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
| Quick Glance At Best Acoustic Electric Guitars | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar under $1000 | Zager 38” Parlor Size Acoustic Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Beginners | ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Home Recording | Taylor 224ce-K DLX |
| Best Small-Body Acoustic Electric Guitars | 36″ Travel Size Solid African Mahogany Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Acoustic Sound | Yamaha APX600 |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Overall | ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series |
| The Best Hybrid Acoustic Electric Guitar | Godin A6 Ultra |
| Best Left-Handed Acoustic Electric Guitars | ZAD80CE “AURA” Black Lacquer Special Edition Acoustic Electric Pro Series Left-Handed |
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars by Budget
Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Electric Guitars ($100-$500)
- Yamaha FGX800C
[Image Credit: Yamaha]
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
- Ibanez AEWC400
[Image Credit: Ibanez]
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)
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
- Takamine GN93CE
[Image Credit: Takamine]
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)
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
- Gibson Hummingbird
[Image Credit: Gibson]
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
- Breedlove Pursuit Concert CE
[Image Credit: Breedlove]
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
- Fender CD-140SCE
[Image Credit: Fender]
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
- 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.
For acoustic-electric guitar, what you can look for is the following:
- Tonewoods
- Pickup Types
- Body Styles and Sizes
- Playability
- Built-in Electronics
- Durability and Construction
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
| Price Range-Based | |
| Best Electric Acoustic Guitar under $500 | Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic-Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar under $1000 | Zager 38” Parlor Size Acoustic Electric |
| Best High-End Acoustic Electric Guitar | ZAD900CE Acoustic Electric AURA Pro |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for the Money | Yamaha FGX820c |
| Skill Level-Based | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Beginners | ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Intermediate Player | ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric Pro Series |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Professionals | ZAD900CE Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series Limited Edition Black Lacquer |
| Use Case-Based | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Gigging | Yamaha AC3M Deluxe |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Home Recording | Taylor 224ce-K DLX |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Live Performance | Godin LGX-SA |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Fingerstyle Playing | Seagull S6 Original |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Strumming | Zager ZAD900CE |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Recording Studios | Takamine Legacy EF341SC |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Jazz | Gibson J-45 custom |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Blues | Alvarez Delta 00E/TSB |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Worship Music | Taylor 214ce |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Travel | Travel Size Acoustic Electric |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars for Slide Guitar | Gibson SJ-200 |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Onboard Effects | LAVA ME AIR Portable Carbon Fiber Electric-Acoustic Guitar |
| Body and Style-Based | |
| Best Thin-Body Acoustic Electric Guitars | Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Signature |
| Best Lightweight Acoustic Electric Guitars | AEG62 series from Ibanez |
| Best Small-Body Acoustic Electric Guitars | 36″ Travel Size Solid African Mahogany Electric |
| Best Parlor Electro-Acoustic Guitar | Parlor Size Acoustic Electric |
| The Best Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar | ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric Pro Series |
| Best Resonator Acoustic Electric Guitars | Gretsch G9240 Alligator |
| Sound Quality-Based | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for Acoustic Sound | Yamaha APX600 |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Solid Top | Fender CD-60SCE |
| Best All-Mahogany Acoustic Electric Guitars | ZAD50CE Solid African Mahogany Acoustic Electric |
| Best Vintage-Inspired Acoustic Electric Guitars | ZAD50CAcoustic Electric Vintage Sunburst |
| Brands and General | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Brands | Taylor’s American Dream and Martin Junior |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Overall | Zager ZAD900CE Pro Series 50th Anniversary Tobacco Sunburst |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitar 2025 | Yamaha FG800 |
| Specific Features-Based | |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Built-In Tuner | ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric “AURA” Pro Series |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Cutaway | ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric Pro Series |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Piezo Pickup | Godin Multiac Steel |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Fishman Pickup System | ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric Smaller “OM” Size |
| Best Acoustic Electric Guitars with Extended Scale | Alvarez ABT610E Baritone |
| String Type-Based | |
| Best 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar | ZAD900CE 12 String Acoustic Electric AURA Pro Series |
| Hybrid and Specialty Models | |
| The Best Hybrid Acoustic Electric Guitar | Godin A6 Ultra |
| The Acoustic Electric Guitar for Preamp Performance | LR Baggs Venue DI |
| Specific Audiences | |
| Best Left-Handed Acoustic Electric Guitars | ZAD80CE “AURA” Black Lacquer Special Edition Acoustic Electric Pro Series Left-Handed |
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference is simple. While an acoustic guitar makes sound naturally just by strumming or picking, an acoustic-electric guitar does the same thing but has pickups to amplify the sound.
Yes, you can. You can even play an electric guitar without an amp. The sound will just have less volume and be more natural.
Not necessarily. Some acoustic-electric guitars, such as the EQ system, may need batteries to power their onboard electronics, although most don’t need a battery since they already have magnetic or piezoelectric pickups.
1. Regular cleaning
2. Tuning
3. String changes
4. Proper storage
5. Maintaining the humidity level
It is up to you which type of pickup system you would like to use. But many musicians choose Magnetic (soundhole) pickups paired with their internal mic or contact pickup. Some also prefer piezo pickups.
We can’t point our finger at one brand as so many brilliant brands are selling top-notch acoustic-electric guitars. However, the top picks mainly include Zager, Fender, Taylor, Gibson, and Ibanez.
The answer comes down to your needs and playing style. If you need amplification or plan to perform live, an acoustic-electric guitar is a good option to keep up the versatile beats.
Yes, it is a thing. It’s a type of acoustic guitar with pickups and electronics for amplification. You can buy an acoustic-electric guitar and enjoy its features.
The “best-sounding” acoustic guitar brand is subjective. You will have to try it yourself and then come to judge what brand is the best sound for you. However, the guitar market mostly hails from Martin, Taylor, Fender, and Gibson.
