Best Acoustic Guitars With Koa Back in 2026
Here are the top acoustic guitars with Koa back. It's a type of wood native to the Hawaiian Islands, where it's pretty common. Its musical properties make it a great wood for making guitars, but it's especially popular for building Ukuleles.
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.
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. Taylor GT K21e
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor GT K21e | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Koa | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Spring Vine | |
| Scale Size: | 24.125" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 43.4mm (1.71'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor GT K21e
Taylor GT K21e
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Electronics
- Synthetic Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Takamine TF77-PT
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
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| Takamine TF77-PT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2012 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Legacy | |
| Colors: | Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Cedar | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Custom 12th | |
| Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.5mm (1.673'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CTP-3 CoolTube (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine TF77-PT
Takamine TF77-PT
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone 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
3. Gibson Custom Hummingbird Custom
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| Gibson Custom Hummingbird Custom | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Gibson Custom | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Modern Collection | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Traditional belly up | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Grover, Engraved Kidney Knobs | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Hummingbird Custom | |
| Scale Size: | 24.75" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Rounded | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 43.8mm (1.725'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ( / ) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom Hummingbird Custom
Gibson Custom Hummingbird Custom
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Electronics
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Martin 000-12E
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What our users think
- Tuning stability: Won't stay in tune (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
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| Martin 000-12E | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Martin | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Mexico | |
| Series: | Road | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | FSC Certified Richlite | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Black Enclosed Gear | |
| Fretboard: | FSC Certified Richlite | |
| Neck Material: | Select Hardwood | |
| Decoration: | Mother-of-Pearl Pattern Style 28 | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Performing Artist | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 16" | |
| Nut: | Corian | |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Fishman MX-T (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 000-12E
Martin 000-12E
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Solid Top Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Expensive Woods
- No High-Quality Nut
- Low-Quality Material Saddle
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa
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| Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Washburn | |
| Year: | 2020 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | Comfort | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | 18:1 Gold w/Ebonite Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Satin Mahogany with 2 way Truss Rod | |
| Decoration: | Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 23.25" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Washburn Comfort | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | NuBone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.8mm (1.687'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | ( / ) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa
Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa
- Expensive Wood
- NuBone Nut
- NuBone Saddle
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Electronics
- Laminated Top Wood
- Laminated Side Wood
- Laminated Back Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Taylor K26ce
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor K26ce | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2014 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Koa | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Spring Vine | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor K26ce
Taylor K26ce
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Taylor 722ce
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor 722ce | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | 700 | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Polished Bronze | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Fountain, Shell, Mother Of Pearl | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Bronze | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor 722ce
Taylor 722ce
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Taylor 724ce
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor 724ce | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | 700 | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Taylor Polished Bronze | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Fountain, Shell, Mother Of Pearl | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Bronze | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor 724ce
Taylor 724ce
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Taylor K22ce
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (12 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (9 votes)
Show All Specs
| Taylor K22ce | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Taylor | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | United States | |
| Series: | Koa | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Hawaiian Koa | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh | |
| Fretboard: | West African Crelicam Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Tropical Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Spring Vine | |
| Scale Size: | 24.9" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Taylor Standard | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15" | |
| Nut: | Graphite | |
| Nut Width: | 44.5mm (1.75'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Taylor K22ce
Taylor K22ce
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Electronics
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No High-Quality Nut
- No Top Brand Pickups
- Low-Quality Material Saddle
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Takamine CP3 NYK
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
Show All Specs
| Takamine CP3 NYK | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Pro Series 3 | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Cedar | |
| Sides Material: | Koa | |
| Back Material: | Koa | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 24.8" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 45mm (1.77'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CT4B II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine CP3 NYK
Takamine CP3 NYK
- 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
