The best acoustic guitar brands offer a blend of high-quality construction, consistent sound quality, innovative design features, and a reputation for delivering top-rated acoustic guitars over the years.
The brand’s quality of craftsmanship, choice of tonewoods, and usage of innovative design elements play a big role in the sound and tone of their acoustic guitars. These aspects also determine the durability, comfort, and versatility of the guitars that the brand makes.
This article explores 11 of the best acoustic guitar brands and companies in 2024, ranging from iconic makers like C.F. Martin, known for their warm, full-bodied tone and traditional craftsmanship, to innovative companies like Taylor Guitars, celebrated for their bright, articulate sound and groundbreaking V-Class bracing system.
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This list of the best acoustic guitar brands includes recommendations of acoustic guitar manufacturers for both beginners and professional players. The list features brands that manufacture dependable and affordable instruments like the Yamaha FG830. The article also includes recommendations of acoustic guitar makers for seasoned professionals looking for a handcrafted masterpiece like the Collings OM1.
The 11 recommended acoustic guitar brands are ranked in the list below.
- C. F. Martin
- Collings Guitars
- Yamaha
- Larivee
- Seagull
- Taylor Guitars
- Guild
- Gibson
- Eastman
- Alvarez
- Santa Cruz Guitar Company
1. C. F. Martin
Description: C. F. Martin is an acoustic guitar brand founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin. Martin’s headquarters is in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where the company has remained since its start. Most of Martin’s acoustic guitars like the Martin D28 and Martin D18, are manufactured at Martin’s main factory in Nazareth. However, a secondary facility in Navojoa, Mexico, produces some of the more affordable model series like the Martin Road Series and Martin X-Series. Martin’s guitars cost from approximately $500 for entry-level models to over $10,000 for custom shop and limited edition instruments.
Reputation: Martin is one of the most influential acoustic guitar brands globally due to their innovations in acoustic guitar design, such as the iconic Dreadnought body shape, which has become a standard in the industry. C. F. Martin brand is also known for their high-quality craftsmanship and numerous legendary artists that have played their guitars over the years. Some of the famous artists that played Martin guitars are listed below.
- Hank Williams
- Elvis Presley
- Bob Dylan
- John Lennon
- Neil Young
Sound and tone: Martin guitars are known for their warm, full-bodied tone with strong bass response and balanced midrange. This signature Martin sound is also characterized by a clear, articulate, and powerful projection, making Martin guitars well-suited for a variety of genres, including folk, country, rock, and singer-songwriter styles.
Construction and design: Martin’s luthiers often utilize solid tonewoods, including Sitka spruce tops and Indian rosewood or mahogany back and sides, along with scalloped X-bracing, to craft the acoustic guitars. Aside from introducing dreadnought design in 1916, C. F. Martin also pioneered the X-bracing system in 1843. The X-bracing system has since become an industry standard that is often used to construct steel-string acoustic guitars. The Martin company also developed the 14-fret neck joint in 1929 to allow easier access to the upper frets.
C. F. Martin Pros: Durable, long-lasting instruments due to exceptional build quality, versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical genres, longstanding reputation as one of the most respected acoustic guitar brands, diverse model lineup, and price points to accommodate players of all skill levels
C. F. Martin Cons: More expensive when compared to other acoustic guitar brands, some players may find the tone too traditional and lacking in modern features
Recommendation for C.F. Martin
Martin guitars are generally recommended for intermediate to professional-level players who appreciate high-quality, versatile acoustic instruments. The Martin D-28, for example, is considered one of Martin’s flagship models and a great choice for experienced guitarists seeking a classic, full-bodied tone.
2. Collings Guitars
Description: Collings Guitars is an Austin, Texas-based stringed instrument manufacturer founded in 1973 by master luthier Bill Collings. In addition to acoustic guitars, Collings produces electric guitars, archtop guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles. Collings guitars are known for their high-end, custom-made instruments with prices ranging from around $3,000 to $10,000 for their acoustic models.
Reputation: Collings Guitars has a legendary reputation in the guitar industry for exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and meticulous construction. The Collings guitars are played and endorsed by many world-famous musicians, some of which are listed below.
- Joni Mitchell
- Paul Simon
- Brian May
- Sam Baker
Sound and Tone: Collings acoustic guitars are known for their rich, balanced, and articulate tone with exceptional clarity, projection, and dynamic range. The brand’s instruments are versatile and well-suited for a wide range of musical genres, from fingerstyle and folk to country and rock. Collings’ signature sound is vintage-inspired with modern refinement, blending traditional tonewoods and construction techniques with innovative design elements.
