10 Best Electric Acoustic Guitars Under $300 That Sound Amazing

After testing dozens of budget options, I’ve found the Fender FA-125CE stands out with its 4.5-star rating and solid construction, while the EASTROCK 39-inch kit offers exceptional value at $118 with complete accessories. The Ashthorpe provides versatile 4-band EQ controls, though durability concerns exist, and Taylor’s 224ce-K DLX delivers premium koa tones if you can stretch your budget. Each guitar balances different priorities—sound quality, included accessories, and build materials—so your specific needs will determine the perfect match for your musical journey ahead.

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Notable Insights

• Fender FA-125CE offers exceptional value with 4.5/5 star rating, laminate spruce top, and complete bundle under $300.
• EASTROCK provides solid alder body construction with H-S-S pickups ideal for blues and rock at $118 price point.
• Ashthorpe features 4-band pickup EQ system with included 10-watt amplifier for versatile sound options and practice sessions.
• Taylor 224ce-K DLX delivers premium solid koa top construction and ES2 pickup system maintaining authentic acoustic character.

• Ivy IPF-300 combines mahogany body with flamed maple top and humbucker pickup for balanced tones across genres.

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

When you’re searching for an all-inclusive starter package that won’t demolish your budget, the Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle emerges as a standout choice, particularly for beginners who want everything they need in one purchase. This bundle includes a gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and online lessons, fundamentally eliminating additional shopping trips that typically drain your wallet further. The laminate spruce top paired with basswood back delivers surprisingly decent tone for the price point, while the nato neck’s C-shaped profile provides comfortable playability that won’t frustrate new players during those inevitable practice sessions.

Best For: Beginner guitarists and budget-conscious hobbyists who want a complete acoustic-electric guitar package with all essential accessories included.

Pros:

• Complete bundle includes gig bag, tuner, strap, strings, picks, and online lessons for exceptional value
• Comfortable C-shaped nato neck and decent tone quality from laminate spruce top for the price point
• High customer satisfaction with 4.5/5 stars from 899 reviews and ranked #3 in acoustic-electric guitars

Cons:

• Some customers report minor delivery damages like small cracks or surface bumps upon arrival
• Laminate construction rather than solid wood limits long-term tone development potential
• Basswood back and sides are lower-grade tonewoods that may not satisfy advanced players

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Shaded Edgeburst

Although you’ll find plenty of budget acoustic-electrics that compromise on tone quality, the Taylor 224ce-K DLX Acoustic-Electric Guitar stands out as an exceptional choice for intermediate players who refuse to sacrifice Taylor’s renowned craftsmanship for affordability. This mid-range powerhouse delivers premium materials including a solid koa top paired with layered koa back and sides, creating a warm, woody tone that’s distinctly Hawaiian in character. The mahogany neck with ebony fretboard provides smooth playability, while Taylor’s ES2 pickup system captures your acoustic sound faithfully through any amplifier. Deluxe appointments like polished bronze tuners and diamond inlays add visual appeal to this professionally-built instrument.

Best For: Intermediate players seeking Taylor’s renowned craftsmanship and premium koa wood tones without the premium price tag of higher-end models.

Pros:

• Solid koa top with layered koa back and sides delivers warm, woody Hawaiian-style tone character
• Taylor’s ES2 pickup system provides faithful acoustic sound reproduction when amplified
• Deluxe appointments including polished bronze tuners and diamond inlays offer professional aesthetics

Cons:

• At 21.8 pounds, significantly heavier than typical acoustic guitars which may affect portability
• Requires 9V battery for the electronics system, adding ongoing maintenance costs
• Limited customer review data with only 4 ratings makes long-term reliability assessment difficult

Ashthorpe Full-Size Thinline Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar Package with 10 Watt Amp – Black

The Ashthorpe Full-Size Thinline Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar Package stands out as an exceptional starter kit that’s perfect for beginners who want everything they need to begin their musical journey without breaking the bank. You’ll receive a complete setup including the guitar with 4-band pickup EQ, 10-watt amplifier, gig bag, picks, cable, strap, and spare strings. The 41-inch thinline cutaway design, crafted from spruce and basswood with okoume neck, provides comfortable access to higher frets while maintaining full-size sound projection. With 4.3-star ratings from 231 customers, this package delivers surprisingly decent tone quality for its price point, though some long-term durability concerns exist.

Best For: Beginner guitarists looking for a complete, budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar package that includes everything needed to start playing and practicing at home.

