Dreadnought Guitars Under $500

The Yamaha FG830 acoustic guitar is a fresh addition to the FG series, and it’s packed with features players will love. It keeps the classic dreadnought body shape and solid spruce top from the FG700, but now adds scalloped bracing for a fuller low end and stronger projection—perfect for both live shows and recording. The rosewood back and sides not only look stunning but also add warmth and sparkle to the sound. Playing feels smooth thanks to the slim satin-finished neck with rounded fret edges. And if you’re just starting out, the FG830 works great with Yamaha’s Player Port app on iOS and Android, offering tips, FAQs, and even a handy built-in tuner.

The Guild D-340 dreadnought is a guitar that delivers big acoustic tone with vintage-inspired style at a price that’s easy to love. Its solid spruce top paired with laminate mahogany back and sides creates a bright, balanced sound that resonates beautifully, whether you’re strumming chords or playing expressive solos. The mahogany neck topped with rosewood adds sustain and smooth playability, making it versatile for any style. Classic details like body purfling, a charming rosette, a black tortoiseshell pickguard, and Vintage 16 open-gear tuners give it that old-school vibe players admire. Affordable, reliable, and full of character, the D-340 is a guitar that feels and sounds like a higher-end instrument.

The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio electro-acoustic guitar is a real showstopper, inspired by the legendary Hummingbird design but updated with modern craftsmanship. Built with a solid spruce top and select mahogany, it delivers clear articulation and a rich, mid-focused tone that feels full and resonant. This guitar works across many genres, but players into country, rock, folk, or blues will especially love it. Its classic dreadnought body gives plenty of projection, while the comfy D-profile neck and pau ferro fingerboard make playing smooth and easy. With a Fishman Sonitone pickup onboard, you’ll unlock fresh tonal options perfect for gigs or rehearsals. Add in the sunburst finish, Hummingbird artwork, and pearloid inlays, and you’ve got a guitar that looks as amazing as it sounds.

The Guild D-240E dreadnought guitar is built to deliver that classic acoustic vibe with plenty of character. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany sides, and an arched mahogany back that adds extra volume, long sustain, and a rich, full tone. The D-240E also comes with a pau ferro fingerboard and bridge, a real bone nut and saddle, plus stylish touches like a mother-of-pearl rosette, tortoiseshell pickguard, and a sleek Natural matte finish. When it’s time to plug in, the Fishman-designed GT-1 pickup system with easy Volume and Tone controls makes sure the guitar’s natural sound shines through, whether you’re rehearsing or performing live.

The Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds. It’s perfect for players who want a quality dreadnought without spending a fortune. With its mahogany neck that feels smooth and easy to play, plus a mahogany body that delivers a warm, full tone, this guitar is built for comfort and sound. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch, jamming by the campfire, or playing an unplugged set at a beer garden, the CD-60S fits right in. Part of the Fender Classic Design series, it offers traditional steel- and nylon-string performance with that signature Fender style. Beginners and seasoned musicians alike will appreciate its timeless sound and reliable playability.

The Ibanez Artwood AW54CE acoustic-electric guitar is a solid choice for players who want great sound and value. With its dreadnought body and X bracing, it delivers a big, balanced tone that works well whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking melodies. Made from solid okume, it not only looks good but also produces a warm, full sound. Plugging in is easy thanks to the Ibanez T-bar under-saddle pickup and AEQ-TP2 preamp, which give you natural amplification without any fuss. There’s even a built-in tuner to keep you sounding sharp. Smooth to play and affordable, the AW54CE is a guitar you’ll enjoy on stage, in the studio, or just at home.

