10 Best Dreadnought Guitars That’ll Strike a Chord
If you have a penchant for big, booming sounds, then you’re probably a fan of the iconic dreadnought guitar. These 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
Let’s kick off with the legendary Martin D-28, the 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.
2. Taylor 210e Deluxe
Next up, is the Taylor 210e Deluxe, which 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 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.
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.
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. Its vintage-shaped neck and iconic Chesterfield headstock emblem give it a distinctive look, making it a stylish and sonorous choice for any guitarist.
5. Seagull S6 Original
The Seagull S6 Original is a unique and versatile dreadnought 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 Seagull S6 combines innovative design with quality craftsmanship, making it a great choice for players of all levels.
6. Blueridge BR-160
The Blueridge BR-160 pays homage to the pre-war dreadnoughts of the past, delivering vintage sounds and looks. It boasts a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, producing powerful, resonant tones. The intricate inlay work and slim mahogany neck add to its appeal, making it a favorite among those who appreciate classic aesthetics and sounds.
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.
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.
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.
10. Alvarez AD30
Closing our list is the Alvarez AD30, an affordable yet high-quality dreadnought. 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.