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Best Acoustic Electric Guitar For The Money (2024 Update)

If you’re looking for a guitar that can project the natural sound of acoustic while being just as versatile as an electric guitar, then an acoustic-electric guitar is worth considering. But with so many options in the market, finding the best acoustic-electric guitar for the money can be pretty overwhelming, especially for beginners or those on a budget.

Before buying an acoustic-electric guitar, there are several factors to consider. First, think about your playing style and preferred sound. Do you prefer a bright, crisp sound or a warm, mellow tone? Second, consider the body style, size, and material of the guitar. This is especially crucial for those looking for a guitar that can be played standing or sitting. Lastly, think about the additional features such as built-in tuners, pickups, and preamps, which all affect the overall sound quality.

If you’re still unsure where to start, ask yourself these questions. Are the electronics in the guitar high-quality enough to produce crisp, clear sound and effectively eliminate feedback? Does the guitar come with a warranty, ensuring its quality and longevity? Finally, does it fit your budget? By asking yourself these questions, you’re more likely to find the best acoustic-electric guitar for your needs at the right price point.

Table of Contents

10 Best Acoustic Electric Guitar For The Money

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for musicians looking for a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar at an affordable price point.
2
It is ideal for musicians who want an affordable, high-quality acoustic-electric guitar bundle with accessories and instructional materials.
3
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality acoustic electric guitar with all the necessary accessories.
4
The product is ideal for musicians who want to play acoustic and electric guitar with 12 strings.
5
The product is ideal for classical guitarists who want an acoustic-electric option with a natural finish.
6
Ideal for left-handed players looking for a full-size acoustic electric guitar with cutaway, 4-band EQ, and gig bag bundle.
7
This product is ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile 12-string acoustic-electric guitar with excellent playability and tone.
8
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar with a natural mahogany finish.
9
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality acoustic electric guitar that features a thin body and built-in tuner.
10
Ideal for musicians seeking a traditional, acoustic sound with built-in amplification and accessories for ease of use and transportation.
The product is ideal for musicians looking for a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar at an affordable price point.
It is ideal for musicians who want an affordable, high-quality acoustic-electric guitar bundle with accessories and instructional materials.
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality acoustic electric guitar with all the necessary accessories.
The product is ideal for musicians who want to play acoustic and electric guitar with 12 strings.
The product is ideal for classical guitarists who want an acoustic-electric option with a natural finish.
Ideal for left-handed players looking for a full-size acoustic electric guitar with cutaway, 4-band EQ, and gig bag bundle.
This product is ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile 12-string acoustic-electric guitar with excellent playability and tone.
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, versatile acoustic-electric guitar with a natural mahogany finish.
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality acoustic electric guitar that features a thin body and built-in tuner.
Ideal for musicians seeking a traditional, acoustic sound with built-in amplification and accessories for ease of use and transportation.

1. Ibanez Performance Series Pc12mhceopn Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar Satin Natural

The PC12MHE Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric delivers a warm and full tone with its all-mahogany top and body construction. The natural finish adds an understated yet elegant aesthetic to the guitar while also contributing to its sound. The guitar features Ibanez Advantage bridge pins, which make changing strings a breeze.

The Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp, with its onboard tuner, allows for easy tuning and improves the guitar's overall sound quality. The under-saddle pickup provides a clear, crisp sound that is perfect for any live performance or recording session.

In addition to its impressive sound and electronics, the PC12MHE features a tortoise rosette which adds a touch of classic style. The rosewood fretboard and bridge, along with the Ibanez Advantage bridge pins, ensure improved tuning stability.

2. Fender Cd-60sce Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle.

The acoustic guitar with a Venetian-cutaway body is a perfect choice for those who value easy access to the upper frets. The solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing guarantees a clear and resonant sound. The mahogany back and sides contribute to the guitar's warm and well-balanced tone.

The neck of the guitar is designed for comfortable and effortless playing, featuring rolled fingerboard edges that prevent any discomfort during prolonged use.

The Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp system ensures a smooth and natural amplified sound, making it convenient to use for live performances and recording sessions.

3. Slowhand Sh03 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

The Kadence Slowhand semi acoustic rosewood guitar is a finely crafted instrument that offers complete tonal control. Constructed with premium tonal woods, this guitar is designed to deliver great sound quality, high durability, and increased ease of use. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike. Its 41-inch stature makes it easy to handle and carry around, and it comes with a protective padded bag, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.

