Dreadnought guitars, known for their larger bodies and rich, full tones, are a staple for guitarists across genres.
So, let’s explore some remarkable dreadnought guitars that stand out in the crowd.
1. Martin D-28
Martin D-28 is a legendary guitar that sets the standard for dreadnoughts. Known for its rich, powerful sound and superb craftsmanship, the D-28 features a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides.
Its balanced tone and projection make it a favorite among countless musicians, from Johnny Cash to Ed Sheeran. This Martin guitar has also been the workhorse guitar of legends such as Hank Williams, The Beatles, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and many more.
It is a well-balanced guitar for all playing styles. It also combines vintage elements such as open tuners, an aged stained top, antique white accents and a faux tortoiseshell pickguard with a modern neck profile for fast and comfortable playing.
Previously only available in a full gloss finish, Martin has now added two new finishes to this instrument: a satin body with an aged-toner or amber top.
Approximate price: $3000.
2. Taylor 210e Deluxe
The Taylor 210e Deluxe brings Taylor’s renowned clarity and balance in a dreadnought shape. It has a solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides, delivering a clear, well-defined sound. The hollow-chambered body enhances resonance and sustain and provides a comfortable playing experience. This instrument offers a powerful, clear voice and impeccable intonation.
The built-in Taylor Expression System 2 pickup captures the guitar’s natural voice beautifully when plugged in, making it an excellent choice for both the stage and the studio. The revolutionary ES2 pickup system features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickups to capture the guitar’s dynamic range. When paired with a Taylor preamp, the ES2 system delivers exceptional boosted tone and responsiveness.
Taylor’s patented Fusion neck features a 1-11/16″ nut width and a 16″ fingerboard radius, providing a familiar feel for steel-string players. The thin, comfortable Fusion neck profile also accommodates players with smaller hands.
Approximate price: $1400.
3. Yamaha FG830
For those on a budget, the Yamaha FG830 offers exceptional value and sound quality. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides, this guitar produces rich, warm tones with strong lows and crisp highs.
The scalloped bracing enhances the projection and resonance, making it a fantastic option for those seeking quality on a budget.
Approximate price: $350.
4. Guild D-150
The Guild D-150 is another stunning dreadnought, known for its warm, detailed tone and solid construction. It sports a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, ensuring rich, dynamic sounds.
This is a versatile guitar that is great for a variety of styles. It has top-notch features including a thin and smooth playing satin-finished mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, ivoride binding, and mother-of-pearl rosette and inlays.
Its vintage-shaped neck and iconic Guild’s Chesterfield headstock emblem give it a distinctive look.
Approximate price: $1000.
5. Seagull S6 Original
The Seagull S6 Original is a unique and versatile dreadnought guitar with a focus on sustainability. It features a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides, offering a warm, well-rounded tone. The tapered headstock is designed for stable and precise tuning.
The combined tone woods and thin yet durable finish allow the S6 to project with a crisp midrange and tight bottom end.
The Seagull S6 combines innovative design with quality craftsmanship, making it a great choice for players of all levels.
Approximate price: $700.
6. Blueridge BR-160
The Blueridge BR-160 pays homage to the pre-war dreadnought guitars of the past, delivering vintage sounds and looks. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and hand-carved parabolic braces that match the pre-war X-pattern.
The Indian rosewood back and sides add a powerful bass to the already full sound of the spruce top. The slim mahogany neck is comfortable and features a dovetail joint and an adjustable truss rod.
Other details include a Dalmatian tortoise pickguard and mother-of-pearl inlays on the neck and headstock.
This guitar is a favorite among those who appreciate classic aesthetics and sounds.
Approximate price: $1500.
7. Takamine GD20
Takamine GD20 is a distinctive dreadnought with its solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. This combination yields a warm, detailed tone with a strong emphasis on the midrange.
The slim mahogany neck and 12”-radius ovangkol fingerboard provide great feel and playability, ideal for those seeking comfort and quality in one package.
The Takamine GD20 dreadnought features a powerful, rich tone and stunning, classic looks. It is crafted with premium woods and Takamine’s meticulous attention to detail.
If you want dreadnought power and visual presence, the Takamine GD20 is for you.
Approximate price: $400.
8. Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO brings the iconic looks and sounds of Gibson’s legendary Hummingbird to a more affordable price range. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a bright, clear tone.
The decorative pickguard and split parallelogram inlays add to its visual appeal, making it a stylish and sonorous option for any musician.
Approximate price: $900.
9. Breedlove Discovery Dreadnought
The Breedlove Discovery Dreadnought offers a modern take on the traditional dreadnought shape, focusing on playability and sound quality. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, producing a well-balanced, versatile tone.
Its pinless bridge and thinner neck make it easy to play, making it a suitable choice for beginners and experienced players alike.
Approximate price: $400-500.
10. Alvarez AD30
Alvarez AD30 is an affordable yet high-quality dreadnought guitar. It has a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, balanced sound.
The scalloped bracing and bi-level bridge enhance the sound projection and resonance, ensuring great performance and value, making it a wonderful choice for those on a tight budget looking for quality sound.
Approximate price: $350.