Best Acoustic Electric Guitar [Mega List 2024]

There is no doubt how natural music sounds with an acoustic guitar. However, some of us still wish for the louder volume of an electric guitar.

How about mixing these two together? It sounds like magic.

It isn’t magic anymore because the guitar has combined the two words of rhythmic sound to create an “acoustic-electric guitar.” At this time, there are so many options under acoustic-electric guitar that it will leave you awestruck. But who has time to go out and search for all those options?

That's why we’ve compiled our top picks that will suit your preferences and budget.

There is a massive list of acoustic-electric guitars for every category possible at the end of this blog.

Find yours!

Quick Glance At Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

Best Acoustic Electric Guitars by Budget

Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Electric Guitars ($100-$500)

1. Yamaha FGX800C

Yamaha FGX800C is all about giving you the best value at an entry-level price. It targets not only new players but also those with years of experience. You will get to see the top-notch tonewoods and features that are attainable to newbies.

Specifications:

• Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Nato/okume back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• Single cutaway
• Diecast Tuners
• System66 analog preamp
• The under-saddle piezo pickup with a 3-brand EQ
• Adjustable mid-range frequency control
• Chromatic tuner
• Adjustable truss rod

2. Ibanez AEWC400

Ibanez came up with their AEWC series to introduce quality and innovative features into the acoustic-electric category. They have proved that their commitment to quality is strong in their guitars.

Specifications:

• Flamed maple top, back and sides
• Asymmetric neck
• Walnut fingerboard and bridge
• Chrome Die-cast tuners
• Fishman Sonicore pickup
• AEQ-SP2 preamp w/Onboard tuner
• Single cutaway

Best Mid-Range Acoustic Electric Guitars ($500-$1,000)

1. 38" Parlor Size Acoustic Electric

Zager is all-for-all. They have something for everyone, from smaller hands to lefties. Their parlor guitar might be smaller, but Zager Parlor isn’t petite in sound, that's for sure. They have combined quality and playability to fulfill your preference.

Specifications:

• Mahagony Top, neck, back and sides
• Built-in Fishman transducer
• Fishman Built-in-equalizer
• Adjustable Truss-rod
• Tusq Hand Carved Saddle
• Grover tuning machines

2. Takamine GN93CE

Another compact guitar that is perfect for small hands or serves as the best accompaniment while traveling without taking up much space. Takamine has filled their GN93CE with a full-bodied resonating sound in this smaller guitar.

Specifications:

• Solid spruce Top
• 3-piece Black walnut/maple back
• Black walnut/maple sides
• Mahagony neck
• 12’ radius bound rosewood fingerboard
• TK-40D preamp system with built-in tuner
• Three-band EQ controls
• Die-cast tuners

Best High-End Acoustic Electric Guitars ($1,000 and Above)

1. ZAD900CEAcoustic Electric AURA Pro Series

Zager made this for players who wanted to go all out with their budget and the features they wanted from an acoustic-electronic guitar. Not that they have aced the quality; they also added advanced technology to make professionals love it.

Specifications:

• Solid Sitka/Spruce Top
• Indian Rosewood back-sides
• Mahagony Neck
• Fishman Aura Pro Electronics
• Fishman Aura Built-in-automatic-tuner
• Fishman Aura Built-in-equalizer
• Grover (gold) Tuning-machines
• Adjustable truss rod

2. Gibson Hummingbird

Gibson gives a touch of a vintage feel to their Hummingbird acoustic-electric guitar to bring authentic warmth and clarity. They balanced the power and comfortable size to match your playing style.

Specifications:

• Mahogany back and sides
• Sitka Spruce top
• Traditional hand scalloped X-bracing
• LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
• Gotoh Keystone tuning machine
• TUSQ nut and saddle
• Volume and Tone controls

Acoustic Electric Guitars for Different Playing Styles

Best for Fingerstyle Players

1. Breedlove Pursuit Concert CE

Breedlove introduced their Pursuit Concert as one of their best guitars, with fantastic tone and easy playability. The slim neck of the guitar has been added to fit perfectly in the palm so that any fingerstyle can be used.

Specifications:

• Designed in Bend, Oregon
• Solid Myrtlewood/ Umbellularia
• African Mahogany back and sides
• TUSQ nut/saddle
• Copper Closed Gear tuner
• Fishman Presys I electronics
• D'Addario XT PB Light string gauge

Best for Strumming and Flatpicking

1. Fender CD-140SCE

Fender once again lived up to expectations. Their CD-140SCE is pretty playable and responsive as an acoustic-electric guitar. The incident body and springs are perfect for strum or flatpicking.

Specifications:

• Single cutaway dreadnought
• Solid mahogany top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Easy to play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
• Fishman CD-1 Preamp
• Built-in tuner
• Phase control

Best for Live Performances

1. Zager ZAD900CE OM

Zager ZAD900CE is one of the guitars that Aaron Lewis from Staind and Sully Erna from Godsmack played "Crawling" live on August 4th as a tribute to the late Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. That’s definitely a solid reason why this guitar is perfect for live performances!

Specifications:

• Solid Sitka Spruce top
• Indian Rosewood back and sides
• Fishman AURA Sound Imaging system
• Built-in auto tuner
• Slim neck design
• Adjustable truss rod
• Fishman equalizer system
• Soft touch fret design
• Fishman Aura Pro Electronics
• Hand carved bracing

Top 5 Features to Consider in an Acoustic Electric Guitar

It isn’t wise to just see a guitar once and buy it on the spot. The decision to get a guitar is seen as a long-term investment. So, look around and remember a few things while choosing the perfect ones.

1. Tonewoods: The Heart of the Sound

Tonewood should be the first one on the list of buying factors. You might not know, but a guitar's sound pretty much relies on its woods. The resource sound is what you will get from acoustic-electric guitars.

Here are the tonewoods that you will see the most:

2. Pickup Types: Capturing Your Sound

Usually, you won’t see a pickup system in general acoustic guitars; it only adds to electric ones. However, you are most likely to have them on acoustic-electric guitar. These pickups will actually convert the vibration into an electrical signal to produce the bass sound.

Look at the common pickup systems that you will have:

3. Body Styles and Sizes: Comfort and Sound

The body size and style of an acoustic-electric guitar will let you know how the sounds and comfort will be.

Here, we have talked about a few of the popular styles and sizes you will see in the market:

4. Built-in Electronics: Enhancing Live Performance and Recording

Acoustic-electric guitars are here to produce A-class performances in live settings and recording rooms. The main features that these built-in electronics have:

5. Durability and Construction: Investing in Quality

When purchasing an acoustic-electric guitar, look for rugged and well-built construction. Go for guitars with top-notch materials and superb craftsmanship. Look into the joints, finish, and overall build quality.

Lastly, your target should be buying a guitar that will stick with you for years to come.

The Massive List Of The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

Frequently Asked Questions