When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, there are a lot of great options on the market. But if you’re on a budget, finding the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar can be a challenge.
Editor’s Note:The best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider your playing style, the type of music you play, and your budget when making your decision.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve done some analysis and digging and put together this guide to the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars. We’ve considered factors such as sound quality, playability, features, and price to come up with our top picks.
Key Differences
| Feature | Inexpensive Acoustic-Electric Guitar A | Inexpensive Acoustic-Electric Guitar B | Inexpensive Acoustic-Electric Guitar C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Dreadnought | Grand Auditorium | Concert |
| Top Wood | Solid Spruce | Laminate Spruce | Solid Mahogany |
| Back and Sides Wood | Laminate Mahogany | Laminate Rosewood | Solid Rosewood |
| Electronics | Fishman Sonitone | LR Baggs Element | Seymour Duncan Mag Mic |
| Price | $399 | $499 | $599 |
Main Article Topics
- What to look for when choosing an inexpensive acoustic electric guitar
- Reviews of the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars
- Tips for getting the most out of your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar
1. Body shape
The body shape of an acoustic-electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound and projection. Different body shapes produce different tonal qualities and volumes, so it is important to choose a body shape that is suited to your playing style and the type of music you play.
- Dreadnought: Dreadnought guitars are the most popular type of acoustic-electric guitar. They have a large body with a wide waist and a deep body depth. Dreadnought guitars produce a loud, powerful sound with a strong bass response. They are a good choice for strumming and flatpicking.
- Grand auditorium: Grand auditorium guitars are smaller than dreadnought guitars, with a narrower waist and a shallower body depth. They produce a more balanced sound with a clear midrange and treble response. Grand auditorium guitars are a good choice for fingerpicking and singer-songwriters.
- Concert: Concert guitars are the smallest of the three common body shapes. They have a narrow waist and a shallow body depth. Concert guitars produce a delicate, nuanced sound with a clear treble response. They are a good choice for classical and fingerstyle playing.
- Parlor: Parlor guitars are the smallest type of acoustic-electric guitar. They have a narrow waist and a shallow body depth. Parlor guitars produce a warm, intimate sound with a clear midrange response. They are a good choice for blues and folk playing.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the body shape and how it will affect the sound and projection of the guitar. By choosing the right body shape, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget.
2. Top wood
The top wood of an acoustic-electric guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound and volume. Different top woods produce different tonal qualities and volumes, so it is important to choose a top wood that is suited to your playing style and the type of music you play.
- Solid spruce: Solid spruce is the most common top wood for acoustic-electric guitars. It is a strong and durable wood that produces a bright, clear sound with a strong bass response. Solid spruce guitars are a good choice for strumming and flatpicking.
- Laminate spruce: Laminate spruce is a less expensive alternative to solid spruce. It is made by gluing together thin layers of spruce wood. Laminate spruce guitars produce a warmer, less bright sound than solid spruce guitars. They are a good choice for fingerpicking and singer-songwriters.
- Solid mahogany: Solid mahogany is a warm, rich-sounding wood that is often used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars. Solid mahogany guitars produce a mellow, balanced sound with a strong midrange response. They are a good choice for blues and folk playing.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the top wood and how it will affect the sound and volume of the guitar. By choosing the right top wood, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget.
3. Back and sides wood
The back and sides of an acoustic-electric guitar play an important role in determining the guitar’s sound and projection. Different woods produce different tonal qualities and volumes, so it is important to choose a back and sides wood that is suited to your playing style and the type of music you play.
Laminate mahogany and laminate rosewood are less expensive alternatives to solid wood. Laminate woods are made by gluing together thin layers of wood, which makes them more durable and less susceptible to warping and cracking. Laminate mahogany guitars produce a warm, mellow sound with a strong midrange response. Laminate rosewood guitars produce a brighter, more balanced sound with a clear treble response.
