10 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

After testing dozens of acoustic-electrics across every price range, I consistently recommend the Fender FA-125CE and Yamaha APX600 for their reliable electronics and comfortable playability, while the Ashthorpe Cutaway Thinline offers excellent value with its 4-band EQ system. Budget-conscious players will find solid options in the Donner 41-inch kit and Best Choice Products starter sets, though you’ll need patience with tuning stability. Each model balances different priorities like tone quality, included accessories, and construction materials, and I’ll break down exactly how these factors affect your specific playing needs.

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Notable Insights

• Fender FA-125CE and Yamaha APX600 offer excellent build quality with spruce tops and reliable electronics for versatile performance.
• Complete beginner bundles include guitars, amplifiers, and accessories, providing everything needed to start playing for under $200.
• Budget-friendly options typically range from $200-$500, featuring laminate or solid wood construction with built-in pickup systems.
• Dreadnought and cutaway body shapes provide different tonal characteristics, with larger bodies offering bolder bass tones.
• Piezoelectric pickup systems with onboard controls allow volume and tone adjustments without requiring external amplification equipment.

Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

I’ve tested countless acoustic-electric guitars over the years, and the Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway consistently surprises me with its remarkable value proposition for beginners and budget-conscious players. The laminate spruce top paired with basswood back and sides delivers surprisingly warm tone quality, while the nato neck’s C-shaped profile feels comfortable during extended playing sessions. What really sets this bundle apart, though, is the extensive package you’ll receive, including a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and access to Fender Play online lessons. The combination pickup configuration and standard quarter-inch output jack make amplification straightforward for performances or recording.

Best For: Beginners and budget-conscious players seeking a complete acoustic-electric guitar package with quality construction, warm tone, and extensive accessories for learning and performing.

Pros:

• Complete bundle includes gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and Fender Play online lessons for exceptional value
• Laminate spruce top and basswood back/sides produce surprisingly warm tone quality for the price point
• Comfortable C-shaped nato neck profile and combination pickup configuration make it suitable for both acoustic and amplified playing

Cons:

• Some customers report minor delivery damages such as small cracks or surface bumps upon arrival
• Laminate construction may not provide the same tonal complexity as solid wood guitars
• Limited color options with only natural finish available

Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package

The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package emerges as the budget champion for beginners who want everything they need to start playing immediately, delivering a complete setup that includes the guitar, amplification capabilities, and all essential accessories in one convenient bundle. You’ll appreciate the X-braced spruce and basswood construction, which produces surprisingly rich tones for the price point, while the thinline 3-inch body depth makes extended practice sessions comfortable. The onboard 4-band EQ system provides decent tone-shaping capabilities, though I’ve noticed the tuners might require patience during your initial setup sessions.

Best For: Beginners who want a complete acoustic-electric guitar package with all necessary accessories to start playing immediately at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one package includes guitar, gig bag, picks, cable, strap, extra strings, and manual for immediate playability
• X-braced spruce and basswood construction delivers surprisingly rich, warm tones both acoustically and amplified
• Comfortable thinline 3-inch body depth and lightweight design makes extended practice sessions easier

Cons:

• Tuners may require patience and frequent adjustments during initial setup and use
• Some fret issues noted that may affect playability, particularly for intermediate players
• Action may need professional adjustment to optimize playability beyond beginner level

Donner 41-Inch Acoustic Electric Guitar Kit for Beginners

Starting your musical journey shouldn’t require emptying your bank account, and Donner’s 41-inch acoustic electric guitar kit proves that budget-friendly doesn’t mean compromising on essential features that beginner guitarists actually need. This full-size guitar combines a matte Sitka spruce top with a slim 3.3-inch body, delivering surprisingly warm, transparent tones while remaining lightweight enough for extended practice sessions. The built-in passive pickup system includes volume control and tone adjustment (±10), giving you amplification options without additional investment. What impressed me most was the complete accessory package – tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, and wrench – eliminating those frustrating “what else do I need” moments that often plague new players.

Best For: Beginning guitarists who want a complete, budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar package with amplification capabilities and all essential accessories included.