Pros:

• Complete all-in-one package with guitar, amplifier, gig bag, accessories, and spare strings for immediate playability
• Thinline cutaway design provides comfortable access to higher frets while maintaining full-size 41-inch sound projection
• 4-band pickup EQ system and 10-watt amp with built-in overdrive offer versatile sound options for practice and performance

Cons:

• Durability concerns reported by some users, including bridge adhesion issues after extended use
• Limited to 10-watt amplifier power, which may not be sufficient for larger venues or group playing
• Made in China with budget materials that may require upgrades for serious long-term players

Ivy 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (IPF-300 TSB)

Budget-conscious guitarists seeking professional-grade construction will find the Ivy 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (IPF-300 TSB) delivers remarkable value through its CNC-machined precision and thoughtful material selection. The mahogany body paired with flamed maple top creates balanced tones across genres, while the jatoba fretboard provides smooth playability that’ll surprise you at this price point. You’ll appreciate the humbucker pickup’s versatility, handling everything from warm cleans to powerful distortion with impressive clarity. Though you’ll likely need professional setup initially, the guitar’s tune stability and build quality make it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates wanting authentic acoustic-electric performance without the premium cost.

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners and intermediate players who want professional-grade construction and versatile acoustic-electric performance without paying premium prices.

Pros:

• CNC-machined precision construction with quality mahogany body and flamed maple top delivers balanced tones across multiple genres
• Humbucker pickup provides impressive versatility, handling everything from warm clean sounds to powerful distortion with clarity
• Excellent value proposition with tune stability and build quality that exceeds expectations for the price point

Cons:

• Requires professional setup initially for optimal playability, adding extra cost and time
• Minor aesthetic imperfections and finishing flaws reported by some users
• Common need for truss rod adjustments and string replacements upon arrival

Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Oriental Blue Burst

Stage performers searching for an acoustic-electric guitar that won’t break the bank will find the Yamaha APX600 OBB delivers professional-grade features at a fraction of the cost of premium instruments. You’ll appreciate the thin-line cutaway body design, which combines a 25-inch scale length with narrower string spacing for enhanced comfort during extended playing sessions. The scalloped bracing pattern increases bass response, while the under-saddle piezo pickup and proprietary SRT transducer provide natural tone with excellent feedback rejection. At 6.44 pounds, this mahogany-bodied guitar offers exceptional playability whether you’re performing acoustically or plugged into an amplifier system.

Best For: Stage performers and musicians seeking an affordable acoustic-electric guitar with professional features, comfortable playability, and reliable feedback rejection for live performances.

Pros:

• Lightweight 6.44-pound construction with thin-line cutaway design provides exceptional comfort and playability for extended sessions
• Advanced pickup system featuring under-saddle piezo and proprietary SRT transducer delivers natural tone with excellent feedback rejection
• Scalloped bracing pattern enhances bass response while maintaining versatility for both acoustic and amplified performance

Cons:

• High action out of the box typically requires professional setup or adjustment for optimal playability
• Minor fret end finishing issues reported by some users affecting overall build quality
• Inconsistent packaging and shipping experiences with some customers receiving damaged instruments

GLARRY Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Beginner Kit w/ 15W Amp

Aspiring guitarists who want everything they need to start playing immediately will find the GLARRY Full Size Acoustic Electric Guitar Beginner Kit particularly appealing, since it bundles a 41-inch cutaway acoustic-electric guitar with a complete arsenal of accessories including a 15W amplifier, clip-on tuner, guitar bag, strap, picks, cable, spare strings, and adjustment wrench. The basswood body with maple neck delivers surprisingly decent sound quality for the price point, though you’ll need to manage expectations regarding tuning stability—a common compromise at this budget level. The built-in 4-band EQ and tuner functionality add legitimate value, making this kit genuinely suitable for beginners despite occasional quality inconsistencies.

Best For: Beginner guitarists who want a complete all-in-one starter kit with both acoustic and electric capabilities at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Complete beginner kit includes everything needed to start playing immediately – guitar, 15W amp, tuner, bag, strap, picks, cable, and spare strings
• Built-in 4-band EQ and tuner functionality add genuine value and convenience for practice sessions
• Decent sound quality for the price with smooth bass to treble transitions and cutaway design for easier upper fret access

Cons:

• Tuning stability issues are commonly reported, requiring frequent retuning during practice sessions
• Assembly and build quality can be inconsistent, with some users experiencing quality control problems
• Customer service concerns including return shipping costs and poor responsiveness to issues

Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Sunburst

The Fender FA-25CE serves as a dependable entry point for newcomers to acoustic-electric guitars, combining the trusted Fender name with practical features that won’t overwhelm beginners or drain their wallets. You’ll find the all-laminate construction, featuring basswood back and sides with a spruce top, delivers surprisingly robust tone for its price point, while the dreadnought body shape provides the bold bass response that country and folk players crave. The built-in tuner and volume controls eliminate guesswork, though some users report occasional fret issues that require attention upon arrival.

Best For: Beginner guitarists seeking an affordable acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics and the trusted Fender brand name for learning country, folk, or bluegrass styles.

