Today, I want to share with you my expertise on acoustic-electric guitars. As a passionate musician myself, I understand the importance of finding the perfect instrument for your musical journey.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced player searching for an upgrade, this article on the best acoustic electric guitars is just for you!
Now, let’s get straight into it and explore some of the top options available in the market.
We’ll delve into their features, quality, and overall performance so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting your next acoustic electric guitar.
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, there are a plethora of options available in the market.
To help you narrow down your choices, I have curated a list of some of the best acoustic-electric guitars that have gained popularity among musicians.
Let’s explore their features and understand why they stand out from the rest.
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Martin Junior Series DJR-10E
The Martin Junior Series DJR-10E is a fantastic acoustic-electric guitar that delivers exceptional sound and playability.
With its compact dreadnought body shape, this guitar is perfect for players who want a smaller instrument without sacrificing tonal capabilities.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top: This top wood provides excellent projection and resonance, giving the guitar its vibrant sound.
- Sapele back and sides: Sapele wood adds warmth to the tone while maintaining clarity and balance.
- Modified low oval neck profile: Designed for comfort, this neck profile makes it easy to play chords and navigate the fretboard.
- Richlite fingerboard: The durable and sustainable Richlite material offers a smooth playing surface, enhancing the overall playing experience.
The Martin Junior Series DJR-10E also comes equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics, allowing you to plug in and amplify your sound.
With volume and tone controls conveniently located on the body of the guitar, you have full control over your amplified tone.
Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop
If you’re looking for an acoustic-electric guitar that combines craftsmanship with affordability, then the Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop is worth considering.
Features:
- Solid mahogany top: Mahogany is known for its warm and balanced tone, making this guitar suitable for various genres.
- Layered blackwood back and sides: The layered construction enhances durability while delivering a rich tonal response.
- V-Class bracing: Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing system improves sustain, volume, and overall tonal balance.
- Satin finish: The satin-finished body not only looks sleek but also allows the wood to resonate freely.
Equipped with Taylor’s ES2 electronics system, this guitar offers natural-sounding amplified tones.
The onboard controls allow you to shape your sound according to your preference.
Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, the Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop delivers a consistently enjoyable playing experience.
Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster
For players seeking versatility and innovation, the Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is a guitar that pushes boundaries.
Features:
- Mahogany body: The mahogany body provides warmth and resonance, contributing to its rich acoustic tone.
- Spruce top with a figured maple veneer: This combination adds clarity and articulation to the overall sound.
- Acoustasonic Enhancer: With this feature, you can add depth and resonance to your tone by utilizing different built-in voicings.
- Modern “Deep C” neck profile: Designed for ultimate comfort, the neck shape allows for smooth playing across all frets.
The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster seamlessly blends acoustic and electric tones.
Its state-of-the-art electronics enable you to access various voices from classic acoustic sounds to bold electric tones. This guitar is an excellent choice for musicians who want to explore different sonic possibilities.
Taylor Academy Series 12e
The Taylor Academy Series 12e is specifically designed with beginners in mind, offering comfort, playability, and high-quality sound at an affordable price point.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top: Known for its balanced tone and versatility, Sitka spruce provides clear highs and resonant lows.
- Layered sapele back and sides: The layered construction offers stability while enhancing tonal response.
- Grand Concert body shape: This smaller-sized body shape is comfortable to hold and produces a focused, intimate sound.
- ES2 electronics system: The onboard electronics faithfully capture the guitar’s natural acoustic sound when amplified.
The Taylor Academy Series 12e’s compact size makes it easy to play for beginners or those with smaller hands.
The lightweight construction ensures that you can practice for hours on end without experiencing fatigue.
This guitar is an excellent option for those starting their musical journey or looking for a dependable everyday instrument.
Cort Little CJ Walnut OP
The Cort Little CJ Walnut OP is a compact acoustic electric guitar designed for musicians who value portability without compromising on sound quality.
