15 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars You Can Buy: a Guide to Making the Right Choice
Your acoustic-electric guitar can be an extension of your personality and your home’s style. Choose a design that reflects your own personal style and aesthetic, and be sure to invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time.
Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate or an aspiring virtuoso, take a look at our favorite acoustic-electric guitars that are currently available for purchase and choose the one that suits your playing style and your budget.
Our list features a diverse range of acoustic-electric guitars that cover almost any musical genre, spanning from timeless classics to modern marvels.
What Should You Consider When Buying an Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
Finding the right acoustic-electric guitar involves a mix of personal preference, play style, and budget. Some of the key features of a great acoustic-electric guitar are high-quality electronics, neck profile that facilitates good playability, build quality and design.
High Quality Electronics
Electronics in acoustic guitars, primarily in the form of pickups and preamps, allow for the amplification of the instrument's sound without losing its natural tone and resonance. This amplification becomes vital for performances in larger venues or during recording sessions. Furthermore, it opens up the possibility of modifying the guitar's sound using effects pedals and equalizers, enabling a wider variety of tonal possibilities and facilitating the creation of unique sounds and styles.
Many acoustic-electric guitars also come with onboard preamps that offer tone shaping controls right at the guitarist's fingertips. This feature allows the player to adjust their sound on the fly, adapting to different songs, venues, or simply personal preference. Thus, the presence of electronics in acoustic guitars enriches the playing experience, offering enhanced sound control and adaptability.
Guitar Neck Profile
The shape of a guitar neck has a huge impact on playability and comfort, as well as sound. Your personal preference, playing style and hand size all play a role in choosing the right neck shape. Thinner, flatter neck profiles allow for easier and more comfortable fast playing. Modern acoustic-electric guitars usually have a C neck profile - as these necks are slim, slightly curved and are very comfortable to play.
Guitar Build Quality and Design
Guitar build quality matters because it directly impacts the sound, playability, durability, resale value, and overall satisfaction of the instrument.
High-end acoustic-electric guitars use premium tonewoods that provide great sound and tone. Spruce, especially Sitka spruce, is often used for the top of the guitar due to its strength and weight ratio, providing a dynamic range and clear articulation. Cedar tops yield a warm, rich tone. The back and sides are usually made from hardwoods like mahogany or rosewood. The neck often uses durable woods like mahogany or maple, while the fretboard typically employs rosewood or ebony.
While often overlooked, design plays an important role in choosing the right acoustic-electric guitar. The more the instrument appeals to you, the more likely you will pick it up and play it. So investing in a well-built, good-looking guitar can provide a rewarding playing experience and contribute to your musical journey.
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15 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars You Can Buy
Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Signature Acoustic/Electric Nylon String Guitar
Tim Henson, co-founder of progressive math rock band Polyphia, is recognized for his unique, genre-defying guitar style. His signature model, the Ibanez TOD10N, encapsulates his innovative approach to music.
The body is made with sapele back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top for a full-bodied and warm mid-range as well as shimmering high end. The TOD10N’s body is also significantly thinner and smaller than traditional nylon string acoustic guitars which, along with the superior upper fret access, makes it a great option for primarily electric players looking to branch out into nylon strings.
One unique feature of the guitar is its side sound port as opposed to a front-facing one, allowing the acoustic sound to travel directly towards you while playing.
The most apparent design aspect of the acoustic-electric guitar is the intricate “Tree of Death” fretboard inlay, which is where the guitar gets its name, and is a play on the iconic Ibanez “Tree of Life” inlay. The other main aesthetic appointment is the modified Ibanez FRH body style with a flat black finish. The FRH body is a T-style hollow-body shape and is built without a top-facing sound hole for less feedback.
In terms of electronics, the guitar has a build in Fishman Sonicore pickup as well as an Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp with an onboard tuner. The control layout includes separate volume, treble, and bass controls, as well as an on button for the tuner and a phase button as well. The tuner has an easy-to-read display as well as a low battery indicator light.
