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Audiophiles

Best Dreadnought Guitars 2023

One of the most popular acoustic guitar shapes is the dreadnought. Because of its potency, C. F. Martin named this guitar after the battleship in 1916. This guitar’s performance is rich and strong, with a loud projection. Strumming dreadnoughts makes them sound better and enhances vocals in all genres.

Are dreadnought guitars on your shopping list? Stop the search, please. This post includes the best dreadnought guitar for you, no matter what your budget. In 1916, Martin invented the dreadnought. Its creation forever changed the way acoustic guitars were made, and it has since come to represent the genre. Most producers have given the recognizable dreadnought guitar form a shot. How can you distinguish between a good dreadnought and a bad one when you have too many options?

Martin D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

Martin 2017 D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
  • Antique white binding Aging toner Forward shifting non-scalloped X bracing Dovetail neck joint Style 28 mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays Solid...
  • Sometimes innovation is in the details and this is certainly true with Martin’s re-imagined 2017 D-28
  • After nearly a century at the helm, and as the quintessential workhorse of music legends like Hank Williams, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Bob...

The D-28 is frequently cited as the pinnacle of the dreadnought form. Such a guitar might be a poisoned chalice to “reimagine.” Thankfully, you can still hear the weight of nearly 200 years of history in its high-end guitars, which is why this stunning instrument has been included in our list of the best acoustic guitars.

The modern D-28 has been reinvented with forward-shifted bracing, a bigger nut, and visual improvements in the vintage style, but it’s the neck design that really makes this a comfortable and approachable dreadnought to play. The audio is well-balanced and nevertheless fits the bill of a “all-rounder” perfectly. The clear piano-like quality we adore from Nazareth’s artisans is present in the sustain of the notes.

Harmonics are effortless, and when strummed, the treble and high mids have choral aspects without overpowering the lower mids. Our test model still mainly has the acoustic feel of Leo Fender’s Stratocaster design despite the modifications. Similar to how that shape is most often associated with “electric guitar,” the D-28 continues to exemplify the dreadnought in terms of appearance and tone. This is the Best Dreadnought Guitar in 2023.

Martin D-15M with Gig Bag

Martin Guitar D-15M with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar for the Working Musician, Mahogany Construction,...
  • PROFESSIONAL SOUND & APPEARANCE: Martin's D-15M acoustic guitar has a mahogany construction that delivers a lively sound with rich tonal complexity...
  • GEARED FOR GIGS: This Martin Acoustic Guitar is made for working musicians. The D-15M is completed with a simple dovetail neck joint, non-scalloped...
  • PREMIUM HANDMADE GUITARS: Handmade from the highest-quality mahogany, Martin's 15 Series guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio...

What better place to begin? Martin is a business with expertise because they built the dreadnought. One of the reasons they are market leaders is the balance their guitars’ top performance and craftsmanship strike. The drawback is that you will have to pay money. So, is the D-15M pricey enough? Simply put, absolutely! The D-15M is a shining illustration of why Martin acoustic guitars are the industry standard. So let’s explain why this guitar is the Editors’ Choice winner.

The D-15H carries on the legacy of the 1940s’ 15 models. There probably won’t be a more beautiful tone than one with a mahogany top. Compared to a typical spruce top, the mahogany gives a darker tone variety. This guitar will enhance your vocal performance and provide solo performances with expert articulation. You’ve got a hit on your hands for a singer-songwriter.

This guitar is stylish and exudes a simple elegance. The elegant satin finish demonstrates how high-end guitars ought to look. The unmatched playability of this sleek device beckons you to take it in your hands and play with it. It’s difficult to say anything wrong about the D15-M because of its artistic appearance, lovely tones, and magical playability. The hardware is of high quality, and the craftsmanship is up to Martin standards. Remember that the DH-15M lacks a preamp. You must account for connecting to a PA or amp in your budget if you desire it.

The DH-15pricing M’s is a significant roadblock. Such a price tag is not within everyone’s means. If you can, it will feel like money well spent because this guitar is the pinnacle of dreadnought guitars. But if you’re unable to, put it on your bucket list and continue reading for other cheap options. This is the Best Budget Dreadnought Guitar in 2023.

Takamine Pro Series 3 P3DC-12 Dreadnought Body 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case

Takamine Pro Series 3 P3DC-12 Dreadnought Body 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case, Natural
  • Solid sapele back and mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with wood "dot-in-dot " inlays.
  • Gold tuners with amber buttons.

The fact that the P3DC is a Pro Series guitar provides insight into the target market for this instrument. It’s a top performance for a working musician. The tone of Takamine guitars is recognisable. Bright, direct, and in-your-face with depth of tone. Consider the P3DC if this sounds like something that would fit your style.