Features:
- Solid walnut top: The solid walnut top provides a rich and warm tone with well-balanced highs and lows.
- Mahogany back and sides: Mahogany enhances the overall resonance, adding depth to the tonal quality.
- Concert body shape: The concert body shape offers comfort and ease of playability, making it an ideal choice for players of all skill levels.
- Fishman Presys II electronics: The onboard Fishman Presys II preamp system delivers a natural and authentic amplified tone. It includes controls for volume, bass, middle, treble, phase switch, and a built-in tuner.
With its smaller size, the Cort Little CJ Walnut OP is perfect for musicians on the move or those with smaller hands.
It delivers a balanced and versatile sound ideal for various musical styles. Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, this guitar will meet your musical needs.
Martin SC-13E
The Martin SC-13E is an innovative acoustic electric guitar that combines modern design with exceptional sound quality.
Features:
- Sitka spruce top: Sitka spruce is renowned for its responsiveness and projection, producing clear and vibrant acoustic tones.
- Koa fine veneer back and sides: Koa adds visual appeal while enhancing the overall resonance of the guitar.
- Sure Align neck system: The patented Sure Align neck system ensures optimal alignment between the neck and body for improved playability.
- Built-in electronics: Equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, this guitar captures every nuance of your playing when plugged in. The controls include volume and tone knobs discreetly located near the soundhole.
The Martin SC-13E features an ergonomic design that offers comfort during long playing sessions. Its unique body shape and innovative bracing system contribute to enhanced volume, sustain, and overall tonal balance.
With its versatility and top-notch craftsmanship, the Martin SC-13E is a guitar that satisfies the needs of modern musicians.
Guild F-2512E Archback 12-string
For those seeking a rich and full-bodied sound, the Guild F-2512E Archback 12-string is a superb choice.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top: The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and a vibrant tone.
- Mahogany back and sides: Mahogany adds warmth and depth to the overall sound, enhancing the resonance of the guitar.
- C-shaped neck profile: The C-shaped neck offers a comfortable grip, allowing for smooth fretting and chord transitions.
- Fishman Sonitone electronics: The Fishman Sonitone preamp system delivers clear and natural amplified tones without compromising the guitar’s acoustic sound.
With its archback design, this 12-string guitar produces a rich and resonant tone with remarkable sustain.
Whether you’re strumming chords or adding texture to your music with intricate fingerpicking patterns, the Guild F-2512E Archback 12-string delivers an immersive and captivating playing experience.
Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe
The Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe is an exquisite acoustic electric guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern features.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce Vintage Tone System (VTS) top: The VTS treatment gives the Sitka spruce top an aged tonal character while maintaining its structural integrity.
- East Indian rosewood back and sides: East Indian rosewood offers rich bass response, sparkling highs, and balanced midrange.
- Scalloped X-bracing: This bracing pattern enhances resonance while allowing for greater projection and volume.
- Fishman Aura VT Enhance NT1 electronics: The Fishman Aura VT Enhance NT1 electronics system ensures accurate tone reproduction with minimal feedback, offering a dynamic and natural amplified sound.
The Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe showcases meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
It features elegant appointments such as a high-performance neck taper for enhanced playability, an antique white binding for a vintage look, and gold open-gear tuners.
This guitar is a perfect choice for discerning musicians who appreciate both tradition and innovation.
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Yamaha A5R ARE
The Yamaha A5R ARE is a high-quality acoustic electric guitar that offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern features, making it suitable for both professional musicians and enthusiasts.
Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top: The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and tonal clarity, giving the guitar a bright and well-balanced sound.
- Solid rosewood back and sides: The solid rosewood construction adds warmth and depth to the overall tone while enhancing sustain.
- Yamaha’s A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment: This treatment simulates the aging process of wood, resulting in improved responsiveness, tonal richness, and overall resonance.
