Best Acoustic Electric Guitar In 2023

Acoustic-electric guitars, or electro-acoustic guitars, feature built-in electronics that amplify the sound of acoustic guitars. Acoustic-electric guitars have an appearance similar to acoustic guitars, but they feature a pickup installed in the bridge, and controls are located at the side or edge of the body panels. There are controls for volume, tone, equalization, and tuning on these instruments. Acoustic-electric guitars have the properties a normal acoustic guitar may have, and can be played the same way as acoustic guitars. Adding extra volume is just a matter of plugging it into an amplifier, and it will greatly increase the sound of the guitar.  But to keep it short, these instruments are wonderful to play. Thus, any make it their priority to find the best acoustic electric guitar as soon as they can.

However, finding the perfect one is not exactly easy, and without knowing what increases the value of such guitars, you might simply be flailing your limbs. Thus, before you go towards the list of best acoustic electric guitar, read through the buyer guide that we have prepared especially for you.

Criteria For Buying Acoustic Electric Guitar/ Buyer’s Guide:

Difference Between Acoustic, Electric And Acoustic Electric Guitar:

Unlike an electric guitar, an acoustic-electric guitar can be played both plugged in and unplugged. Acoustic-electric guitars can be played easily and need little adjustment before playing, in contrast to electric guitars that require many adjustments before playing.

With an electric guitar, you can connect it to an amplifier for a louder sound, while with an acoustic guitar, only vibrations from the strings can generate sounds. The wooden body of the guitar amplifies the sound.

Style:

The guitar is an instrument played in a unique way by each individual. There are some who favor prominent body guitars; others prefer soft nylon strings over steel strings. In short, everyone has their own preferences. If you decide to buy an acoustic-electric guitar, make sure it is within your budget. It is good to own a brand-named guitar, but they’re expensive and likely burn a hole in your wallet. Be realistic about your purchasing decisions.

Size:

Playing an instrument, you do not feel at ease with is very hard, if not impossible, for anyone who wants to learn to play. Likewise, different sizes have different effects on the sound, with certain parts of the tonal range being more prominent than others.

Here are the size options:

• (Grand) Concert: 13” in size guitars that are perfect for smaller musicians.
• (Grand) Auditorium: A bit bigger than the previous one and offers a balanced sound along with good volume.
• Jumbo: more comprehensive than the previous one and the perfect choice for country music.
• Dreadnought: 20” in size for bluegrass and similar genres.
• Travel/ Mini: Come in different sizes but are built for traveling.

Tuner And Adjustment Knobs:

Acoustic-electric guitars are typically equipped with the ability to control tunes, effects, and sounds. Instruments built today come with built-in tuners and adjustment knobs that provide a much greater range of options for sound quality than those built in the 1980s. Thus, make sure to check for all the controls on the guitar before buying it.

Budget:

The more you spend, the better the instrument, at least up to a certain point. The first thing you should do is assess your skill level. Do you consider yourself a beginner or an intermediate player? The difference between cheap and expensive models will be difficult to discern as a newbie.

Check out well-known brands such as Ibanez, Cort, Fender, Yamaha, and Taylor. Among all these brands, you’ll find a variety of great models at varying prices. It’s better to spend a few extra dollars on a guitar that’s already proven worthwhile in the long run rather than going for an unknown yet very cheap model.

Now that you know what to look for let’s move on to the best acoustic electric guitars list.

Top Picks:

Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The Martin guitars are not imitations but the real thing! And the OMJM John Mayer is proof of that.

Martin SC-13E Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

A redesigned acoustic electric guitar that will make many things possible that you weren’t able to do before.

Taylor Academy Series Academy 12e Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

It is an affordable choice for many who want a good quality guitar on a low budget.

Best Acoustic Electric Guitar:

Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

It has been nearly two centuries since Martin has been manufacturing premium gear for musicians across the globe. The fact that Martin continues to produce his esteemed guitars and string products worldwide makes it no surprise that they remain a favorite choice for musicians all over the globe because of their unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and tone. The brand has continued to produce still handmade instruments of high standards. The Martin guitars are not imitations but the real thing! And the OMJM John Mayer is proof of that. If we compare Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic with Martin SC-13E Acoustic Then you will know Martin Guitar OMJM John Mayer Acoustic is the best option. We have tested the guitars.

