If you are keen on performing to a crowd or think it is time you try your hand at an electric guitar then the best thing for you to do is buy an acoustic-electric guitar. Here we highlight 10 of the best acoustic electric guitars along with a buying guide and other information that should come in handy when choosing the best model out of the lot.
An acoustic-electric guitar will give you the best of both worlds where you can enjoy the natural acoustic tone and also boost the sound up at the same time when performing at a concert.
No matter what your budget or preferences may be, you are sure to find your ideal instrument within our top 10 list so let’s not waste any time and dig right in…
Top 10 List of Best Acoustic Electric Guitars:
- Martin OMJM John Mayer
- Taylor 214CE Deluxe Grand Auditorium
- Yamaha L-Series Transacoustic Guitar
- Takamine EF341SC Pro Series
- Taylor 414CE-R
- Martin Road Series D10E-01
- Epiphone Dove Pro
- Fender Tim Armstrong 10th Anniversary Hellcat
- Gretsch G5024E Rancher Dreadnought
- PRS A15AL SE Angelus Alex Lifeson Model
Our Top 3 Recommendations:
1. Martin OMJM John Mayer
The Martin OMJM John Mayer acoustic-electric guitar is entirely made of solid wood. As a result, it’s extremely expensive, though it offers corresponding sound quality for the price.
In terms of materials, the back and body of this acoustic-electric guitar are made of East Indian rosewood, while the top is Engelmann spruce. With that, you will enjoy the warmth of rosewood and the clarity of spruce in your music. The spruce soundboard is ultra-responsive as well, allowing you to fully uncover this beast’s potential.
As time goes on, this instrument will sound even better as the wood ages!
The build of the OMJM John Mayer acoustic-electric guitar is also accentuated by the glossy finish for a unique and unmistakable look.
You will have to dig really deep into your pocket to afford this instrument. However, if you are serious about guitar playing or are a connoisseur, then you can be sure that the investment will be worth it.
Things we like:
- Solid wood construction.
- Excellent sound – will get even better with time!
- Delivers the warm tones of rosewood and the clarity of spruce.
Things we don’t like:
- Outrageously expensive.
2. Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium
The Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium guitar is not as horrifyingly expensive as the Martin guitar, but it still is in the 4 digits. It’s half the price of the Martin guitar though, so it’s going to be a reachable instrument for more people.
What also slightly differs between the two guitars is the top material. The 214ce Deluxe has a Sitka spruce top, while the body and back are layered rosewood. Sitka spruce is favored by guitarists for its clear, powerful tone.
The product description also suggests that this guitar has a rosewood laminate back, but this doesn’t appear to be true since the entire guitar is all real wood.
The cutout design is pretty nice as well – it will make playing the instrument while seated very easy.
This acoustic-electric guitar overall certainly doesn’t feel as premium as the likes of OMJM John Mayer, but it’s still a guitar that you can confidently show off to your buddies.
Things we like:
- Solid wood build – will sound better the more you play.
- The powerful and clear tones of Sitka spruce.
- The cutout design makes playing while seated very easy.
Things we don’t like:
- Still pretty expensive.
3. Yamaha L-Series Transacoustic Guitar
The L-Series Transacoustic guitar from Yamaha is a great deal for the money. We wouldn’t say that it’s a pocket-friendly acoustic-electric guitar, but it’s excellent for the price and is way cheaper than our previous few picks.
Material-wise, the Yamaha guitar offers a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood and back sides. The sound here has a similar profile to what you are getting in the Martin OMJM guitar, but the quality isn’t quite the same.
But since the wood here is solid, the guitar will sound better the more you use it.
Notably, the guitar comes with built-in reverb/chorus effects, so you may not need to use any external hardware for effects.
The feel of this guitar, needless to say, is less premium than in previous picks, but this still isn’t a cheap guitar. It’s a great pick if you are looking for a mix of value and quality.
Things we like:
- Solid top, body, and back.
- The clear sound of spruce and the warmth of rosewood.
- Built-in reverb/chorus effects.
- Relatively inexpensive for what it has.
Things we don’t like:
- Nothing really to complain about.
4. Takamine EF341 SC Pro Series
Every now and then you come across a guitar that screams quality and lingers on your mind if by any chance you decide to walk away from it and settle for something more affordable and basic.
Takamine’s pro series facility in Japan is guilty of manufacturing such guitars that not many musicians have had the heart to let go and thanked their stars later for grabbing one while they still had the chance.
Sounds too dramatic? Well, maybe we are just too awestruck by the gorgeous look and impeccable performance of the Takamine EF341 SC Pro Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar.
