epiphone's expanding offerings, many guitarists are now realizing that an Epiphone acoustic can be a good guitar in its own right.

For example, Epiphone's Masterbilt Collection offers some of the best acoustic guitars for the money. Many of these instruments are more affordable versions of Gibson's classic models. With many of these models, you can get a guitar with a solid spruce top and solid back and sides for well under $1000. Of course, Epiphone is also well known for producing affordable starter instruments, and many of their dreadnought acoustic beginner guitars come in packages with everything a new guitarist needs to start.

The Best Picks: As I mentioned earlier, the Masterbilt Collection is great to check out, but when that collection was last updated, it only included a handful of models. Another of the company's best acoustic guitar offerings is the Hummingbird Pro, and affordable version of the legendary Gibson Hummingbird. The Hummingbird Pro has a solid top and laminated back and sides, but its sound quality is remarkable--you can listen to it here.

#14. Blueridge--A Modern Take on History

If you're one of the players who believes the best acoustic instruments come from smaller boutique brands, you won't be disappointed by Blueridge. This is a relatively new brand that has been manufacturing acoustic guitars for over 35 years. While this company isn't a division of Martin, many of their musical instruments are very similar to the specifications of pre-war Martin guitars, and some players go far enough to say that these instruments are effectively Martin copies.

That said, Blueridge is a reputable manufacturer in its own right, and many of their acoustic models are made with both solid tops and solid back and sides. Blueridge offers both a Historic Series and a Contemporary Series. Whether you want an old-style dreadnought shape or an acoustic guitar with a modern sound, Blueridge is one of the best brands for those seeking excellent quality at an excellent price.

The Best Picks: I think the Historic Series is especially notable, and the BR-160 is an outstanding choice. This guitar is made of all solid wood and has a Sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides for classic acoustic sound. The BR-160 has a sound that's close to what you get from a high-end Martin, making it suitable for fingerpicking and flatpicking alike. This video demo lets you see and hear it for yourself.

#15. Jasmine--Takamine Engineering for a Great Price

Like its parent company Takamine, Jasmine is a reputable maker of both grand auditorium and dreadnought acoustic instruments. And while some Takamine models are still relatively affordable, a higher-end Takamine has the potential to cost a few thousand dollars. That's where Jasmine comes in--you still get the same excellent design for a significantly lower price.

Jasmine is an especially good brand to find a good quality beginner guitar. Many major brands offer starter acoustic guitar packages where the instrument is made entirely of laminate. However, the Jasmine JD-37 is a dreadnought shape acoustic with a solid spruce top, and you can find it for under $200.

Takamine's tagline is "the hardest working guitars," and based on buyer reviews, the same could apply to their Jasmine line. However, unlike Epiphone and some other budget brands, Jasmine doesn't really have what could be considered high-end acoustic models. If you need something all-solid, Takamine is probably a better choice. But if you're looking for a reliable acoustic in a lower-end price range, this is a great brand to check out.

The Best Picks: If you want an affordable acoustic that offers the comfort and projection of an orchestra-style body, the Jasmine S34C is worth checking out. I was blown away by the video demo below, and when I looked up the guitar's price, I had to double-check it because it was so low.

#16. Ibanez--For the Player Who Appreciates Unique Design

Ibanez is fairly well known for its electric instruments, but some players prefer their unique, flashy, and affordable acoustic offerings. In the 1970s and 1980s, Ibanez acoustics helped earn the company a reputation for making quality acoustic guitars. However, in more recent years, most players seem to think that quality has declined.

This does not mean that you should avoid Ibanez altogether, though--while the sound quality of an Ibanez acoustic isn't likely to stand up to some of the other brands on the list, Ibanez is one of the best when it comes to incorporating unique finishes and unusual tonewoods. Many of their acoustic offerings feature flame maple or quilted maple tops finished in colorful translucent bursts, and for those who prefer unusual tonewoods, the Artwood series offers a modern twist on classic acoustic designs. The only main issue with many Ibanez guitars is that many are made entirely of laminate--most designs seem to put more emphasis on looks than they do sound.

The Best Picks: If I were recommending guitars based on finish alone, I think many of Ibanez's acoustic-electric guitar offerings are worth a look. However, most players think the best guitar acoustic offering needs to have a decent unplugged sound. I recommend the AW54JR, a member of the Artwood series. This smaller guitar comes with a dreadnought body that has a gorgeous open-pore natural solid mahogany top, and its sound is beautifully balanced. You can listen to it here.

#17. Alvarez--Quality Guitars for Affordable Prices

For many, the best guitars acoustic offerings are those that offer impressive quality for a decently low price. And as you likely already know, when you're shopping for an acoustic guitar on a budget, it's best to make sure you find one with a solid top. The good news is that, with Alvarez, even most of their affordable models feature a solid Sitka spruce top for responsive sound and great sustain.

If you're like many acoustic players, you might want one that's made with all-solid wood. Alvarez offers a Masterworks series with models in a variety of acoustic guitar body styles. While all of these instruments are made entirely of solid wood, they are all remarkably affordable, putting them in reach of many players.

