The loud, attention-grabbing tone contrasts its subtle beauty, with a rich low-end and singing mid-range means it’s always heard, no matter the situation. Favored for its understated looks and folksy charm, the guitar would go on to get the nickname “The Workhorse”, as it was seen as the working man’s flattop. The J-45 has been spotted slung around the shoulders of many notable players new and old through the years, from Bob Dylan to Billie Joe Armstrong, Woody Guthrie, and Myles Kennedy. The modern-day iteration improves on earlier models with better bracing and a tapered neck, yet these changes only serve to enhance what is music's ultimate acoustic workhorse. When you think of some of the biggest acts in music history – The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley – it's hard not to associate them with this beautiful acoustic guitar. But if we had to choose one acoustic guitar to last us the rest of our lives, we'd probably opt for the Martin D-28 (opens in new tab). Putting together 'best of' lists is always a blast because every guitar we present is, in its own way, truly brilliant. Of course, we've also scoured the web to find the best prices, saving you any legwork in that department, too. Our choices are presented in price order so you can easily find the right one for your budget. With entry-level acoustics from the likes of Epiphone, Yamaha, Martin, and Taylor, through to high-end heavyweights from Gibson and Fender, we've got you covered. Whatever your budget - and playing style - we guarantee one of these top acoustic guitars will be perfect for you, and this guide is here to help you pick your favorite.

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