Sporting laminated maple back and sides and a solid cedar top, the instrument features a dreadnought body with a deep cutaway. You will immediately notice and hopefully appreciate the gorgeous polished all-black finish with white top binding that does a great job of contrast and also gives the guitar an attractive appearance. The soundhole is also elegantly decorated to match the overall look of the instrument.
The c-shaped mahogany neck consists of a rosewood fingerboard also accommodating 20 frets. You will also see tiny diamond inlays on the fingerboard which very smartly keeps the look to a minimum but also adds a bit of sophistication.
The superior electronics include the patented CT-4B II preamp system and Palathetic under-saddle pickup. Everything starting from the 3-band EQ to the built-in chromatic tuner is built to perform to the highest standard.
Hardware includes D’Addario EXP16 light strings, a headstock with chrome tuners, and a rosewood bridge with a bone saddle and nut.
Moving on to the sound quality it would be unnatural for a guitar of this caliber to not impress you with what matters the most.
The EF341SC is built to perform, so well that Bruce Springsteen has been seen to use it during most of his concerts when playing acoustic.
With both the body shape and the outstanding electrics, the guitar offers accurate projection and rich tones. Contradicting many acoustic-electric guitars that fail to produce good sound unless plugged in, the EF341SC with its CT-4B II preamp ensures that your audiences never miss out on the natural tone that only an acoustic guitar can produce.
We also have a detailed review of Takamine G Series, in case you want!
Things we like:
- Visually pleasing
- Ideal for the stage
- Palathetic pickup is known to be one of the industry’s most accurate and natural-sounding pickup.
- Manufactured in Japan
Things we don’t like:
- Price is on the higher end
5. Taylor 414ce-R Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The 414ce-R acoustic-electric guitar is a higher-end alternative to 214ce. It’s similar at the basics but very different in execution.
Material-wise, Taylor 414ce-R is nearly identical to 214ce. However, thanks to the V-class bracing, the 414ce-R has boosted volume across the entire spectrum. Aside from that, the bracing increases sustain and deliver more natural intonation.
The cutaway is again here, allowing you to play more comfortably while seated.
Aside from better sound, the 414ce-R acoustic-electric guitar has a more premium feel than 214ce. It gets pretty close to the martin OMJM guitar, but it’s not quite there.
Things we like:
- All-solid wood construction.
- Powerful tones of Sitka spruce combined with the warmth of rosewood.
- Cutout body design.
Things we don’t like:
- Will eat through your wallet like there’s no tomorrow.
6. Martin Road Series D10E-01
Martin is a well-known company that designs and manufactures high-end guitars that tend to the needs of every guitarist out there. Their instruments are crafted well and produce amazing sound quality for which most Martin guitars can be on the pricier side.
But if you are on a budget of less than $1000 and dream of owning a Martin guitar then you are in luck today.
Martin released the Road Series which aims at delivering musicians with high-quality instruments at affordable prices and we are going to be reviewing the D10E-01 dreadnought model (an updated version of DRS2) from the series right here for you.
Starting with the body of the Martin Road Series D10E-01, the guitar employs a combination of Sapele and tailored hardwood for a unique sound.
The top, back, and sides are made of Sapele while the modified low oval neck is constructed out of multi-laminate Stratabond which together produces a distinctive sound that one can label as rich and warm.
If you are wondering how durable the guitar is then we can assure you that the overall build is solid but still require care and maintenance just like all instruments do.
As an acoustic-electric guitar, the hardware and electric parts are top-notch here despite the affordable price.
The D10E-01 is a 6-string guitar that operates with a basic Fishman pickup with a built-in soundhole tuner that automatically mutes the audio output for user convenience.
Chrome enclosed gear tuner, white Corian nut, FSC certified richlite bridge with a compensated white tusq saddle, and a simple-looking tortoise pattern pick-guard are some of the materials on this musical instrument. On top of all that, this guitar is pleked to perform the best possible fret leveling and string action.
Whether you are playing plugged or unplugged, you will love the smooth action and outcome of the Martin D10E-01 with its sturdy construction, unique tone quality, and well-designed neck.
This product also includes a soft-shell case so you can protect and carry your precious guitar in style.
Things we like:
- Top-level performance at an affordable price
- Durable construction
- Warm and rich sound
- Responsive playing
- Comes with a soft case
Things we don’t like:
- Compared to the rest of the components and built quality, the pickup is just about average.
7. Epiphone Dove Pro
This is a very popular model among many guitarists seeking high-quality presentations but who wants to stay under a budget of $500.
