Acoustic electric guitars have become increasingly popular over the years as technology has advanced and guitars have become more affordable. For those looking to purchase an acoustic electric guitar for less than 500 dollars, there are plenty of options available which offer great sound and quality. This article will provide an overview of some of the best acoustic electric guitars currently available for under 500 dollars.
Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under 500
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Ibanez 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right Handed, Transparent Blue Sunburst (TCY10ETBS)
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar – Open Pore Natural
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Black Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Instructional DVD, Polishing Cloth
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Taylor Guitars Baby Mahogany-e Acoustic-Electric Guitar
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Takamine GD11MCE-NS Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Ovation Applause 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Black, Mid-Depth (AE44II-5)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Fender Newporter Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar – Champagne
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Fender FA-235E Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
|
7. 2
|
1. Ibanez 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right Handed, Transparent Blue Sunburst (TCY10ETBS)
I recently purchased the Ibanez 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Right Handed, Transparent Blue Sunburst (TCY10ETBS) and I absolutely love it. The sound quality is exceptional and it has a very full and vibrant tone. The neck feels comfortable and the action is very smooth. The transparent blue sunburst finish is beautiful and looks great on stage. Overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a great sounding acoustic guitar. It’s definitely worth the money!
- 6-string acoustic guitar designed for right-handed playing
- Transparent Blue Sunburst finish
- Spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a warm and balanced sound
- Ibanez Advantage bridge pins provide extra efficiency in string replacement
- Chrome die-cast tuners for accurate and easy tuning
- Ibanez Advantage neck joint allows for easy access to the last frets
2. Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar – Open Pore Natural
The Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar is an incredible instrument with a wide range of sounds. The combination of the open-pore natural finish and the solid mahogany body gives the guitar a unique and beautiful sound. The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ-TP2 preamp system make it great for plugging in and performing. The dreadnought shape gives the guitar a rich and warm sound, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge make it comfortable to play. Overall, the Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar is a great instrument for any musician. It is well-crafted, has incredible sound, and is perfect for live performances.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped bracing for improved resonance and tone
- Mahogany back and sides for warm, balanced tone
- Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp with onboard tuner for excellent amplified tone
- Ibanez Advantage bridge pins for improved tuning stability
- Dreadnought body shape with comfortable cutaway for easy access to upper frets
- Open pore natural finish for improved resonance
3. Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Black Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Instructional DVD, Polishing Cloth
I recently purchased the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar and couldnt be more pleased. I was looking for something that could handle a variety of genres and would be suitable for all skill levels. This guitar has been great so far. The sound is rich and full, and the electronics allow me to plug in and really crank it up. The bundle was a great deal, with everything I needed to get started included. The hard case is sturdy and keeps my guitar protected. The tuner is a nice touch and helps me keep my instrument always in tune. The instruction DVD was very helpful in quickly getting me up to speed on how to play my new guitar. I would definitely recommend this bundle to anyone looking for an affordable, quality guitar.
- Dreadnought body style with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides
- Cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
- Fishman preamp system with built-in tuner for amplified performance
- Scalloped X bracing for resonance and projection
- 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Includes hard case, tuner, strap, strings, picks, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth
4. Taylor Guitars Baby Mahogany-e Acoustic-Electric Guitar
I recently purchased the Taylor Guitars Baby Mahogany-e Acoustic-Electric Guitar and I am really impressed with it. The mahogany body has a nice, rich sound that really comes alive when plugged in. The guitar also has the ES2 pickup system which makes the sound very natural when amplified. The onboard tuner is also a great feature and it makes tuning the guitar quick and easy. The thing I like most about this guitar is that it is very well made and feels solid in your hands. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great quality acoustic-electric guitar.
- Compact and lightweight design
- All-mahogany body
- Taylor ES-B electronics
- X-braced top
- Walnut fingerboard and bridge
- 25-1/2″ scale length
- 1-11/16″ nut width
- Natural finish
5. Takamine GD11MCE-NS Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
I recently purchased the Takamine GD11MCE-NS Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar and I am absolutely in love with it! This guitar has a rich, full sound with a beautiful look. The mahogany back and sides provide plenty of warmth and sustain, while the spruce top produces excellent brightness. The output from the on-board Fishman electronics is crystal clear, with incredible note definition and plenty of volume. The neck is comfortable and fast, allowing for effortless playability. Overall, this is an amazing guitar that is perfect for any style of music. Highly recommended!
