Best
BEGINNER ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC GUITAR
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Overall: Boasts classic aesthetics with many hidden modern elements
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Best Feature: Has a spruce top and walnut fretboard for a sublime, bright tone
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
INTERMEDIATE ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC GUITAR
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Overall: Provides exceptional versatility from a beautiful dreadnought body style
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Best Feature: Easy-playing neck for a fast-paced, unrestricted feel
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
PROFESSIONAL ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC GUITAR
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Overall: A beautiful sonic character with every note
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Best Feature: The mahogany back and sides enrich your sound
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TedScore™: 9/10
Are you looking for the best acoustic electric guitars under 500? You’re in the right place!
As a guitar lover, I know how tricky it can be to find a quality instrument without breaking the bank. Imagine getting top-notch sound and versatility for less than $500.
To that end, we’ve compiled this comprehensive buyer’s guide to show you the best Acoustic Electric Guitars under 500. We’ve listed the top 15 acoustic-electric guitars, from splurge-worthy investment pieces to more modestly priced options.
Keep reading to help you compare and find your masterpiece among the guitars we’ve reviewed. However, before we get to that, we’d like to tell you about the advantages of owning an acoustic-electric guitar.
Top 15 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under 500
1. Jameson Guitars Thinline
Jameson is a family company that provides stylish and quality instruments at an attractive price, which is ideal for beginners. The Thinline series boasts a 41’ full-scale body with a cutaway, making the higher frets more accessible.
The Nato wood body is a good replica of the Mahogany wood giving musicians the same look and rich tone at an affordable price.
A spruce neck provides a balanced sustain and stiffness that adds more to the tonal output as less dampening happens. Steel 6 strings make up for more range and variations, making fingerstyle playing a breeze.
And another best thing about Jameson guitars is that they provided guitars for both type of dexterity – left and right. So, nobody needs to feel left out.
Jameson Guitars Thinline
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: The Nato wood body is a good replica of the Mahogany wood giving musicians the same look and rich tone at an affordable price.
OTHER INFO: A spruce neck provides a balanced sustain and stiffness that adds more to the tonal output as less dampening happens.
Jameson Guitars Thinline
- 6 stings
- Built-in pickup
- Guitar picks and gig bag included
- Tuners are die-cast and enclosed
- Needs to be tuned constantly
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK
If budget and reliability are higher on your mind, then Glen Burton is the one to choose. They provide the best acoustic guitars and electric guitar under 500 and bundle it with various accessories to help beginners on their road to musical peace and glory.
The kit has additional strings, guitar picks, strap, truss rod, digital tuner and a 10W amplifier. What else can a beginner ask for? Yet, this electric acoustic guitar is equally useful for the professional.
The body is made of maple top that provides great sustain. Basswood is used for the back and sides, providing rich music. The fretboard is rosewood with a rich tone and is durable (bonus), and solid top of the neck is made of catalpa.
This wood is not famous, yet the sound quality is great and sturdy, making sustain better.
Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK
PERFECT FOR: professional
FEATURES: The body is made of maple top that provides great sustain. Basswood is used for the back and sides, providing rich music.
OTHER INFO: The fretboard is rosewood with a rich tone and is durable (bonus), and solid top of the neck is made of catalpa.
Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK
- No buzzing, provides a balanced tone
- A full guitar kit
- 6 steel strings
- Sealed gear tuners
- 4 band amplifier for authentic sound
- Nut quality could be better
- The amplifier is not loud enough
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Fender CD-60SCE
From the iconic house of Fender comes an affordable and beautiful acoustic-electric guitar ideal for beginners and experts alike. The dreadnought cutaway is polished and finished to perfection, and the upper fret access is amazing.
This model is ideal for easy home learning, taking it to the streets, and having an impromptu jam session with your gang. The body is made of a combination of laminated wood and solid wood.
I’ve found that the solid spruce offers durability for strumming and flatpicking, and the scalloped X bracing provides the protection I need as a beginner without sacrificing volume and tone quality.
The back and sides are made of laminated mahogany, which provides all the richness and dryness of the mahogany wood at a much more affordable price.
While the Fender CD-60SCE may have a slightly higher price point than some similar models, it stands out from its competitors with its solid construction, versatile sound, and built-in tuner, making it a top choice for players in all levels and a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.
Fender CD-60SCE
PERFECT FOR: beginners and experts alike.