The Martin OMJM John Mayer Acoustic-Electric guitar is another iconic guitar by Martin which is made from heavy-duty materials and is designed in a time-tested method. Worthy of being at the top spot of this list of best acoustic electronic guitar, the OMJM John Mayer acoustic-electric guitar is a versatile instrument suitable for music, whether jazz, folk, blues, or other genres. This guitar is part of the Martin Custom Signature Editions Series and would make an excellent addition to any musician’s music collection.

Specs:

• Brand: Martin
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 52 x 18 x 8 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Color: Antique Toner
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Body Material: Rosewood
• Back Material Type: Rosewood
• Neck Material Type: Cedar
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• String Material Type: Nickel
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Comes With:

• Hardshell case

Key Features:

• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6
• It comes with a hardshell case

Pros:

• Attractive and classy design
• Stable acoustics
• Professional but enjoyable playing

Cons:

• lacks dovetail neck

Martin SC-13E Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The time has come when we need to rethink what an acoustic-electric guitar is capable of. For instance, do you want to be able to play up the neck to the top of the neck? Would you like to play longer? Would you like to play louder? All of it is now possible with this simple, comfortable, easy-to-play acoustic-electric guitar from Martin. Our next entry in the best acoustic electronic guitar list is the all-new SC-13E. With its patent-pending, Sure Align neck system, this guitar gives you full access to all frets, so you will be able to reach those high notes in comfort.

In addition to that, it is equipped with a new, low-profile velocity neck barrel which ergonomically accommodates your hand as you move up the neck, providing you with the same feel and playability of an electric guitar. This item has been designed from the ground up to be plugged in. It has an asymmetrical body that provides balanced output, enabling more gain before feedback. In other words, the next time you’re on stage with an SC-13E, have fun playing it loud. However, don’t forget that the SC-13E is still a Martin instrument, so that it will sound amazing even unplugged. By eliminating the limitations of the conventional cutaway acoustic-electric guitar, you now have the ability to play your guitar the way you like, without limitations.

Specs:

• Brand: Martin
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions : 47 x 20 x 9 inches
• Body Material: Sitka Spruce
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Back Material Type: Koa Wood
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.4 Inches

Comes With:

• Plush gig bag

Key Features:

• standard dreadnaught size
• comes with a plush gig bag
• lightweight

Pros:

• Well-positioned tuner and controls
• Superb sound quality
• portable

Cons:

• Only Piezo pickup can be used

Taylor Academy Series Academy 12e Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The next entry on the best acoustic electric guitars list is Taylor’s famous 12e Grand Concert. Despite not being one of their flagship guitars, the 12e should still be considered a substantial investment for many. This is a highly playable guitar for the price you pay, with a vibrant sound and a soft neck, making it extremely easy to play. While it might be a good option for beginners, it is also a suitable practice guitar for intermediate and advanced players.

The Taylor Academy 12e guitar has been created with a solid Sitka spruce top, an excellent piece of furniture with a high level of craftsmanship. Furthermore, the back and sides of the guitar are also laminated with Sapele layered over a flat Sapele layer, giving it a shiny matte-varnish finish with a very smooth and pleasing appearance. This guitar is pretty plain in terms of its style, but it does have a bevel on the armrest and a concert-style body. The guitar also comes with a brilliant pickup to let you plug in your acoustic guitar.

Specs:

• Brand: Taylor
• Weight: 8.68 pounds
• Dimensions: 45 x 19 x 7.85 inches
• Color: Natural
• Body Material: Sapele
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Back Material Type: Sapele
• Neck Material Type: Mahogany
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• Number of Strings: 6
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: ESB With Tuner
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Guitar Bridge System: Ebony

Comes With:

• Pickup

Key Features:

• Hand Orientation: Right
• Layered Sapele back sides
• Ebony fingerboard

Pros:

• Easy to play
• Built-in tuner
• The battery is easy to change
• Easy playability

Cons:

• No feedback control
• Plain experience

Breedlove Oregon Series Concert CE Sitka-Myrtlewood Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

There is something special about the new Oregon Concert CE from Breedlove. It is a premium guitar, but with a difference – the style, the appearance, and the sound give it that ‘pick me’ edge over others in the same range. Combining these powerful attributes with the superior American construction of Breedlove’s product line and the company’s eco-friendly ethos, you have an acoustic that deserves to be thoroughly experienced.

