Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
The dreadnought acoustic guitar has dominated popular music for nearly a century — and it's easy to understand why. Named after the massive British battleships of the early 20th century, the dreadnought's large, square-shouldered body delivers a powerful, full-range tone that projects beautifully both on stage and in the living room. It is the standard by which all other acoustic guitar body shapes are measured.
Key Features
- Body Shape: Large, square shoulders with a wide waist — the largest of the standard acoustic body styles.
- Sound Profile: Full, powerful, and balanced — strong bass response with clear midrange and bright treble.
- Best For: Strumming, flatpicking, bluegrass, country, folk, and rock — the dreadnought handles it all.
- Projection: Excellent volume and projection — the dreadnought can fill a room without amplification.
Dreadnought Brands at Roxy Music
- Martin: The company that invented the dreadnought in 1916. Martin dreadnoughts are the benchmark of the format — rich, complex tone that only improves with age. Shop Martin →
- Fender: Accessible dreadnought acoustics with authentic tone and quality construction at player-friendly price points. Shop Fender →
- Yamaha: Legendary consistency and value — Yamaha dreadnoughts are trusted by students and working musicians worldwide. Shop Yamaha →
- Ibanez: Performance-oriented dreadnoughts with great playability and solid craftsmanship across multiple price points. Shop Ibanez →
- Takamine: Reliable dreadnoughts trusted by gigging musicians for decades. Shop Takamine →
Acoustic-Electric Options
Many of our dreadnought guitars are available in acoustic-electric configurations with built-in pickups and preamps — ideal for gigging musicians who need to plug in. Ask our staff about acoustic-electric options, or browse our Stage Ready Acoustics collection.
Explore More
- Concert & Grand Auditorium
- Jumbo Acoustic Guitars
- Parlor & Small Body
- Used & Vintage Acoustic Guitars
Questions? Call 219-362-2340 or contact us. Real musicians, no pressure.