Construction and Design: Collings Guitars are handcrafted by skilled luthiers using premium tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail. The Collings makers are known for their innovative approaches to guitar design, including the incorporation of CNC technology to improve consistency and accuracy in production. Collings also offers a range of custom options for their instruments, allowing players to tailor tonewoods, finishes, inlays, and other features to their individual preferences.
Collings Pros: Exceptional build quality and craftsmanship, versatile and tonally rich acoustic guitars, innovative design and construction techniques, highly regarded and endorsed by professional and amateur musicians
Collings Cons: High price point, limited availability due to high demand and small production capacity
Recommendation for Collings
Collings acoustic guitars are well-suited for experienced, professional-level players and discerning enthusiasts who appreciate exceptional quality and tone. A recommended model by Collings for professional players is the Collings OM1. OM1 is a versatile and highly acclaimed 000-style acoustic guitar known for its balanced, articulate sound and impeccable craftsmanship.
3. Yamaha
Description: Yamaha is a Japanese musical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer, that was founded in 1887 and introduced their acoustic guitar models in the 1960s. Yamaha began making classical guitars in 1941. However, their acoustic models FG-150 and FG-180, which were the early models of the FG series, were first introduced in the 1960s. Yamaha manufactures guitars in Japan, China, and Indonesia, offering affordable acoustic guitars with a price tag starting at around $200 for their budget models.
Reputation: Yamaha is one of the biggest and most respected musical instrument manufacturers in the world. Yamaha is well-known for its FG series of acoustic guitars, which are celebrated for their quality, durability, and dependability. The famous musicians who have played Yamaha acoustic guitars over the years are listed below.
- Bob Dylan
- James Taylor
- Bob Marley
- Paul Simon
- John Denver
Sound and Tone: Yamaha acoustic guitars are known for their bright, clear, and articulate tone. The signature sound of Yamaha acoustics is warm, rich, and responsive. Yamaha guitars are versatile and suitable for a wide range of musical genres, including folk, rock, country, and pop.
Construction and Design: Yamaha guitars often feature solid wood tops, scalloped bracing, and ergonomic neck designs to enhance playability and tone. Key innovations from Yamaha include the TransAcoustic technology, which uses an actuator installed on the inner surface of the guitar’s back to create reverb, chorus, and delay effects without the need for electronics or external equipment.
Yamaha Pros: Consistent quality and reliability, a wide range of models and price points, innovative design features and technologies, respected reputation, and brand recognition.
Yamaha Cons: The quality of the entry-level models varies, lower resale value when compared to other brands.
Recommendation for Yamaha
Yamaha acoustic guitars are particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate players because of their dependable low-cost and mid-range acoustic guitar options. A good starter model for beginners is the Yamaha FG830, which offers excellent value and quality for the price. More experienced players may want to consider the Yamaha FG5, which features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides.
4. Larrivée
Description: Larrivée is a Canadian guitar company founded in 1967 by luthier Jean Larrivée. Larrivée guitars were originally made in Canada, but since 2013, Larrivée has produced guitars exclusively at the Oxnard, California facility. Larrivée is known for producing high-quality, all-solid wood acoustic guitars. Larrivée guitars offer great value for the money and their price range typically starts around $1,000 and can exceed $3,000 for their top-of-the-line models.
Reputation: Larrivée has a reputation for building some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield performed “Space Oddity” on a Larrivée parlor guitar while in orbit on the International Space Station. Famous musicians who have performed with Larrivée guitars are listed below.
- Bruce Cockburn
- Brad Paisley
- Dierks Bentley
- Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Sound and Tone: Larrivée guitars are known for their full, warm, and clear sound with strong low-end, clear mids, and sparkling highs. Larrivée guitars are versatile and are suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from folk to rock and country.
Construction and Design: Larrivée guitars are constructed using high-quality, all-solid wood materials, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. The company is known for its innovative bracing systems, such as the scalloped hybrid bracing used in their “40 series” guitars. Larrivée contributed to the development of acoustic guitar design by introducing the first made-in-North America, all-solid wood, high-end guitar for under $800 in 1997.
Larrivée Pros:* Exceptional build quality and attention to detail, warm tone with clear mids, versatile and suitable for a wide range of musical styles
Larrivée Cons: Limited availability outside of the North American market when compared to bigger brands.