FEATURES: The body is made of a combination of laminated wood and solid wood.
OTHER INFO: This model is ideal for easy home learning, taking it to the streets, and having an impromptu jam session with your gang.
Fender CD-60SCE
- Combination of wood for a richer experience
- 6 strings
- Fantastic sound and resonance
- Digital Clip tuner is made of chrome and aids with perfection in tuning
- Hardshell case and DVD for beginners
- Sometimes the strings buzz
- Frets ends were sharper than usual
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. Vangoa 41 Inch
Launched in 2017, Vangoa has still managed to grab the attention of music enthusiasts with its design, affordability and quality. Addressing the problem of string pulls and the warping of wood, the truss rod design is unique as it counters the pull of the strings helping in maintaining a straight neck for a really long time.
The guitar comes with a truss rod wench that will help you to make necessary adjustments to the height of the strings on the fingerboard to get the correct intonation and easy playability.
The back, body and top are made of basswood, offering great tonal quality and at par with maple in terms of sturdiness and producing a fat tone.
The 41’ full-size body with 6 strings is portable and offers the complete pro feeling, especially if you want to play outside. The 4-band EQ with volume control provides stage-quality performance capability.
Vangoa 41 Inch
PERFECT FOR: beginners and experts alike
FEATURES: The back, body and top are made of basswood, offering great tonal quality and at par with maple in terms of sturdiness and producing a fat tone.
OTHER INFO: The 41’ full-size body with 6 strings is portable and offers the complete pro feeling, especially if you want to play outside.
Vangoa 41 Inch
- Tuning pegs are made of metal and are of the open type for better retention and being dustproof
- Full beginners’ kit includes additional strings, pick, truss wench, straps and amplifier.
- Lightweight
- Clip on tuner for easy tuning
- 2 years warranty
- Does not always feel like a traditional guitar
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. Yamaha APXT2
For years, Yamaha has ruled the musical instruments industry and rightfully so. With their level of experience and craftsmanship, every instrument that leaves their company is an artwork. The Yamaha APXT2 ¾ is no exception. Probably the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 for beginners, this instrument has a smaller package but with a greater explosion.
The small-sized guitar is based on another one of their popular variation, the APX500. The spruce top does its usual work of being sturdy and an all-rounder in terms of tonal quality.
Jazz and Blues players would love the spruce top for their bright yet subdued tone. The back and sides are made of meranti, known for their sturdiness and good tone. ART-based pickup that provides great accuracy and sensibility when coupled with Yamaha’s tuner.
The guitar also flaunts a system electronics that includes ARTechnology, tone and volume controls, pickup, and a built-in tuner which offers quick and easy tuning. The rosewood fingerboard offers a warm and mellow sound to go well with any style.
Yamaha APXT2
PERFECT FOR: Pros & Beginners
FEATURES: The back and sides are made of meranti, known for their sturdiness and good tone.
OTHER INFO: Jazz and Blues players would love the spruce top for their bright yet subdued tone.
Yamaha APXT2
- Lightweight and compact
- Built-in tuner
- ART for better accuracy
- Gig bag is included
- 6 strings
- Loose on button fickle
- Can sound like a toy
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6. Ashthorpe Thinline
A classic-looking guitar bundled with all the modern fittings that any professional can ask for, the Ashthorpe guitar is ideal for beginners and professionals alike. When it comes to budget buys without compromising sound quality, then this guitar is what you should consider.
This 6-string guitar boasts a thinline cutaway design that is sleek without being sloppy.
The full-scale 41’ body with a 3’ neckline is responsible for an unparalleled sound. The guitar is also lighter, making carrying, travelling and handling easier.
Its composite body, made of X-braced spruce, is sturdy, versatile and resilient, with a sweet tone that makes up for the warm feeling and all-woody sound. This guitar is right for you if your dream is aesthetics and nature.
The chrome tuning pegs are sturdy yet easy to turn, and the 4-band EQ makes the guitar stage ready in an instant.
Ashthorpe Thinline
PERFECT FOR: beginners and professionals alike
FEATURES: The full-scale 41’ body with a 3’ neckline is responsible for an unparalleled sound.
OTHER INFO: The guitar is also lighter, making carrying, travelling and handling easier.