The built-in truss rod of this acoustic-electric guitar can balance the tension caused by strings or temperature change shrinking, ensuring a straight and durable neck. The adjustable rosewood neck allows your hand to stay in a comfortable position by keeping the strings at a perfect height. This feature provides better playability and allows you to produce a wide range of sounds with ease.

The Kadence Slowhand black acoustic electric guitar comes with a package deal that includes accessories such as a zipped padded bag, an in-built tuner, adjustable guitar strap, extra strings, 3 guitar picks, a capo, and a guitar cable. This comprehensive package ensures that you have everything you need to get started with your guitar playing journey.

The strings of this guitar are built for great sound quality, high durability, and increased ease of use. The surface is coated with a film coating, which prevents rusting and prolongs the use time of the strings. The tuning pegs are engineered for good sound quality, providing an excellent playing experience.

The cutaway design of this electric acoustic guitar allows you easier access to the upper frets. The deep pore paint finish, simple head design, and streamlined curvature make the head and the body integrated, resulting in a beautiful instrument. The rosewood bridge has high hardness, strong vibration conductivity, and stable and rich tone transmission.

Kadence is committed to developing better comfortable and functional acoustic guitars, providing quality services and excellent products. With quality instruments from Kadence, you’ll have a constant companion for life. Regardless of what you love to play, just make sure to express yourself with this exceptional guitar.

4. Oscar Schmidt Od312ce-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar. Natural

Introducing a top-of-the-line acoustic guitar, featuring a select spruce top that produces a rich, resonant sound. The sides and back of the guitar are crafted from high-quality mahogany, a popular choice among musicians for its warm, balanced tones. The neck is also made of mahogany, providing durability and stability while playing.

The fingerboard and bridge of the guitar are made from an alternative/engineered/tech wood material, ensuring a smooth and comfortable playing experience. This innovative material also offers exceptional resistance to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting use.

Adding to the guitar's visual appeal, the decorative wood marquetry adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. The intricate patterns and designs are carefully crafted to enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

Manufactured in China, this acoustic guitar is built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this guitar is sure to impress with its exceptional sound quality and beautiful design.

5. Washburn Classical Series C5ce Classical Acoustic Electric Guitar, Natural

Introducing the beautifully crafted guitar with a spruce top, catalpa sides/back, and mahogany neck. This guitar is perfect for both beginners and professionals who seek a high-quality instrument with a natural finish. The combination of spruce top and catalpa sides/back provides a rich and balanced tone, while the mahogany neck offers durability and comfort while playing.

The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add a smooth texture and enhance the overall playability of the guitar. With its natural finish, this guitar is visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance to any performance.

This guitar is designed to meet the needs of musicians who demand excellence in sound and performance. It is suitable for various music genres and playing styles. Whether you're looking to strum chords or pick intricate melodies, this guitar is up to the task.

6. Lefty Acoustic Electric Guitar Bundle By Vangoa

This left-handed acoustic-electric guitar is a top-quality instrument that produces rich, bright sound. Its upgraded X-bracing Spruce Top and Mahogany body and neck create a warm and clear tone with exceptional tone at high and mid-frequencies. The bone nut and saddle not only transmit the resonance of the strings better, but also bear the tension of the strings and are not easy to deform. The 41-inch full-size dreadnought body of this guitar offers a richer and deeper sound than smaller sizes, making it perfect for all kinds of playing or music styles.

This guitar is versatile in use, serving as a regular lefty acoustic guitar when played without plugging into an amp. However, it is also equipped with a built-in 4-Band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presto) and volume control, allowing it to plug into an acoustic amp, mixer, or PA system directly to meet your needs for live performances or recording in the studio.

Playing this guitar is comfortable thanks to its low action design, which relieves pain when pressing the strings. Its fret ends with ABS binding are stylish and avoid cutting fingers when moving up and down rapidly on the fretboard. The built-in truss rod allows you to adjust the guitar neck to meet your needs of string height.

Tuning this guitar is fast and precise, with sealed nickel tuning pegs that are harder, more durable, and more wear-resistant than chrome tuning pegs. The 18:1 ratio gears ensure precise tuning. Upgrade phosphor bronze strings, bone nut & saddle, and a sensitive clip-on tuner included in the package stabilize the guitar and make it easy to be tuned and hold in tune longer.

This left-hand acoustic-electric guitar bundle comes with everything you need to get started, including a cable for connecting to an amplifier, a clip-on tuner, a capo, an adjustable strap for stand up playing, a set of extra strings, 3 picks with different thicknesses, a truss rod Allen key, a polish cloth, an optional pickguard, and a user manual.