The Ibanez TOD10N takes everything Ibanez is good at and known for and combines it with the design appointments and modern specs needed for a Tim Henson signature.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: C Shape Nyatoh neck
- Fingerboard: Walnut
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Sapele
- Electronics: Fishman Sonicore pickup, Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp with Onboard tuner
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Martin GPC-11E Road Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Road Series GPC-11E is perfect for the gigging intermediate to advanced player looking for a reliable instrument. This acoustic-electric guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back & sides in a 14 fret Grand Performance cutaway.
Solid wood construction is the mark of a good guitar, and the GPC-11E offers solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back & sides. This produces a warm, balanced tone with a little sparkle in the highs.
Following the footsteps of Martin's Standard Series in 2018, the Road Series models have been redesigned for 2019. Mother-of-Pearl pattern fingerboard dots and rosette, plus a faux tortoise pickguard, give this acoustic-electric guitar a truly new, high-end look.
The GPC-11E is equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, featuring volume & tone controls and a user-friendly tuner, all subtly hidden in the guitar's sound hole. An added advantage is the auto-mute function that activates when the tuner is in use, ensuring your tuning process remains discreet.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Performing Artist
- Fingerboard: Richlite
- Scale: 25.4"
- Top: Solid Sitka Gloss Top
- Body: Sapele
- Electronics: Fishman MX-T Electronics
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $1000 - $1500
Cordoba Stage Nylon String Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Winner of Best in Show during the 2022 NAMM Show, the Cordoba Stage is an great nylon string electric guitar.
The Corboda Stage combines a solid Spruce top with a figured flamed maple veneer for projection, volume, and a distinctive aesthetic flair.
A solid, fully chambered body provides reduced weight, enhanced resonance, and allows the top to resonate freely for natural acoustic tone and ease of movement while playing. Strategically placed Cordoba soundhole arches aid in the vibration of the guitar and natural nylon-string tone.
Cordoba's unique Fusion Neck with a comfortable 48mm nut width and fast 16" Fretboard Radius is slightly thinner than a traditional nylon string guitar and provides a playing experience closer to that of a steel string guitar. The deep cutaway grants easy access to higher frets, ideal for on-stage solos beyond the 10th fret.
At the heart of the acoustic-electric guitar is the revolutionary Fishman Stage Pickup System paired with a solid, fully chambered body for reduced weight and enhanced resonance, and a robust, tonal foundation. Equipped with easy to-access Volume, EQ, and Body Blend knobs the Stage Pickup System allows players to dial in their preferred acoustic tone. Co-developed with Fishman to produce Cordoba's authentic, acoustic nylon-string tone, the Stage is revolutionary in sound and feel.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
- Scale: 25.6"
- Top: Solid Spruce top
- Body: Mahogany
- Electronics: Fishman Stage Pickup System
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: No
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Taylor Academy 10e Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Designed with the beginner guitarist in mind yet equally apt for seasoned players seeking a budget-friendly guitar, the Taylor Academy Series showcases Taylor's signature sleek necks, a comfortable armrest, good sound, and quality construction.
Ideal for strummers and flatpickers on a budget, the Taylor Academy 10e features a big-voiced Dreadnought body that's made from layered sapele back & sides with a solid Sitka spruce top to produce warm lows and a nice top-end punch.
This acoustic-electric guitar also features an ergonomic armrest, which offers an ultra-comfortable playing experience while adding an elegant look.
The 20-fret sapele neck offers great playability thanks to its slim profile design, shorter 24-7/8" scale length, narrower 1-11/16" nut width, low action, and light gauge strings.
The Taylor A10e comes equipped with onboard ES-B electronics featuring Taylor Expression System 2 piezo design elements for great plugged-in sound. The preamp further enhances the guitar's versatility with a built-in digital chromatic tuner.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Maple neck
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale: 24.875"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Sapele
- Electronics: ES-B electronics featuring Taylor Expression System 2 piezo
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: No
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Martin D-10E Road Series Sitka Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Road Series D-10E is great for value-conscious players looking for a full-sized, solid wood acoustic with the superior Martin tone that has shaped generations of music.
Solid wood construction is the mark of a good guitar, and the Martin Road Series D-10E offers solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back & sides. This produces a warm, balanced tone with a little sparkle in the highs.The acoustic-electric guitar has a Richlite fingerboard and bridge, satin finish body and a hand-rubbed neck finish.