What makes this such an ideal choice is that once you start to play this guitar you might find it hard to believe that it is not really a high-end guitar because it definitely has everything a passionate guitarist would want in his or her precious instrument.
In terms of design and playability, we can very much say that the Dove Pro is a classic-style guitar that is easy to play and looks absolutely stunning.
The build consists of a solid spruce top, laminated maple back and sides, and a scale length of 25.5 inches. This is a little more than the Hummingbird which is 24.75 inches and a similar model to the Dove Pro.
Note that since both models have laminated back and sides despite the difference in the wood (Hummingbird has laminated mahogany instead of maple) there isn’t much difference in the tones.
The dove design engraved on the fret-board compliments the name of the guitar and gives it a distinctive look. It is also a nice guitar to take around and be proud of as it looks and feels very much top quality.
With a rosewood fingerboard that is crafted for easy grip and playability, even beginners will feel comfortable playing on it. It is furthermore constructed with a dovetail neck joint and a slim taper ‘D’ profile.
With this model, you will also get a rich sound quality that will be absolutely pleasing to the ear. It is equipped with Fishman electronics consisting of their Sonitone sound-hole preamp and Sonicore pickup system.
Please note that the Epiphone Dove Pro only comes in the vintage burst finish so if you are looking for variety then, unfortunately, there is only one option here. However, the look shouldn’t give you anything to complain about because it is designed beautifully.
Things we like:
- Great value for money
- Attractive design
- Great for country music
- Good tonal range
Things we don’t like:
- Comes with only one finish
- Some customers had issues with the electrics
8. Fender Tim Armstrong 10th Anniversary Hellcat
Does the mention of an aggressive dark look on a guitar appeal to you? Then you will love this 10th-anniversary signature model by Fender.
Tim Armstrong of the infamous band Rancid loved his Fender and wrote all his songs on it and this model is based on his prized possession. We will first take a moment to talk about the outlook and overall design of the instrument before going into the specifics.
The hellcat is anything but a traditionally-styled guitar with patented pearl acrylic logos present on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th frets. The logos which are basically creatively created cats give the instrument a distinctive and unique look along with a couple of skulls on the 12th fret.
If you ever dreamed of being in a punk or metal band then just holding this guitar will make you already feel like a punk or metal star.
Now the good news is that despite some amazing efforts in the visual department of the guitar, Fender does not seem to charge its customers anything extra for their hard work.
In fact, this well-priced model looks and produces music way better than most of the models in its competition.
We didn’t notice much difference in the quality of sound whether you play plugged in or direct which says a lot about the overall quality of the construction.
Upgraded hardware and electrics include solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing, high-quality Fishman Presys III pickup system with active preamp, 3-ply gold pick-guard, and gold hardware.
You get a decent range of sound which makes this a versatile guitar to play many kinds of songs and along with the affordable price tag it clearly seems like an excellent option for beginners and advanced guitarists alike.
Things we like:
- Budget-Friendly
- A stylish and unique look
- Wide range of sound
Things we don’t like:
- The distinctive look may not appeal to everyone
9. Gretsch G5024E Rancher
Out of all the unique guitars listed here today, the Gretsch G5024E Rancher is surely one the most different.
This acoustic-electric guitar has a triangular soundhole and extraordinary pickguard that will immediately grab your attention as soon as you lay your eyes and hands on it.
While the two mentioned sections are what is so unique about this model, the rest of the mechanism and designs are what we would say solid and quite simple but in a good way.
The dreadnought body is made of rosewood with a solid spruce top. Both the bridge and neck are mahogany while the fretboard is once again rosewood. The mixture of different woods allows clear and vibrant sound which is improved with the scalloped X-bracing.
The Fishman Isys+ preamp system and Sonicore under-saddle pickup promote excellent tonal balance and ensure that you leave your audience mesmerized every time you plug in and play.
It is a 6-string guitar with 21 frets and a scale length of 25 inches.
As an experienced guitarist, you may find the specs of this guitar quite basic but according to most customer reviews, this has proven to be an ideal instrument for new learners looking to have some fun while improving their playing skills.
If the unconventional visual of the guitar does not put you off then we simply do not see any reason why one would not purchase this affordable and well-equipped acoustic-electric guitar.
Things we like:
- Amazing sound quality with both acoustic and amplified usage
- Ideal for beginners
- Compact size- easy to hold and position
- Well built
Things we don’t like:
- No major flaws. However, if you are seeking a very traditional-styled guitar then the eccentric design on this model may not appeal to you.