Solid rosewood is a more expensive wood, but it produces a rich, resonant sound with a strong bass response. Solid rosewood guitars are a good choice for players who want a guitar with a powerful, full sound.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the back and sides wood and how it will affect the sound and projection of the guitar. By choosing the right wood, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between laminate mahogany, laminate rosewood, and solid rosewood:
| Wood | Sound | Projection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate mahogany | Warm, mellow, strong midrange | Good | Inexpensive |
| Laminate rosewood |
Bright, bala nced, clear treble | Good | Inexpensive |
| Solid rosewood | Rich, resonant, strong bass | Excellent | Expensive |
4. Electronics
Electronics play a crucial role in the versatility of the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar. They enable you to amplify your guitar’s sound, making it suitable for various settings, from intimate gatherings to larger performances. Understanding the different types of electronics available can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs.
- Preamplifier: The preamplifier is the heart of the electronics system. It amplifies the weak signal from the guitar’s pickup and shapes its tone. Common preamplifiers include the Fishman Sonitone, LR Baggs Element, and Seymour Duncan Mag Mic.
- Pickup: The pickup is responsible for converting the vibrations of the guitar’s strings into an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickups used in acoustic-electric guitars: undersaddle pickups and soundhole pickups. Undersaddle pickups are mounted under the bridge saddle, while soundhole pickups are mounted inside the guitar’s soundhole.
- Equalizer: The equalizer allows you to adjust the tone of your guitar by boosting or cutting specific frequencies. This is useful for fine-tuning your sound and compensating for the acoustics of the room you’re playing in.
- Tuner: A built-in tuner is a convenient feature that allows you to quickly and easily tune your guitar.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the type of electronics that are included. The quality of the electronics will affect the sound quality and versatility of the guitar. By choosing a guitar with high-quality electronics, you can ensure that you’ll be able to get the most out of your instrument.
5. Price
The price of an acoustic-electric guitar is a key factor to consider when choosing the best instrument for your needs and budget. Inexpensive acoustic-electric guitars typically range in price from $300 to $600, but there are a number of factors that can affect the price, including the quality of the materials and construction.
- Materials: The type of wood used for the guitar’s body, neck, and fretboard can have a significant impact on the price. Solid woods, such as spruce, mahogany, and rosewood, are more expensive than laminate woods, which are made from layers of wood glued together. Solid woods produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminate woods, but they are also more susceptible to warping and cracking.
- Construction: The way the guitar is constructed can also affect the price. Guitars with dovetail neck joints and hand-scalloped bracing are more expensive to build than guitars with bolt-on necks and machine-made bracing. Dovetail neck joints are stronger and more durable than bolt-on necks, and hand-scalloped bracing produces a louder, more resonant sound than machine-made bracing.
- Electronics: The type of electronics that are included in the guitar can also affect the price. Guitars with high-quality electronics, such as Fishman Sonitone and LR Baggs Element, will be more expensive than guitars with lower-quality electronics. High-quality electronics will produce a better sound and be more reliable.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the price and how it relates to the quality of the materials and construction. By choosing a guitar that is made from high-quality materials and is well-constructed, you can ensure that you will have a guitar that will last for many years to come.
6. Playability
Playability is an essential consideration when choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar. A guitar that is easy to play will make learning and playing more enjoyable, while a guitar that is difficult to play can quickly become frustrating. There are a number of factors that affect the playability of a guitar, including the neck shape, string height, and fretwork.
- Neck shape: The neck shape of a guitar can have a significant impact on its playability. A neck that is too wide or too narrow can be uncomfortable to play, while a neck with the right shape will feel natural and easy to move around on.
- String height: The string height is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A string height that is too high can make it difficult to fret the strings, while a string height that is too low can cause the strings to buzz against the frets. The ideal string height is a compromise between these two extremes.
- Fretwork: The fretwork refers to the quality of the frets. Frets that are not properly leveled or crowned can make it difficult to play the guitar in tune. Well-fretted guitars will have frets that are level and crowned, making it easy to fret the strings cleanly and accurately.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the playability of the guitar. A guitar that is easy to play will make learning and playing more enjoyable, while a guitar that is difficult to play can quickly become frustrating. By considering the factors that affect playability, you can choose a guitar that is right for you.
7. Sound quality
The sound quality of an acoustic-electric guitar is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best instrument for your needs. A guitar with a good sound quality will produce a clear and balanced sound, making it suitable for a variety of genres and playing styles. There are a number of factors that affect the sound quality of a guitar, including the body shape, top wood, and electronics.