Recommendation for Larrivée
Larrivée guitars are well-suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate high-quality, all-solid wood construction and exceptional tone. A great option for this level of player would be the Larrivee L-03. L-03 combines exceptional build quality with a manageable price point and versatile tone that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres.
5. Seagull
Description: Seagull is a Canadian guitar brand and a sub-division of Godin Guitars. Robert Godin founded Seagull in 1982. Seagull manufactures acoustic guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles entirely in Canada using sustainably sourced wood. Seagull guitars are handmade in Canada in a small village of LaPatrie near Quebec. Seagull guitars are priced in the mid-range, with models like the S6 Original starting around $699 (prices may vary).
Reputation: Seagull is known for producing high-quality, affordable acoustic guitars that prioritize sustainability and innovative design. The brand has gained a reputation for its commitment to using environmentally-conscious materials and manufacturing processes. Notable musicians who have played Seagull guitars are listed below.
- James Blunt
- Kim Deal
- Emm Gryner
- Michalis Hatzigiannis
- Michelle Lambert
- Peppino D’Agostino
Sound and Tone: Seagull guitars are praised for their clear, balanced, and rich sound with strong projection and a harmonically complex tonal character. The tone is versatile enough to suit a variety of musical genres, including folk, rock, and singer-songwriter styles.
Construction and Design: Seagull guitars feature a distinctive headstock design. The headstock design positions the tuning machines in line with the nut, improving tuning stability. A key innovation in Seagull’s guitar design is the “compound-curve” top. The “compound curve” top adds an arched profile to the flat top acoustic guitar’s soundboard. This design allows for a thinner, more lightly-braced top, providing both stability and the traditional acoustic tone.
Seagull Pros: High-quality construction using sustainably sourced tonewoods, innovative design features like the compound-curve top and headstock, excellent value with premium features at a mid-range price point, environmentally-conscious manufacturing practices
Seagull Cons: Easily scratched cedar tops, higher prices in Europe
Recommendation for Seagull
Seagull guitars are an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate players seeking a high-quality, affordable acoustic guitar with a focus on sustainability and innovative design. The Seagull S6 Original is a popular model that delivers impressive tone and playability for its price point.
6. Taylor Guitars
Description: Taylor Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. Taylor Guitars specializes in the production of acoustic guitars, electro-acoustic guitars, and semi-hollow electric guitars. Taylor Guitars is based in El Cajon, California where they also manufacture their higher-end all-solid wood models. Taylor’s more affordable layered wood guitars are made in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. The price of Taylor acoustic guitars starts below $500, for beginner-friendly layered-wood models. Taylor high-end models feature custom-built masterpieces that can exceed $15,000.
Reputation: Taylor Guitars is one of the largest manufacturers of acoustic guitars in the United States with a reputation for building guitars with innovative designs, exceptional playability, and flawless craftsmanship. The brand has attracted many talented luthiers and designers, including Andy Powers who joined Taylor Guitars in 2011 as Master Guitar Designer. Taylor Guitars has a long history of collaborating with renowned musicians, including a famous early partnership with Prince. Prince commissioned a custom 12-string acoustic guitar, that featured a purple top, from Taylor Guitars in the 1980s.
Sound and Tone: Taylor acoustic guitars are known for their bright, clear, and articulate tone with a strong focus on the high-end. Taylor acoustic guitars are versatile and well-suited for a wide range of musical genres, from folk to rock and pop. Additionally, some of Taylor’s high-end acoustic guitar models, like the Builder’s Edition 717, also feature V-class bracing system. The V bracing design results in a louder and more resonant sound with extended sustain and better intonation with less interference when compared to X bracing designs.
Construction and Design: Taylor Guitars utilizes a blend of modern manufacturing and traditional craftsmanship, employing proprietary machinery and CAD software which results in a high level of precision and consistency of quality across their guitar models. One of Taylor’s most innovative design features is the V-Class bracing system, developed by master guitar designer Andy Powers. The V-Class bracing system allows the guitar top to better withstand the tension of the strings. This is because the continuous V-shape of Taylor’s V-Class bracing system is more structurally robust than the two separate braces of a traditional X-brace. Additionally, Taylor guitars include a patented NT (new technology) neck joint that utilizes a bolt-on design. The bolt-on design simplifies neck adjustments and repairs.
