Best Affordable Electric Acoustic Guitars for Beginners and Pros
Best Affordable Electric Acoustic Guitars. Looking for an affordable electric acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank?
You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best options out there for those on a budget. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned player looking for a more affordable option, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Hi. Ian here and welcome to this article about the best affordable electric acoustic guitars for beginners and pros. I’m a passionate guitarist myself, and I’ve been playing for over 30 years. I’ve seen and tried a lot of guitars in my time, and I know what to look for in a great instrument, especially at an affordable price.
If you’re a beginner guitarist, you might be wondering if you need an electric acoustic guitar. The answer is: that it depends. If you’re just starting, I recommend getting a regular acoustic guitar first. Electric acoustic guitars can be a bit more expensive, and they can be more difficult to set up and maintain. However, if you plan on playing live or recording, an electric acoustic guitar is a great option.
Electric acoustic guitars are perfect for musicians who want the best of both worlds. They have the sound and feel of an acoustic guitar, but they can also be plugged into an amp or PA system for more volume and control. This makes them ideal for live performances and recording.
Another benefit of electric acoustic guitars is that they’re often more comfortable to play than regular acoustic guitars. They typically have thinner necks and lower action, which makes them easier to fret. This is especially important for beginners, who may have smaller hands and less finger strength.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable electric acoustic guitar that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike, here are a few of my recommendations:
- Fender CD-60SCE
- Yamaha FG800CE
- Epiphone DR-100CE
- Ibanez AW54CE
- Cort AC200CE
These guitars all offer excellent sound quality and playability at a very reasonable price. They’re also all relatively easy to set up and maintain.
No matter which guitar you choose, make sure to get it set up by a qualified guitar technician. This will ensure that the guitar is playing its best and that it’s comfortable to play.
Once you have your new guitar, it’s time to start playing! Here are a few tips for beginners:
- Start by learning the basic chords. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of guitar playing.
- Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
- Find a good teacher. If you can afford it, I recommend taking guitar lessons from a qualified teacher. A good teacher can help you learn the basics of guitar playing and technique.
- Play with other musicians. One of the best ways to improve your guitar skills is to play with other musicians. This is a great way to learn new things and challenge yourself.
Learning to play the guitar is a rewarding experience, and it’s never too late to start. With a little practice, you’ll be playing your favourite songs in no time!
Thanks for reading!
Resources
- Guitar Tricks: https://www.guitartricks.com/
- JustinGuitar: https://www.justinguitar.com/
- Fender Play: https://play.fender.com/
- Guitar World: https://www.guitarworld.com/
- Acoustic Guitar: https://www.acousticguitar.com/
In respect to finding the best affordable electric acoustic guitar, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a quality instrument that will sound great and hold up over time. You’ll also want to consider your own needs and preferences, such as the style of music you play and the size and shape of the guitar that feels most comfortable to you. With all of these factors in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market today.
Top Affordable Electric Acoustic Guitars
If you’re looking for an electric acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great options out there that offer excellent value for money. Here are three of the best affordable electric acoustic guitars on the market today:
1. Yamaha FX370C Full Size Electro-Acoustic Guitar
The Yamaha FX370C Full Size Electro-Acoustic Guitar is a great option for beginner and intermediate players who are looking for an affordable and versatile acoustic guitar.
It features a solid spruce top and laminated nato back and sides, which provide a warm, rich sound.
The nato neck is comfortable to play with, and the rosewood fingerboard is smooth and responsive.
The guitar also features a built-in A.R.T. System 58 preamp system with a built-in tuner.
2. Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is a classic acoustic-electric guitar that has been a favourite of musicians for decades. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which provide a warm, full-bodied tone. The guitar also features a shorter scale length, which makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands.
The Hummingbird Pro comes equipped with an onboard Fishman Sonitone pickup, which provides excellent sound quality and feedback resistance. The guitar also features a slim neck and low action, which make it easy to play for extended periods. Whether you’re strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle arrangements, the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is a great choice.
3. Fender 0930307032 SA-105CE Dreadnought Cutaway Electric Guitar
The Fender 0930307032 SA-105CE Dreadnought Cutaway Electric Guitar is a great choice for players who are looking for an affordable and versatile electric acoustic guitar and a great option for players who want the ability to plug in and amplify their sound.
The dreadnought body shape is a classic choice for a reason. It produces a warm and rich sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, from folk to country to rock.
The Fender 0930307032 SA-105CE Dreadnought Cutaway Electric Guitar is great value for the money. It offers a high level of quality and performance at a very reasonable price.