The water-repellent 600D padded carrying bag that comes with this guitar bundle provides good protection for the full-size left handed acoustic-electric guitar. The two padded adjustable straps on the back allow you to carry the guitar comfortably on your shoulder, making it ready to go anywhere. Overall, this left-handed acoustic-electric guitar is a high-quality instrument that will meet all your musical needs.

7. Takamine Gj72ce-12bsb Jumbo Cutaway 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The jumbo 12-string guitar is designed to produce a rich, full-bodied sound to satisfy even the most discerning musicians. Its solid spruce top and flame maple back and sides deliver a lush and robust tone that is both powerful and balanced. The slim mahogany neck and 12"-radius bound rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, allowing for easy access to all frets.

This guitar comes equipped with the Takamine TK-40D preamp system, which offers a variety of controls to fine-tune your sound. The built-in tuner ensures that you are always in tune, while the three-band EQ and gain controls allow you to adjust the tone to your liking. The mid contour switch, notch filter, and EQ bypass switch provide even more versatility, giving you complete control over your sound.

In addition to its impressive sound and functionality, this guitar boasts an elegant sunburst gloss finish that is sure to turn heads. With its combination of premium materials and advanced electronics, this jumbo 12-string guitar is a top-of-the-line instrument that is perfect for any musician looking to take their playing to the next level.

8. Ibanez Aeg62 6-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Right Hand, Natural Mahogany High Gloss)

The AEG62 acoustic-electric guitar by Ibanez is a versatile and lightweight instrument that offers excellent playability and response. It features a nyatoh neck and a walnut fingerboard that deliver stellar performance, while the Ibanez T-Bar II bottom saddle and AEQ-TTS preamp provide beautifully articulated amplified tone.

Constructed with Sapele, the AEG62 produces a rich, bottomless low end with a lively midrange that is sure to impress. The slimmer acoustic is also lightweight and easy to play, thanks to its shallow body depth.

One of the standout features of the AEG62 is its smooth, deep cut that gives players easy access to higher notes on the neck. Additionally, the onboard tuner with LCD (liquid crystal display) is easy to read and conveniently located on the preamp.

The AEQ-TTS preamp is small and simple, with only two control knobs for volume and shape. In the center position, the tone control offers natural acoustic sound, while adjusting the knob enables players to go from low, fat and powerful tones to a bright and crisp sound. This allows players to adjust the tone easily, with just one knob.

9. Silentmelody Ashwood Guitar With Built-In Tuner

Introducing the 39" Electric Acoustic Cutaway Guitar, a sleek and stylish instrument that is perfect for both beginners and professionals. With its thin body and quilted maple top, this guitar offers a unique and eye-catching design that is sure to impress.

Featuring a composite rosewood fingerboard and bridge, this guitar delivers a warm and rich tone that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles. The white PVC sound hole pickguard and ABC body binding add an extra layer of protection to the instrument, ensuring that it stays in great condition for years to come.

Equipped with diecast machine tuners, the 39" Electric Acoustic Cutaway Guitar is easy to tune and stays in tune for extended periods of time. The M-450T EQ with a built-in tuner, designed by B Band, allows for precise control over the sound of the guitar. Additionally, the truss rod on the headstock allows for easy adjustments to the neck, ensuring optimal playability.

With an overall length of 39", a scale length of 25 1/2", and a nut width of 1 3/4", this guitar is a comfortable fit for players of all sizes. The body thickness of 3 1/8" provides a solid and sturdy feel, allowing for easy and comfortable playing.

10. Sunburst Resophonic Acoustic Guitar Set

Introducing the Resophonic Resonator Guitar Set, an all-in-one acoustic guitar kit that includes everything needed to start playing right away. This kit comes with a gig bag case, six spare guitar strings, a detachable nylon shoulder strap, a digital tuner, and three ABS picks.

The Resophonic Resonator Guitar is a full-scale, 6-string classic standard guitar that features a built-in preamplifier with volume, treble, mid, and bass controls. This makes it perfect for use during guitar lessons, recitals, band rehearsals, or performances.

The classical guitar is constructed with handcrafted spruce and mahogany plywood, complemented by white ABS binding and a high gloss polished deep cherry stained body and back. The dual circular guitar body sound holes and diecast chrome tuning plugs add an elegant touch.

