Every Major Acoustic Guitar Brand Ranked From Highest To Lowest Rated

Every guitarist, even the die-hard shredders among us, should own at least one acoustic guitar. With classical roots, it is known for its portability and versatility, as well as its mellow overtones and percussive qualities that have helped shape the sound of modern music. It is associated with the folk movement of the 1940s and the counterculture revolution of the 1960s and has been an essential component in rock, jazz, pop, and alternative music to the present day.

Acoustic guitars rely much more on their resonant qualities to produce their sound, as compared to solid-body and semi-acoustic electrics. As such, the best models demand exotic tonewoods and intricate joinery in their construction. There is much truth to the statement that no two acoustic guitars are alike, and it takes a skilled luthier to breathe life into the best instruments, which, if looked after, should last for a lifetime.

There are always standout models within every guitar builder's catalog, such as the Martin D-18 or Gibson J-45, which command almost as much reverence as the legends that played them. For this ranking, we had to look at each brand as a whole and objectively consider their heritage, build quality, popularity, and prominence among the top players in history to determine how they compare.

As an affordable branch of Gibson, Epiphone acoustic guitars are appreciated for their value for money, decent craftsmanship, and wide range of options suitable for beginners and intermediate players seeking reliable instruments with pleasing acoustic tones. While Epiphone, to many, is most associated with lending its name to copies of popular Gibson guitars, it traces its roots to late 19th-century Greece before it partnered with Gibson U.S.A. in 1957.

The Epiphone acoustic range stands out with standard features, including oversized headstocks, elaborate scratchplate designs (sometimes featuring the "E" logo), and vintage sunburst palettes. The entire range looks traditional compared to many of its contemporaries, which adds to its appeal. The build quality is overall very good, and the brand has attracted a host of famous proponents, including Paul McCartney, who famously played his Epiphone Texan acoustic on the Ed Sullivan Show and has his own reissue model.

Epiphone guitars are a little niche, as they follow the vintage trends of the mid-20th century. It is simply not as engaging as some other top brands, and although they have their heritage and distinctive image, they will always have the reputation of being Gibson's cheaper cousin. Hence, it features lower on our ranking.

[Featured image by philsown via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.0]

Alvarez is an American company recognized for crafting well-built acoustic instruments that focus on excellent value, exceptional tone, and playability for both beginners and experienced musicians. It was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in the mid-1960s and has since progressed to being an internationally recognized brand known for its flamenco and classical models and its wide range of steel-string acoustics.

This range embraces slimmer parlor guitars, "Grand Auditorium" jumbo guitars, Delta blues models, dreadnoughts, high-end "Masterworks" models, and the exquisite "Yairi" range, named after the company's co-founder. Alvarez guitars utilize various exotic tonewoods in their construction that are stockpiled and seasoned to ensure they have the required maturity for quality luthiery, decorated with mother of pearl and abalone inlays. It also puts a lot of effort into research and development, specifically in its bracing, to ensure that the optimum tone is achieved within the guitar.

Alvarez may not be the most commonly heard name in the list of major guitar manufacturers, but it has achieved a lot throughout its history. It has been associated with such artists as Crosby, Stills, Nash, Paul McCartney, and The Grateful Dead. While quality has not been consistent throughout its lifespan, Alvarez seems to be back on track with a range of quality acoustic guitars that don't break the bank.

Like Takamine, Ibanez is a Japanese brand that quickly captured the hearts of Western musicians, having been championed by such lauded players as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana, and George Benson. It has consistently worked with artists to realize their visions for their perfect instrument and has an impressive range of signature models within its considerable catalog. Ibanez acoustic guitars are recognized for their modern designs and focus on providing a versatile range of instruments to accommodate different playing styles, making them popular among contemporary musicians.

The Ibanez range is extensive, to put it mildly, with over 15 categories of acoustic guitars alone. Notable among these are the "Advanced Acoustic" range, which offers boutique instruments with higher levels of craftsmanship; the "AEW" range, which offers electric acoustics with angular cutaways and a focus on playability; the "FRH" range of thinline semi-acoustics with concealed electronics, and quirky takes on standard acoustics, in the "Talman" and "Altstar" ranges. Banjos, mandolins, ukeleles, and acoustic basses complete this comprehensive lineup.

Ibanez has staked an impressive claim in the acoustic guitar market and is another progressive brand that pushes the boundaries of what a modern guitar should be. As such, it ranks favorably here.

[Featured image Lilla Frerichs via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC0]

The island nation of Japan really embraced Western music and instrumentation in the latter half of the 20th century. It quickly became a world leader in musical instrument manufacture, not only with the electrical engineering for which it is renowned but also as a producer of fine acoustic instruments. Takamine is one such Japanese brand celebrated for its consistently high-quality acoustic guitars that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations.

Takamine guitars are recognized for their excellent playability and use of electronic components such as built-in tuners, EQs, and integrated pickups. The combination of exotic tonewoods, including spruce and cedar, advanced bracing techniques, detailed inlays, intricate binding, and unorthodox wood staining help make the brand stand out. Furthermore, Takamine has experimented with neck shapes to produce an asymmetrical profile that fits in the palm, as another example of this brand that questions the established conventions of acoustic guitar design.

Takamine takes the standard acoustic guitar model and applies Japanese logic and technology. The resulting nuances appeal to those musicians who strive for something unique and valuable to their craft. Yet, the guitars themselves retain a timeless appeal where technology, function, and form coincide.

Taylor Guitars was established in California in 1974. Its reputation quickly grew, and it now ranks as one of the most respected guitar builders internationally acclaimed. Taylor is celebrated for its innovative designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and reputation for producing high-quality acoustic guitars that offer a perfect blend of playability, tonal clarity, and modern aesthetics.

The Taylor range is extensive and consists of several categories, such as the more affordable 100 Series through to the high-end 900-Series, with each of the nine segments commanding a higher price than the last. Outside of these are the entry-level Academy Series and the boutique Presentation Series, so there is a Taylor guitar to suit most players' requirements. Throughout Taylor's range are guitars with and without cutaways, and left-handed models are usually an option at no extra cost.

In 2021, Taylor's founders, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, transferred the entire company to its employees as stocks. This was in the hope that the legacy of their cherished company remained in the hands of those who really cared about the craft and the product. As a result, we should see a continuation of the high quality that Taylor Guitars represents for generations to come. Given its past accomplishments and future ambitions, Taylor is awarded third place in this ranking.

There was a scene in Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" in which Kurt Russell grabs a decoy vintage Martin guitar and smashes it to pieces. Unbeknownst to him (or possibly at Tarantino's behest), it was the original, not the copied version, and a one-of-its-kind, 145-year-old museum piece was turned into matchwood. The reaction among acoustic guitar enthusiasts was universal outrage, as an example of the reverence for this distinguished brand.

Martin & Co. is renowned for crafting some of the finest acoustic guitars, known for their exceptional build quality, rich tone, and historical significance. It helped shape the modern acoustic guitar design and was the first brand to use steel strings. Its players read like a who's who of famous guitarists. Both Kurt Cobain and Eric Clapton played one on their MTV "Unplugged" appearances; Johnny Cash had a signature model in his trademark black; Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson, and Ed Sheeran are rarely seen performing without one, and "The King" himself, Elvis, was often pictured with his embossed leather-clad D-28M model.

If it wasn't for Martin & Co., the evolution of the acoustic guitar as we know it may have run a different course. It is refreshing to see that the original trailblazing acoustic guitar company is still thriving today, having stuck to its core principles of quality and integrity, and it earns the top place on our ranking. Incidentally, Martin & Co. no longer leases vintage equipment to film studios under any circumstances.