- Scalloped bracing: The scalloped bracing design enhances the guitar’s tone by allowing the top to vibrate more freely.
- SRT2 pickup system: The SRT2 pickup system accurately reproduces the guitar’s natural acoustic sound when plugged in.
The Yamaha A5R ARE also features a comfortable mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, providing smooth playability.
The abalone inlays on the fingerboard add an elegant touch to its appearance. With its exceptional build quality and versatile sound, this guitar is perfect for any style of music.
PRS Parlor SE P20E
The PRS Parlor SE P20E is a compact acoustic electric guitar that offers extraordinary playability and rich tones.
Designed with comfort in mind, this instrument is perfect for players who prefer smaller-sized guitars without compromising on sound quality.
Features:
- Solid mahogany top: Mahogany produces warm, balanced tones with excellent projection.
- Mahogany back and sides: Mahogany further enhances the warmth of tone while providing enhanced sustain.
- PRS hybrid “X”/Classical bracing: This unique bracing pattern combines elements from both X-bracing and classical fan bracing, resulting in rich harmonics and increased volume.
- Fishman GT1 electronics: The Fishman GT1 pickup system accurately captures the guitar’s acoustic sound and delivers natural-sounding amplified tones.
- 12-fret neck joint: The 12-fret design moves the bridge closer to the center of the guitar, resulting in an increased tonal response and improved intonation.
The PRS Parlor SE P20E also features a wide fat mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable playing experience.
The sleek satin finish adds to its visual appeal. This guitar is ideal for players who value both comfort and exceptional tone.
Yamaha Storia II
The Yamaha Storia II is an acoustic electric guitar designed with a focus on style, playability, and versatility.
It’s perfect for musicians who want an instrument that not only sounds great but also looks stunning on stage.
Features:
- Solid sitka spruce top: Sitka spruce offers excellent projection and responsiveness, making it ideal for strumming or fingerpicking.
- Mahogany back and sides: Mahogany adds warmth to the overall tone while maintaining clarity and definition.
- Undersaddle pickup and preamp system: The undersaddle pickup accurately captures the guitar’s natural sound when amplified. The built-in preamp provides easy access to tone shaping controls.
- Eye-catching finishes: The Storia II comes in several vibrant finishes, including storm blue, violet, brick burst, or natural. These finishes add a unique visual flair to the instrument.
The Yamaha Storia II has a comfortable slim body shape that makes it easy to hold and play for extended periods.
With its stylish looks and versatile sound, this guitar is sure to make a statement both on and offstage.
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO is a timeless acoustic electric guitar that pays homage to one of Gibson’s most iconic models.
It offers classic styling, exceptional playability, and a rich, distinctive tone.
Features:
- Solid spruce top: The solid spruce top delivers a bright and vibrant sound with plenty of clarity and projection.
- Mahogany back and sides: Mahogany adds warmth and depth to the overall tone while enhancing sustain.
- SlimTaper “D” profile neck: The SlimTaper neck design provides comfortable playability, making it easy to navigate across the fretboard.
- Fishman electronics: The onboard Fishman Sonitone preamp system accurately captures the guitar’s natural acoustic sound when amplified. The controls are conveniently located on the soundhole for easy access.
The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO features beautiful ornate inlays on the fretboard and an iconic Hummingbird pickguard design.
With its timeless style and exceptional sound quality, this guitar is perfect for players who appreciate vintage aesthetics combined with modern functionality.
Yamaha FGX800C
The Yamaha FGX800C is a popular choice for players seeking a reliable and affordable acoustic electric guitar.
Its versatile features and solid construction make it a great option for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
Features:
- Solid Spruce Top: The solid spruce top delivers a well-balanced and articulate tone, making it suitable for various musical styles.
- Nato Back and Sides: The nato wood used in the back and sides provides warmth and resonance, enhancing the overall sound.
- Cutaway Design: The cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it ideal for lead playing.