This Oregon Concert guitar was voted Acoustic Guitar of the Year in 2015 by MMR magazine dealers. This marked the start of a three-year run in which Oregon guitars have been recognized for their refined design, sound, and playability. This guitar, available as a cutaway or whole body, is the icon of Breedlove, played by more Breedlove artists than any other USA handcrafted guitar. A worthy addition to the list of best acoustic and electronic guitars.

Specs:

• Brand: Breedlove
• Color: Gloss Natural
• Body Material: Myrtlewood
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Back Material Type: Myrtlewood
• Neck Material Type: Maple
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: Piezoelectric
• String Material Type: Stainless Steel
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Comes With:

• Deluxe Breedlove hardshell case

Key Features:

• Hand Orientation: Right
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: Piezoelectric
• It comes with a deluxe Breedlove hardshell case

Pros:

• Beautiful design
• Smooth playability
• Nice resonance bass
• Produces crisp sounds

Cons:

• None so far

Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars:

Martin D-28 Guitar has been reimagined, so it is not outdated in terms of technology. The basic idea behind this guitar is that it combines vintage aesthetics and some modern innovations for an overall high-quality instrument.

In many ways, the D28 reimagines its predecessors. It is interesting to note how the old-school design that works well usually stays, and the significant upgrades made by Martin due to his years of experience combine to produce a fantastic guitar. Moreover, that’s why it has an aging toner that gives it that pleasing traditional vintage aesthetic in the first place. It is composed of an all-solid top made of Sitka Spruce and a back and sides made of East Indian Rosewood. As a result, the resonance and volume of the instrument are excellent. Aside from that, if you take good care of the product, it will not deteriorate over time (provided that you take good care of it). Indeed, this is perhaps the best acoustic electronic guitar.

Specs:

• Brand: Martin
• Weight: 17.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 48 x 21 x 10 inches
• Color: Natural
• Body Material: Rosewood
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Back Material Type: Rosewood
• Neck Material Type: Mahogany
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• String Material Type: Phosphor Bronze
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Comes With:

• Martin hardshell case
• Faux Tortoise Pick Guard

Key Features:

• enhanced playability
• vintage tuners
• Antique white binding

Pros:

• enhanced playability
• suitable for many genres
• made from high-quality materials

Cons:

• None, unless you consider forgetting everything else and just playing this instrument all day long.

Taylor T5 Series T5z Classic Deluxe Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Coming up next on the list of the best acoustic electric guitar is the T5z from Taylor. A Taylor T5 was not the first electric guitar to offer both acoustic and electrified tones, but it is one of the earliest pro-touring models to do so in a convincing manner and thus a go-to guitar in this area. In many people’s opinion, the sound of the T5 was equally impressive when it was played through an overdriven tube combo as when it was played fingerpicked and plugged into a dedicated acoustic amplifier.

The T5 has been tweaked to improve its performance as a hybrid instrument throughout the years while keeping most of its basic design. As one of the latest incarnations, the T5Z is almost identical to the standard T5 but with some specific features – such as a narrower body, jumbo frets, and a 12″ fretboard radius – that make the instrument feel like an electric rather than an acoustic guitar.

Specs:

• Brand: Taylor
• Weight: 20.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 46.3 x 21 x 7.75 inches
• Body Material: Mahogany, Sapele, Wood
• Top Material Type: Mahogany
• Back Material Type: Mahogany Wood
• Neck Material Type: Mahogany
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: H
• String Material Type: Nickel
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Comes With:

• Electronics Pickup/preamp

Key Features:

• Hybrid guitar
• Right-handed neck
• Active soundboard

Pros:

• Best choice for gigging musicians
• Can produce an array of electric sounds
• magnetic, acoustic body sensor

Cons:

• can be a bit expensive for some

Fender 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right (0972013232):

The next entry on the best acoustic electric guitar list is from Fender. The company is renowned for producing affordable but high quality musical instruments, and this one is no different. With the beautiful design and low price tag, this model has nothing to complain about.