The acoustic-electric guitar is equipped with Fishman MX-T electronics, featuring volume & tone controls and a user-friendly tuner, all subtly hidden in the guitar's sound hole. An added advantage is the auto-mute function that activates when the tuner is in use, ensuring your tuning process remains discreet.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: High Performance neck
- Fingerboard: Richlite
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Sapele
- Electronics: Fishman MX-T Electronics
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: No
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is designed to provide the best of both acoustic and electric realms. Drawing numerous features from the American Acoustasonic introduced in 2019, Fender has tailored this model to be more approachable for professional musicians.
Its hollow body, inspired by the classic Telecaster, is naturally loud and resonant, projecting ample sound. This ensures the guitar sounds equally impressive whether played casually or live on stage.
The acoustic-electric guitar sports a Modern Deep C profile neck that delivers the feel of an electric guitar, but is crafted from mahogany, a material more common in acoustics. The rosewood fingerboard, with a comfortable 12" radius, further enhances playability.
The Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster has two pickups: a Fishman undersaddle piezo and a Tim Shaw-designed N4 magnetic in the bridge position offering six voicings. Each position of the 3-way switch yields a pair of distinctive voices that can be played individually or blended. The electric voice pair provides clean and twangy Telecaster tones, along with richer single-coil sounds. The acoustic voice pair replicates the sound of a short-scale, 000-sized mahogany guitar or a traditional rosewood dreadnought. The final voice pair delivers a combination of clean lo-fi and lo-fi crunch sounds.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Mahogany
- Electronics: Fender Acoustasonic Noiseless; Fishman Under-Saddle Transducer
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: No
- Tuner: No
- Price range: $1000 - $1500
Takamine GD11MCE-NS Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Takamine GD11MCE-NS blends the tonal warmth and balance of mahogany with the sonic horsepower of the classic Dreadnought body shape.
Constructed entirely from mahogany, the GD11MCE-NS comes dressed in a natural finish that showcases mahogany's beautiful wood grain.
The smooth cutaway design allows for comfortable access to the higher frets. Other features include a 21-fret mahogany neck, a laurel fingerboard with a 42.5mm nut width, and Takamine TP-4T electronics for great plugged-in sound and performance.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Electronics: Takamine TP-4T electronics
- Frets: 21
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $250 - $500
Ibanez AEG50N Nylon-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Ibanez has recently revamped their AEG acoustic guitars series, introducing updated electronics and designs. The Ibanez AEG is a compact-bodied acoustic-electric guitar, renowned for its slim neck and easy playability.
The Ibanez AEG50N, a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar, features a spruce top and sapele back and sides—a combination of tonewoods that produces a sweet, rounded tone with a notable bass presence. The 20-fret Nyatoh neck and walnut fingerboard guarantee excellent playability and response.
A significant upgrade of the AEG50N is the new Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp. This compact and straightforward preamp comes with only two control knobs—volume and shape. The readily accessible tone control provides natural acoustic sound when set in the center position. It allows players to easily modify the tone, shifting from low, rich, and powerful tones to bright and crisp sounds using just one knob. An easy-to-read onboard tuner with an LCD is incorporated into the preamp.
Additionally, the Ibanez T-bar II Undersaddle pickup ensures a balanced signal by equalizing the volume across each string.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: C Shape Nyatoh neck
- Fingerboard: Walnut
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Sapele
- Electronics: Ibanez T-Bar II Undersaddle Pickup & Ibanez AEQ-TTS Preamp w/ Onboard Tuner
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $250 - $500
Godin Multiac Nylon SA Nylon-String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Godin Multiac Nylon SA Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar combines cutting edge acoustic guitar design with state-of-the-art on-board electronics and synth access.
Boasting a traditional tonewood combination, the Godin Multiac Nylon SA Nylon String classical acoustic-electric guitar features a chambered mahogany body coupled with a solid spruce soundboard. This design delivers a pleasing tone and resonance while mitigating feedback. The 25 1/2"-scale mahogany neck, the 16"-radius Richlite fingerboard, and the 1 7/8" nut width offer a familiar feel for steel string players.