Ashthorpe Thinline
- Complete guitar kit
- Hardwood construction for durability
- Aesthetically looking
- Good for flatpicking and strumming
- Great tonal quality retention
- Guitar bag can be made of better material
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
7. Best Choice Products 41 Inch
While not many may know about this brand, the quality of the products is at par with well-known brands. For people wanting to learn the strings yet not sure where to begin and what to buy, Best Choice Products can be a good investment.
The Linden wood body (back, top and sides) is a good substitute for alder and maple in terms of resilience without losing on tonal qualities. The Okoume neck is again a good substitute for mahogany as it is inexpensive yet offers a great tonal punch to any song.
The 41′ full-size body makes it ideal for beginners to learn more about easily handling the guitar while playing it. Cutaway provides better access to the frets on the upper end without many adjustments to positioning required.
Given the price, the product also comes with accessories that are a must for every guitar owner, like a digital clip tuner, carry bag, 4 guitar picks, additional strings, and a capo.
Best Choice Products 41 Inch
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: The Okoume neck is again a good substitute for mahogany as it is inexpensive yet offers a great tonal punch to any song.
OTHER INFO: The Linden wood body (back, top and sides) is a good substitute for alder and maple in terms of resilience without losing on tonal qualities.
Best Choice Products 41 Inch
- Wider acoustic range
- 4 band EQ
- Pre-installed transducer for vibration transmission to the amps
- Digital tuner
- Strings are higher up the frets
- Additional string quality can be better
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
8. Donner Guitar Kit
Donner is known for their attention to high craftsmanship and providing the very best in guitar build. From the wood collection to the drying process to making them and maintaining the quality, Donner is a name that can be easily trusted.
They’re well known for their unique tuning design with sealed tuning pegs made of alloy metals, ensuring that the guitar stays in tune no matter what. The 41-inch dreadnought body provides a richer and fuller sound which is also very vibrant.
This body is ideal for all kinds of music styles.
Choosing the correct guitar as a beginner is essential to explore your genre. And this best electro acoustic guitar under 500 is ideal for you. The body is made of a spruce top and mahogany for the sides and back, offering great and vibrant acoustics.
This guitar is ideal if you’re looking for more natural and traditional sounds. It comes with bronze strings offering light to medium gauge, ideal for easy strumming, yet good resonance is guaranteed.
Donner Guitar Kit
PERFECT FOR: all kinds of music styles
FEATURES: The 41-inch dreadnought body provides a richer and fuller sound which is also very vibrant.
OTHER INFO: The body is made of a spruce top and mahogany for the sides and back, offering great and vibrant acoustics.
Donner Guitar Kit
- 30 days unconditional money-back guarantee
- Built-in preamp with 3-band EQ.
- Integrated tuner for easy and fast tuning
- Kit includes guitar bag, strap, capo, extra strings, guitar picks and polishing cloth
- Some strings does buzz
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
9. Vongoa Electric Acoustic
Who says good things cannot come in small sizes? The Vangoa 36-inch electric acoustic guitar offers not only better portability without compromising on the sound quality but also is great for any level of musician. Even though they started out fresh, only 3 years old, they have already made a name for themselves worldwide.
The spruce top coupled with sides and back made of sapele (which is similar to mahogany in terms of tonewood) gives the guitar quite a sturdy body which is ideal for carrying around, and in terms of sound, you can rely on a bright and well-balanced tone with a good ear for overtones. The treble is also great.
The built-in truss rod offers a straighter neck regardless of the string tension. The 2-band EQ with a built-in tuner makes the guitar stage ready in a jiffy. The guitar comes loaded with everything that any beginner will need – capo, extra strings, 3 picks, strap, soft guitar carry bag and truss rod key (making guitar sting adjustment easy).
Vongoa Electric Acoustic
PERFECT FOR: Beginners
FEATURES: The built-in truss rod offers a straighter neck regardless of the string tension.
OTHER INFO: The 2-band EQ with a built-in tuner makes the guitar stage ready in a jiffy.
Vongoa Electric Acoustic
- Built-in tuner for easy and fast tuning
- Bass and treble EQ with volume control for performing at any stage
- Good accessories for beginners
- The wood provides good resonance
- Closed tuner pegs
- Edges are rough
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
10. Fender FA125CE
Nothing beats a good quality full-body guitar from Fender. Known for their precision and ear for music, the Fender house has stood the test of time and keeps coming back with better design and quality craftsmanship.
The FA-125CE is a dreadnought with a 41-inch, 6-string getup, ideal for every beginner. The single cutaway is made in such a shape, so accessing the higher frets will not mean constant shifting ad adjusting your posture.