Specs:

• Brand: Fender
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Dimensions: 41 x 17 x 5 inches
• Body Material: Mahogany
• Color: Sunburst
• Top Material Type: Solid A Sitka Spruce
• Back Material Type: Mahogany
• Neck Material Type: Mahogany
• Fretboard Material Type: Ebony
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: N4 Magnetic; Fishman Under-Saddle Transducer; Fishman Acoustasonic Enhancer
• String Material Type: Phosphor Bronze
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Key Features:

• String Material Type: Phosphor Bronze
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Guitar Pickup Configuration: N4 Magnetic; Fishman Under-Saddle Transducer; Fishman Acoustasonic Enhancer

Pros:

• No batteries to replace
• Comfortable to use
• Beautiful design

Cons:

• Strings will only be of steel, not nylon

Martin Guitar Road Series D-10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

As a gigging guitarist, you need an instrument that has the quality and is also durable enough to withstand the demands that you meet on a regular basis. This guitar from Martin is a guitar that ticks both boxes and is a guitar that you will enjoy playing and carrying around with you at all times.

One of these guitars comes with the Sapele top, whereas the other is built with a lighter Sitka finish and the two come in two different versions. Each of the guitars has a great look with subtle elements like the mother of pearl pattern on the fingerboard as well as rosette inlays and a beautiful rosette border along the back of the guitars.  It gives you that authentic Martin sound here and a simply outstanding sound. Moreover, the action is excellent, and the playing is very easy. In general, this guitar doesn’t really have too many things to criticize. If you want to watch a detailed review then simply go to the Acoustic Review  youtube channel.

 

Specs:

• Brand: C.F. Martin & Co.
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Dimensions: 37 x 16 x 7 inches
• Body Material: Sapele
• Color: Natural (Sitka Top)
• Top Material Type: Spruce
• Back Material Type: Sapele
• Neck Material Type: Hardwood
• Hand Orientation: Right
• Number of Strings: 6

Comes With:

• Gig Bag (hard shells)

Key Features:

• scalloped X-brace
• high-performance tapered neck
• Comes with gigbag

Pros:

• Suitable for many music genres
• Will be a perfect partner for long recording sessions
• Crisp tones

Cons:

• No volume controls

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is acoustic-electric guitar worth it?

Ans: For live performances, acoustic electric guitars are the best choice. In fact, if you want to play anywhere outside of your home, such guitars are more than worth it. However, if your purpose for buying the guitar was just to play in your bedroom or occasionally record yourself, then purchasing such guitars is not worth it.

Q: Do acoustic electric guitars sound worse?

Ans: Compared to what exactly? On their own, no, not really. In fact, they sound lovely. If you are talking about electric guitars, acoustic electric guitars come on top. The way that electric guitars are constructed reduces their resonance. If an electric guitar is not plugged into an amplifier, it usually sounds hushed and prickly. On the other hand, acoustic electric guitars should sound robust, loud, and resonant when they aren’t plugged into an amplifier.

Q: Do you need an amp for acoustic-electric guitar?

Ans: If you want to maximize the capabilities of your acoustic-electric guitar, you will need a guitar amplifier. You should invest in an amp specifically designed for an acoustic guitar, even if you already have an amp for your electric guitar since it can enhance your sound.

Q: Can I plug my acoustic-electric guitar into an electric amp?

Ans: An acoustic guitar cannot be plugged into any amp since it lacks electronics. While acoustic/electric guitars are the same as acoustic guitars, they have electronics and a battery component so that they can be amplified. A pickup or additional mic is necessary to play an acoustic guitar.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, our list of the best acoustic electronic guitar. As always, think and research before making any purchase, and never put too much money down on the model unless you are sure that this is the one you want.

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