The Godin Multiac Nylon SA delivers exceptional amplified tone thanks to individual transducer saddles that sit beneath each string along with a customized RMC Pickup Company preamp system. The electronics generate a hexaphonic output through a 13-pin connector, enabling direct connectivity to Roland GR-series and Axon AX100 guitar synthesizers.
The Godin Multiac Nylon SA guitar has become a go-to instrument for guitarists across all genres who aim to integrate nylon-string guitar tones into their music.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Richlite
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Spruce
- Body: Mahogany
- Electronics: RMC Pickup Company preamp system
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $2000 - $2500
Taylor 214ce Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Part of Taylor's 200 series, the Taylor 214ce acoustic-electric guitar is a solid option for all types of guitar players, from the new learner to the experienced pro.
The 214ce features Taylor’s popular Grand Auditorium body style, which incorporates the breadth and depth of a dreadnought but with a narrower waist. This gives the Grand Auditorium-bodied acoustic guitar a more refined appearance and enhanced treble.
Constructed with layered Indian rosewood for the back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top, this acoustic-electric guitar produces bright highs and a resonant, warm bass. This tonal balance renders the guitar a versatile musical instrument, capable of delivering powerful cowboy chords and performing elegantly in more nuanced styles like flatpicking or fingerpicking. Crisp white binding, a three-ring rosette, and a Venetian cutaway for ease of access to the upper fretboard notes are some of the noticeable features.
The guitar is equipped with Taylor's ES2 System, a ground-breaking pickup design that embodies the latest in Taylor's continuous innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. At the core of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which comprises three uniquely situated and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Paired with Taylor’s custom-designed preamp, this system generates great amplified tone and responsiveness.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale: 25.5"
- Top: Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Rosewood
- Electronics: Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: No
- Price range: $1000 - $1500
Ibanez AW54CE Artwood Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The allure of Ibanez's Artwood series acoustic guitars lies in their blend of combination of quality tonewoods and fine construction techniques. To make the Artwood AW54CE acoustic a great-sounding yet affordable guitar, Ibanez began by selecting the best materials for the money and then applied decades upon decades of guitar-crafting experience to them.
The guitar's striking appearance immediately captures your attention, with its mahogany body and ovangkol fingerboard that produce bold sound. Part of this resonant sound can be attributed to the Dovetail Neck Joint, incorporated at the 14th fret, which enhances sustain.
The Ibanez AW54CE Artwood is fitted with a T-bar Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup, powered by the Ibanez AEQ-TP2 preamp. This setup offers bass, treble, and volume controls, allowing you to quickly dial in a great tone.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: C Shape Nyatoh neck
- Fingerboard: Ovangkol
- Scale: 25.6"
- Top: Solid Okoume top
- Body: Okoume
- Electronics: Fishman Sonicore Pickup System with Ibanez AEQ210TFF Preamp
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $250 - $500
Martin DX Johnny Cash Acoustic-Electric Guitar
In the early 1970s, Martin Guitar was tasked to create an all-black lacquered D-35 for the country music legend Johnny Cash. Despite it being an unprecedented request, a custom all-black D-35 was crafted for the "Man in Black," which Cash played on stage for the subsequent two decades. In 2006, Martin unveiled a tribute D-35 Johnny Cash edition.
The Martin DX Johnny Cash, designed in partnership with John Carter Cash and the Cash Foundation management team, boasts a traditional dreadnought body shape built with Jett black HPL top, back, and sides. Like its predecessor, this acoustic-electric guitar features includes a custom fingerboard inlaid with stars and the "CASH" logo. Johnny Cash's signature appears on the rosette and label.
Equipped with Fishman MX electronics, the Martin DX Johnny Cash comes with a soft gig bag bearing the "CASH" logo embroidery, and is strung with Martin's Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Black Birch Laminate Performing Artist Neck
- Fingerboard: Richlite
- Scale: 25.4"
- Top: High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
- Body: High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
- Electronics: Fishman MX Electronics
- Frets: 19
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: No
- Tuner: No
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Yamaha SLG200S Steel-String Silent Guitar
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an ideal option for discreet practice. With the guitar's sound channeled through headphones, you can enjoy the authentic tones of an acoustic nylon-stringed instrument in tranquility.
