Dreaming of strumming your favorite songs on an acoustic guitar that can also plug into an amplifier? Maybe you’re a beginner eager to explore the world of live performances, or perhaps a seasoned player looking for a versatile addition to your collection without breaking the bank. The idea of an acoustic-electric guitar sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But then you start looking, and suddenly, a whole new set of challenges pops up.
The sheer number of budget acoustic-electric guitars available can be overwhelming. You worry about getting a good sound, a comfortable feel, and reliable electronics, all while staying within your budget. It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of specifications and brand names. You want a guitar that sounds great unplugged and amplified, and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something that won’t deliver.
This is where we come in. We’re going to cut through the confusion and help you find a fantastic budget acoustic-electric guitar. We’ll explore what makes these guitars special, what to look for, and highlight some excellent options that give you a lot of bang for your buck. Get ready to discover how you can get that sweet amplified sound without emptying your wallet.
Top Budget Acoustic Electric Recommendations
- One right-handed Fender Alternative Series CE Dreadnougth Acoustic Guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Backed by a 75 year legacy of quality and craftsmanship -- the FA Series has all the sound and style of Fender's iconic acoustic guitars with specially designed features for beginners.
- This beginner guitar comes with a free subscription to Fender Play that includes free lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love
- This guitar's dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
- The easy to play "C" - shaped neck, walnut fingerboard and light weight all-laminate body allow for a smooth and comfortable playing feel; the built-in interface makes tuning a breeze so this guitar is always ready for practice or performance.
- One right-handed Fender Alternative Series CE Dreadnougth Acoustic Guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Backed by a 75 year legacy of quality and craftsmanship -- the FA Series has all the sound and style of Fender's iconic acoustic guitars with specially designed features for beginners.
- This beginner guitar comes with a free subscription to Fender Play that includes free lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love
- This guitar's dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
- The easy to play "C" - shaped neck, walnut fingerboard and light weight all-laminate body allow for a smooth and comfortable playing feel; the built-in interface makes tuning a breeze so this guitar is always ready for practice or performance.
- One right-handed Fender Alternative Series CE Dreadnougth Acoustic Guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Backed by a 75 year legacy of quality and craftsmanship -- the FA Series has all the sound and style of Fender's iconic acoustic guitars with specially designed features for beginners.
- This beginner guitar comes with a subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love, all with no additional cost
- This guitar's dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
- The easy to play "C" - shaped neck, walnut fingerboard and light weight all-laminate body allow for a smooth and comfortable playing feel; the built-in interface makes tuning a breeze so this guitar is always ready for practice or performance.
- Thin-line cutaway Body design for exceptional playability
- 25" Scale Length and narrower string spacing for Enhanced comfort
- New scalloped bracing pattern for increased bass response
- Abalone sound hole rosette
- Stage-focused pickup system for shaping your sound in the mix
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
- Diecast Tuners
- System 66 feature an under-saddle piezo pickup with a 3-band EQ, an adjustable mid-range frequency control, and a precision chromatic tuner for optimum sound tailoring.
- AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL 130 years of history is at the root of our foundation building high quality instruments. Many of the biggest names in music have played Washburn and some of the most significant trendsetting songs has been played on a Washburn
- THE GO-TO COMPANION The Washburn WA90CE dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar is a go-to companion for the living room, the campfire or the stage, with a solid balance of stability, tone and aesthetics
- BODY & FINISH The cutaway makes it easy to reach the uppermost frets. It has Okoume wood back and sides, and Transparent Black Burst color with gloss finish. The WA90CE is ideal for strumming, playing some blues or bluegrass flat picking
- BARCUS BERRY ELECTRONICS The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with built-in tuner means you’ll always be ready to plug in and in perfect tune. Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume, Tuner on/off controls makes this perfect to take anywhere and play anytime!
- NECK & HARDWARE Additional features include chrome die-cast tuners, a walnut bridge and an ABS saddle and nut. Great guitar for adults
- ALL-IN-ONE ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC GUITAR KIT: No need to purchase any additional accessories, this all-inclusive set comes with an amplifier, gig bag, strap, pick set, and more
- ULTIMATE BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATE GUITAR: Experiment with the sound settings to better fit your genre and style; adjust the treble, bass, middle, tone, and volume from the guitar's body and amplifier
- PLAY ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC: This classic guitar can be plugged into an amplifier for a customizable electric tone, or played without one for an acoustic sound. A headphone jack in the amplifier lets you practice privately without disturbing those around
- FIT FOR ALL AGES: Playing guitar is easy for beginners and experienced players alike with 11 accessories including a pick-guard that keeps your guitar body scratch-free
- EASY TO PLAY: This acoustic-electric is comfortable to hold, with a cutaway shape that allows you to more comfortably reach past the neck and hit higher notes on the fretboard; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 41"(L) x 15.5"(W) x 4.5"(H)
- [Rich, Balanced Acoustic Tone] Enjoy a full, clear sound with a bright tonal character. The spruce top pairs with mahogany back and sides to deliver a balanced blend of warmth and clarity, while the dreadnought body provides a full, resonant sound. Enhanced X-bracing helps support structural stability and sound projection, making this full-size acoustic-electric guitar a great choice for practice, songwriting, and performances