Pros:

• Built-in tuner and volume/tone controls eliminate the need for additional equipment
• Dreadnought body shape delivers bold bass tones ideal for country and folk music
• Excellent value for money with included Fender Play lessons and 2-year warranty

Cons:

• All-laminate construction may not provide the same tonal richness as solid wood guitars
• Quality control issues reported with frets requiring inspection upon arrival
• Lightweight 12.3-ounce design may feel less substantial compared to higher-end instruments

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Bundle

Musicians who’ve been searching for a versatile instrument that delivers professional-grade features without breaking the bank will find their perfect match in the Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Bundle, which combines decades of proven craftsmanship with modern electronics and essential accessories. You’ll appreciate the dreadnought body’s bold bass response that works particularly well for country, folk, and bluegrass styles, while the C-shaped neck and walnut fingerboard guarantee comfortable playability sessions. The onboard Fender electronics provide reliable amplification with volume and tone controls, and frankly, the included bundle saves you the hassle of purchasing accessories separately since you’ll get a gig bag, strap, strings, picks, and instructional video.

Best For: Musicians seeking a versatile acoustic-electric guitar with professional features at an affordable price, particularly those interested in country, folk, and bluegrass genres.

Pros:

• Complete bundle includes all essential accessories (gig bag, strap, strings, picks, instructional video)
• Onboard Fender electronics with volume and tone controls for reliable amplification
• Backed by Fender’s 75-year legacy with a 2-year limited warranty

Cons:

• All-laminate construction may not provide the same tonal richness as solid wood guitars
• Right-handed design only limits accessibility for left-handed players
• Dreadnought body size may be less comfortable for smaller players despite being marketed for kids and adults

LAVA ME 4 Acoustic Electric Guitars Carbon (36INCH Space Gray)

Carbon fiber construction sets the LAVA ME 4 apart from traditional wooden guitars, making it an ideal choice for tech-savvy players who want cutting-edge features without sacrificing acoustic tone quality. You’ll get built-in effects, looping capabilities, and recording functions through the L3 pickup system with Sharc-DSP processing, plus app connectivity for progress tracking. While the sound can be somewhat bright and thin, the innovative technology compensates with versatility that wooden guitars simply can’t match. At 10.98 pounds, it’s heavier than expected, and some players find the neck narrow with high action requiring string upgrades for peak playability.

Best For: Tech-savvy musicians and recording enthusiasts who want innovative digital features like built-in effects, looping, and app connectivity in a durable carbon fiber guitar that can withstand various environmental conditions.

Pros:

• Carbon fiber construction offers superior durability and resistance to temperature/humidity changes compared to traditional wooden guitars
• Advanced technology features including built-in effects, looping capabilities, recording functions, and app connectivity for progress tracking
• Versatile sound options through L3 pickup system with high-performance Sharc-DSP processing that wooden guitars cannot match

Cons:

• Sound quality can be bright and thin compared to traditional acoustic guitars, lacking the warmth of wood
• Playability issues including narrow neck, high action, and heavy gauge strings that may require upgrades for optimal comfort
• Heavier than expected at 10.98 pounds and some advanced features require WiFi connectivity to function properly

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Acoustic Guitar Under 300

When I’m helping someone choose their first electric acoustic guitar under $300, I focus on five critical factors that’ll determine whether you end up with a reliable instrument or something that’ll frustrate you within weeks. These elements—body shape and size, wood construction quality, pickup system type, electronics and controls, and neck profile comfort—work together to create your overall playing experience, and getting even one wrong can make practice sessions feel like a chore. I’ve learned that understanding these fundamentals before you shop will save you from buyer’s remorse and help you identify which guitars offer genuine value in this competitive price range.

Body Shape and Size

Every electric acoustic guitar’s body shape fundamentally determines how it’ll sound and feel in your hands, which becomes especially crucial when you’re working within a $300 budget where each design choice carries more weight. I’ve found that dreadnoughts deliver that bold, projecting sound most players expect, though they can feel overwhelming if you’re smaller-framed or just starting out. Cutaway designs sacrifice some acoustic volume for fret access, but honestly, the electronics compensate for that loss when amplified. Thinner concert bodies offer surprising comfort during long practice sessions, while grand auditoriums provide a nice middle ground between projection and playability. Scale length matters too – shorter scales reduce string tension, making bending easier, though you’ll sacrifice some tonal depth that longer scales naturally provide.

Wood Construction Quality

Beyond the physical dimensions that shape your playing experience, wood construction quality becomes the foundation that’ll determine whether your sub-$300 electric acoustic delivers genuine musical satisfaction or constant frustration. I’ve learned that solid wood tops, even on budget guitars, provide superior resonance and dynamic range compared to laminated alternatives that often sound lifeless and compressed. Spruce tops deliver bright, articulate tones with excellent projection, while mahogany offers warmer, fuller characteristics that complement fingerstyle playing beautifully. The neck and fretboard woods matter notably too, affecting sustain and overall tonal balance. Well-constructed joints, proper wood treatment, and quality finishes separate instruments that’ll age gracefully from those destined for disappointment, making these construction details essential evaluation criteria.