Taylor Guitars Pros: Consistent build quality, innovative design features and construction techniques, good resale value, comfortable and easy to play.
Taylor Guitars Cons: High price point compared to competitors
Recommendation for Taylor Guitars
Taylor acoustic guitars are well-suited for beginner, intermediate, and professional guitar players. Taylor is also a good fit for female players and players with smaller frames because some Taylor models offer smaller body sizes and features like armrests to enhance playability and comfort.
The best acoustic guitar for beginners from the Taylor lineup is the Taylor Academy 10. The Taylor Academy 10 is a Grand Auditorium model with a Sitka spruce top and layered walnut back and sides. The Taylor Academy 10 features a shorter scale length of 24-7/8″ (631.8 mm) and an armrest, making it very comfortable for beginners to play.
7. Guild
Description: The Guild Guitar Company is a United States-based guitar manufacturer founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge and George Mann. Guild primarily manufactures guitars in the United States, with some models produced in Asia under their Madeira, Burnside, and DeArmond import brands. The Guild brand is a part of Yamaha Guitar Group because in 2023, the Yamaha Guitar Group acquired Córdoba Music Group and the Guild brand is part of the Córdoba Music Group. Guild acoustic guitars’ price ranges from around $800 for the Standard Series to over $2,000 for the premium Westerly Collection and Traditional Series.
Reputation: Guild is known for producing high-quality, well-crafted acoustic guitars favored by singer-songwriters, folk, and Americana artists. Guild’s presence in the music scene began in the 1950s when Guild founder Alfred Dronge leveraged his connections in the New York jazz scene to secure collaboration with Johnny Smith, the top guitarist in the 1954 Downbeat Readers Poll. This collaboration resulted in Guild developing the Johnny Smith Award model, produced from 1956 to 1960. This helped Guild establish a reputation for high-quality, artist-endorsed guitars. Other notable players who played Guild acoustic guitars are listed below.
- Don Arnone
- Carl Kress
- Barry Galbraith
- Muddy Waters
- Buddy Guy
Sound and Tone: Guild acoustic guitars are known for their warm, balanced, and vintage-inspired tone. This tonal quality makes them well-suited for various genres like folk, country, Americana, rock, and jazz.
Construction and Design: Guild acoustic guitars use premium tonewoods like solid spruce tops, mahogany, rosewood, or exotic woods and often feature slightly arched backs. These elements, alongside Guild’s use of scalloped bracing and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, contribute to the Guild guitars’ signature tone, projection, and sustain. Forward-shifted, scalloped bracing patterns are common, with some models featuring Adirondack spruce bracing. Adirondack is a highly sought-after tonewood known for its stiffness and responsiveness. The usage of Adirondack spruce in the bracing further enhances the guitars’ tonal complexity. Guild contributed to the innovation of acoustic guitar design by introducing the first commercially successful 12-string acoustic guitar model F-212 in the 1950s. The F-212 model gained significant popularity among folk and rock musicians, further popularizing 12-stringed guitars in the music scene.
Guild Pros: Premium tonewoods, guitars with slightly arched backs for better projection, versatile sound, respected history and reputation, catering to diverse budgets and player levels.
Guild Cons: Limited global availability and distribution of certain models, lack of latest innovations, limited customization options
Recommendation for Guild
Guild acoustic guitars are well-suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate high-quality, tonally versatile instruments. The recommended model from Guild for professional players is the Guild D-40 Traditional with a solid Sitka spruce top, African mahogany back and sides, and scalloped Adirondack bracing.
8. Gibson
Description: Gibson is a guitar manufacturing company founded in 1902 by Orville Gibson in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson headquarters are currently located in Nashville, Tennessee. Gibson acoustic guitars are currently made in the USA, primarily in Bozeman, Montana. Gibson acoustic guitars cost from around $1,000 for entry-level models to over $5,000 for their premium historic and custom shop guitars.
Reputation: Gibson is a renowned acoustic guitar brand with a history spanning over 120 years. Orville Gibson’s late 1800s patents for acoustic guitars featuring an arched top and back, a design inspired by violins, helped project the sound and became a signature of Gibson acoustic guitars. Gibson has produced several iconic acoustic guitar models over the years that have become synonymous with the brand, such as the J-45, J-200, Hummingbird, and L-00. Some of the musicians who played Gibson acoustic guitars are listed below.