The Epiphone Dove Studio is part of the new Studio Acoustic Collection, designed to bring iconic Gibson-inspired guitars to players at an affordable price. Modeled after the famous Gibson Dove, this square-shoulder dreadnought blends classic style with modern upgrades, making it a great fit for both beginners and experienced musicians. With a 25.5” scale length, solid spruce top, and layered maple body, it delivers a bright, clear tone with strong mids that only improves as it ages. The mahogany neck has a comfy Rounded C profile and a rosewood fretboard with split parallelogram inlays. Vintage touches like pearloid dove inlays, Grover Rotomatic tuners, and a Kalamazoo-style headstock add flair. Equipped with Fishman electronics, it’s stage-ready and comes with a gig bag.

The GD20 is a dreadnought acoustic that puts a fresh spin on a classic design. Built with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, it delivers a warm, detailed tone that works across many styles of music. The slim satin-finish mahogany neck feels smooth in your hands, while the 12”-radius ovangkol fingerboard makes playing easy and comfortable. Thanks to the split-saddle pin-less ovangkol bridge, chords and single notes ring out with sweet, accurate intonation. Extra touches like a synthetic bone nut and saddle, ovangkol headcap, pearloid dot inlays, chrome die-cast tuners, and a Natural satin finish give it both style and substance. It’s a guitar that sounds as good as it looks.

The Yamaha FGX800C acoustic-electric guitar is part of the legendary FG “folk guitar” lineup, and it’s built to give players a ton of value without breaking the bank. Even though it’s priced for beginners, the mix of premium tonewoods makes it appealing for experienced players too. With a solid Sitka spruce top and nato back and sides, this guitar delivers a rich, balanced sound that really stands out. Thanks to Yamaha’s System-66 electronics, you can easily take that tone from your living room straight onto the stage. Whether you’re just starting out or already seasoned, the FGX800C is a reliable instrument you’ll enjoy playing for years.

The Yamaha FGX 820C is a dreadnought acoustic-electric that delivers quality, versatility, and style. Its solid spruce top paired with a laminated mahogany body produces a powerful sound with warm bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Flattened scalloped bracing adds quick response and beautiful sustain, while the slim nato neck and walnut fingerboard make playing smooth and comfortable. The cutaway design ensures easy access to all 20 frets, and the 43 mm nut with a urea saddle keeps intonation spot-on across the 650 mm scale length. Equipped with Yamaha’s System 66 electronics, you get a 3-band EQ, built-in tuner, and natural amplified tone. Finished in high-gloss, the FGX 820C looks as good as it sounds.

The Alvarez Artist 30 dreadnought is an entry-level acoustic that punches well above its weight. With a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck, it delivers a rich, punchy tone that’s warm and full of character. Alvarez’s clever FST2 X bracing design channels more energy through the wood, giving the guitar lively resonance and powerful projection. The neck features a 50/50 gloss and satin finish for smooth playability, while the thin body finish keeps the sound vibrant. Onboard EQ and pickup make it easy to plug in without compromising the guitar’s classy look. Add in a real bone nut, premium diecast tuners, and a Techwood bridge, and you’ve got a reliable, great-sounding instrument built to last.

The Takamine GD11MCE Dreadnought electro-acoustic is all about warm, balanced tone that feels rich and inviting. Its mahogany body resonates beautifully, and paired with the dreadnought shape, you get deep lows, sparkling highs, and clarity across the whole range. Add in Takamine’s TP-4T electronics, and this guitar is ready to shine on stage or in the studio with sound that grabs attention. The design keeps things simple, letting the natural mahogany finish speak for itself with understated elegance. Playing feels dreamy thanks to the smooth rosewood fretboard, making it easy to glide across frets. It’s a guitar that proves less really can be more, both in looks and in sound.

The Takamine GLD12E is a dreadnought acoustic-electric that combines stunning looks with versatile performance. Finished in natural satin, it’s built to inspire ambitious players across any genre. The okoumé body delivers a sparkling, rich tone with balanced response from lows to highs, making it perfect for strumming, picking, or performing on stage. Its comfortable shape and smooth playability ensure you can play for hours with ease. Plugging in is effortless thanks to the TP-3G electronics, which reproduce the guitar’s natural voice beautifully. Elegant touches like an abalone rosette, pearl inlays, and a split nut for precise intonation complete the package. Stylish, reliable, and great-sounding, the GLD12E is ready for any musical journey.