The combination of solid sitka spruce top and basswood body is ideal in terms of tonal quality, so the tone contrast in sweet yet deep is achieved with this body. The laminated wood assures the longevity of the guitar and a must for people at constant risk of mite attack. Nothing irritates termites more than laminates.
The laminated body also offers great protection against changing weather. The Nato neck and walnut fretboard combine a dense sound with a good sonic. The walnut fretboard will provide you with a fuller tone with more tightness.
Fender also provides a manual and DVD as a part of their kit for learners, including a hard case, extra strings, 3 picks and straps.
Fender FA125CE
PERFECT FOR: Beginners
FEATURES: The FA-125CE is a dreadnought with a 41-inch, 6-string getup, ideal for every beginner.
OTHER INFO: The laminated wood assures the longevity of the guitar and a must for people at constant risk of mite attack.
Fender FA125CE
- Laminated wood for better longevity
- Viking bridge for good tone support
- Fishman system that provides good preamp
- Good acoustic tone
- Fretboard made of walnut for good playability
- 20 frets and 6 strings
- 9V battery dies fast
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11. Gosila Cutaway Guitar Thin Body
Keeping the Western market in mind, this guitar offers everything a beginner can ask for at an attractive price.
Everyone knows the importance of good wood in acoustic-electric guitars, as the wood determines the tone and use of the guitar. The genre you prefer can often be determined by the kind of guitar you play.
The Gosila Cutaway Guitar Thin Body has a 39-inch cutaway body that’s easy to manoeuvre and learn. The laminated body provides great protection against warping yet retains good sound quality.
Made from ashwood, the guitar is resonant yet light in sound and has good sustain. The fretboard and bridge are made of rosewood, providing loud and vibrant tones.
Gosila Cutaway Guitar Thin Body
PERFECT FOR: Beginners
FEATURES: Made from ashwood, the guitar is resonant yet light in sound and has good sustain.
OTHER INFO: The laminated body provides great protection against warping yet retains good sound quality.
Gosila Cutaway Guitar Thin Body
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good for beginners
- 6 steel strings
- Not thinline
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
12. Washburn F11SCE Heritage
The Washburn Heritage F11SCE Electro Acoustic, Natural is the perfect choice for singers and songwriters. Its comfortable design and tonal versatility make it a joy to play. The folk size body offers excellent articulation, projection, and tonal balance, accommodating various playing styles and musical genres. The additional cutaway and satin finished neck provide easy access to the entire fingerboard for seamless playability.
For stage or studio performances, the onboard Fishman preamp is a standout feature. The undersaddle pickup captures the guitar’s natural characteristics, while the side-mounted control section allows you to shape and customize your sound for any setting. Take your performances to new heights with the Washburn Heritage F11SCE Electro Acoustic.
Washburn F11SCE Heritage Electro Acoustic Guitar
PERFECT FOR: singers and songwriters
FEATURES: Delivers warm characters, rich harmonics, and plenty of projection
OTHER INFO: Incredibly comfortable to play with, thanks to its satin neck and cutaway
Washburn F11SCE Heritage Electro Acoustic Guitar
- With Fishman Electronics to enhance performance for the stage
- Designed to be as comfortable to play as it is tonally versatile
- Suits a wide variety of playing styles and musical genres
- The tuner may take some time to get used to
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
13. Fender FA-235E Concert
Nothing beats the quality that comes with years of experience honing your skills to perfection. The same applies to the musical instrument that you choose.
The Fender is a brand with years of experience catering to well-known guitarists. They know what works and how.
A good guitar is the best gift for your talents and skills, whether a beginner or a professional. The guitar comes with a gig bag with extra Fender strings, 3 pickups, guitar strap and a tutorial DVD.
The laminated body provides great resonance and sound quality with the added advantage of longevity, mite protection and weather protection.
The 6 strings give great sound, especially when plucked. The Nato wood neck is ideal for hard jamming sessions without fear of damaging it permanently.
Fender FA-235E Concert
PERFECT FOR: beginners and professionals
FEATURES: The laminated body provides great resonance and sound quality with the added advantage of longevity, mite protection and weather protection.
OTHER INFO: The guitar comes with a gig bag with extra Fender strings, 3 pickups, guitar strap and a tutorial DVD.