The dreadnought cutaway body is indicated by the DC in the model name. The Venetian cutaway has a pleasing appearance and is useful. letting your fingertips glide down the bonded rosewood fingerboard up to the top frets. It is simple to switch strings thanks to the pinless rosewood bridge. It’s a useful function that helps musicians who find changing strings to be a difficult process.

Players worst nightmare is having a string break on stage. The bridge makes it possible to do a quick change if you don’t have a roadie on hand to do your dirty work. It’s one less thing to worry about in tense situations when tools aren’t available. Another feature that makes this instrument perfect for live performers is the CT4B preamp. It is a top-of-the-line preamp that preserves tone purity.

You may tailor the tone by manipulating the bass, medium, and treble frequencies. High-pressure conditions can be handled with the built-in tuner. This guitar lacks a scratchplate, so if strumming is your thing and you like to give it some, you can. Something to take into account for long-term security.

The P3DC is a success because to Takamine’s clear sound, easy gameplay, and excellent build quality. You’ll be prepared for a performance if you have a strong hardshell case. Without a question, this is a professional guitar that will satisfy a professional performer’s needs.

Taylor 210ce Dreadnought

Taylor 210ce Dreadnought Sitka/Rosewood Natural ES2
  • 6-string Acoustic-electric with Spruce Top
  • ES2 Electronics - Natural
  • Rosewood Back Sides

Put a fan of acoustic guitars in your vicinity. Ask them to mention the top three acoustic guitar producers. They’ll probably bring up Taylor. Therefore, it is not surprising that Taylor is included in this list of the best dreadnoughts. The 210ce provides unquestionable value for the money. Why then is it such a great value?

Let’s start with the fundamentals and say that it’s a Taylor. The 210ce exemplifies every quality that makes Taylor a well-liked brand. The layout, the fittings, and last but not least Taylor’s distinctive voice. Tonwoods made of laminate are not available. The Sitka spruce top is paired with Indian rosewood for the sides and back. The back’s rosewood has an eye-catching, natural texture. The neck is made of tropical American mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of ebony. We’re referring to expensive tonewoods.

The preamp is not reduced in the 210ce. Innovative technology for guitar amplification is the Expressions System 2. Three pickup sensors in its innovative behind-the-saddle configuration produce a heated signal. All sensors have been carefully fitted to produce a greater dynamic range.

The Expression System 2 is the ideal platform for delivering this Taylor’s clear voice. Volume, bass, and treble dials are present. Controls are easy to use and neatly organised. Therefore, if you don’t like heavy, overly intricate pickups, this will be a welcome change. Why does this instrument not fall under a higher price range? The equipment is fantastic. The mother-of-pearl inlays are exquisite, and the tuners will last.

You’ll have to look really hard to find any flaws. The binding, which is made of cheap plastic, should be better. Even though it has a satin finish, lacquer would have extended its shelf life. These inconsistencies are small on a superb guitar. The 210ce is an excellent value given its pricing. This guitar might compete with expensive models without costing as much.

Fender CN-140SCE Dreadnaught – Walnut Fingerboard

Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Sunburst, with Case
  • Single-cutaway dreadnought body style
  • Solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing
  • Ovangkol back and sides

The best guitarists are lifelong learners. A player who falls between between a beginner and a pro is considered intermediate. For instance, you might master chords but still struggle with soloing. What kind of acoustic guitar will you like if this sounds familiar to you? One excellent option for intermediate players is the Fender CD-140SCE.

Why? It offers everything. Together with the ovangkol back and sides, the solid spruce top creates harmony. These tonewoods produce a rich midrange and brilliant highs. The dreadnought body then gives strong lows, making chords sound fantastic.

This guitar will advance with you as your playing does. You will benefit from the sensitive mahogany neck and walnut fingerboard as you develop your riffing technique. Access to higher notes is made possible by the deep cutaway as you learn to solo or master challenging barre chords. You’ll want to demonstrate your abilities after you’re crushing solos. The Fishman CD pickup will translate a live performance or recorded.

Many professional musicians use Fishman pickups as their go-to choice. The CD pickup amplifies a lovely acoustic tone even though it isn’t one of their premium items. With the use of the volume, treble, and bass dials, different tone shapes are selectable. Additionally, a built-in tuner allows for quick tuning.

The best choice for new to intermediate players is this guitar. The out-of-the-box action can change, which could become problematic if your expectations increase. Keep using the CD-140SCE as you move closer to the higher end of intermediate. It can be adjusted slightly by a guitar store so that it satisfies your higher standards.

A top-tier Fender at this pricing point is the CD-140SCE. Its playability is superior to affordable starter options. It will continue to be a companion you can rely on as you grow as a player.