Finding the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500

Finding the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500









admin







March 13, 2024







No Comments









Are you looking for the best acoustic electric guitar under 500? Our expert selection includes affordable and reliable workhorse acoustic guitars with built-in electronics.









Best Under $200





Washburn WA90CEAn affordable acoustic-
electric guitar with
surprisingly good quality
hardware, and a nice
balanced sound.








Sweetwater










Amazon













Read Review













Best Under $300





Ibanez PF15ECEAn easy-to-play standard
dreadnought cutaway
acoustic-electric guitar
with Ibanez' brand of
craftsmanship.








Sweetwater










Amazon













Read Review













Best Under $300





Epiphone Dove StudioThe affordable sibling of
the Gibson Dove, complete
with the Dove's unique
pickguard and bridge
designs.








Sweetwater










Amazon













Read Review













Best Under $200





Guild D-240EA pickup-equipped, solid
spruce top acoustic guitar
with Guild's vintage style
aesthetics and Fishman
electronics.








Sweetwater










Amazon













Read Review













Best Under $500





Yamaha FGX800CYamaha's student-friendly
design is showcased in
this stage-ready solid-top
acoustic-electric
guitar.








Sweetwater










Amazon













Read Review












We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.












The competition in the sub-$500 price range is stiff, with manufacturers regularly releasing new models or updating their current lineup to get an edge. No wonder this price range is brimming with hidden gems!This guide features top-rated budget acoustic guitars with built-in pickups, showcasing their unique features, playability, and sonic character. I’ll also share practical insights on crucial factors to consider, ensuring you land an instrument that perfectly complements your musical style and aspirations.The selections are divided into three sub-price groups: sub $200, $200 to $300, and $300 to $500.Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking an affordable stage companion or a beginner who wants a serious starting instrument, you’ll find a suitable stage-ready acoustic-electric guitar here.






















Table of Contents












Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $200













Washburn WA90CE













Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $300













Ibanez PF15ECE







D'Angelico Premier Tammany LS













Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $500













Guild D-240E







Yamaha FGX800C







Epiphone Dove Studio













Things to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Electric Guitar















The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $200















Washburn WA90CE



Best Budget Pick

















Washburn



Guitarsite Expert Opinion







A budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar with linden wood, which sounds surprisingly good and balanced for the price. It also has a built-in pickup for easy amplification, making this a good beginner guitar you can play on stage as your playing experience progresses.





















0

out of 100








Manufacturer: WashburnTop Wood: Spruce








Check Out on Sweetwater










Check Out on Amazon









We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.











Washburn Guitars is a long-standing American instrument manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1883. While not as prestigious as some beloved brands, Washburn offers consistent quality across price ranges and great guitars in the entry- to mid-tier markets.A case in point is the Washburn WA90CE, a budget-friendly acoustic-electric guitar under $200, making it a good option for beginner and intermediate players seeking an affordable instrument.To keep the price low, more economical and renewable wood, specifically linden wood, is used. This wood and body configuration produces a balanced tone that works well with pop, folk, and similar styles.The Okoume neck has a black walnut fingerboard, which is nice to the touch and comfortable to play on.It has a built-in Barcus Berry LX4 preamp system, which is easy to use and provides a decent amplified tone.While it may not appeal to those used to solid top response and tone, the WA90CE provides a good entry point for aspiring musicians on a tight budget.







Pros:







Good build quality and playability for the price.








Cons:







Won't appeal to experienced musicians














Specifications:
Body Shape: Dreadnought CutawayTop: SpruceBody: MahoganyFinish: GlossBridge: RosewoodNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodNumber of Frets: 20Electronics: Isys+ Preamp with TunerPickup Type: Active





























The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $300















Ibanez PF15ECE



Best in Playability
















Ibanez PF15ECE



Guitarsite Expert Opinion







This guitar gives you a full-size profile, Ibanez’s fast playability, standard dreadnought shape, and modern built-in electronics – all in a very affordable and eye-catching package.





