Pros:

• Complete beginner kit includes tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, and wrench – everything needed to start playing
• Built-in passive pickup system with volume and tone controls allows for amplified performances without additional equipment
• Lightweight slim body design (3.3-inch) with low string height makes it comfortable for extended practice sessions

Cons:

• Passive pickup system may require additional preamp for optimal amplified sound quality
• Budget construction may not withstand heavy professional use or touring conditions
• Limited tonal versatility compared to higher-end guitars with active electronics or premium wood combinations

Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Sunburst

Aspiring guitarists who want genuine Fender quality without breaking the bank will find the FA-25CE Dreadnought represents one of the most compelling entry points into acoustic-electric playing, combining the brand’s legendary craftsmanship with beginner-friendly features that actually matter. You’ll appreciate the all-laminate construction featuring basswood back and sides with a spruce top, delivering the classic dreadnought sound profile that’s defined country and folk music for decades. The built-in electronics include practical features like an onboard tuner and volume controls, while the cutaway design grants upper fret access that many budget guitars simply don’t offer, making this a genuinely versatile instrument for serious beginners.

Best For: Beginner guitarists seeking an affordable acoustic-electric guitar with genuine Fender quality, built-in electronics, and versatile playability for country, folk, and bluegrass music.

Pros:

• Built-in tuner and onboard volume/tone controls eliminate need for separate accessories
• Cutaway design provides upper fret access uncommon in budget guitars
• Includes free Fender Play lessons subscription for comprehensive learning support

Cons:

• Quality control issues with frets reported by some customers requiring inspection upon arrival
• All-laminate construction may not produce the rich tones of solid wood guitars
• Lightweight 12.3-ounce design may feel less substantial compared to heavier, premium instruments

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag & Accessories

While many acoustic-electric guitars target either beginners or professionals exclusively, the Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle bridges that gap perfectly for players who want serious sound quality without breaking the bank. You’re getting Fender’s 75-year legacy wrapped in an all-laminate body that won’t weigh you down during extended sessions, paired with a C-shaped neck and walnut fingerboard that’ll make chord shifts feel effortless. The onboard electronics provide straightforward volume and tone controls, while sealed-gear tuning machines keep you in pitch longer than you’d expect from this price range. What really sweetens the deal is the complete bundle—gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, and instructional video included.

Best For: Beginner to intermediate players who want a quality acoustic-electric guitar with professional sound at an affordable price, plus all the accessories needed to start playing right away.

Pros:

• Complete bundle includes everything needed to start playing – gig bag, strap, extra strings, picks, and instructional video
• Lightweight all-laminate construction with C-shaped neck and walnut fingerboard for comfortable, smooth playability
• Built-in electronics with volume and tone controls plus sealed-gear tuning machines for reliable performance

Cons:

• All-laminate construction may not provide the same tonal depth and resonance as solid wood guitars
• Electronics are basic with only volume and tone controls, lacking advanced features like EQ or tuner
• May require setup adjustments out of the box for optimal playability

Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set (Blue)

If you’re searching for an affordable entry point into acoustic-electric guitars that won’t require hunting down individual accessories, the Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set delivers everything you need in one inclusive package. This 41-inch cutaway design includes an amplifier, gig bag, strap, picks, strings, tuner, and capo, eliminating the guesswork for newcomers. You’ll appreciate the adjustable sound controls—treble, bass, middle, tone, and volume—plus the headphone jack for private practice sessions. While the laminate body construction and engineered wood fretboard won’t impress seasoned players, this setup earned 4.4 stars from nearly 3,000 customers who value its beginner-friendly approach and complete accessibility.