Fender FA-235E Concert
- Startup gig for beginners
- Fishman electronic pickup and volume control
- Classic whole body for the concert feel
- Durable carry bag
- Can be a bit harder to carry for beginners
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
14. Lava Music ME 2
While some tend to stick to the old style, many believe the new world deserves something new. With this thought in mind, the Lava ME series from Lava Music came up with an innovative design that redefines how we look at a guitar and incorporates a new line of thinking.
The sleek and geometric design is made from a single moulded technology, making it comfortable and easy to play. The carbon fibre material made from the AirSonic technique gives all the tonal quality of wood without the expiry date.
No matter what the weather, the guitar will remain the same for years to come. The 36-inch body gives a really loud sound even though the soundboard boasts to be the lightest ever.
The L2 pickup and FreeBoost technology make playing outdoors without an amp possible. The HPL fly neck makes fretting a breeze; the material is not prone to bend no matter what string tension is applied.
Lava Music ME 2
PERFECT FOR: beginners and professionals
FEATURES: The sleek and geometric design is made from a single moulded technology, making it comfortable and easy to play.
OTHER INFO: The carbon fibre material made from the AirSonic technique gives all the tonal quality of wood without the expiry date.
Lava Music ME 2
- Lightweight, extremely portable
- 3 different kinds of picks for versatility
- Plek Pro is the most advanced fretting machine
- Carry bag that is sturdy yet light
- Percussion receiving mic is enabled
- Requires frequent charging
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
15. Takamine GD71CE-NAT
Combining the best acoustics and electronics, the Takamine GD71CE-NAT series comes with a classic wood body combining the best of every world.
The solid sitka spruce top and the mahogany back and sides give the guitar a great sound quality with an all-rounder effect. The solid spruce top will easily let you flat-pick your favourite songs with a rich and more detailed sound.
The cutaway design enables beginners to access the top frets easily. The rosewood head cap gives more support. The 3-band EQ and built-in tuner prepare you for an impromptu talent display on any stage.
This guitar also comes with an EQ bypass switch that provides better sound quality and more versatility. A natural-looking body with a glossy finish will ensure you grab eyes whenever you bring your guitar out of its bag.
Takamine GD71CE-NAT
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: The solid sitka spruce top and the mahogany back and sides give the guitar a great sound quality with an all-rounder effect.
OTHER INFO: The solid spruce top will easily let you flat-pick your favourite songs with a rich and more detailed sound.
Takamine GD71CE-NAT
- Classic design
- Laurel fretboard
- Built-in tuner
- split bridge saddle
- bone nut
- die gast tuners with amber buttons
- split saddle can be a bit difficult
- no carry bag provided
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Benefits Of Investing In An Acoustic Electric Guitar
The acoustic-electric guitar is essentially an acoustic guitar with additional components that allow it to be plugged into an amplifier, specifically a magnetic pickup, a microphone, and a piezo pickup.
People who enjoy an acoustic guitar’s plucked and woodsy sound but need plug-in features will find this type of guitar a good compromise.
The question of why choose an acoustic-electric guitar at all, when the electric guitar already has all the necessary techniques built in, may also arise here. The ability to plug things in is the key.
An acoustic-electric guitar isn’t as advanced as an electric one, but having an acoustic at your disposal is useful for impromptu jam sessions.
Due to this knowledge’s high upfront cost and long-lasting impact, it’s unrealistic to consider immediately upgrading. The acoustic-electric guitar can unite these two worlds. You can still use the acoustic for practice and switch to the electric when you need to perform.
I’ve noticed that the acoustic-electric guitar’s adaptability makes it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned guitarists.
Factors To Look At Before Purchasing the Best Electro acoustic Guitar Under £500
When it comes to music, it all boils down to what suits you. It doesn’t need to be similar to that of the other band player. It’s all about you. That said, there are a few technicalities that you need to mind when you are looking to buy your first acoustic-electric guitar.
1. Pickup System
The addition of the magnetic pickup makes the acoustic-electric guitar perform consistently . But, the type of pick-up added to the instrument also plays a role. Usually, there are three types of pickups:
A piezo-electric transducer can be found beneath the saddle, near the bridge. This system requires a 9V battery to fuel the power and the preamp.
Regular bar-shaped magnetic pickup can be found near the sound hole mount under the strings. This system requires no special alterations of the instruments.
The electret condenser microphone is a small installation within the guitar.