- Bob Dylan
- John Lennon
- Elvis Presley
- Woody Guthrie
- Paul McCartney
- Sheryl Crow
- Chris Stapleton
- James Bay
- Jack White
Sound and Tone: Gibson acoustic guitars are known for their warm, rich, and powerful tone with shimmering highs, a clear midrange, and a robust low end. The signature sound of Gibson acoustics is often described as “earthy” and “soulful,” making Gibson acoustic guitars well-suited for genres like folk, country, blues, Americana, and rock. Gibson’s round-shoulder dreadnought models like the J-45 are particularly renowned for their versatile, powerful sound that can handle wide range of playing styles including flatpicking, strumming, and fingerstyle.
Construction and Design: Gibson acoustic guitars feature solid wood construction, typically with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany or rosewood back and sides. Rosewood is also commonly used for the fingerboard and bridge. Key acoustic guitar design innovations from Gibson include the advanced jumbo body shape in the 1930s, the square-shouldered dreadnought in the 1940s, and the use of scalloped bracing for enhanced bass response. Gibson acoustic guitars feature a dovetail neck joint, which provides a strong, stable connection between the neck and body for enhanced resonance and sustain. The dovetail joint is glued rather than screwed for maximum vibration transfer.
Gibson Pros: High-quality craftsmanship, iconic, historically significant designs, powerful versatile tone, crafted in USA
Gibson Cons: Higher price point compared to other acoustic guitar brands, limited availability of left-handed models
Recommendation for Gibson
Gibson acoustic guitars are best suited for intermediate to advanced players looking for a high-quality instrument with a powerful, signature tone. The Gibson J-45 is a great all-around choice for its balance of size, tone, and playability. The J-45 has been a favorite of folk, country, and singer-songwriter artists like Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, and Eric Clapton.
9. Eastman
Description: Eastman is a guitar brand, founded in 1992 by flutist Qian Ni, a graduate of the Boston University School of Music. The Eastman company is based in Beijing, China. Eastman’s mission is to produce quality instruments at a fraction of the cost compared to more established competitors. Eastman guitars are handcrafted by skilled luthiers in a workshop in Beijing, not mass-produced in a factory. The price range for Eastman acoustic guitars spans from the affordable PCH series (starting around $500) to the high-end Traditional and AC series models (up to $3,000+).
Reputation: Eastman has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality handcrafted guitars that rival more established brands. Eastman’s collaboration with respected luthiers such as Otto D’Ambrosio or John Buscarino further enhanced the brand’s credibility. Renowned artists who played Eastman guitars are listed below.
- Frank Vignola
- John Pisano
- John Harrington
Sound and Tone: Eastman acoustic guitars often feature warm, rich, vintage-inspired sound. Eastman acoustics exhibit slightly different sonic characteristics, depending on the specific tonewoods used. For example, models with a Sitka spruce top may have a brighter, more articulate tone, while those with a cedar top may be warmer and more mellow. Eastman acoustic guitars are versatile and suitable for various musical genres, from folk and country to blues and jazz.
Construction and Design: Eastman acoustic guitars blend traditional build methods with modern design elements. They feature solid tonewoods, high-quality hardware, and meticulous craftsmanship. Eastman’s Traditional Series embodies time-honored techniques from the 1930s and 1940s, including dovetail neck joints and hand-scalloped bracing. These guitars often utilize solid mahogany, rosewood, and Sitka spruce. Eastman luthiers meticulously tap-tune the tops and backs to optimize the instruments’ sound. The company sources its tonewoods from sustainable suppliers worldwide, commonly using Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and maple. Eastman’s flattop guitar lineup includes modern AC series guitars, specialized models like vintage Selmer-style guitars and nylon-string Cabaret-JB guitars.
Eastman Pros: High-quality craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, versatile sound, affordable pricing, endorsements from renowned artists, innovative design elements.
Eastman Cons: Limited availability of specific models and finish options
Recommendation for Eastman
Eastman acoustic guitars are a good choice for beginner, intermediate, and experienced players who are looking for a high-quality instrument at an affordable price, providing great value for the money. The Eastman E1D is a great value option from the Eastman lineup because the E1D features a solid wood body for a price under $600 (prices may vary).
10. Alvarez
Description: Alvarez is an acoustic guitar brand that was founded in 1965. St. Louis Music founded Alvarez as a division of one of the largest musical instrument distributors in North America. The Alvarez company is based in the United States in St. Louis, Missouri. Alvarez manufactures their high-end acoustic guitar series like the Alvarez-Yairi and Masterworks Elite series in Japan. The more affordable series like the Alvarez Masterworks, Artist, and Regent series are manufactured in China. Alvarez guitars are priced in the mid-range to high-end market, typically ranging from around $500 to over $2,000.