The Apprentice Series is made for beginners who want a guitar that not only sounds good but also feels great to play as they improve. The AG40CE is a Grand Auditorium acoustic with a cutaway design and a Barcus-Berry LX4 pickup tuner system, giving you excellent tone when plugged in. It has a select spruce top with flame maple back and sides for strong projection, while the mahogany neck and fingerboard with offset dot inlays make it comfortable to play. The flame maple headstock with chrome die-cast tuners adds a stylish touch. With a 3-band EQ, Presence control, and built-in tuner, the LX4 makes adjustments easy. In some markets, like the USA, a hard shell case is included.

The Recording King RD-G6-CFE5 is a dreadnought acoustic-electric built to deliver big tone and smooth playability at a price that makes sense. With a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it produces that classic, thumping dreadnought sound, enhanced by forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing for extra responsiveness and low-end power. The mahogany neck with a comfortable “C” profile feels great in the hands, while the revebond fingerboard’s 16-inch radius and medium nickel-silver frets make playing effortless across styles. A 1-11/16-inch nut width adds versatility, and when it’s time to plug in, the Fishman Presys electronics system ensures clear, natural amplified tone. Stage-ready, reliable, and full of character, this guitar is a true workhorse.

The Ibanez PF54CE is a dreadnought acoustic-electric built to handle just about anything. With its solid meranti top, back, sides, and neck, it delivers a warm, rich tone that feels full and inviting. The open-pore finish adds natural charm, while the deep body cutaway gives you easy access across the entire nandu wood fingerboard. Whether you’re strumming big chords or picking out melodies, this guitar responds beautifully. Plugging in is simple thanks to the Ibanez AEQ-2T electronics, which include flexible tone controls and a handy onboard tuner. Powerful, versatile, and stage-ready, the PF54CE is like a Swiss Army knife for acoustic players who want reliability and great sound in one package.

The Fender CD-140SCE is a dreadnought that brings big tone and smooth playability at a price that’s easy to love. With a solid spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, it delivers a balanced sound, clear mids and highs with a strong low end, the kind of tone that’s made dreadnoughts a favorite for decades. The mahogany neck paired with a walnut fingerboard feels comfortable and responsive, making it a joy to play whether you’re practicing or performing. And when it’s time to plug in, the built-in Fishman Presys electronics give you rich, natural amplified sound that’s perfect for the stage or studio.

The Gretsch G5024E Rancher dreadnought brings classic style and modern performance together at an affordable price. With a solid spruce top, scalloped X-bracing, and the iconic triangular sound hole, it delivers bold acoustic tone with plenty of projection. Mahogany sides, an arched back, and a smooth mahogany neck add warmth and resonance, while the laurel fingerboard with Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays gives it that signature Gretsch look. Deluxe tuners, a compensated laurel bridge, and gold-plated hardware round out the premium feel. When it’s time to plug in, the Fishman Sonicore pickup and Isys preamp system provide natural amplified sound, complete with volume, tone, and phase controls, plus a handy onboard tuner.

The Ibanez AAD50CE is a cutaway dreadnought acoustic-electric that’s built to perform without breaking the bank. With a solid Sitka spruce top, it projects a bold, commanding tone, while the sapele back and sides keep the sound balanced and warm. Thanks to X-M bracing, you get extra clarity and crispness, making it versatile for different playing styles. Plugging in is simple with the AEQ-TP2 electronics, which deliver natural amplified tone that’s perfect for stage or studio. The okoume neck and purpleheart fingerboard feel smooth and comfortable, while chrome die-cast tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio keep your intonation locked in. Affordable, reliable, and great-sounding, the AAD50CE is a guitar you’ll enjoy anywhere you play.