- [Comfortable Feel for Easier Playing] Play with greater comfort, even during extended practice sessions. The C-shaped neck profile offers a comfortable grip, while smooth fret ends help reduce irritation as you move along the fretboard. Low string action reduces the effort needed to press the strings, helping beginners form chords more easily and allowing experienced players to practice with less finger fatigue
- [Versatile EQ for Live Performance] Shape your amplified sound with the built-in 4-band EQ and dedicated volume control. Adjust the bass, middle, treble, and fourth EQ band to suit your playing style and musical setting, then connect to an acoustic guitar amplifier, mixer, or PA system. Whether you're performing live, rehearsing with a band, or recording at home, enjoy greater control over your amplified tone
- [Precise Tuning with Lasting Stability] Spend less time tuning and more time playing. The 18:1 gear ratio allows for finer tuning adjustments than standard 15:1 tuning gears, helping you dial in the pitch more precisely. Sealed, nickel-plated tuning machines help resist dust and wear, supporting smooth operation and dependable tuning performance
- [Complete Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle] Get started with the essential accessories in one convenient package. This acoustic-electric guitar kit includes a padded gig bag with storage space and neck rest, backup strings, a capo, three picks of varying thicknesses, a self-adhesive pickguard, a polishing cloth, a clip-on tuner, an adjustable shoulder strap, an amplifier cable, an Allen key, and a user manual. Whether you're learning at home, practicing with friends, or preparing for a performance, you'll have the essentials close at hand
Your Guide to Finding a Great Budget Acoustic Electric Guitar
Are you looking for a guitar that sounds good when you play it unplugged, but can also plug into an amp or a sound system? A budget acoustic electric guitar is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players alike. It gives you the best of both worlds! This guide will help you find the perfect one without breaking the bank.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a budget acoustic electric, keep these important features in mind:
- Built-in Pickup and Preamp: This is what makes it an “acoustic electric.” The pickup captures the sound of the strings, and the preamp lets you control the volume and tone. Look for a preamp with at least volume and tone controls. Some have more, like an equalizer (EQ) to shape the sound.
- Body Shape: Different body shapes affect the sound and how comfortable the guitar feels. Common shapes include Dreadnought (big, loud sound), Concert (balanced sound, good for fingerpicking), and Orchestra Model (OM) (similar to Concert but a bit bigger).
- Neck Profile: This is the shape of the back of the guitar’s neck. Some necks are thicker, and some are thinner. Find one that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Playability: This means how easy the guitar is to play. The strings shouldn’t be too high off the fretboard (this is called “action”), and the frets should be smooth.
Important Materials
The wood used in a guitar makes a big difference in its sound and how it ages.
Tonewoods
- Top Wood: This is the most important part for sound. Spruce is common and sounds bright and clear. Cedar is warmer and softer.
- Back and Sides: Mahogany gives a warm, balanced tone. Sapele is similar to mahogany. Rosewood is richer and has more bass.
- Neck: Maple or mahogany are usual choices. They are strong and stable.
- Fretboard: Rosewood or a synthetic material like Richlite are often used. They are smooth and durable.
What Makes a Guitar Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a guitar sound and feel better or worse.
Quality Factors
- Construction: How well the guitar is put together matters. Look for clean glue joints and no gaps.
- Hardware: The tuning machines (tuners) should hold their pitch well. The bridge should be securely attached.
- Finish: A smooth, even finish looks nice and protects the wood.
- Setup: A good setup means the guitar is adjusted so it’s easy to play. Many budget guitars need a professional setup to play their best.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this guitar for, and how will they use it?
Who It’s For
A budget acoustic electric is perfect for:
- Beginners: You get a versatile instrument that can be played anywhere, then plugged in for practice or performance.
- Singer-Songwriters: You can strum and sing at home or on stage.
- Hobbyists: It’s a great option for playing around the house, at campfires, or with friends.
- Students: It’s a more affordable way to start learning.
You can use it for practicing unplugged, jamming with friends, recording simple songs, or even playing small gigs. The electric pickup gives you the flexibility to be heard in any situation.
Finding a budget acoustic electric that sounds great and feels good to play is totally achievable. Do your research, try a few out if you can, and you’ll find a guitar that brings you lots of musical joy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic electric guitar?
A: An acoustic electric guitar has a pickup and electronics built in, so you can plug it into an amplifier or sound system. A regular acoustic guitar only makes sound when you play it unplugged.
Q: Do budget acoustic electric guitars sound good unplugged?
A: Yes, many budget models sound quite good unplugged! The quality of the wood and the construction are key to a good unplugged tone.
Q: What is “action” on a guitar?
A: Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners.
Q: Is it important to have EQ controls on the preamp?
A: EQ controls (like bass, middle, and treble) allow you to shape your sound when plugged in. While not essential on the most basic models, they offer more tonal flexibility.
Q: What is the most common wood for the top of an acoustic electric guitar?
A: Spruce is the most common wood for guitar tops. It gives a bright and clear sound.
Q: Can I change the strings on an acoustic electric guitar myself?
A: Yes, changing strings is a basic maintenance task you can learn to do. There are many online tutorials to help you.
Q: Do I need an amplifier to play an acoustic electric guitar?
A: No, you don’t need an amplifier to play it. It functions perfectly as a regular acoustic guitar when unplugged.
Q: How important is the body shape for a beginner?
A: Body shape affects comfort and sound. Smaller shapes like Concert or OM might be more comfortable for smaller players or those who want a more focused sound.
Q: What does it mean if a guitar needs a “setup”?
A: A setup means a guitar technician adjusts the guitar’s action, intonation, and other components to make it play its best. Many budget guitars benefit greatly from this.
Q: Are synthetic fretboard materials like Richlite good?
A: Yes, Richlite and other synthetic materials are very durable, stable, and can offer a smooth playing feel.