Lakewood
Since 1986
Founded in 1986 in Giessen, Germany by master luthier Martin Seeliger, Lakewood Guitars represents the pinnacle of modern European acoustic luthiery. Revered as the 'Crown Jewel of German Acoustic Engineering,' Lakewood achieved worldwide acclaim through fingerstyle virtuoso Sungha Jung, whose YouTube performances introduced billions of listeners to Lakewood's signature crystalline clarity, explosive harmonic dynamics, and piano-like sustain. Handcrafted exclusively in Germany from select AAA European mountain spruce, Indian rosewood, and exotic hardwoods using traditional Spanish heel neck joinery and precision L.R. Baggs Anthem systems, Lakewood is a premier recording studio and concert stage acoustic benchmark.
40
Years in Business
35K+
Guitars Sold
$12M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Lakewood Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Lakewood guitars.
Lakewood Price Overview
Lakewood covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,200
+4.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
160
Active listings
Sold This Month
35
+4.2% vs last month
Price Range
$1,250-$4,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Lakewood Timeline
Martin Seeliger Founds Lakewood in Giessen
Master luthier Martin Seeliger established Lakewood Guitars, combining German engineering precision with traditional Spanish acoustic luthiery.
Launch of the M-Series Grand Concert
Introduced the M-Series body shape, which quickly became Europe's benchmark instrument for acoustic fingerstyle performers.
Stratified Catalog Lines Introduced
Organized production into Natural, Deluxe, and Premium lines alongside a world-class 3D online custom guitar designer.
Sungha Jung Endorsement Phenomenon
Korean fingerstyle prodigy Sungha Jung made Lakewood his signature concert guitar, propelling the brand to global internet stardom.
L.R. Baggs Anthem Integration
Standardized the dual-element L.R. Baggs Anthem system for authentic, uncompressed acoustic reproduction on stage.
40 Years of German Acoustic Mastery
Celebrates four decades of uncompromised handcrafted German acoustic perfection, revered by fingerstyle artists across the globe.
Complete Lakewood Product Lineup
In a world of mass production, Lakewood stands apart as a master workshop where German precision engineering serves pure acoustic artistry.
M-Series (Grand Concert)
Lakewood's flagship body shape engineered specifically for articulate acoustic fingerstyle dynamics and studio recording.
AAA European spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, Venetian cutaway, L.R. Baggs Anthem electronics, Hiscox case.
AAA European spruce soundboard paired with solid mahogany body, satin open-pore finish, warm dry projection.
Custom Grand Concert with vintage-tinted top, custom fingerboard inlays, narrow string spacing for intricate fingerpicking.
A-Series & C-Series (Auditorium & Concert)
Compact and curvaceous bodies offering laser-focused midrange note separation and sweet harmonic chime.
Smaller waist auditorium with European spruce and rosewood, offering intimate fingerstyle intimacy and stage cutaway.
Nylon-string or steel-string crossover with traditional round bout curves and singing treble frequencies.
D-Series & Premium Custom Shop
Full dreadnought acoustics and bespoke master-grade one-off instruments crafted in the Giessen workshop.
Full-size European dreadnought delivering majestic acoustic headroom, cathedral bass, and flatpicking punch.
Bespoke commissions featuring master-grade moon spruce, snakewood binding, and tree-of-life fingerboard purfling.
"In a world of mass production, Lakewood stands apart as a master workshop where German precision engineering serves pure acoustic artistry."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The European Fingerstyle Gold Standard
AAA European Mountain Spruce Grain
Examine the pale European spruce top for tight, uniform annual rings and natural medullary cross-silking.
L.R. Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Blend
Plug into an acoustic amp; test the phase button and Tru-Mic blend wheel to ensure complete fidelity without static.
Check Thin Poly/Nitro Finish Seams
Lakewood applies an ultra-thin finish for maximum top resonance; check the cutaway joint for micro-checking from dry weather.
The Warm All-Solid Mahogany Value
Satin Open-Pore Finish Feel
Check the back and sides for shiny friction spots from playing wear; the open-pore wood breathes dynamically.
Spanish Heel Neck Joint
Verify the neck heel is seamless against the body; Lakewood uses traditional Spanish joinery for structural immortality.
Schaller / Lakewood Tuner Smoothness
Inspect the German-made precision tuners with wooden buttons; confirm they turn with effortless micro-metric precision.
The Collector Fingerstyle Virtuoso Tool
Certificate of Authenticity & Case
Confirm the original Lakewood Certificate of Authenticity signed by Martin Seeliger and the original silver Hiscox case are present.
Fret Edge & Fingerboard Inlay Check
Inspect the custom fingerboard inlays and ebony binding edges for completely smooth transitions.
Bridge Saddle Height & Action
Verify low fingerstyle action (typically 3/64" to 4/64" at the 12th fret) with zero buzz across all registers.