The Ibanez PF15ECE is a beginner-friendly acoustic-electric that makes practicing and performing easy. With its laminated dreadnought body, spruce top, and okoume back and sides, it delivers a warm tone with strong bass and mids. The slim PF-profile neck, made of nyatoh with a laurel fingerboard, feels comfortable across all 20 frets, and the cutaway design gives you smooth access to higher notes. Chrome die-cast tuners keep things stable, while the 42 mm nut and bridge saddle ensure clean intonation across the 648 mm scale length. Equipped with Ibanez’s AEQ-2T pickup system, you get a built-in tuner and a 2-band EQ for easy sound shaping. Finished in high-gloss with subtle inlays, it’s a classic-looking guitar that’s ready to plug in and play.

The J-45 EC Studio is a pro-level acoustic guitar that’s built to impress. With its solid Sitka spruce top, the tone only gets richer and better as the years go by. The round shoulder body gives it that classic look, while the cutaway design makes reaching higher frets smooth and easy. When it’s time to plug in, the Fishman® Sonicore under-saddle pickup and Presys II preamp deliver clear, powerful sound that works perfectly on stage or in the studio. Just remember, you’ll need a 9-volt battery to power the electronics since it’s not included. Overall, the J-45 EC Studio is a reliable, great-sounding guitar that grows with you.

The Washburn Deep Forest Burl D is a modern dreadnought acoustic with striking looks and powerful sound. Its okoume back and sides paired with a poplar burl top create a rich, articulate tone that stands out from traditional spruce-topped guitars. The full-size body delivers deep projection and a bold character, while the mahogany neck and smooth fingerboard make it comfortable to play for hours. Designed with carefully chosen tonewoods, this guitar produces a strong, harmonic-rich voice that works across genres, from strumming to fingerpicking. Stylish, versatile, and easy to play, the Deep Forest Burl D is a great choice for players who want something unique both in tone and appearance.

The Recording King Series 11 is all about vintage style and solid tone at an affordable price. Built with a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this lightweight dreadnought delivers a classic acoustic sound that only gets richer the more you play. Its tobacco sunburst finish with ultra-thin Zero-VOC satin coating gives it authentic retro flair, while Ivoroid dot inlays and the vintage Recording King headstock add timeless character. Playability is smooth, tone is full, and thanks to Fishman Presys VT electronics, it’s ready to hit the stage with natural amplified sound. The Series 11 proves you don’t have to compromise on vibe or quality to get a great guitar.

The Ibanez Altstar ALT30FM is an acoustic-electric that feels instantly familiar to electric players. Its thin cutaway body makes high-fret access effortless, while the compact dreadnought shape delivers a bold, full tone. With a flame maple top paired with sapele back and sides, you get a sound that’s both rich and balanced. The flat 15.7-inch fingerboard radius is perfect for fast runs, whether you’re into progressive solos or bluegrass picking. Plugging in is simple thanks to the AEQ2UT electronics, giving you natural amplified tone for gigs or rehearsals. Chrome die-cast tuners and a built-in tuner keep everything stable and in tune, so you’ll always look and sound your best.

The D’Angelico Premier Lexington is a dreadnought acoustic-electric that’s built to impress both in sound and feel. With a mahogany body, it delivers a warm, balanced tone that shines whether you’re flatpicking or strumming hard for that big, rounded sound. The satin-finished neck is smooth and comfortable, making long practice sessions easy without any sticky feel. Plugging in is a breeze thanks to the onboard D’Angelico preamp, which captures the guitar’s natural acoustic voice beautifully for live shows or recording. Stylish, versatile, and player-friendly, the Premier Lexington is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, a perfect addition to any collection.