- System 66 Preamp: The onboard System 66 preamp offers precise control over your amplified sound, with a built-in tuner for convenience.
- Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge: The rosewood fingerboard and bridge contribute to the guitar’s rich tones while providing smooth playability.
The Yamaha FGX800C is known for its outstanding playability, comfortable neck profile, and reliable tuning stability.
With its versatility in both acoustic and amplified settings, this guitar is suitable for stage performances or practicing at home.
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Yamaha FSX830C
The Yamaha FSX830C is another excellent option from Yamaha’s lineup of acoustic-electric guitars.
With its smaller concert-sized body shape, this guitar offers comfort without compromising on sound quality.
Features:
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top: The solid Sitka spruce top provides excellent projection and clarity, ensuring your playing cuts through with every note.
- Rosewood Back and Sides: Rosewood adds warmth to the tone while delivering rich harmonics.
- Scalloped Bracing: The scalloped bracing enhances the guitar’s resonance and projection while maintaining structural stability.
- System 66 Preamp: Equipped with the same System 66 Preamp as the FGX800C, you have control over your amplified sound and a convenient built-in tuner.
- Cutaway Design: The cutaway design allows for easy access to the upper frets, making it perfect for lead and solo playing.
The Yamaha FSX830C is known for its well-balanced tone, comfortable playing experience, and reliable performance.
Whether you’re performing live or recording in the studio, this guitar will exceed your expectations.
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor
The Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor is a compact acoustic-electric guitar that offers exceptional portability without compromising on sound quality.
It’s an excellent choice for travelers or players who prefer a smaller-sized instrument.
Features:
- Solid Mahogany Top: The solid mahogany top produces a warm and rich tone, adding depth to your playing.
- Layered Sapele Back and Sides: The layered Sapele construction enhances durability while maintaining tonal balance.
- Comfortable Neck Profile: The neck profile offers a smooth playing experience, making it easy to navigate across the fretboard.
- Expression System Baby Pickup: The onboard Expression System Baby pickup accurately captures the guitar’s natural sound when amplified.
- Compact Size: With its smaller size, the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor is incredibly portable and easy to carry around.
Despite its small stature, this guitar delivers impressive sound quality and playability.
Whether you’re jamming with friends around the campfire or recording in a small space, the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor is a trusty companion that won’t disappoint.
FAQs About Acoustic Electric Guitars
What are the benefits of an acoustic-electric guitar?
An acoustic-electric guitar combines the warm, natural sound of an acoustic guitar with the convenience of being able to amplify and adjust your sound.
How does the type of wood used affect the tone of an acoustic-electric guitar?
The type of wood used in the construction of an acoustic-electric guitar greatly impacts its tone. Each wood has its characteristics, with spruce offering brightness and projection, mahogany providing warmth, and rosewood adding depth and richness to the sound.
Are all acoustic-electric guitars suitable for all genres of music?
No, different acoustic-electric guitars are crafted to cater to specific genres or playing styles. Instruments with a brighter tone, like those with a spruce top, are well-suited for strumming and folk music.
Can I use an acoustic-electric guitar without plugging it in?
Yes! An acoustic-electric guitar can be played unplugged, just like a regular acoustic guitar.
Do I need special equipment to play an acoustic-electric guitar?
While you don’t necessarily need special equipment to play an acoustic-electric guitar, having accessories like a quality cable and a reliable amplifier or audio interface will enhance your playing experience when you want to amplify your sound for performances or recordings.
Conclusion
Choosing the right acoustic electric guitar is crucial for any musician. The Martin Junior Series DJR-10E stands out for its compact size and exceptional sound quality, while the Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop offers affordability without compromising on craftsmanship.
The Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster pushes boundaries with its versatility and innovative features.
For beginners, the Taylor Academy Series 12e provides a comfortable and affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality.
Whichever guitar you choose from this list, you can be assured of a fantastic playing experience. So go ahead, find your perfect match, and let your creativity soar!