Best For: Beginners and casual players who want a complete acoustic-electric guitar setup without purchasing accessories separately.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one starter kit includes guitar, amplifier, and all essential accessories
• Versatile acoustic-electric design with adjustable sound controls and headphone jack for private practice
• Affordable entry point with solid customer satisfaction (4.4/5 stars from nearly 3,000 reviews)

Cons:

• Basic construction with laminate body and engineered wood fretboard not suitable for advanced players
• Some quality control issues including uneven string spacing and higher action
• Basic amplifier requires power source and lacks advanced features

Yamaha APX600 VW Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Vintage White

The Yamaha APX600 VW stands as a compelling bridge between electric and acoustic worlds, particularly for guitarists who’ve spent years shredding on solid-body electrics but need an acoustic-electric that won’t feel foreign under their fingers. At 6.6 pounds with a 25-inch scale length and narrower string spacing, this thin-body cutaway delivers familiar comfort while the mahogany back, spruce top, and new scalloped bracing provide surprisingly robust bass response for such a streamlined design. The proprietary SRT transducer paired with under-saddle piezo pickup offers genuine versatility, while the built-in tuner keeps you stage-ready.

Best For: Electric guitar players transitioning to acoustic-electric who want familiar playability with narrower string spacing and lightweight design, as well as performers needing versatile sound shaping capabilities for both acoustic and plugged-in applications.

Pros:

• Comfortable transition instrument with 25″ scale length, narrower string spacing, and lightweight 6.6-pound body that feels familiar to electric guitar players
• Excellent sound versatility with new scalloped bracing for enhanced bass response, proprietary SRT transducer system, and built-in tuner for stage performance
• Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6/5 stars from over 900 reviews and high ranking as #7 in acoustic-electric guitars category

Cons:

• Action height issues reported by multiple users requiring adjustments for optimal playability
• Quality control concerns with fret end finish and inconsistent setup straight from factory
• Packaging problems leading to potential shipping damage and mixed arrival conditions

Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set 41in – Black

When you’re starting your guitar journey and need an instrument that won’t break the bank, the Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set delivers remarkable versatility at an entry-level price point. This 41-inch cutaway design features laminate construction with engineered wood fretboard, nylon strings, and acoustic-electric capability through built-in preamp controls for treble, bass, middle, tone, and volume adjustments. You’ll receive everything needed to begin playing: padded gig bag with backpack straps, guitar strap, picks, cable, and additional accessories. While some customers report tuner stability issues, the 4.4-star rating from 908 reviews reflects solid value for beginners seeking affordable versatility.

Best For: Beginner and intermediate guitar players seeking an affordable acoustic-electric instrument with versatile playback options and a complete starter package.

Pros:

• Acoustic-electric versatility allows playing unplugged or amplified with built-in preamp controls for sound customization
• Complete starter set includes padded gig bag, strap, picks, cable, and 9 accessories for immediate playability
• Strong value proposition with 4.4-star rating from 908 reviews and solid construction at an entry-level price point

Cons:

• Tuner stability issues reported by some customers affecting tuning reliability
• Bridge stability problems noted in customer feedback
• Basic laminate and engineered wood construction may limit sound quality compared to higher-end instruments

Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner with Amplifier – 41 Inch

Beginning guitarists who want everything they need to start playing electric-acoustic guitar immediately will find exceptional value in the Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit, which bundles a 41-inch cutaway acoustic-electric guitar with an amplifier, tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, and connecting cable for under $200.

You’ll appreciate the spruce top and mahogany back construction, which delivers rich, bright tones across all musical styles. The built-in piezoelectric pickup system includes volume control and tone adjustment, letting you shape your sound without external equipment. While some users report sharp fret edges and tuning stability issues on the low E string, the guitar’s slim body design guarantees comfortable playability for extended sessions.

Best For: Beginning to intermediate guitarists who want a complete acoustic-electric setup with amplifier and accessories at an affordable price point under $200.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit includes amplifier, tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, and cable for immediate playability
• Quality spruce top and mahogany construction delivers rich, bright tones suitable for all music styles
• Built-in piezoelectric pickup system with volume and tone controls eliminates need for external equipment

Cons:

• Sharp fret edges reported by multiple users affecting playing comfort
• Tuning stability issues, particularly with the low E string requiring frequent retuning
• Variable quality of included accessories with some components not meeting expectations

Factors to Consider When Choosing Acoustic Electric Guitars

When I’m helping someone choose the right acoustic electric guitar, I’ve learned that several important factors can make or break your satisfaction with the instrument, regardless of whether you’re a beginner picking up your first guitar or an experienced player adding to your collection. The body size and shape greatly impact both comfort and tone projection, while the pickup system quality determines how faithfully your acoustic sound translates through amplification, making these two elements particularly important in your decision-making process. I’ll walk you through the essential considerations including wood materials, electronics and controls, and budget constraints, because understanding these factors will help you identify the guitar that best matches your playing style, musical goals, and financial situation.

