Last Updated on August 12, 2022 by Play Guitar Notes
While at first glance an electric acoustic guitar might look almost identical to that of a regular acoustic. The real magic happens with the in-built pickup systems which boast several features that can really improve the functionality of your guitar. From simple quality of life things such as an in-built tuner or some EQ controls. Some even have on-board effects such as reverb. But most importantly it gives you the ability to amplify your instrument, circumventing the need for a traditional microphone. With electro-acoustic instruments being more accessible than ever, today we will take a look at 10 of the best ones available and answer some of the most commonly asked questions people have when considering one.![]() | Editors Choice | Electronics: Neck: | Check Price |
![]() | Yamaha AC3R | Pickup System: | Check Price |
![]() | Washburn G66SCE | Preamp System: Neck Wood: | Check Price |
![]() | Taylor 214ce | Neck Finish: Fretboard Wood: | Check Price |
![]() | Martin Guitar GPC-11E | Electronics: | Check Price |
![]() | Fender Malibu Player | Controls: Neck: | Check Price |
![]() | Yamaha NCX1 | Strings: | Check Price |
![]() | Ibanez AW54CEOPN | Fretboard: | Check Price |
![]() | PRS P20E | Bridge Wood: | Check Price |
![]() | Fender CD-60SCE | Electronics: Preamp: | Check Price |
Takamine EF341SC Pro Series

Yamaha 6 String Series AC3R

Washburn G66SCE

Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium

Martin Guitar Road Series GPC-11E

Fender Malibu Player Acoustic

Yamaha NCX1 NT

Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought

PRS Limited Edition SE Parlor P20E

Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought

Are acoustic electric guitars any good?
Absolutely, these guitars will offer everything you might want from a regular acoustic guitar without any substantial downside (aside from perhaps needing to keep a spare 9v battery to hand, just in case). There are a wide variety of options available depending on your needs, from the high fidelity piezo style pickup that is mounted under the bridge, the traditional magnetic pickup, or even a mounted microphone inside the body. You can also use a blend of them for ultimate tonal variety. If you ever amplify your acoustic guitar in any way, whether for shows or for playing at home with effects, an electro-acoustic is worth consideration.Is acoustic or electric better?
By and large, an electric acoustic is very similar to a traditional acoustic. It does not change the playability of the guitar and will essentially feel identical. Yet it has all this added functionality with the ability to amplify the instrument. So for anyone who is playing shows or needs a convenient recording solution at home, they will absolutely be the better choice. There is an argument that some electronic systems require the body to be routed out to accommodate the control panel, which can compromise the tone a little. However if this is a concern for you there are plenty of non-destructive ways to install a pickup that will not affect your guitars natural tone in any way.Is acoustic electric guitar better for beginners?
The first thing to ask yourself is, do you need to amplify your guitar? If you ever plan on playing a show, or recording at home the ability to plug a cable into your instrument can be invaluable. Plus, with the electronic systems being so affordable these days there’s no reason not to consider one. However, if you are sure you will never need to use a microphone on your guitar in any way and plan on just playing by yourself at home. Then it doesn’t offer any added benefit and you may want to consider a traditional non-electric acoustic.What is the difference between acoustic and acoustic electric guitar?
When we use the term electric acoustic we simply mean a regular acoustic guitar that has some kind of electronic pickup system installed. This could be any of the number of pickup styles that are available from the piezo system, a traditional magnetic pickup, or a microphone that gets mounted inside of the body. There can also be a control panel mounted on the side of the guitar which contains controls such as an EQ for additional tonal shaping, a gain control, a tuner, and sometimes even inbuilt effects. How the guitar feels in the hands, and the overall tone it produces will be very similar to that of a non-electric version.Can you play an acoustic electric guitar without plugging it in?
Certainly! One of the great benefits of these guitars is that they are still, at their core, a regular acoustic just with some extra added functionality. You can even use a microphone on them how you would if the guitar didn’t have any electronic system installed in it at all, which allows you to blend them should you need. So you can still play this at home for unplugged practice, and it’s going to sound every bit as good as a regular acoustic. Just think of the electronics as an optional bonus added to an already functional acoustic instrument.Do acoustic electric guitars sound good unplugged?
Because these guitars are still fundamentally acoustic instruments that just have the option to be amplified, the tone and sound of the guitar will be affected by the wood choices, construction, and the player’s hands in every bit the same way as an acoustic. However, it’s worth noting that due to some pickup systems being mounted in the body, some people may argue that the small amount of wood that gets routed away to accommodate the controls will affect the tone slightly. But this is a very small price to pay for how much functionality the electronics add.What are the best guitar strings for acoustic electric guitar?
As the guitar has all the same construction and bridge systems as a regular acoustic, you can use any set of acoustic guitar strings you like and they will work great. So just pick your normal favorites and use them. If you are unsure the Ernie Ball Everlast Coated 80/20 bronze set is a reliable place to begin as those strings will last a long time and come from a trusted company. It’s also worth noting that you may want to experiment with strings if you use a magnetic pickup as different strings types will interact with the pickup differently.Do you need an acoustic amp for an acoustic electric guitar?
If you plan on practicing at home then there’s no need for an amplifier, the volume provided by a normal acoustic will be plenty for home use. It’s also not necessary for recording as it’s possible to plug directly into the computer without an amplifier. You may want to consider one if you will play any small shows or have a band rehearsal and need the additional volume. Or if you wish to use extra effects such as delays or reverbs which, unless you have a guitar with ‘in built’ effects, you will need an amplifier in order to take advantage of.What are the best acoustic electric guitars under $500?
Fortunately these days there are plenty of great, value for money instruments available which are not only well built but also have very usable electronics systems installed. If you are looking for a standard Dreadnought steel-string electro acoustic the Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood is a great option. Or if you needed a nylon, classical guitar the Yamaha NCX1 NT is a worthy choice. Of course, there are many more options available depending on your preferences. But if you don’t already have a specific vision in mind for what you need, these guitars will serve you well. Popular Articles- Best Guitar For Metal
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