0

out of 100








Manufacturer: IbanezTop Wood: Spruce (laminated)








Check out on sweetwater










Check out on Amazon









We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.











Ibanez has made it possible to own good quality acoustic-electric guitars in the entry-level market, as exemplified by the Ibanez PF15ECE.This guitar offers a full-size profile, Ibanez’s fast playability, a standard dreadnought shape, and modern built-in electronics—all in a very affordable package. It is also easy on the eyes, with a minimalist design and gloss finish. However, I am not a fan of the gloss finish.To get the price this low, Ibanez designed the PF15ECE to be as streamlined as possible, starting with a dreadnought body that comprises a laminate spruce top and laminate mahogany back/sides.The guitar’s X-bracing aids its acoustic projection and structurally and sonically supports the spruce top. Playability-wise, the neck will sport Ibanez’s brand of fast action, with a scale length of 24.96″ and nut width of 1.65″.The guitar’s cut-away shape lets you reach higher frets better, adding to the instrument’s appeal. Finally, Ibanez equipped the PF15ECE with their AEQ-2T pickup and preamp system with a built-in tuner.If you want a quality budget workhorse acoustic-electric that’s easy on the pocket and hands, check this out.










Pros:







Smooth playability, good value








Cons:







Not a fan of its gloss finish













Specifications:
Body Shape: Dreadnought – CutawayTop: Spruce (laminated)Body: Nyatoh back & sidesFinish: GlossBridge: RosewoodNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard Radius: 250 mmNumber of Frets: 20Scale Length: 24.96″Nut Width: 1.654″Electronics: Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp with onboard tuner





























D'Angelico Premier Tammany LS



Best Affordable Mahogany Guitar
















D'Angelico Premier Tammany LS



Guitarsite Expert Opinion







An afffordable all-mahogany body with a warm and balanced tone at an accessible price point. The built-in pickup and preamp system reproduces this warm tonality nicely, making this an impressively good-sounding stage instrument for the price.





















0

out of 100








Manufacturer: D’AngelicoTop Wood: Mahogany (laminated)








Check out on sweetwater










Check out on Amazon









We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.











One look at the headstock, and you know that the D’Angelico Premier Tammany LS is not your average acoustic guitar. This also applies to its tonewood configuration, which features an all-laminate mahogany body, significantly departing from the usual spruce + mahogany configurations.This makes the Tammany LS an attractive option for those who want a warm-sounding practice guitar that can be played on stage.Get the latest D’Angelico Premier Tammany LS price and reviews at Sweetwater.comWhile it would’ve been nice to get a solid-top guitar, laminate construction has advantages, especially laminate mahogany. The most obvious is cost reduction, but there is also better durability and resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations.This guitar has a Fishman Sonitone preamp system with EQ, volume control, and a tuner. Many guitar manufacturers widely use this preamp system, so the amplified sound is what you’d expect.Value for Money: At its price point, the Tammany LS offers a good balance of features and affordability. Compared to other guitars in this range, it boasts a well-respected brand name and the convenience of onboard electronics.However, players seeking a more nuanced and resonant sound might prefer to explore guitars with solid wood tops in a higher price bracket.Brand Reputation and Who it’s For: D’Angelico is an established American guitar manufacturer known for its vintage-inspired aesthetics and focus on playability. While not on par with some high-end brands in terms of prestige, the Tammany LS provides a solid foundation for budding musicians, especially those on a budget.Its comfortable neck and warm tone make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, strumming, and singing along. Additionally, the onboard electronics make it a viable instrument for casual performances.While I would consider it for something other than professional use due to its laminate construction, the D’Angelico Premier Tammany LS offers a practical and affordable entry point for aspiring guitarists seeking a playable and well-rounded acoustic-electric instrument.










Pros:







Distinct warm tone, Stand out appeal, Satin finish








Cons:







Not for those who want a more nuanced and resonant sound