- Solid Spruce Top with Mahogany Back and Sides
- Dreadnought Body Style
- CT4B II Preamp with Onboard Tuner
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Gig-Ready Design with Die-Cast Chrome Tuners
6. Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for any musician looking for an instrument that offers a mix of classic acoustics and modern electronics. The solid Sitka spruce top and nato/okume back and sides provide a warm, well-rounded tone that’s perfect for any style of playing. The onboard System 66 preamp and SRT Piezo pickup give you the ability to amplify your sound and make it come alive. The cutaway design of this guitar allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it great for lead playing. The quality of construction and sound of the Yamaha FGX800C is on par with instruments costing much more, making it a great value for the money.
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top with Scalloped “X” Top Bracing
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- Maple Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard
- Onboard Yamaha System 66 Pickup/Preamp
- 25″ Scale Length and 43mm Nut Width
- Specialized Die-Cast Tuners
7. Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth
The Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle is a great purchase for any musician looking for a great sounding guitar. The solid spruce top provides excellent tone and projection while the rosewood fretboard ensures fast, accurate playing. The bundle also includes a hard case, tuner, strings, strap, picks, an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, and a polishing cloth. The Yamaha FGX800C is a great choice for any beginner to intermediate musician looking for an acoustic-electric they can play and practice on. The sound is clear, crisp and balanced and the action is smooth and comfortable. The hard case and other accessories are a great bonus and make the guitar travel-ready. Overall, I highly recommend the Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle for any musician looking for a great sounding, reliable guitar.
- Solid spruce top for rich, full sound
- Dovetail neck joint for long-term stability
- System 66 preamp with 2-band EQ, tuner and line-out jack
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Die-cast chrome tuners for easy and accurate tuning
- Natural finish to accentuate the beautiful wood grain
- Bundle includes hard case, tuner, strings, strap, picks, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, and polishing cloth
8. Ovation Applause 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Black, Mid-Depth (AE44II-5)
I recently purchased the Ovation Applause 6 String Acoustic-Electric guitar, and I’m absolutely in love! The guitar has a deep, rich sound that is both balanced and powerful. The mahogany body and neck provide the guitar with a smooth, mellow tone, while the mid-depth body adds warmth and resonance. The neck is slim and fast, making it great for both strumming and fingerpicking. The electronics are top-notch, providing a clear and natural sound. The onboard tuner is a great plus, and the preamp offers a 3-band EQ for dialing in the perfect tone. The guitar also looks great, with a sleek black finish and beautiful abalone inlays. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this guitar to anyone looking for a great acoustic-electric.
- 6-string acoustic-electric guitar
- Right-handed
- Black finish
- Mid-depth body shape
- Solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing
- Lyrachord composite back and sides
- Slimline composite neck
- 20-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Preamp and pickup system
- Chrome die-cast tuning machines
9. Fender Newporter Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar – Champagne
I recently purchased the Fender Newporter Player – California Series Acoustic Guitar – Champagne. I must say that I am very impressed with the quality of this guitar. The craftsmanship is of a very high level, and the sound of this guitar is excellent. The Mahogany body gives it a nice warm tone, while the Spruce top provides a crisp and bright sound. The frets are comfortable and easy to play, and the action is low and smooth. The tuners are reliable and keep the strings in tune. The champagne finish is beautiful and adds a unique look to the guitar. Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent acoustic guitar.
- Solid Spruce Top for enhanced tone and projection
- Mahogany back and sides for great resonance
- Fishman electronics for amplified performance
- Easy-to-play neck with “C”-shape profile and rolled fingerboard edges
- Modern Fender-inspired headstock design
- Chrome hardware and synthetic bone nut and saddle
- Gig bag included for easy transport
- Champagne finish and detailed body binding
- Scalloped bracing for increased low-end and projection
10. Fender FA-235E Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
I recently purchased the Fender FA-235E Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle and I am in love with it! It comes with everything you need to get started playing, including a gig bag, strap, strings, picks and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD. Additionally, the bundle includes a free trial to Fender Play Online Lessons, which is an excellent way for beginners to learn the basics of playing guitar. The guitar itself is incredibly well-built and looks great. The sound is amazing, both when playing acoustically and when plugged in. I would highly recommend this bundle for anyone who wants an excellent acoustic-electric guitar at a great price.
- Spruce Top with Mahogany back and sides
- Nato neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Fender-designed preamp with tuner
- Fishman pickup system
- Traditional Western body shape
- White binding with upgraded rosette
- Strap button with endpin jack
- Includes a gig bag, strap, strings, picks, Fender Play online lessons, and Austin Bazaar instructional DVD
- Cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
- High quality tuning machines