What sets this guitar apart is its metallic resonator, which boasts a traditional sunburst design. This stringed instrument is ideal for both beginner and seasoned guitarists who want to create warm, vibrant acoustics that produce a higher volume and classic resonator blues guitar sound.

The Resophonic Resonator Guitar has the following specifications: Total Length: 39.8”; Scale Length: 24.8”; Body: 18.9”; Neck Length: 14”; Headstock Material: Okoume; Fretboard Material: Walnut; Body Material: Spruce, Mahogany Wood; String Material: Bronze Wound, Steel Core; No. of Frets: 21.

Best Acoustic Electric Guitar For The Money FAQs

Are there any acoustic electric guitars under $1000 that are worth the investment?

Yes, there are definitely acoustic electric guitars under $1000 that are worth the investment. In fact, there are many great options for players who are looking for a quality instrument without breaking the bank. Some popular choices include the Yamaha FGX800C, the Taylor 114ce, and the Martin DX1AE.

The Yamaha FGX800C is a great choice for beginners or players on a budget. It features a solid spruce top, which provides a rich and full sound, and a cutaway design that allows for easy access to the higher frets. The built-in electronics also make it easy to amplify the guitar for live performances or recording.

The Taylor 114ce is another excellent option for players looking for a high-quality acoustic electric guitar. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and layered walnut back and sides, which gives it a warm and balanced tone. The onboard electronics are also top-notch, providing clear and accurate sound when amplified.

Lastly, the Martin DX1AE is a great choice for players who want a guitar that is both affordable and high-quality. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate back and sides, which provides a bright and clear tone. The Fishman Sonitone electronics also make it easy to amplify the guitar for live performances or recording.

Overall, there are many great acoustic electric guitars under $1000 that are worth the investment. It's important to try out a few different options and find the one that best suits your playing style and preferences.

Are there any acoustic electric guitars under $300 that are good for beginners?

Yes, there are several acoustic-electric guitars under $300 that are perfect for beginners. One of the most popular options is the Yamaha FGX800C. This guitar has a solid spruce top and a cutaway design, which makes it easier to play higher frets. It also has a built-in pickup and preamp, so you can plug it into an amplifier or recording device. Another good option is the Fender CD-60SCE. This guitar has a solid spruce top and a mahogany back and sides, which gives it a warm, rich tone. It also has a built-in pickup and preamp, as well as a tuner. Other good options include the Epiphone DR-100CE, the Ibanez AW54CE, and the Takamine GD20CE. When choosing an acoustic-electric guitar, it's important to consider the size and shape of the body, as well as the type of tonewood used. Ultimately, the best guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.

Are there any specific acoustic electric guitar models known for their quality and affordability?

Yes, there are several acoustic electric guitar models that are known for their quality and affordability. One example is the Yamaha FGX800C. This guitar has a solid spruce top, a cutaway design, and a System 66 preamp, which makes it a great option for both beginners and experienced players. Another option is the Fender CD-60SCE. This guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a Fishman CD preamp, which produces a clear and natural sound. The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is also a great choice for those looking for a quality and affordable acoustic electric guitar. It has a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a Shadow ePerformer preamp system. These are just a few examples of acoustic electric guitars that are both high quality and affordable, and there are many other great models out there as well.

Can I find a good quality acoustic electric guitar for the money that is suitable for both beginners and professionals?

Yes, it is possible to find a good quality acoustic electric guitar that is suitable for both beginners and professionals. There are many reputable guitar brands that offer affordable options with great sound quality and features. Some popular brands to consider include Yamaha, Fender, Ibanez, Epiphone, and Taylor.

When looking for an acoustic electric guitar, make sure to consider the body shape, tonewoods, electronics, and overall build quality. A guitar with a solid top and back and sides made of quality tonewoods such as mahogany or rosewood will provide a rich and resonant sound. Additionally, a guitar with a preamp and built-in electronics will allow you to plug in and amplify your sound, making it versatile for different playing situations.

Ultimately, the best way to find a good quality acoustic electric guitar is to try out different models in person and see which one feels and sounds right for you. Consider visiting a music store and talking to a knowledgeable salesperson who can guide you in the right direction.

How important is the brand name when it comes to acoustic electric guitars and their price?

The brand name can play a significant role in the price of acoustic electric guitars. Established brands with a reputation for quality and craftsmanship may charge a premium for their instruments. This is because they have invested in research and development, use high-quality materials, and have skilled artisans who handcraft their instruments. However, this doesn't mean that lesser-known brands can't produce high-quality instruments that are just as good, if not better, than their more expensive counterparts.