- Body shape: The body shape of a guitar has a significant impact on its sound. Different body shapes produce different tonal qualities and volumes. For example, dreadnought guitars are known for their loud, powerful sound, while concert guitars are known for their delicate, nuanced sound.
- Top wood: The top wood of a guitar is the most important factor in determining its sound quality. Different top woods produce different tonal qualities. For example, spruce produces a bright, clear sound, while mahogany produces a warm, mellow sound.
- Electronics: The electronics in an acoustic-electric guitar allow you to amplify the guitar’s sound. The quality of the electronics will affect the sound quality of the amplified signal. For example, high-quality electronics will produce a clear, natural sound, while low-quality electronics may produce a muddy, distorted sound.
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the sound quality of the guitar. By considering the factors that affect sound quality, you can choose a guitar that prod
uces a sound that you love.
8. Versatility
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the versatility of the guitar. A versatile guitar can be used for a variety of genres, from folk to rock to blues. This is important for guitarists who want to be able to play a wide range of music without having to buy multiple guitars.
There are a number of factors that affect the versatility of an acoustic-electric guitar, including the body shape, top wood, and electronics.
- Body shape: The body shape of a guitar has a significant impact on its sound. Different body shapes produce different tonal qualities and volumes. For example, dreadnought guitars are known for their loud, powerful sound, while concert guitars are known for their delicate, nuanced sound. A versatile guitar will have a body shape that produces a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres.
- Top wood: The top wood of a guitar is the most important factor in determining its sound quality. Different top woods produce different tonal qualities. For example, spruce produces a bright, clear sound, while mahogany produces a warm, mellow sound. A versatile guitar will have a top wood that produces a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres.
- Electronics: The electronics in an acoustic-electric guitar allow you to amplify the guitar’s sound. The quality of the electronics will affect the sound quality of the amplified signal. For example, high-quality electronics will produce a clear, natural sound, while low-quality electronics may produce a muddy, distorted sound. A versatile guitar will have electronics that produce a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres.
By considering the factors that affect versatility, you can choose the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar for your needs. A versatile guitar will allow you to play a wide range of music without having to buy multiple guitars.
Here is a table that summarizes the key factors that affect the versatility of an acoustic-electric guitar:
| Factor | Impact on versatility |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Affects the guitar’s sound and projection. A versatile guitar will have a body shape that produces a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres. |
| Top wood | Affects the guitar’s sound quality. A versatile guitar will have a top wood that produces a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres. |
| Electronics | Affect the sound quality of the amplified signal. A versatile guitar will have electronics that produce a sound that is suitable for a variety of genres. |
9. Durability
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, durability is an important factor to consider. A durable guitar will be able to withstand the rigors of playing and travel, ensuring that you can enjoy your guitar for many years to come. There are a number of factors that contribute to the durability of a guitar, including the materials used in its construction and the quality of its craftsmanship.
- Solid wood construction: Guitars with solid wood tops and backs are more durable than guitars with laminate tops and backs. Solid wood is less likely to crack or warp, and it produces a richer, more resonant sound.
- Dovetail neck joint: A dovetail neck joint is a strong and durable joint that connects the neck to the body of the guitar. Dovetail neck joints are more resistant to warping and cracking than other types of neck joints.
- High-quality finish: A high-quality finish will protect the guitar from scratches, dents, and other damage. A good finish will also help to keep the guitar looking its best for many years to come.
By considering the factors that contribute to durability, you can choose the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar that will meet your needs. A durable guitar will be a valuable investment that you can enjoy for many years to come.
10. Warranty
When choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it is important to consider the warranty. A good warranty will protect you in case the guitar is damaged or defective. Most manufacturers offer warranties of at least one year, but some offer warranties that are longer. A longer warranty is always better, as it gives you more peace of mind knowing that your guitar is covered in case of any problems.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a guitar warranty. First, make sure that the warranty covers the parts of the guitar that are most likely to fail, such as the neck, body, and electronics. Second, make sure that the warranty is easy to understand and that you know how to file a claim if necessary. Finally, make sure that the warranty is from a reputable manufacturer that you can trust to honor their warranty.
