Imagine this: you’re at an open mic night, ready to share your song. You grab your acoustic guitar, plug it in, and… nothing but a faint, tinny buzz comes out. Frustrating, right? Choosing the right acoustic-electric guitar can feel like navigating a maze. You want that warm, natural acoustic sound, but you also need the power and versatility to perform on any stage. It’s a common problem for musicians, from beginners to seasoned players.
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the confusion and the desire to find an instrument that truly sings, both unplugged and amplified. Forget the endless scrolling and confusing jargon. We’re here to break down what makes a great acoustic-electric guitar and how to pick the perfect one for *you*. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what to listen for, what features matter most, and how to make a confident purchase.
So, let’s dive into the world of amplified acoustics and discover the instrument that will help your music reach new heights!
Our Top 5 Acoustic Electric Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic Electric Detailed Reviews
1. Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.6/10
The Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar in Sunburst is a fantastic choice for anyone starting their guitar journey. It’s designed with beginners in mind, offering a comfortable playing experience and a great sound. Fender’s long history of making quality instruments shines through, even in this beginner-friendly model. This guitar lets you explore different music styles like country, folk, and bluegrass thanks to its rich bass tone.
What We Like:
- The dreadnought body shape produces a bold and rich bass sound, perfect for various music genres.
- The “C”-shaped neck, walnut fingerboard, and light laminate body make it super comfortable to play, even for long practice sessions.
- A built-in tuner takes the hassle out of getting your guitar ready to play.
- On-board volume and tone controls give you easy access to adjust your sound.
- The included subscription to Fender Play offers thousands of video lessons, helping you learn your favorite songs without extra cost.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great beginner guitar, more experienced players might eventually want a guitar with more advanced features.
This Fender FA-25CE is an excellent starting point for aspiring musicians. Its thoughtful design and included learning resources make it easy and fun to learn guitar.
2. Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package – Premium Tonewoods – Black
Rating: 8.6/10
The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package in sleek Black offers a fantastic experience for any aspiring or seasoned guitarist. This guitar is designed to impress with its premium features and complete accessory kit.
What We Like:
- Fantastic sound quality that projects well, pleasing both beginners and experienced players.
- Built with quality woods like Spruce and Basswood, giving it a warm and responsive tone.
- The thinline cutaway design makes it easy to reach the higher frets and comfortable to hold, especially for travel.
- Comes with helpful upgrades like a 4-band pickup/EQ for amplified sound, extra strings, and a durable, glossy finish.
- The complete package includes everything a new guitarist needs to get started, from a gig bag and picks to a cable and strap.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tonewoods are good, true audiophiles might seek out even more exotic or aged woods for a slightly richer sound.
- The included gig bag is functional, but a hard case would offer better protection for longer-term storage or rougher travel.
This Ashthorpe guitar package is a well-rounded and appealing choice for anyone looking for a versatile and enjoyable playing experience. It delivers great value and a lot of fun for musicians of all levels.
3. Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.6/10
Embark on your musical journey with the Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar. This guitar is designed with beginners in mind, offering a comfortable playing experience and great sound. Fender’s long history of making quality instruments means you’re getting a reliable guitar that will help you grow as a musician.
What We Like:
- It’s a perfect beginner guitar for people of all ages.
- Fender has 75 years of experience, so you know it’s well-made.
- You get free lessons with Fender Play to help you learn quickly.
- The dreadnought body gives it a big, rich sound, great for folk and country music.
- The “C”-shaped neck and light body make it easy and comfortable to hold and play.
- A built-in tuner means you can always play in tune, whether practicing or performing.
- It comes with on-board volume and tone controls for easy sound adjustments.
- A 2-year warranty offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The all-laminate body might not produce as deep a tone as solid wood guitars for advanced players.
- While great for beginners, more experienced guitarists might eventually desire a guitar with more complex features.
This Fender FA-25CE is an excellent choice for anyone starting out. It provides everything you need to learn and enjoy playing music.
4. Yamaha APXT2EW TBS 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag
Rating: 8.5/10
The Yamaha APXT2EW TBS is a fantastic 3/4-size acoustic-electric guitar that packs a punch for its size. Its beautiful Tobacco Sunburst finish and figured exotic wood top make it a real head-turner. This guitar is designed for players who want a comfortable, portable instrument without sacrificing sound quality. It’s perfect for beginners, travelers, or anyone looking for a smaller guitar that still sounds amazing.
What We Like:
- The figured exotic wood top looks stunning and adds character.
- Meranti back and sides provide a warm, rich tone.
- The rosewood fingerboard and bridge feel smooth and offer great playability.
- The System 65 preamp lets you plug in and play with ease, capturing the guitar’s natural sound.
- It comes with a free gig bag, making it easy to take anywhere.
- Its 3/4 size makes it super comfortable to hold and play, especially for younger players or those who prefer a smaller instrument.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the tone is good, more experienced players might desire a bit more depth.
- The fretboard could be slightly wider for some players’ preferences.
Overall, the Yamaha APXT2EW TBS is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a stylish, playable, and great-sounding compact guitar. It offers a lot of value, especially with the included gig bag.
5. GLARRY Full Size 6 Strings Acoustic Electric Guitar Beginner Kit w/ 15W Amp
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to rock and roll? The GLARRY Full Size 6 Strings Acoustic Electric Guitar Beginner Kit is your all-in-one ticket to making music. This 41-inch guitar looks as cool as it sounds, with a distressed black finish that’s sure to turn heads. It’s built for beginners, but it packs a punch with features that even experienced players will appreciate. Let’s dive into what makes this guitar kit stand out.
