key takeaway: acoustic-electric Choosing the best affordable acoustic electric guitar enhances your musical experience without breaking the bank. This guide highlights top options, providing insights into specifications, pros, and cons to aid you in making an informed decision for your needs.
Are you a music lover looking for the perfect acoustic-electric guitar that won’t break the bank? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best affordable options on the market.
Our top picks are perfect for local residents, cultural enthusiasts, community-oriented individuals, lifestyle and wellness advocates, food and fashion followers, history and culture buffs, and even podcast listeners who are searching for their next favourite instrument.
Fender CD-60SCE: The Classic Choice
The Fender CD-60SCE is a classic choice for an affordable acoustic-electric guitar. With a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar produces a warm and bright sound that is perfect for any genre. The cutaway design also allows for easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
For those who are particular about appearance, the Fender CD-60SCE comes in various finishes such as natural, black, sunburst, and even a stunning all-mahogany option. It also features built-in Fishman electronics with volume, bass, treble controls, and a tuner – perfect for live performances or studio recordings.
Product Specifications:
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Material: Solid Spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Mahogany
- Scale Length: 25.3 inches
- Electronics: Fishman CD Preamp with Tuner
Pros:
- Solid spruce top for a rich and vibrant sound.
- Versatile design that is suitable for various playing styles.
- Built-in tuner and preamp for easy live performances or recordings.
Cons:
- Some may find the neck width to be too narrow, making it challenging to play certain chords.
Yamaha APX600: The Sleek and Modern Option
The Yamaha APX600 is another popular choice in the world of affordable acoustic-electric guitars. It features a slim body design, perfect for players who prefer a more modern and lightweight instrument.
The mahogany back and sides and spruce top provide a well-balanced sound with warm lows and bright highs. One notable feature of the Yamaha APX600 is its built-in System 65 + SRT Piezo pickup system, which combines the under-saddle piezo pickup with an internal microphone for a natural and dynamic sound.
Additionally, it comes in various finishes, including black, natural, old violin sunburst, oriental blue burst, and vintage white – making it not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Product Specifications:
- Body Shape: APX thin-line cutaway
- Top Material: Spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Mahogany
- Scale Length: 25 inches
- Electronics: System 65 + SRT Piezo pickup system
Pros:
- Slim and lightweight design for easy handling and playing.
- Built-in System 65 + SRT Piezo pickup system for a natural and dynamic sound.
Cons:
- The slim body design may not be suitable for players who prefer a fuller tone and resonance.
Epiphone PR-4E: The Best Budget Acoustic Electric Guitar
If you’re on a tight budget, the Epiphone PR-4E is an excellent option to consider. This guitar features a select spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a warm and balanced sound. It also comes with a built-in Shadow preamp and pickup system, making it easy to plug into an amplifier or PA system.
One unique feature of the Epiphone PR-4E is its cutaway design, which allows for easier access to higher frets, making it suitable for solo performances or jamming sessions. It’s also worth noting that this guitar comes with a gig bag included, making it a value-for-money purchase.
Product Specifications:
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Material: Select Spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Mahogany
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
- Electronics: Shadow preamp and pickup system
Pros:
- Affordable price point without compromising on sound quality.
- Comes with a gig bag included for added convenience.
Cons:
- The action may need adjustment for some players to achieve a comfortable playing experience.
Yamaha FSX830C: The Versatile All-Rounder
The Yamaha FSX830C is an all-around performer that can handle various playing styles and genres. With its solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, this guitar produces a warm and dynamic sound with excellent projection. Its concert body shape also makes it comfortable to play, making it suitable for players of all levels.
In terms of electronics, the Yamaha FSX830C comes equipped with an SRT Zero Impact piezo pickup and preamp system, providing a natural and authentic sound when plugged in. It also features an onboard tuner, making it easy to stay in tune at all times.
Product Specifications:
- Body Shape: Concert
- Top Material: Solid Spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 25 inches
- Electronics: System 66 preamp with SRT Zero Impact piezo pickup system
Pros:
- Versatile design is suitable for various playing styles.
- Natural and authentic sound quality when plugged in.
Cons:
- Some players may find the concert body shape too small for their liking.
Ibanez AW54CE: The Classic Beauty
Last but not least, the Ibanez AW54CE is a classic beauty with its solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides. This guitar produces a warm and rich sound that works well for fingerstyle playing. It also features an open-pore finish, allowing the wood to breathe and produce a more resonant tone.
In terms of electronics, the Ibanez AW54CE comes with a Fishman Sonicore pickup and AEQ-SP2 preamp system, providing natural-sounding amplification. It also has an onboard tuner for added convenience.
Product Specifications:
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top Material: Solid Mahogany
- Back and Sides Material: Mahogany
- Scale Length: 25.6 inches
- Electronics: Fishman Sonicore pickup with AEQ-SP2 preamp system
Pros:
- Classic and elegant design with a warm and rich sound.
- Open-pore finish for enhanced resonance.
Cons:
- The action may need adjustment for some players to achieve a comfortable playing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an acoustic-electric guitar?
An acoustic electric guitar is a traditional acoustic guitar that includes built-in electronics, such as a pickup and preamp system, allowing it to be amplified. This feature makes it suitable for both solo performances and live gigs.
How do I choose the right acoustic electric guitar for me?
When selecting an acoustic-electric guitar, consider factors such as body shape, top material, and onboard electronics. It’s important to try different models to see which one feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
Do I need an amplifier to use an acoustic electric guitar?
While an acoustic-electric guitar can be played without an amplifier like a regular acoustic guitar, using one allows you to enhance your sound and achieve a louder volume during performances.
How do I take care of my acoustic electric guitar?
To maintain your guitar, regularly clean the body with a soft, dry cloth, keep it in a suitable case to protect it from temperature and humidity changes, and check the setup for optimal action and intonation.
Can I use normal guitar strings on an acoustic-electric guitar?
Yes, you can use the same type of strings on an acoustic-electric guitar as you would on a traditional acoustic guitar. However, if you plan to plug in frequently, consider using strings that complement the tonal qualities of the built-in electronics.
Conclusion: best affordable acoustic electric guitar
In conclusion, there are plenty of options available when it comes to affordable acoustic-electric guitars. It all boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, design, and features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player on a budget, these five guitars mentioned above are sure to provide you with a quality instrument for your musical journey. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each guitar and choose one that suits your needs and playing style best.