A good warranty is an important part of choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can choose a guitar that is covered in case of any problems, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points to consider when choosing a guitar warranty:
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Length of warranty | A longer warranty is always better, as it gives you more peace of mind knowing that your guitar is covered in case of any problems. |
| Coverage | Make sure that the warranty covers the parts of the guitar that are most likely to fail, such as the neck, body, and electronics. |
| Ease of understanding | Make sure that the warranty is easy to understand and that you know how to file a claim if necessary. |
| Reputation of manufacturer | Make sure that the warranty is from a reputable manufacturer that you can trust to honor their warranty. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Inexpensive Acoustic Electric Guitars
When it comes to choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, there are a number of questions that potential buyers often have. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Question 1: What are the most important factors to consider when choosing an inexpensive acoustic electric guitar?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, including the body shape, top wood, back and sides wood, electronics, playability, sound quality, and durability. It is important to weigh the importance of each factor based on your individual needs and preferences.
Question 2: What are the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars for beginners?
There are a number of great inexpensive acoustic electric guitars on the market that are perfect for beginners. Some of the most popular options include the Yamaha FG800, Fender Squier SA-150, and
Epiphone DR-100.
Question 3: What are the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars for intermediate players?
For intermediate players, there are a number of excellent inexpensive acoustic electric guitars to choose from. Some of the most popular options include the Taylor GS Mini, Martin LX1E, and Breedlove Discovery Concert CE.
Question 4: What are the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars for professional players?
While professional players may prefer high-end acoustic electric guitars, there are a number of inexpensive options that can provide excellent sound quality and performance. Some of the most popular options include the Seagull S6 Original, Yamaha AC3R, and Fender Paramount PM-1.
Question 5: What are some tips for getting the most out of your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar?
There are a number of things you can do to get the most out of your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar. Some of the most important tips include:
- Use high-quality strings.
- Keep your guitar in good condition.
- Get your guitar set up by a professional.
Question 6: What are the best ways to care for your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar?
There are a number of things you can do to care for your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar and extend its lifespan. Some of the most important tips include:
- Store your guitar in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme temperatures.
- Clean your guitar regularly.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar for many years to come.
Summary: Choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar can be a challenge, but by considering the factors discussed above, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget. With proper care and maintenance, your inexpensive acoustic electric guitar can provide you with years of enjoyment.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know more about the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitars, you can start shopping for the perfect guitar for you. Be sure to consider the factors discussed above, and don’t be afraid to try out different guitars before you make a decision.
Tips for Choosing the Best Inexpensive Acoustic Electric Guitar
Finding the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget.
Tip 1: Determine your budget and stick to it.
The first step in choosing an inexpensive acoustic electric guitar is to determine your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a guitar? Once you know your budget, you can start narrowing down your options.
Tip 2: Consider your playing style and the type of music you play.
What kind of music do you play? Do you play fingerstyle or strum chords? Do you need a guitar that can handle heavy strumming or delicate picking? Consider your playing style and the type of music you play when choosing an acoustic electric guitar.
Tip 3: Try out different guitars before you buy one.
The best way to find the right acoustic electric guitar for you is to try out different guitars before you buy one. Visit your local music store and play a variety of guitars. Pay attention to the sound, feel, and playability of each guitar. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect guitar for you.
Tip 4: Read reviews from other guitarists.
Once you’ve tried out a few guitars, read reviews from other guitarists. This can give you valuable insights into the sound, quality, and durability of different guitars. Reviews can also help you identify any potential problems with a particular guitar.
Tip 5: Consider the warranty.
Most acoustic electric guitars come with a warranty. This warranty protects you in case the guitar is damaged or defective. Be sure to read the warranty carefully before you buy a guitar. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
Summary: By following these tips, you can find the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar for your needs and budget. Be sure to consider your playing style, the type of music you play, and your budget when making your decision.
Transition to the conclusion: Now that you know how to choose the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar, it’s time to start shopping. Be sure to try out different guitars before you buy one, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a guitar expert.
Conclusion
Choosing the best inexpensive acoustic electric guitar can be a challenge, but by considering the factors we’ve discussed in this article, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and budget. Remember to consider your playing style, the type of music you play, and your budget when making your decision. And be sure to try out different guitars before you buy one to find the perfect fit for you.
With so many great options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect inexpensive acoustic electric guitar to help you take your playing to the next level.
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