If you are thinking about amplifying your sound, getting an acoustic electric guitar might just be the answer for you. With its electronic components, an acoustic electric guitar allows a player to enhance the sound of their guitar and also record it if desired.
They're jam-packed with pickups, which transform the vibration of the string into an electrical signal that can be boosted by an amplifier.
In case you are new to the guitar world, we have prepared a buying guide, along with the reasons why you should buy the chosen items in this list.
Buying Guide for Electric Guitars
You can confidently get one of the best acoustic electric guitars from the market now that you know your options. Before you go out and buy your guitar, there are a few things you should consider.
Your Style
Each guitarist possesses his own distinct approach to the instrument. Some people prefer large body guitars, while others do not. In fact, people even have different preferences for the material of strings. Some players are comfortable with steel when some others want soft nylon strings. When it comes to purchasing an acoustic-electric guitar, you should keep your comfort and style in mind
Price of Guitars
There are varieties of acoustic electric guitars in different ranges of price. Although most good quality instruments come with higher price tags, you can definitely find some noteworthy models with good quality within an affordable price range. Consider your budget, requirements and dedication before purchasing your guitar.
Tuners and Adjustment Knobs
The majority of acoustic-electric guitars allow you to control tunes, effects, and sounds. Some of them have built-in tuners as well as adjustment knobs, giving them much more sound quality options.
If you are in search of a quality acoustic electric guitar with installed preamps to magnify your sound quality, we have arrived at the right place. In order to help you run your performance with a bang, we have prepared a rundown of the best acoustic electric guitar you can find out there in 2021.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy Now |
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Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric | Spruce top Mahogany laminated back and sides Satin finish Warm, round sound Enhanced playability | $$$ | ||
Gibson J-200 Standard | Spruce top Maple back Truss rod cover Assisted by comprehensive Plek | $$$$ | ||
Epiphone DOVE PRO | Spruce top Maple back and sides Fishman Electronics Rosewood fingerboard Dovetail neck joint Slimtaper "D" profile | $$$ | ||
Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex | Spruce top Rosewood back Built-in tuners and three-band EQ Mahogany neck Gain controls Natural shiny finish | $$$ | ||
Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium | Spruce top Rosewood back and sides Sapele saddle wood neck Steel strings | $$$$ | ||
Yamaha FGX820C | Sitka spruce top Mahogany back Rosewood fretboard and bridge Diecast tuners Adjustable truss rod | $$$ |
1. Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic/Electric
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, the Martin LX1E proves that size doesn't always matter. The combination of a sturdy Sitka spruce top, mahogany high-pressure laminate back and sides, and a satin finish gives this acoustic-electric guitar such a great sound. This guitar's sound is very smooth thanks to the high-quality materials used. Since it is small in size, the guitar is easy to carry around, including the parks and beaches. The small size however does not limit the amount of volume you can get out of it. It is of no doubt that smaller hands can be benefitted from this guitar with easier playability as well.
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2. Gibson J-200 Standard
This guitar is a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition piece. Gibson is known for manufacturing high-quality goods, and the J-200 Standard lives up to that reputation. This is Gibson's new take on the legendary Super Jumbo, which has been around in some form or another since 1937. It's a body style with an extended, circular shape for big sounds and presence. It's incredibly punchy and has a lot of presence, both in the low end and among the more dazzling high notes.
Since the price of J-200 is quite high, it is no wonder that exceptional quality throughout is expected. We are thrilled to inform you that, the guitar stands up to its expectations. Every inch of the guitar is well crafted and the end result is a breathtakingly beautiful guitar that feels extremely unique in your hands.
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3. Epiphone DOVE PRO
The Epiphone Dove Pro is not just the best guitar that you can find under $400, but also the one of the best ones that you can get in any price range. Although Epiphone is Gibson's more affordable brand, that doesn't mean the Dove Pro isn't of high quality. With Spruce wood on the wood and Maple wood on the back and sides paired with Fishman electronics, this guitar looks ravishing as well as sounds wonderful. It’s rosewood fingerboard and dovetail neck joint could leave you mesmerized, that too only under four hundred dollars.
The beautiful inlay design on the pickguard and fretboard really help to elevate the Dove Pro's overall appearance. With these incredible features, high quality and reasonable price, you could never go wrong with the Epiphone Dove Pro.
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4. Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex
The GN93CE-NAT guitar from Takamine is a mid-range electric acoustic with some interesting features, including the rosewood fretboard. This model has a slimline mahogany neck with a 12 inches radius fretboard and comes in Takamine's NEX cutaway guitar body.
As a result, you will have an acoustic that really is easy to play and comfortable right up to the high frets. It is indeed suitable for virtuoso musicians. Takamine also employs their own preamp setup, which features three-band EQ and gain controls, as well as a mid contour turn, notch filter, and EQ bypass. All sounds fantastic.
Surprisingly, the back of this guitar is perhaps the most visually pleasing, with a beautiful rosewood fretboard and three-piece quilt maple pattern. You will have to look at it for a while till you can get yourself to flip it over and play. However, that does not imply that the front is not adorable, the entire package has a more upscale feel to it than the price suggests.
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5. Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium
The Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium is comparatively smaller in size than the others we have mentioned in this article. This is advantageous in a way, since the size makes it more comfortable, flexible and portable.
It gives this guitar a lot of versatility, particularly when combined with the 'Expression' electronics system, which allows for a lot of tone customization. Combine with a powerful wireless instrument system.
The 214ce has a good bright tone, but it lacks the depth and sound which a dreadnought type auditorium body can have. When it comes to appearance and construction, this model lives up to the standards and care of the Taylor line. You might wish something with a little more flair at this price, but we wouldn't consider that a major flaw.
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6. Yamaha FGX820C
Yamaha is always a decent option if you're not trying to spend a lot of money but insist on high quality. A strong spruce top, mahogany back and sides, as well as a rosewood fingerboard with fitted bridge- all of these for a very reasonable price is undoubtedly a great deal. The inward bracing on the body is curved which contributes to producing an enhanced and melodious tone. A System 66 preamp system that includes a three-band EQ as well as a built-in tuner makes it more precise. This mid-range instrument with all the good qualities adds good value for the money.
You will love the natural satin finish of the guitar.
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Built-in preamps and tuners of an acoustic-electric guitar can always come handy when you want an enhanced sound quality fir your gigs. We hope that you found this article useful for selecting from the best acoustic electric guitars. On another note, if you don’t want to buy an acoustic guitar, you can add electric gears and preamps to your acoustic one. Do check out our other articles on guitars to buy the best instruments and perhaps, have a read on our "Super Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners" after your purchase.