Top Acoustic Guitar Brands – List Of 12 Of The Best

Our List Of The Top 12 Acoustic Guitar Brands

Alvarez Guitars

Alvarez was founded in 1965 and is based in St Louis, MO, although their guitars are made in China and Japan. The company specializes in acoustic, acoustic-electric, and classical guitars. Artists who use them include Joe Bonamassa, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, and Bob Weir. As an example, check out the Alvarez Artist Series AD60 Dreadnought Guitar.

Eastman Guitars

Eastman was first Eastman Stings when it began in 1992. It began as an importer of Chinese violins but established its own workshops as it grew. Eastman, today, is best known for its high-quality archtop and acoustic guitars. They are played by Nels Cline, Gaz Coombes, and Tyler Edwards. Check out the Eastman AC422CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

Epiphone Guitars

Epiphone began in 1873 in Turkey and its Greek owner moved to the USA in 1903. Epiphone came with him and is now owned by Gibson and based in Nashville, TN. They make a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars. Many of these are budget versions of higher-priced Gibsons. Jack Ingram, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Alex Lifeson play Epiphone acoustic guitars. As an example, the Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar is a good choice.

Fender Guitars

Fender is better known for its electric guitars, but they also produce a range of entry and mid-range acoustic guitars. There are many guitarists who play Fender acoustic guitars. Look at the Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar as an example of a great Fender.

Gibson Guitars

Gibson is one of the biggest names in guitar manufacturing today, but they started in 1902 as the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Including their models made in the 1960s, they make a range of mostly high-end acoustic guitars. A guitar to check out would be the Gibson Hummingbird Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is Japanese in origin and is owned by Hoshino Gakki. They also own Tama drums. Today they are widely known in the USA and Europe. They offer a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars in all price ranges. Guitarists who play them are Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Matthew Lowe &Tom Sweet, and Keston Cobblers Club. The Ibanez you will want to see is the Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar.

Martin Guitars

Martin is an industry-standard in manufacturers of electric guitars. CF Martin & Company, one of the world’s best-known and well-respected makers of acoustic guitars, began in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin. Their high-end models are made in the USA, but they also have a factory in Mexico. Guitarists who play Martins are Tony Rice, Chris Cornell, Del McCoury, Ed Sheeran, and many others. For a prime example, check out the Martin D-15.

Ovation Guitars

Ovation (The Ovation Guitar Company) was founded in New Hartford, CT in 1965. It was sold to Fender in 2008 and it is now owned by Drum Workshop. Ovations are known for their characteristic round-backed guitars and original headstock design. They produce guitars in most price ranges including entry-level ones. Ethan Case, Benjamin Burnley, Kevin Cronin, and Dave Amato play Ovation guitars. Have a look at the Ovation CE44-5 Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

Seagull Guitars

Seagull is owned by Godin. They produce affordable guitars made to high-level expectations. They are well made and sustainable. Their acoustic guitars are made in a wide range of traditional designs. Have a look at the Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar for an example of their excellence.

Takamine Guitars

Takamine is a Japanese company that manufactures acoustic guitars. They were pioneers in the area of the use of pre-amps and equalizers on their guitars. They were leaders in electric acoustic guitar design, and they are still a respected brand of acoustic guitars. Who plays Takamine acoustic guitars? Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, John Scofield, and Hozier. The one to check out is the Takamine GB7c.

Taylor Guitars

Taylor is an American acoustic guitar brand. The company was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Lidtug and it is based in El Cajon, California. They are one of the best-known and revered brands of acoustic guitars. Taylor manufactures its high-end acoustic guitars in California, but they also have lower-priced ones made in Mexico. Acoustic guitarists who play Taylor acoustic guitars are many, including Tony Iommi, Taylor Swift, David Mayfield, Phillip Phillips, Rob Cavallo, and Silent Comedy. The one for you to check out is the Taylor 324ce Series Acoustic Guitar.

Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha is a company with many products. The Yamaha Corporation makes a very large range of electric and acoustic instruments and they also manufacture motorcycles, electronics, and sports equipment. Even though it seems to be a very diversified company, the Japanese multinational acoustic guitars have been consistent in high quality. They make acoustic guitars from entry-level and up. They are very popular and a list of who plays them would be too long for this article! Do look at the Yamaha FG830c Solid Top Acoustic Guitar for an example of their excellent craftsmanship.

Acoustic Guitar Brands List Conclusion:

In this article, I have represented the top twelve brands of acoustic guitar manufacturers. In a thorough internet search, you may find some other more obscure brands that may be of interest to you, but these twelve represent the best. Choosing your brand of an acoustic guitar is a big decision and I encourage you to totally check out all brands to find out which is your favorite. A good idea is to find out what brand your favorite guitarists prefer. Remember, you want your acoustic guitar to last a long time so take your time and learn about them and try them out before you make the final choice.

Brand loyalty is a big deal to most guitarists, so be aware that a sales associate may be biased when showing you what he or she thinks you need. The choice is totally up to you and you want to be sure to choose the brand you want, not just what they may tell you. Enjoy!