The 5 Best Acoustic Guitars of 2025: Martin, Taylor, and More!
Colorful travel guitars and innovative releases!
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2025 had a lot to offer, and not just electric guitars and pedals. Throughout the year, there were a whole host of great acoustic guitar releases, from special models to updates and travel guitars. We take a look at the five best acoustic guitars of the year.
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The Best Acoustic Guitars of 2025: Highlights and Special Models
Before we go into detail about the five best acoustic guitars of 2025, let’s look back on an eventful year in the world of acoustic and classical guitars. Pretty much every big manufacturer released new models. However, one of our most-read articles in this zone was neither a list of the best models nor a news bit on a particular guitar.
The ToneWoodAmp 2 effect significantly expands the sonic possibilities of any acoustic guitar, including reverb and delay effects, directly on the instrument. It’s extremely easy to set up. Just attach the device to the back of the guitar. And Taylor proved its awareness of trends with the release of an actual replica of the acoustic guitar from the hit video game The Last of Us.
Let’s also not forget the re-release of the John Lennon signature 12-string guitar Hootenanny by Framus. Finally, you can sound like “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away!” What else? From colorful models by Furch to a 5-string guitar by Jacob Collier and Taylor to updates from Gibson, Epiphone, and Guild, there was something for everyone! Let’s get started with the best acoustic guitars of 2025!
Harley Benton CLC-650SM-CE Vintage Sunburst
Harley Benton has made considerable strides in recent years in the quality and workmanship of its instruments, amps, and pedals. Not least, the ST-Modern Plus series really made some reviewers sweat. What you get here for the price will (and should!) strike fear into the hearts of many mid-range suppliers.
HB released quite a few acoustic guitars. Nashville Nylon, the new CLD and CLO series, the update to the parlor guitars in the CLF series, and a massive 12-string, that’s more than some manufacturers release in 2-3 years. But the highlight for me was the update to the CLG and CLC series.
The latter in particular exudes a classic, timeless vibe, and it is just so beautifully crafted that you immediately want to pick it up and take it to the nearest campfire (mind your distance!). Admittedly, the weird dent on the lower body takes some getting used to. But the materials alone (solid A-grade Sitka spruce top, African mahogany back and sides, Okoume neck) are enough to put make you smile. Check them out at Thomann*.
Ibanez FRH: It’s a green and blue affair!
These Ibanez FRH models are among the best acoustic guitars of 2025, not just because of their looks. Both “Cosmic Blue Starburst Low Gloss” and “Deep Emerald Green Low Gloss” are simply fantastic finishes in themselves. But when you consider that these are concert guitars, which means we are in the more traditional category, then that makes a different statement.
Somewhere between Jazzmaster and Acoustasonic in terms of the body shape, the body is made of sapele (with a maple top), plus a rosewood fretboard and nyatoh neck. I like! Bone saddle, Ibanez Undersaddle System as a pickup including Ibanez AEQ210T with integrated tuner, that’s a lot for the price. And they’re stylish, too. Get all the details at Thomann*.
The Best Acoustic Guitars 2025: Furch Pioneer
Travel guitar specialist Furch has struck a chord with its Pioneer series. Building on the Little Jane series, the company has introduced ultra-compact models that sound just like their larger counterparts. That’s quite an achievement! Innovative features combined with fine woods in a format that is far more portable than large dreadnoughts, what’s not to love?!
I was very impressed by these four Pioneer models, especially the Pioneer-MM model with solid mahogany top, back, and sides, it surely must sound amazing! And it looks ultra-chic too. Take a look at them at Thomann*!
Taylor Gold Label 814e Collection
Let’s move on to the two heavyweights (sorry, Takamine) in the world of acoustic guitars. First up is Taylor who just kept on releasing amazing new models throughout the year. My favorite has been the 814 series in the Gold Label Collection. As is often the case with time-honored manufacturers, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel here.
Instead, Taylor has made subtle improvements that make sense for these premium models. With Super Auditorium, they created a new body size (slightly larger than Grand Auditorium), and with the new V-bracing and Long-Tenon neck joint, they also added detailed sound improvements. And these guitar look amazing! Here is an example at Thomann*.
Martin CEO-11: Play the Blues in Blue
Martin couldn’t stop celebrating in 2025. From the three-millionth guitar to a birthday model for founder Chris Martin to the Martin CEO-11, designed by CEO Thomas Ripsam and limited to 1,111 pieces, new anniversary models kept coming. I have to admit, its name could have been a bit catchier. “CEO” is about as appealing as “manager muesli.” But as the CEO models have a long tradition at Martin, I won’t dwell on it any further.
And the fact that this traditional guitar maker has dared to launch such an unusual-looking acoustic guitar onto the market: hats off to them! Martin calls the color “New Horizons Blue Burst.” As you would expect at this price point, only the best of the best has been used: multi-piece back and sides made of grained white oak, European spruce top, forward-shifted X-bracing, curly maple neck, and ebony fretboard.
If you still have some budget left for the year, take a closer look at one of the best acoustic guitars of 2025 at Thomann*.
Conculsion
Well? Was your favorite new release from 2025 among on our list? Where do you think acoustic guitars are headed? What developments do you think are missing? Let us know in the comments!
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