10. Paul Reed Smith Guitars A15AL SE Angelus
This is the second signature guitar on the best acoustic-electric guitars list and this time it is the signature model for Alex Lifeson of the rock band Rush.
While this may not be the only Alex Lifeson signature model on the market, it is one of the most popular and highly sold ones, thanks to the affordable price point and feature-packed design.
If you are a new guitarist and want to own a signature guitar but don’t really want to spend a fortune on it then this is the perfect model for you.
For starters, most musicians tend to purchase a signature guitar or at least have one in their collection for the visuals. Or we should say ‘individuality’. This is because signature guitars often have a part of the design dedicated to the musician it is designed after and that makes the guitar stand out.
This Paul Reed Smith guitar has the famous diving birds’ inlays on the rosewood fretboard that distinguish it from the rest. The design also gives the instrument an amazing classy feel and makes it look really high-quality.
Coming to the body of the guitar, take note that this model is one of the slimmer versions even though it is constructed with a classic acoustic hybrid shape. One drawback to the slimmer body is that the sound produced when playing unplugged is rather low.
Most of the guitars mentioned today have an equal ratio of sound quality whether you play acoustic or plugged in but this one falls back just a tiny step behind in that criteria.
Having said that, when plugged in this guitar along with its amazing top-notch hardware and electronics will leave no room for complaints.
Things we like:
- Attractive visuals
- Available within an affordable price range
- Includes hard case
- Hi-grade electronics
Things we don’t like:
- The slim body of the guitar somewhat reduces the degree of sound produced when playing acoustic.
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Buying Guide
When you are willing to purchase an instrument of any kind, it’s natural you would want to know every detail about it, including why it is also the right choice for you and such.
Depending on your budget and the kind of music you want to play, shopping for the perfect instrument can be bothersome and somewhat confusing, unless you have prior experience regarding it.
In any case, since this article revolves around acoustic-electric guitars, there are some important notes you should take down while buying one.
What is an Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
First, let us get to know what an acoustic-electric guitar really is. Unlike your usual acoustic guitars, acoustic-electric guitars have an inbuilt pre-amplifier, which you can easily plug into an amplifier or into a sound system.
The great thing about an acoustic-electric guitar is that it still manages to produce the sounds you would expect from a traditional acoustic guitar. And the greater side to it is that the same rich acoustic sounds will be amplified naturally, allowing you to comfortably play in public areas as well if you will.
Note that when you do not have your acoustic-electric guitar plugged into an amplifier or into a sound system, you can still play it just as you would play a traditional acoustic guitar.
Also Read: Differences between Acoustic And Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Design And Structure Of Electro Acoustic Guitar
When choosing the right acoustic-electric guitar you should learn how one is built beforehand. This will help you a lot in the future when you have to figure out exactly what sort of sound can be created with the help of your guitar.
Neck
Starting with the most basic part of a guitar, the neck is usually attached to the body of the guitar. This type of neck is one that we term as ‘set neck’, as in it is glued to the body. However, some guitars have an alternative to the neck type, introducing a ‘bolt-on neck’ system.
On the neck, there is a metal truss rod, which helps to prevent the neck from wilting or twisting due to the tension from the strings. You can easily adjust the truss rod of the guitar, which will also allow you to correct intonation errors.
Fretboard
Also known as the fingerboard, this is usually a piece of sturdy wood set into the guitar neck, at half-step increments over the course of the 12-tone scale. The fretboard is where you can find different notes. Some models of guitars have dots on the fretboard while others may have odd-numbered frets or symbols. The fretboard is most commonly made up of ebony or rosewood.
Headstock
This is located at the very end of the neck of the guitar, hence called the headstock as this is where the soundboard of the guitar starts from. The headstock consists of tuners and machine heads which help to adjust the tension and pressure on each string, allowing you to alter their pitches accordingly.
On the very top of the soundboard, where the headstock meets the neck, you will find a nut. The nut is commonly constructed of graphite, bone, or sometimes also plastic.
Body of Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Soundboard
As we previously mentioned, the body is where the soundboard is located at. The soundboard is also supported by some internal bracing. These are the sides of the soundboard, there is the back of the board comes together to form a hollow chamber in the middle. Know that the middle of a guitar is known as the waist while the upper and lower body curves are known as the upper and lower bouts respectively. Know that the larger a soundboard, the deeper and louder the sound will be produced.
Soundhole
The sound hole is associated with the waist of the guitar, right at the very base of the fretboard. The sound hole is through which the sounds produced by the user and the strings are resonated. Often times you will find a plastic pickguard at the base of the fretboard.