While learners can stick to the old-school magnetic pickup, future customization is possible by adding either two or all three systems.
2. Body
It’s ultimately up to you to decide what sounds good to you when it comes to music. It doesn’t have to sound like anyone else in the band; this is your chance to express yourself creatively. Still, there are a few specifics to keep in mind as you shop for your first acoustic-electric guitar.
Spruce offers a great balance of the body, making manoeuvring easy. Resonance is achieved with far superior quality. Given the sturdiness of the wood, this top makes flatpicking and strumming more tension free.
Cedar is known for its darker shade and the low-tension tunings when picked. But this is not the wood you would want if you plan to strain your instrument.
Rosewood, especially Brazilian rosewood, offers amazing timbre and a rich tone cherished by experts. But the scarcity of this wood makes all rosewood-based guitars expensive.
Mahogany offers a more balanced, rich tone contrasting with a sweet, high tone and is ideal for light players, especially pop.
Maple is easy on the pocket and known for a drier tone which is clear and high. If you plan to hold street performances, then maple body will be ideal.
Very few companies offer acoustic guitars with a synthetic body as it beats the traditional feel and sound. Yet, many opt for these as they’re more durable than their wooden counterparts. And they’re easier to carry, but the downside is they lose the chance to have a heavier tone which comes to wood-based guitars that have aged gracefully.
3. Strings
The strings of the electric acoustic guitar are as same as that of the acoustic guitars as they have the same functions. The addition of the pickup plays no part in string quality and material. The gauge for these guitars is generally of two types:
Lighter strings are easier on the fingers, good for fretting and notes bending and exert lesser strain on the neck of the guitar, making them ideal for old guitars. On the downside, the lighter strings can break easily and are often prone to cause the bussing of the frets. The volume and sustain are lower, but the treble is greater.
Heavier gauges are more correct for professionals as they’re difficult to play without years of practice. On the bright side, the volume and sustain are incredible and the tone quality is darker and richer.
4. Fretboards
This part is very important for the sounds and tones. No matter what the body is made of, the beauty and style of the acoustic-electric guitar come from the fingerboard. A good fingerboard has a better finish and fret wires that are all the same smoothness.
This makes the notes sound on key, and lowers the buzzing. Also important is the space between the fretboard and the strings. This gap, called “Action,” determines how fast you can play the instrument correctly.
If the gaps are too big, it will be hard to keep up with a fast song, and if the gaps are too small, the fingerboard will buzz. The truss bar is there to help make the gaps fit better.
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under 500
Summary
Investing in the right instrument is crucial whether your musical aspirations are purely recreational or more ambitious.
There are many great and affordable acoustic-electric guitars available for under 500. These guitars offer a combination of quality craftsmanship, materials, and sound, making them a great value for any level of guitarist.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, an acoustic-electric guitar on this list will meet your needs.
Ultimately, the best acoustic electric guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. Still, any guitar on this list will surely provide a great playing experience at an affordable price. Happy strumming!
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While I appreciate the list provided, I can’t help but feel that some of the criteria for choosing the ‘best’ acoustic-electric guitars under £500 are somewhat subjective. For example, the preference for a certain body type or string setup might vary greatly among players depending on their style and needs. The choice between a dreadnought and a concert, steel strings versus nylon, should be based more on the player’s preference and the sound they are aiming to achieve, rather than general recommendations. Furthermore, the inclusion of the pickup system as the primary factor seems to overlook other crucial aspects like the guitar’s build quality, wood type, and overall playability. Just a thought to consider for anyone reading this list to take a more holistic approach when making their choice.
yamaha APXT2 looks sick for the price, love that it made the list! got my eye on it for my next buy.
The APXT2 is a solid choice for sure, its small size makes it perfect for travel or couch jams!
This is an excellent roundup of acoustic-electric guitars. It’s fascinating to see the variety available under £500. I’ve noticed that you’ve included guitars for both beginners and intermediate players, which adds nice diversity. The inclusion of different body types and string options is particularly helpful for readers trying to find a guitar that suits their play style and physical preferences. The Jameson Guitars Thinline caught my eye for its affordability and unique design, suggesting it might be an interesting choice for casual players or those looking to experiment without a significant investment.
Hey Lewis Turner, been eyeing the Fender CD-60SCE for a while. How does it compare in sound quality to others on the list? Looking for something that’s got a rich tone but won’t break the bank.