The Best Picks: I don't think you can really go wrong with any Alvarez, as even their cheaper instruments have remarkably decent sound. That said, I think the Masterworks series is excellent, and the MF60 OM, an orchestra-body folk acoustic guitar, has a highly playable neck and great all-solid construction. This video demo lets you hear it for yourself.

#18. Collings--Handmade Guitars From Texas

Plenty of acoustic guitar players prefer instruments that are carefully made in the United States. US-made instruments often have superior sound and build quality thanks to rigorous quality control, and Collings Guitars are made in Texas.

The Collings brand is one that grew from the ground up--founder Bill Collings started out building guitars on his kitchen table years ago int he 1970s. Soon, his guitars were a favorite among Texas performers, and the brand grew from there.

These guitars are higher-end than many brands on the list, so a Collings may not be right for you if you're a beginner. However, if you want a distinctively-voiced guitar that will sound great for years to come, this brand is worth a look.

The Best Picks: Collings guitars are among the highest-quality instruments on the list, but I especially like their Traditional series. These guitars are made of carefully-selected woods and hand-built for a vintage-inspired sound. In this series, I think the D2H T is a standout. It looks like a classic dreadnought (with the addition of subtle diamond-shaped inlays), and it has a balanced and articulate sound. This video lets you hear it for yourself.

#19. Cordoba--Tradition And Innovation

If you primarily play classical acoustic guitar, chances are good that you've heard of Cordoba. This company is committed to manufacturing quality nylon-string guitars, although even a quick visit to their website tells you that Cordoba has impressive range.

While Cordoba guitars have designed in the tradition of Spanish classical guitars, they have something for just about any player. Whether you want an instrument that's uniquely optimized for flamenco, are searching for a nylon string with a slim neck for easy playability, or just want a 1/4 size travel guitar, chances are good that Cordoba has something for you. This is a brand that also reaches players at any price range--Cordoba offers everything from high-level, all-solid classical guitars to affordable, small-scale guitars for kids just starting out.

The Best Picks: One of the most interesting things about Cordoba is the company's ability to fuse traditional and modern design into a truly unique instrument. I think the C4-CE is a perfect example of that. This guitar has classic nylon-string sound, but the mahogany top, slim and playable neck, cutaway, and Fishman electronics make it an excellent guitar even for those who don't specialize in classical music. You can hear and see C4-CE here, and this additional demo below lets you hear the guitar through a pedal board.

#20. Gretsch--Rockabilly and Beyond

Lots of musicians associate the Gretsch brand with rockabilly, but this brand is used for a wide range of genres from pop to emo to country to punk. Gretsch acoustic guitars may not be quite as popular as their electric models, but they have a distinctive look and big sound that makes them similarly versatile.

One thing you'll probably notice right away is the fact that Gretsch acoustics have a unique triangle-shaped soundhole. Like Ibanez acoustics, Gretsch acoustics are also known for their very unique aesthetics. They often come in unusual solid colors with contrasting pickguard. For instance, the popular Rancher Falcon comes in bright white with a sparkling gold pickguard and gold binding.

Gretsch acoustics have a distinctive tone that isn't right for everyone--some people love their tone, but others say that it sounds "thinner" than the sound of some other acoustics. It's a good idea to listen to a demo of a Gretsch acoustic (or really, of any acoustic guitar you're considering) before you make a purchase.

The Best Picks: As someone who's partial to unusual guitars, I think the G5034TFT Rancher is a great choice--it's an acoustic that comes with a humbucker pickup and a Bigsby tremolo (check out a demo below).

That design obviously isn't right for everyone, but I also think the G5013CE Rancher Jr. is a nice option--it's acoustic-electric and a little smaller than standard Rancher acoustics, making it more versatile. You can hear that one in action here.

#21. Godin--Canadian Quality for Players Across the World

You may already know Godin as the parent company of Seagull, but this manufacturer makes quality acoustic guitars ideal for those who want a unique, great-playing instrument for less than many major manufacturers charge.

Godin is also a company that has been able to successfully produce guitars for all musical styles--they offer electric and acoustic guitars for players of every budget. They also have resisted pressure to save money by producing their guitars overseas--their acoustics are made in Canada from locally-sourced woods.

Since Godin makes instruments for just about every price point, they also offer a range of acoustic-electric models. Midrange acoustic-electrics usually have Godin's own QIT pickup system, while their high-end models often use the innovative Anthem system from L.R. Baggs. Even if you're on a budget, this brand is worth considering, as their guitars for every price point offer incredible value.

The Best Picks: The Godin Acoustic Series is a great place to look when you want a top-notch, all-solid guitar. In particular, I think the Imperial Laguna Blue GT EQ is excellent. This guitar has a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, and it comes with the incredibly natural-sounding L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup systems. The top is finished in beautiful and distinctive light blue, making this instrument a great conversation piece, too. This video demo lets you hear it for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you enjoyed reading through this list. If you're wondering who makes the best acoustic guitars, the descriptions I've included will help you determine which guitar brand suits your style of music. Whether you're in search of a fast-playing bluegrass guitar or something to play pop songs on, one of these brands offers it. Did I forget any top guitar brand? Add your thoughts in the comments section, and please share this article if you liked it!