Strum-Worthy: Top Acoustic Guitar Brands That Hit All the Right Notes

In the world of music, choosing the right acoustic guitar can significantly influence your journey as a musician. With a myriad of brands available, selecting the best one can be overwhelming, yet exciting in its possibilities. From timeless industry leaders to innovative newcomers, each brand offers unique qualities that cater to a variety of tastes and skill levels. Below, we invite you to explore a curated list of the top acoustic guitar brands that have consistently proven their craftsmanship and sound excellence.

Illustration of acoustic guitar

Best brands of acoustic guitar in 2025

Martin

C.F. Martin & Company, established in 1833, is a highly respected American guitar manufacturer, renowned for its acoustic guitars and credited as a leading manufacturer of flat-top guitars and the creator of the dreadnought body shape, holding an estimated 9.3% of the US acoustic and electric guitar market share and with approximately 193 guitars produced daily in their factories; the company’s instruments are played by many famous musicians, with the D-28 model being one of the most iconic and sought-after guitars in the world. The company is also known for its innovation, such as the X-bracing and the more recent SC series.

Taylor

Taylor Guitars, co-founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug in 1974, has grown into one of the world's leading acoustic guitar manufacturers, known for innovation and quality, currently holding approximately 40% of the acoustic guitar market share, with annual sales around $150 million and producing roughly 175,000 guitars per year. They are praised for a more modern, crisp, and balanced sound compared to traditional brands, and have placed over two million guitars in the hands of musicians, including Taylor Swift. You can explore their diverse range of models at Taylor Guitars' official website.

Gibson

Gibson, established in 1894, is a renowned manufacturer of acoustic guitars, known for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, holding a significant 34% market share in the USA in 2023. Their models like the J-45, Hummingbird, and SJ-200 have become iconic in music history; Gibson has been at the forefront of guitar design for over a century, introducing archtop guitars and popularizing flat-top designs in the 1920s and 30s. The brand continues to produce instruments that are favored by musicians worldwide.

Yamaha

Yamaha, established as a leading musical instrument manufacturer, holds approximately 7% of the global guitar market share, and has been crafting high-quality acoustic guitars since the 1960s, offering a wide range of models like the popular FG800 and F310, that are suitable for beginners and professionals alike. With a proven track record of combining traditional craftsmanship and innovative technologies, Yamaha produces instruments with exceptional sound and playability. For more information on their guitars, visit their official website.

Fender

Fender, a prominent brand in the music industry since its establishment in 1946, is known for its diverse range of acoustic guitars, offering various series like the California, Classic Design, and Paramount, catering to different player preferences; while they hold a significant 30% market share in the US guitar market, and around 25% globally, and are the biggest manufacturer producing approximately half a million guitars yearly, they began producing acoustic guitars commercially in 1963, almost 13 years after their electric guitar production, and provide options from traditional dreadnoughts to electro-acoustic models, with many featuring pickups for live performances, and despite not being the top brand for acoustic guitars, Fender remains a popular choice among players of all levels.

Takamine

Takamine, established in 1959 at the foot of Mount Takamine in Japan, is a globally recognized brand known for its high-quality steel-string acoustic guitars. They pioneered acoustic-electric models in 1978 with innovative preamplifier designs, expanding to a 60-employee operation by the late 1960s. Becoming a leading brand with a dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, the brand's Limited Edition guitars, first released in 1987, are still produced in Japan. You can explore their products further.

Seagull

Seagull, a Canadian sub-brand of Godin Guitars, was founded in 1982 by Robert Godin in the village of La Patrie, Quebec, and is known for producing high-quality acoustic guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles using sustainably sourced Canadian wood, with a goal to make hand-crafted guitar features accessible to working musicians. They are recognized for their innovative designs, such as the compound-curve top for improved sound and structural integrity, and many models feature a solid top and a unique headstock design for better tuning stability, all while maintaining reasonable prices; the brand is well-regarded among both beginners and professionals alike. Seagull guitars are made entirely in Canada, and with over 40 years of experience, continue to be a popular choice for musicians worldwide. For more information, visit Seagull Guitars.

Breedlove

Breedlove, established in 1990 by luthiers Larry Breedlove and Steve Henderson, is a renowned American acoustic instrument company based in Bend, Oregon, that is known for their innovative designs and use of sustainable tonewoods, producing high-quality guitars with a unique voice. They incorporate modern techniques such as graduated tops and bridge trusses and offer a variety of models, including the popular Oregon series with its locally sourced Myrtlewood, making them a great investment for musicians seeking artisan craftsmanship and superior sound. You can explore their catalog further at Breedlove Music.

Guild

Guild, established in 1952, is a celebrated American guitar manufacturer, renowned for its high-quality acoustic guitars, favored by legendary musicians like Eric Clapton and Richie Havens, with a history rooted in exceptional craftsmanship and a diverse range of models that appeal to both beginners and professionals; while facing some ownership changes over the years, they maintain a reputation for producing reliable and expressive instruments. Although the brand's market share is not specified, it is considered a quality alternative to Gibson and Fender, offering both US-made and import models. Guild currently operates under the Cordoba Music Group, recently acquired by Yamaha.

Epiphone

Epiphone, established in 1873, began producing acoustic guitars in 1928, quickly becoming a significant rival to Gibson, and while it currently holds a 4% market share, its instruments are still celebrated for their quality and affordability, offering a diverse range from beginner-friendly models to licensed Gibson classics. With the Epiphone DR-100 acoustic being a popular choice for beginners, the brand continues to innovate and provide reliable instruments for all levels of players. For more information about their offerings, visit their official website.