Folk guitar

Looking for a folk guitar? We offer a wide selection of quality folk guitars for every musical level. The folk guitar, more commonly known as the acoustic guitar, is perfect for blues, folk, and country music enthusiasts. Recognizable by its relatively large resonance body, it produces a clear and powerful sound, requiring electrical amplification only in live settings. It's ideal for beginners and perfect for accompanying your voice across various musical styles.

Dreadnought, Jumbo, Auditorium, Parlor… There are numerous folk guitar shapes, each with unique features and sound qualities. We help you find the folk guitar that matches your style and preferences.

The Folk Guitar Through Time

It was Frank Henry Martin who created the folk guitar in the United States in 1916. Inheriting a long tradition of plucked string instruments, it was developed to provide the sound power needed for country music. Over the years, it has become a staple of popular music, appreciated for its versatility and warm tones.

The folk guitar is distinct from a classical guitar with its steel strings, X-bracing, and bright metallic tones. These characteristics make it perfect for styles such as folk, blues, and rock.

An Ideal Choice for Beginners

If you’re starting out, we recommend buying a folk guitar. Its neck is narrower than a classical guitar, making it more comfortable to play and easier to form chords. Additionally, steel strings provide a richer sound, making it ideal for exploring different musical styles during your learning journey.

For beginners, prioritizing playing comfort is key. Choose a model with a slim neck and a compact body, as this will make practice easier. We also recommend selecting a folk guitar with low action, meaning the distance between the strings and the neck is reduced. This decreases the pressure needed to play chords.

Acoustic or Electro-Acoustic Folk Guitar?

An acoustic folk guitar produces sound solely through the vibration of its strings and resonance body. It’s ideal for home use or small spaces, offering a natural sound.

An electro-acoustic guitar, on the other hand, is equipped with a pickup that allows you to connect it to an amplifier. This makes it a great choice for performing on stage, recording in a studio, or simply enjoying a louder sound.

How to Choose a Folk Guitar?

The bracing is the internal structure of the soundboard, playing a crucial role in the guitar’s tone. There are different types, each with unique characteristics. Opt for X-bracing for a powerful, balanced sound suitable for strumming. For fingerpicking, go for a fan bracing that enhances harmonic diffusion.

You should also consider the guitar's shape, which affects both the sound and playing comfort. Dreadnought guitars, with their large bodies, produce a powerful sound and are recommended for strumming or energetic rhythms. Auditorium guitars, more compact, are ideal for intimate playing styles, while the Jumbo format is favored by country or bluegrass guitarists for its rich bass and excellent projection.

The type of wood significantly impacts the guitar's tone. Spruce, commonly used for the soundboard, produces a clear and bright sound. Choose cedar if you prefer a warm, round tone. For the back and sides, mahogany offers a warm sound, while rosewood produces powerful and brighter tones.

The choice of wood thus depends on your tonal preferences and the musical style you want to play.

The Best Folk Guitar Brands and Models

Stars Music offers a selection of folk guitars from the most renowned brands: Yamaha, Eastone, Cort, Eastman, Taylor, Fender, and Gibson.

Yamaha is a Japanese brand known for its reliability and excellent value for money. It offers a wide range of folk guitars, from entry-level models to professional instruments. The FG and APX series are particularly popular.

Eastone likely offers the best value for beginners starting their acoustic guitar journey.

Cort, a Korean brand recognized for its innovation and high-quality craftsmanship, offers accessible and high-performing guitars, particularly its Luce series.

Eastman is a relatively young brand. Its main advantage is offering folk guitars crafted by meticulous Asian luthiers, resulting in impressive quality at an affordable price.

The iconic American brand Taylor offers high-end guitars with exceptional tones and optimal playing comfort. The GS Mini and Academy series are perfectly suited for demanding beginner guitarists.

Fender, legendary in the electric guitar world, also excels in acoustic guitars. The Paramount series is especially known for its rich sound and vintage aesthetics.

Gibson produces legendary folk guitars like the J-45, Hummingbird, and SJ-200. These models are highly appreciated for their distinctive sound and playing comfort.

Martin is probably the American manufacturer that produces the most coveted models among lovers of fine acoustic guitars. The brand’s flagship references are the D-18, D-28, 0M-28, D-42, and D-45.

The Most Iconic Models at Star Music

Here are some popular and recommended acoustic folk guitar models:

• Eastone OM100: An affordable and easy-to-play guitar, perfect for learning your first chords.

• Cort Luce L100C or L100O: Comfortable and with great sound, these models offer excellent value for money.

• Lag Tramontane T70A: Designed in France, this folk guitar stands out for its craftsmanship and refined aesthetics.

• Yamaha Storia Concert: A compact and comfortable format that facilitates learning.

• Taylor Baby: A travel-sized guitar, perfect for nomadic guitarists or those with smaller hands.

• Wesland OM15: A high-quality folk guitar at an affordable price.

We recommend these models for beginners and guitarists with some experience, as they provide a good balance between price, playing comfort, and sound quality. This allows you to start learning or improve your skills in the best possible conditions.