Reputation: Alvarez consistently ranks among the most popular acoustic guitar manufacturers worldwide, distributing guitars in over 60 countries. Alvarez is known for its dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovative design features for which the Alvarez Guitars has won the NAMM TEC Award for Technical Excellence. The AD70 from Alvarez’s Artist series won the Rock category in Chitarre Magazine, Italy. Notable musicians who have played Alvarez guitars are listed below.
- Johnny Cash
- Bob Weir
- Crosby
- Stills & Nash
Sound and Tone: Alvarez acoustic guitars are known for their clear, balanced, and responsive tone. This balanced tone is achieved by Alvarez’s innovative FST2 bracing system, which also provides energetic projection. The tone has an “alternative-folk” woody character, even in Alvarez’s models that utilize mahogany tonewoods for the body. The balanced tone is suitable for various musical genres, including folk, rock, blues, and bluegrass.
Construction and Design: Alvarez commonly uses Sitka spruce or cedar for the top, mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides, and rosewood or ebony for the fretboard. The Alvarez brand is known for its bracing designs, such as the FST2 (Forward Shifted Type 2) and MST1 (Middle Shifted Type 1) systems. The FST2 bracing system enhances the guitar’s resonance and projection. Alvarez has also contributed to advancements in acoustic guitar design by using asymmetric tone bars. The asymmetric tone bars are designed to improve the balance and separation of the strings.
Alvarez Pros: Wide range of models for different playing styles and budgets, good quality control and consistent craftsmanship, good value for the money.
Alvarez Cons: Alvarez’s signature sound is somewhat generic and lacks character when compared to other brands.
Recommendation for Alvarez
Alvarez is a good choice for beginners, intermediates, and experienced players looking for quality instruments at reasonable prices. The Alvarez Artist Series AD60 is a guitar that offers great value for its price and is suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
11. Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Description: The Santa Cruz Guitar Company is an American manufacturer of high-quality acoustic guitars, founded in 1976. The Santa Cruz Guitar Company crafts guitars in its workshop in Santa Cruz, California. Santa Cruz Guitars are premium instruments, with prices typically ranging from around $4,000 to $8,800 or more for their signature and custom models.
Reputation: The Santa Cruz Guitar Company has an excellent reputation as a premier builder of high-quality acoustic guitars. The Santa Cruz Guitar Company produces 600 guitars per year, with over 65% of their annual production being custom orders for high-profile musicians across genres like Americana, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and country. Some notable artists who have played Santa Cruz guitars are listed below.
- Eric Clapton
- John Fogerty
- Brad Paisley
- Tony Rice
Sound and Tone: Santa Cruz Guitars produces acoustic guitars with highly resonant, balanced, and complex tones. The company’s signature sound is a mature, warm, and articulate tone with rich overtones and harmonics. This makes the Santa Cruz guitars well-suited for a wide range of styles, including Americana, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and country.
Construction and Design: Santa Cruz guitars are handcrafted in their workshop in Santa Cruz, California, using traditional lutherie techniques combined with modern precision manufacturing. Luthiers at the Santa Cruz Guitar Company are known for their meticulous attention to detail, with components held to tolerances within 0.0001″ (0.00254 mm). The Santa Cruz Guitar Company uses premium tonewoods like Sitka spruce, Brazilian rosewood, and mahogany. The Santa Cruz Guitar Company carefully selects and treats the wood to maximize resonance. Santa Cruz Guitars commonly feature an X-bracing pattern with the size and shape of the braces tailored to each model. The Santa Cruz Guitar Company pioneered the use of a specialized gluing fixture that applies even pressure to the top and back without deforming the wood, resulting in a “relaxed assemblage” that enhances resonance.
Santa Cruz Pros: Handcrafted, high level of customization, unique tone, high-quality materials.
Santa Cruz Cons: High price, limited production.
Recommendation for Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Santa Cruz Guitars are best suited for experienced, professional-level musicians and serious hobbyists who appreciate exceptional tone, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Commissioning a custom-built model is the best way to approach the Santa Cruz lineup. The custom model leaves you with a precise selection of tonewoods, craftsmanship, and features tailored to your individual preferences and playing style.
List of acoustic guitar brands
47 acoustic guitar brands are listed below.
