Best 25.4" Scale Acoustic Guitars in 2024

Here you'll find the best 25.4" scale acoustic guitars. This is considered a long scale, but slightly shorter than what's commonly found in acoustic guitars.

Since the distance between bridge and nut is relatively long, strings will feel stiff and more difficult to bend, but the tone will feel brighter. It will also be less likely to produce fret buzzing and rattling when strumming hard.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Takamine EF341DX

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Takamine EF341DX
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Playability 77
Sound 85
Build quality 87
Value for money 73
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (1 vote)
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  • From Takamine's 2020 Legacy series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Cedar top
  • Maple back
  • Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: CT4B II (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gotoh tuners
  • Compare Specs >
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  • From Takamine's 2020 Legacy series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Cedar top
  • Maple back
  • Maple sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: CT4B II (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gotoh tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine EF341DX
  • Made in Japan
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Laminated Side Wood
  • Laminated Back Wood
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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2. Martin Grand J-16E 12 String

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Martin Grand J-16E 12 String
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 77
Sound 88
Build quality 86
Value for money 74
Overall Score 84
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  • From Martin's 2021 16-17 series
  • Made in United States
  • 12 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic 12 String Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
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  • From Martin's 2021 16-17 series
  • Made in United States
  • 12 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic 12 String Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin Grand J-16E 12 String
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Ivory Tusq Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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3. Takamine EF450C TT

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Takamine EF450C TT
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Playability 77
Sound 85
Build quality 87
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (1 vote)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Takamine's 2018 TT series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Thermal Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Flame Maple sides
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: TLD-2 Line Driver (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Takamine tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Takamine's 2018 TT series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Thermal Spruce top
  • Solid Flame Maple back
  • Flame Maple sides
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: TLD-2 Line Driver (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Takamine tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine EF450C TT
  • Made in Japan
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Laminated Side Wood
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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4. Martin D-35 Johnny Cash

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Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 88
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (4 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (4 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Martin's 2014 Custom & Special Editions series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Engelmann Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 2014 Custom & Special Editions series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Engelmann Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-35 Johnny Cash
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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5. Martin D-18 Modern Deluxe

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Martin D-18 Modern Deluxe
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 89
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (2 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Martin's 2020 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid Genuine Mahogany back
  • Solid Genuine Mahogany sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 2020 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid Genuine Mahogany back
  • Solid Genuine Mahogany sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-18 Modern Deluxe
  • Gold Frets
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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6. Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe

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Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logo
Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 89
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (2 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logo
  • From Martin's 2020 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 2020 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe
  • Gold Frets
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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7. Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe

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Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 89
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
  • Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (1 vote)
  • Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (2 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (2 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (4 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Martin's 2022 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 2022 Modern Deluxe series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce with VTS top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Vintage Deluxe Set neck
  • 20 Medium Gold frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe
  • Gold Frets
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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8. Martin M-36

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Martin M-36
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 88
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (4 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • From Martin's 1978 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • East Indian Rosewood bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 1978 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • East Indian Rosewood bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin M-36
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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9. Martin D-42

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Martin D-42
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoAmazon logo
Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 89
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Tuning stability: Sightly unstable (1 vote)
  • Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (4 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
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  • From Martin's 1996 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 1996 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-42
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

10. Martin D-41

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Martin D-41
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 88
Build quality 89
Value for money 68
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
  • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
  • Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
  • Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (4 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
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  • From Martin's 1969 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Show all Specs
  • From Martin's 1969 Standard series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Gold Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-41
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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