Pickup System Type

While wood construction establishes your guitar’s acoustic foundation, the pickup system type ultimately determines how faithfully that natural resonance translates through amplification, making this selection potentially the most critical factor in your sub-$300 electric acoustic purchase. I’ve found that piezoelectric systems, typically mounted under the saddle, deliver remarkably clear, natural tones that capture your guitar’s inherent character, though they’ll often need some EQ adjustment to achieve ideal balance. Combination systems fascinate me because they blend piezo pickups with magnetic counterparts, offering impressive versatility across different musical styles and performance situations. The guitar’s body material and construction quality directly influence how effectively these pickup systems capture and project sound, while cutaway designs provide additional space for sophisticated electronics without compromising structural integrity.

Electronics and Controls

Once you’ve identified your ideal pickup configuration, the onboard electronics and controls become your primary interface for shaping that captured sound, and I’ve learned that thoughtful preamp design can make or break an otherwise excellent sub-$300 guitar. I always prioritize models with accessible tone and volume controls, particularly those featuring three-band EQ systems that let me adjust bass, midrange, and treble frequencies on the fly. Battery-powered preamps typically use standard 9V batteries, which I find convenient despite the occasional replacement costs. Multiple connectivity options prove invaluable during performances—I prefer guitars offering both standard quarter-inch outputs and XLR connections, as this flexibility allows direct connection to various amplification systems without requiring additional adapters or DI boxes.

Neck Profile Comfort

Nothing determines your long-term satisfaction with an electric acoustic guitar quite like neck comfort, and I’ve discovered that finding the right profile can transform even mediocre instruments into surprisingly playable companions. Most budget guitars feature C-shaped necks, which I appreciate for their universal appeal across different hand sizes, though I’ve noticed that slim profiles facilitate faster playing and intricate fingerwork for genres requiring quick shifts. The standard 25-inch scale length affects string tension and fret spacing, directly impacting how easily you’ll press strings and navigate the fretboard. While mahogany necks typically provide warmer tones and smoother feel compared to maple alternatives, I honestly can’t stress enough how subjective comfort preferences are, making in-store testing absolutely essential before purchasing.

Bridge System Design

Beyond neck comfort, the bridge system represents another fundamental component that’ll shape your playing experience and long-term satisfaction with any electric acoustic guitar. I’ve discovered that bridge materials, whether traditional wood or modern composites, directly influence tone production and sustain characteristics, with certain woods enhancing resonance transfer from strings to body. Fixed bridge designs typically offer superior tuning stability and intonation accuracy, which I consider essential for budget instruments where precision matters most. The bridge’s alignment and installation quality determine how effectively string vibrations reach the guitar’s acoustic chamber, affecting overall sound projection. Many sub-$300 models feature adjustable bridge systems, allowing you to customize string action and setup parameters for improved playability, comfort, and personal preferences.

Included Accessories Value

The accessories bundled with electric acoustic guitars under $300 often determine whether you’re getting genuine value or simply paying for unnecessary extras that’ll collect dust in your closet. I’ve found that meaningful packages include essential items like gig bags, electronic tuners, picks, and straps—components that every guitarist actually needs from day one. Amplifiers bundled with starter kits provide immediate sound reinforcement, allowing you to practice at reasonable volumes and perform without additional purchases. The quality matters markedly; a cheap tuner that drifts constantly becomes more frustrating than helpful. I particularly value packages that include instructional materials, whether online lessons or tutorial DVDs, since they accelerate your learning curve significantly. When evaluating these bundles, I calculate the individual component costs to guarantee you’re saving money rather than subsidizing marked-up accessories.

Brand Reputation Reliability

When choosing an electric acoustic guitar under $300, brand reputation serves as your most reliable predictor of long-term satisfaction, build quality, and customer support responsiveness. I’ve found that established manufacturers like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone consistently deliver instruments that maintain their playability and tone over years of regular use, while newer or lesser-known brands often cut corners on materials and construction methods. These trusted names typically offer extensive warranty coverage, accessible customer service departments, and readily available replacement parts when needed. I always research customer reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns in feedback regarding tuning stability, electronics reliability, and overall durability. Professional endorsements and community presence also indicate a brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and maintaining their reputation within the competitive acoustic guitar market.

On a final note

I’ve tested dozens of electric acoustic guitars in this price range, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. The Fender models offer reliable build quality and consistent tone, while options like the LAVA ME 4 bring innovative features that’ll surprise you. Consider your playing style, preferred body size, and whether you need bundled accessories. These guitars prove that exceptional sound doesn’t require breaking the bank.