- Yamaha
- Seagull
- Alvarez
- Martin
- Taylor
- Guild
- Larrivee
- Godin
- Art & Lutherie
- Takamine
- Breedlove
- Bedell
- Furch
- Bourgeois
- Collings
- Santa Cruz
- Huss & Dalton
- Goodall
- Tacoma
- Ovation
- Atkin
- Teton
- Maton
- Cole Clark
- Greenfield
- Jang
- Ed Claxton
- Recording King
- Cordoba
- Cort
- Sigma
- Washburn
- Orangewood
- Luna Guitars
- Kremona
- McPherson Guitars
- Boucher Guitars
- Smith Guitars
- Preston Thompson Guitars
- Hartwood
- Tanglewood
- Blueridge
- Fender
- Dowina
- Eastman
- Crafter
- D’Angelico
What are the key differences between Taylor vs Martin guitars?
The key differences between Taylor vs Martin guitars include differences in bracing patterns, tonewoods, neck profiles, and electronics.
Bracing pattern differences: Martin primarily utilizes traditional X-bracing, prized for its warm tone and emphasis on lower midrange frequencies, with variations like forward-shifted bracing contributing to their signature sound. In contrast, some Taylor guitars feature Taylor’s patented V-Class bracing system. V-Class bracing is known for increased volume, sustain, and improved intonation compared to traditional X-bracing. However, there are also many Taylor guitar models that still utilize X-bracing systems.
Tonewood differences: Martin often favors traditional tonewoods such as Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood, showcased in iconic models like the Martin D28 and Martin D18. Taylor, on the other hand, is known for a more experimental approach to tonewoods, frequently incorporating koa, maple, and even urban sourced woods into their guitars, resulting in unique tonal qualities.
Neck Profile: Martin guitars typically have a fuller, more rounded neck profile. Conversely, Taylor is known for its slimmer, more modern neck profiles.
Electronics: Taylor is renowned for its Expression System 2 (ES2), specifically designed to capture a more natural and amplified acoustic tone. Martin’s pickups are often regarded as an addition to the natural acoustic sound and often utilize pickup systems like the Fishman Matrix and Aura.
What are the best acoustic electric guitar brands?
The best acoustic electric guitar brands are listed below.
- Taylor Guitars
- Breedlove
- Takamine
- Guild
- Alvarez
Taylor Guitars: Taylor Guitars is the best acoustic electric guitar brand because of their Expression System 2 (ES2). Expression System 2 is a pickup system that captures natural sound by picking up vibrations from the saddle instead of picking up the vibrations from the top. Popular Taylor electro-acoustic models include the 814ce, 914ce, and AD27e.
Breedlove: Breedlove focuses on sustainability and innovative designs like pinless bridges and bridge truss systems. They utilize distinctive tonewoods like Myrtlewood, emphasizing clear, balanced tones.
Takamine: Takamine has earned a reputation for crafting high-quality, feedback-resistant electro-acoustic guitars favored by performing artists worldwide, thanks to their proprietary Palathetic pickup system and preamp designs.
Guild: Guild combines a rich history with a focus on traditional designs and excellent electronics, blending vintage aesthetics with modern systems like the Fishman Sonitone. Guild’s lineup offers a range of models that appeal to both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary players.
Alvarez: Alvarez consistently delivers excellent value by combining quality craftsmanship and affordability, making their guitars accessible to a wide range of players without compromising on tone or playability.
Where to buy acoustic guitars?
Places to buy acoustic guitars are listed below.
- Large Online Retailers like the Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Sam Ash
- Manufacturer Websites like Fender, Martin, Taylor
- Boutique Online Dealers like Chicago Music Exchange, Norman’s Rare Guitars, Wildwood Guitars
- Local Guitar Stores in your area
What are the best acoustic guitars?
The best acoustic guitars include the Martin D-28, Yamaha FG830, and Eastman E1D.
The Martin D-28, with its balanced tone and projection, represents a benchmark in acoustic guitar craftsmanship and is favored by professionals across genres like bluegrass and folk. The Yamaha FG830, with its solid Sitka spruce top and budget-friendly price, offers an excellent entry point for players on a budget seeking a quality instrument. The Eastman E1D, featuring an all-solid wood construction and a powerful, resonant tone, delivers exceptional value for intermediate players looking to upgrade. However, ultimately the best acoustic guitar is a guitar that best suits a specific player’s individual needs.