The Luna Wabi Sabi Dreadnought is an acoustic that celebrates character and uniqueness. Built with a B-grade solid spruce top, it offers the same tonal quality as higher-priced A-grade tops, but with visual quirks that make each guitar one of a kind. A “coffee ring” rosette and offset side dots add to its distinctive look, while the spruce-and-mahogany body delivers a bold, rich tone with plenty of projection. The all-mahogany “C” neck is comfortable in the hands, making it easy for players of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. Stylish, expressive, and full of personality, the Wabi Sabi Dreadnought proves that imperfection can be beautiful, and sound incredible too.

The Yamaha Gigmaker Standard acoustic guitar package is the perfect way to start playing right away. At the center of this bundle is the F310 acoustic guitar, known for its warm spruce top tone, smooth rosewood fretboard, and easy-to-play neck. It’s a reliable first guitar that you’ll enjoy for years. To make things even better, Yamaha includes everything you need to get started: a protective gig bag for lessons or travel, a digital chromatic tuner to keep you in tune, a comfortable strap, and plenty of picks. Affordable, complete, and beginner-friendly, the Gigmaker Standard gives you instant access to music-making without any extra hassle.

The D’Angelico Premier Bowery LS is a dreadnought acoustic-electric that blends style, tone, and value. With laminated mahogany for the top, back, and sides, finished in a natural mahogany stain, it delivers a warm, balanced sound that’s as reliable as it is attractive. The cutaway body gives you big projection and easy access to higher frets, while the slim C-profile mahogany neck feels smooth and comfortable. A dovetail joint ensures great tonal transfer, and the MG-30 pickup system with 3-band EQ and visual tuner makes it stage-ready with natural amplified tone. Topped off with D’Angelico’s signature Art Deco details in chrome and acrylic, the Bowery LS is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.

The Fender Redondo Player brings the bold California vibe straight into your hands. Inspired by Fender’s iconic electric guitar designs, this acoustic is all about freedom, creativity, and standing out. Built with a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides, its dreadnought body delivers a deep, powerful sound with plenty of projection. The slim “C”-shaped nato neck, 25.5” scale length, and tilt-back 6-in-line headstock give it a distinctive look and easy playability. Vintage-style tuners, a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, and the Fishman Flex preamp system ensure smooth tuning and natural amplified tone. Eye-catching and unique, the Redondo Player balances style, sound, and comfort for musicians who want something different.

The Harley Benton CLD-1048SCE NS is a dreadnought acoustic-electric designed for players who want extra room on the fretboard. With a nut width of 48 mm, it’s perfect if you’re coming from classical guitar or simply prefer more space for your fingers. Built on the trusted CLD-10SCE platform, it features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany body for a warm, resonant tone, paired with a sturdy mahogany neck. The cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, while the Fishman Presys II pickup system delivers clear, natural amplified sound for stage or studio. Comfortable, versatile, and stage-ready, this guitar is a great fit for players with larger hands or those seeking a wider neck feel.

The D-120CE is a dreadnought acoustic-electric built for bold sound and versatile performance. Its big body delivers a loud, full tone with solid bass, while the cutaway design makes reaching high frets effortless for solos and lead work. Played acoustically, it offers impressive projection and clarity, but it’s equally ready for the stage thanks to its built-in pickup system. A 4-band EQ lets you fine-tune your sound to match your style or the room you’re playing in, giving you complete control. Finished in a striking Translucent Blue high-gloss, this guitar not only sounds powerful but looks stunning under the lights, making it a reliable choice for gigs of any size.

The Yamaha GigMaker Deluxe Acoustic Pack is a fantastic way to kick off your guitar journey. At the heart of the bundle is the FD01S acoustic, built with a solid spruce top and nato body, tonewoods you’d usually find on pricier instruments. It delivers a warm, balanced sound that makes learning and playing enjoyable from the start. To make things even easier, Yamaha includes all the essentials: a protective gig bag for lessons or travel, a chromatic tuner to keep you in tune, a comfortable strap, and plenty of picks. Affordable, complete, and beginner-friendly, the GigMaker Deluxe gives you everything you need to start making music right away.