What We Like:
- The cutaway design makes it super easy to reach those high notes.
- The distressed black finish is unique and stylish, making you the center of attention.
- Everything you need is in the box: a 15W amp, tuner, bag, strap, picks, strings, and more. No extra shopping needed!
- The built-in tuner and 4-band EQ let you fine-tune your sound and always stay in tune.
- It sounds great! The basswood body, maple neck, and phosphor bronze strings give it a crisp, bright tone.
- It’s built to last with a pickguard to protect the body and a wrench for neck adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 9V battery for the tuner is not included, so you’ll need to grab one separately.
- While the amp is good for beginners, serious players might want to upgrade later.
This GLARRY guitar kit is a fantastic starting point for aspiring musicians. It offers great value and everything you need to start playing right away.
Choosing Your Perfect Acoustic-Electric Guitar
An acoustic-electric guitar is a fantastic instrument. It gives you the warm, natural sound of an acoustic guitar but also lets you plug it into an amplifier. This means you can play it quietly on your own or crank it up for a performance. Let’s explore what makes a great acoustic-electric guitar.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for an acoustic-electric guitar, several features make a big difference.
- Built-in Pickup System: This is the most important part. It’s what lets you plug the guitar into an amp. Look for systems from reputable brands. Some systems have basic volume and tone controls, while others offer more advanced features like equalizers (EQ) to shape your sound.
- Body Shape: Different body shapes affect the guitar’s sound and how it feels to play. Common shapes include dreadnought (big and loud), concert (balanced), and parlor (smaller and cozy).
- Neck Profile: The neck is what your fretting hand touches. Some necks are thinner, making them easier for smaller hands or beginners. Others are thicker and can feel more substantial.
- Electronics Quality: Better electronics capture the guitar’s acoustic sound more accurately when amplified. This means your amplified sound will be closer to how the guitar sounds unplugged.
Important Materials
The wood used in a guitar’s construction greatly impacts its tone and resonance.
- Spruce Tops: Spruce is a very common wood for the guitar’s top. It’s strong and light, giving the guitar a bright and clear sound.
- Mahogany Back and Sides: Mahogany gives the guitar a warm, rich tone with good sustain.
- Rosewood Back and Sides: Rosewood often produces a fuller sound with more complex overtones.
- Maple Back and Sides: Maple tends to create a brighter, more focused sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an acoustic-electric guitar sound better or worse.
- Solid Wood vs. Laminate: Guitars made with solid wood tops, backs, and sides generally sound better and age well. Laminate wood is a more affordable option, but it doesn’t resonate as freely.
- Construction Quality: How well the guitar is put together matters. Look for clean fretwork, smooth binding, and good finishing. A well-built guitar plays better and stays in tune.
- Pickup Type: There are different types of pickups. Piezo pickups are common and capture string vibrations. Undersaddle pickups are popular. Some guitars have microphones inside the body too, which can give a more natural sound.
- Brand Reputation: Established guitar brands often have a history of making quality instruments. They usually have good quality control.
User Experience and Use Cases
An acoustic-electric guitar is super versatile.
- Beginners: They are great for learning. You can practice quietly without disturbing others by plugging into headphones, or you can still enjoy the acoustic sound.
- Gigging Musicians: If you play live shows, an acoustic-electric is essential. You can plug into a sound system and be heard clearly.
- Songwriters: You can easily record your ideas or play them for friends without needing a lot of extra equipment.
- Casual Players: Just want to strum around the campfire or with friends? The acoustic-electric offers the best of both worlds.
The comfort of the neck and the overall weight of the guitar also affect your playing experience. A guitar that feels good in your hands will make you want to play more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: An acoustic-electric guitar has a pickup system built-in, so you can plug it into an amplifier or PA system. A regular acoustic guitar cannot be amplified easily.
Q: Do acoustic-electric guitars sound good unplugged?
A: Yes, they do! The acoustic part of the guitar is still designed to sound great on its own. The pickup system doesn’t change the unplugged tone much.
Q: What is a “pickup system”?
A: A pickup system is the electronic part inside the guitar that turns the sound of the strings and body into an electrical signal. This signal can then be sent to an amplifier.
Q: Is a solid wood guitar always better than a laminate one?
A: Generally, yes. Solid wood resonates more freely and produces a richer, more complex sound that improves with age. Laminate wood is more durable and less expensive.
Q: What is the most common body shape for acoustic-electric guitars?
A: The dreadnought is a very popular body shape because it’s loud and has a full sound. However, concert and orchestra models are also common, offering a more balanced tone.
Q: Do I need an amplifier to play an acoustic-electric guitar?
A: No, you don’t need an amplifier to play it. You can play it just like a regular acoustic guitar. The amplifier is only needed if you want to make it louder or use effects.
Q: How do I choose the right wood for my acoustic-electric guitar?
A: Spruce tops are bright and clear. Mahogany backs and sides offer warmth. Rosewood gives a full sound with rich overtones. Maple is brighter and more focused.
Q: What does “action” mean on a guitar?
A: Action refers to the height of the strings off the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, but if it’s too low, the strings can buzz.
Q: Are acoustic-electric guitars good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! They offer flexibility. Beginners can practice quietly with headphones or enjoy the natural acoustic sound, and they can easily plug in as they progress.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good acoustic-electric guitar?
A: You can find decent beginner acoustic-electric guitars for a few hundred dollars. Mid-range guitars are typically between $500 and $1000, while professional-grade instruments can cost much more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.