Size and Shape
These two factors influence how useful the guitar can really be. They play an important part in the sound and in the playability of the instrument as a whole. Finding a guitar with the right shape and size is a completely personal decision because you will be the one playing it after all. Hence, the user needs to make sure if the shape and the size of the guitar are comfortable or not.
Strings
Strings are probably the most necessary part of a guitar. Properly attached and well-tuned strings play a big role when creating music. The strings are set at the body of the guitar, connected to the bridge. There are bridge pins that hold onto each string. There is a part called the saddle that has thin strips of materials such as plastic or bone that separate each string from one another.
For beginners, go for guitars with nylon strings as they are much softer on the tips of your fingers. Nylon strings also project more mellow and softer tones as well. However, steel strings are more commonly used by guitarists who prefer playing music a bit more loudly.
Top
The top of a guitar is what affects the tone and quality of the music produced the most. The top of an acoustic-electric guitar is most commonly made of laminate or solid wood. Solid wood is a better choice for guitar manufacturing as the quality of the tone resonated is more rich and vibrant, while the tone resonated through a laminate top is not as rich.
However, laminate is much cheaper than guitars with a solid wood top, hence being a good choice for beginners or for those who are tight on their budget.
Type of Wood Used in Acoustic-Electric Guitar
There are a lot of wood qualities that influence the tone of the music, but it can be quite confusing to choose just one. Some of the wood we have here are the most common ones used in acoustic-electric guitars.
Cedar- Guitars made of cedar wood produce bright tones.
Ebony- Ebony is usually used for the fretboard of a guitar, as it is very sturdy but also has a sleek texture to it.
Cocobolo- This Mexican wood is very strong and hence mostly used for the sides and backs of a guitar. The tone projected is very bright with this wood.
Mahogany- Guitars made of Mahogany produce strong tones as it is a very opaque wood themselves. Guitars of mahogany are usually used to play high-end tones such as blues or country music.
Spruce- A standard for acoustic-electric guitars, spruce is strong while being lightweight at the same time. There are also variations of the type of spruce used, ranging from Sitka, European Spruce, etc, each with its own distinct quality and colors.
Maple- Guitars with sides and backs made of maple are great for a live event as the sound produced is somewhat ‘dry’. If you know you will be playing in a group or as a band, going for a guitar of maple wood is smart as the sound from the guitar can still be heard even under a mix of other various instruments.
Sapele- Sapele is an African wood that is mostly used for the back and sides of guitars. The tonal quality is similar to that of mahogany however it adds a little more treble to it.
Benefits of an Acoustic Electric Guitar
An Acoustic-Electric Guitar is one such type of guitar that gives you the best of both worlds at the same time. With an Acoustic-Electric Guitar, you can enjoy the classical tone of a traditional acoustic guitar, but at the same time also have an inbuilt amplifier with the guitar. Other than the obvious factor of having a pre-built in amplifier, an Acoustic-Electric Guitar is versatile and rich with consistency.
Due to the fact that it has an inbuilt amplifier, you only have to directly plug it into a sound system or mixer in order to produce a great music piece. In addition to that, the quality of the music will not be distorted either, hence keeping up the consistency of the output. Using an acoustic-electric guitar in live situations is therefore very easy and comfortable.
The greatest part of an Acoustic-Electric Guitar is that it is versatile when it comes to the type of music you want to create. You can simply just play the guitar as a traditional acoustic guitar when it is not connected or plugged into an amplifier or sound system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play an electro-acoustic guitar without an amp?
You do not need an external amplifier to play an acoustic-electric guitar. Without an external amp, an acoustic-electric guitar sounds and works just like a regular acoustic guitar.
Can I install my own electronics on an acoustic-electric guitar?
You can, but you don’t really need to do this unless you determine that the electronics provided out of the box are insufficient for your needs. If you don’t buy a dirt-cheap guitar, then you can be sure that you will get decent electronics.
Do I have to look for a specific size of the guitar if my hands are small?
That depends on how comfortable you are while strumming the guitar. If you are not big built and you are having trouble resting your arms around the guitar, you should try searching for guitars a few sizes smaller, such as travel or mini acoustic-electric guitars.
Conclusion
To conclude the topic of best acoustic-electric guitars, we must say that buying a guitar may have some technical aspects to it. But most of it really depends on the future user.
The quality and usage of the guitar have to be in accordance with the choice of the customer and have to be entirely based on how the user will feel the guitar to be.
The key to purchasing the right type of guitar for yourself is to find the one you would not want to set down. It has to be a guitar that feels and sounds right tonal-wise.
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