This silent guitar from Yamaha boasts a lightweight mahogany body with a detachable upper frame for easy portability. The neck, also made from mahogany, features a rosewood fingerboard. The Silent Guitar produces only 1/10th of the sound volume acoustically, making the SLG200S an excellent choice for playing anywhere, anytime.
The SLG200S includes Yamaha's SRT Powered system, modeled after the tones of a high-end Yamaha acoustic guitar recorded using a meticulously selected microphone in a professional studio setting. This system authentically reproduces the sound of an acoustic guitar, including its natural sustain and decay, allowing guitarists to experience the true body resonance, tone, and ambiance of an acoustic instrument. The SRT Powered sound can be blended with the sound from the instrument's piezo pickups for increased creative flexibility. This feature eliminates the complex procedures involved in mic-ing up a guitar for recording at home or other venues. The system also provides four effects: Reverb1, Reverb2, Chorus, and Echo. An AUX IN function lets you play along with your favorite tracks.
Designed for easy transportation, the Yamaha SLG200S also offers mini-stereo inputs for connecting an MP3 or CD player. The silent acoustic-electric guitar interfaces seamlessly with acoustic-effects processors, PAs, and amps, making it a perfect fit for home use or practice.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale: 25"
- Top: None
- Body: Mahogany
- Electronics: Yamaha SRT Powered system
- Frets: 22
- Solid Top: No
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $500 - $1000
Cordoba GK Pro Negra Nylon-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Cordoba GK Pro Negra is a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar designed as the ultimate performance instrument for serious musicians. It features a solid European spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, complemented by a soft cutaway and a Fishman PreFix ProBlend pickup.
Constructed with a slightly thinner body depth, neck, and nut width than a traditional Spanish guitar, the GK Pro Negra is a stage-ready flamenco guitar. The neck is designed to have minimal to no relief, providing low action for comfortable play and swift performance.
The GK Pro Negra, with its comfortable body shape and classic combination of tonewoods, is an ideal instrument for exploring the unique sound nuances only achievable with nylon strings. Elegant touches such as a rosewood headstock veneer featuring Cordoba's arches icon, and a mother-of-pearl weave rosette, inspired by a 1920's Domingo Esteso guitar, add refined aesthetics.
As with every classical guitar in the Luthier series, the GK Pro Negra is built using the Spanish heel construction, wherein the top of the guitar is attached to the neck first, followed by the sides, and finally sealed with the back's installation. The neck also incorporates a two-way truss rod.
Additional features include a 19-fret ebony fingerboard, rosewood bridge, high gloss finish, and premium Savarez Cristal Corum strings. The GK Pro comes with Cordoba’s humidified hardshell case for protection and easy transport.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Scale: 25.6"
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce top
- Body: Rosewood
- Electronics: Fishman Prefix ProBlend system
- Frets: 19
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: No
- Price range: $1500 - $2000
Takamine EF341SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Beloved by Bruce Springsteen, the Takamine EF341SC is a meticulously crafted acoustic-electric guitar that delivers superb sound in any setting.
One factor behind the impressive sound of the EF341SC is its solid cedar top, which produces an ideal balance of warm highs and tight lows, avoiding any boomy resonance. The maple back and sides complement the top beautifully, while a sturdy mahogany neck enhances durability, ensuring it will stay straight and reliable for years to come. The 20-fret rosewood fingerboard is a traditional choice that adds to the acoustic-electric guitar's appeal.
The under-saddle pickup uses Takamine's unique Palathetic design, which increases the mass of the elements and individually senses each string, leading to a more natural tone. The built-in CT4B II preamp features a 3-band equalizer and an onboard tuner with frequency calibration capabilities. This powerful electronics pair ensures a stellar sound performance at any event.
Features & Technical Specifications
- Neck: Mahogany neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale: 25.4"
- Top: Cedar top
- Body: Maple
- Electronics: CT-4B II Preamp with Palathetic Pickup
- Frets: 20
- Solid Top: Yes
- Cutaway: Yes
- Tuner: Yes
- Price range: $1500 - $2000
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