Ultimately, the quality of the instrument and its components, such as the pickup system, tonewoods, and hardware, will determine its price. Buyers should focus on finding a guitar that suits their needs, preferences, and budget, rather than solely relying on the brand name. It's recommended to try out different guitars before making a purchase, as this will give you a better sense of their sound, playability, and overall quality.

What are the differences between a cheap and expensive acoustic electric guitar, and is it worth the investment to buy a higher-end model?

The differences between a cheap and expensive acoustic electric guitar are primarily in the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and overall sound. Cheap guitars are often made with low-quality woods and components, which can result in a thin or dull sound. In contrast, expensive guitars are crafted with high-quality materials, such as solid wood and premium hardware, resulting in a richer, fuller sound.

Additionally, expensive guitars often have more intricate and precise construction, which can result in better playability and longevity. They may also come with advanced features such as built-in electronics, which allow for better amplification and recording capabilities.

Whether it is worth the investment to buy a higher-end acoustic electric guitar depends on your level of commitment to playing and your personal preferences. If you are a beginner or casual player, a cheaper guitar may be sufficient for your needs. However, if you are a serious musician or plan to play professionally, investing in a higher-end model can greatly enhance your playing experience and improve your sound. Ultimately, it is important to try out different guitars and find one that feels and sounds right for you.

What are the main features to consider when buying an acoustic electric guitar, and how do they affect the price?

When buying an acoustic electric guitar, there are several main features to consider that can affect the price. Firstly, the type of wood used for the body of the guitar is an important factor. Higher quality, more expensive woods like rosewood or mahogany will produce a richer, more resonant sound than cheaper woods like laminate or spruce.

The size and shape of the guitar can also affect the price. Larger guitars like dreadnoughts or jumbos tend to be more expensive due to their bigger sound and more complex construction.

The electronics in the guitar are also important to consider. Higher-end guitars will have more sophisticated preamps and pickups that produce a clearer, more natural sound when amplified.

Finally, the brand of the guitar can also affect the price. Well-known, reputable brands like Martin or Taylor will generally be more expensive than lesser-known brands.

Overall, the features that affect the price of an acoustic electric guitar are the type of wood used, size and shape, electronics, and brand. It's important to consider these factors when making a purchase to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.

What are the top-rated acoustic electric guitars under $500?

There are numerous options available in the market when it comes to acoustic electric guitars under $500, but some of the top-rated ones are:

1. Yamaha FSX800C – It is a great option for beginners and intermediate players, with a solid spruce top and nato/okume back and sides, and a System 66 preamp and SRT pickup.

2. Fender FA-135CE – It is a budget-friendly option with a laminated spruce top, basswood back and sides, and Fishman electronics.

3. Ibanez AW54CE – It has a solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides, and a Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp.

4. Epiphone Hummingbird PRO – It has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, and a Shadow ePerformer preamp and NanoFlex pickup.

5. Takamine GD20CE – It features a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, and a Takamine TP-4TD preamp and pickup system.

All of these guitars offer great value for their price and have received positive feedback from users. Ultimately, the best option depends on personal preference and playing style.

What is the best brand for acoustic electric guitars in terms of value for money?

When it comes to acoustic electric guitars, there are several brands that are known for their value for money. One of the most popular brands is Yamaha, which offers a range of acoustic electric guitars that are affordable while still providing high-quality sound. Another brand to consider is Fender, which is known for producing guitars with a classic and versatile sound that can be used for a variety of genres. Seagull is also a brand that offers great value for money, with their guitars being made in Canada and featuring solid wood construction. Other brands to consider include Taylor, Martin, and Epiphone. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it's important to try out different guitars and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.

What qualities should I look for in an acoustic electric guitar to get the best value?

When shopping for an acoustic electric guitar, there are certain qualities to consider that will help you get the best value for your money. First, you should look for a guitar with a solid top, as this will improve the tone and resonance of the instrument. Next, check the materials used for the back and sides of the guitar, as well as the neck. Mahogany and rosewood are popular choices for their durability and tonal qualities. Additionally, you'll want to consider the electronics of the guitar – look for a high-quality preamp and pickup system that will accurately capture the sound of your guitar when amplified. Other factors to consider include the size and shape of the guitar, as well as the brand and reputation of the manufacturer. By taking these factors into account, you can find an acoustic electric guitar that offers great sound quality, durability, and value for your money.