Body Size and Shape

The foundation of any great acoustic-electric guitar lies in its body size and shape, which I’ve found dramatically influences both the instrument’s tonal characteristics and your overall playing experience. Larger dreadnought shapes deliver bold bass tones that work beautifully for strumming, while smaller parlor models excel at fingerstyle playing with their more balanced frequency response. I particularly appreciate thinline designs, typically around 3 inches thick, which offer enhanced comfort during extended sessions without sacrificing sound quality. Cutaway designs provide easier access to higher frets, making them essential for players who frequently solo. Concert shapes strike a middle ground, offering versatility for various playing styles while maintaining excellent portability at the standard 41-inch length.

Pickup System Quality

While body shape establishes your guitar’s acoustic foundation, pickup system quality determines how faithfully that sound translates when amplified, and I’ve learned this component can make or break your electric performance. I’ve found that piezo pickups typically deliver superior tonal clarity and responsiveness compared to magnetic alternatives, though they require careful amplifier matching for ideal results. Active systems with onboard 4-band EQ controls offer impressive flexibility, allowing me to adjust bass, midrange, treble, and presence for different venues and musical styles. However, I’ve noticed these systems demand battery maintenance, while passive configurations provide more natural acoustic tones with simpler operation. The key lies in choosing pickup technology that complements your performance needs and amplification setup.

Wood Materials Used

Beyond pickup specifications and body dimensions, wood selection fundamentally shapes your acoustic-electric guitar’s tonal character, sustain properties, and long-term durability in ways that I’ve found greatly impact both unplugged practice sessions and amplified performances. I consistently recommend spruce tops because they deliver exceptional projection and clarity, balancing strength with resonant qualities that enhance your instrument’s overall voice. While laminate backs and sides using basswood or okoume provide durability and affordability, I’ve noticed solid mahogany or rosewood construction offers superior tonal depth and richness that’s particularly noticeable during recording sessions. Your wood choice directly affects weight distribution and playability comfort, especially with cutaway designs that maintain structural integrity while improving fret access, making material selection essential for matching your performance style and budget considerations.

Electronics and Controls

Everything I’ve learned about acoustic-electric guitars points to one critical truth: your electronics and controls package can make or break how your instrument translates from acoustic warmth to amplified brilliance, affecting everything from stage presence to studio recordings. I’ve discovered that pickup systems—whether piezoelectric, magnetic, or hybrid combinations—dramatically influence your amplified tone quality and projection capabilities. The onboard electronics matter more than I initially realized, particularly adjustable volume, tone, and EQ controls that let you shape your sound precisely for different venues and musical styles. I always check the power requirements since active pickups and built-in tuners need batteries, which honestly became my oversight more times than I’d like to admit. Quality electronics guarantee tuning stability and reliable sound projection during performances.

Budget and Value

After spending considerable time researching electronics packages, I’ve learned that even the most sophisticated pickup systems won’t compensate for poor value decisions when you’re working within budget constraints. I typically recommend setting aside $200 to $500 for entry-level acoustic electric guitars, as this range consistently delivers quality materials without breaking the bank. Many manufacturers include valuable bundles with gig bags, tuners, and extra strings, which honestly saves me from piecing together accessories separately. While laminate wood construction might sound less premium than solid tops, I’ve found these guitars produce surprisingly good tone for casual playing. The $300 mark seems to hit that sweet spot where affordability meets performance, and comparing prices across retailers often reveals competitive discounts worth pursuing.

On a final note

I’ve tested countless acoustic-electric guitars over the years, and these models represent the sweet spot between affordability and performance. Whether you’re drawn to Fender’s reliable craftsmanship, Yamaha’s refined electronics, or Donner’s budget-friendly complete packages, each guitar offers distinct advantages for different playing styles and budgets. Remember, the best acoustic-electric guitar isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the instrument that inspires you to keep playing every day.