Easy to play and maintain, the neck is comfortable and the action is low, which makes it easy to fret chords and notes. The guitar is also made with laminate wood, which is less prone to warping and cracking than solid wood. This makes the guitar easier to maintain and keep in good condition.
4. Ibanez Performance Series PF15ECE-TBS -Acoustic Guitar
The Ibanez Performance Series PF15ECE-TBS is an electro-acoustic guitar that is part of the Performance Series, which is a line of affordable and high-quality guitars from Ibanez.
The PF15ECE-TBS features a dreadnought body shape with a cutaway, which makes it easy to access the upper frets.
The guitar is made with a laminate spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which provides a warm and rich sound. It also features a built-in Ibanez under-saddle pickup and the Ibanez AEQ2T preamp with a built-in tuner.
Other features include a Laurel fretboard and bridge, chrome die-cast tuners and Ibanez Advantage Bridge pins to prevent string slippage and improve tuning stability.
Overall, the Ibanez Performance Series PF15ECE-TBS is a great option for beginners and intermediate players who are looking for a versatile and affordable acoustic guitar.
Tonewoods
When it comes to electric acoustic guitars, the type of tonewood used can greatly affect the sound quality. Here are some of the most popular tonewoods used in affordable electric acoustic guitars:
1. Spruce Top
Spruce is a popular choice for guitar tops due to its bright and clear sound. It has a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which allows it to vibrate freely and produce a loud, well-balanced sound. Spruce top guitars are great for fingerpicking and strumming, making them a versatile choice for many different playing styles.
2. Mahogany Back and Sides
Mahogany is a dense, hardwood that is often used for the back and sides of guitars. It produces a warm and rich sound with a strong mid-range, making it great for blues, folk, and rock music. Mahogany back and sides can also help to balance out the bright sound of a spruce top, resulting in a well-rounded tone.
3. Rosewood
Rosewood is a popular choice for fretboards and bridges due to its durability and resonance. It is also used for the back and sides of some guitars, producing a warm and rich sound with a strong bass response. Rosewood guitars are great for fingerstyle playing and can produce a complex, layered sound.
4. Koa
Koa is a Hawaiian hardwood that is known for its beautiful grain patterns and warm, bright sound. It has a similar tone to mahogany but with a more pronounced mid-range and treble response. Koa guitars are great for strumming and fingerpicking, and their unique sound makes them a popular choice for many musicians.
5. Ovangkol
Ovangkol is a dense, African hardwood that is becoming increasingly popular in guitar making. It produces a warm and balanced sound with a strong mid-range, making it a great choice for many different playing styles. Ovangkol guitars are also known for their beautiful grain patterns, making them a visually stunning addition to any collection.
Overall, the type of tonewood used in an electric acoustic guitar can greatly affect the sound quality and playing experience. By understanding the properties of different tonewoods, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best affordable electric acoustic guitar for your needs.
Body Shapes
When it comes to choosing the best affordable electric acoustic guitar, one of the most important considerations is the body shape. Different body shapes produce different tones, and each shape has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are three of the most common body shapes you’ll come across:
Dreadnought
The dreadnought body shape is one of the most popular and iconic shapes in the world of acoustic guitars. It was first introduced by Martin in the 1930s and has since become a staple in the industry. Dreadnoughts have a large, boxy shape with a wide waist and a relatively shallow depth. This gives them a powerful, booming sound that’s great for strumming and Flatpicking. They’re also very versatile and can handle a wide range of playing styles and genres.
Cutaway
Cutaway body shapes are designed to make it easier to play higher up the neck. They have a curved indentation on the upper body of the guitar, which allows you to reach higher frets without having to contort your hand around the body. Cutaways are great for lead playing and soloing, but they can sacrifice some of the volume and resonance of a full-bodied guitar. If you’re primarily a rhythm player, you might be better off with a different body shape.
Grand Auditorium
Grand Auditorium (GA) body shapes are a relatively recent addition to the world of acoustic guitars. They’re similar in size to dreadnoughts but with a more rounded shape and a narrower waist. This gives them a more balanced sound that’s well-suited to fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. GAs are also often more comfortable to play than dreadnoughts, thanks to their slightly smaller size and more ergonomic shape.
In summary, choosing the right body shape is an important part of finding the best affordable electric acoustic guitar for your needs. Dreadnoughts are great all-rounders, cutaways are ideal for lead playing, and grand auditoriums are perfect for fingerpicking and lighter styles. Consider your playing style and the sound you’re looking for, and choose the body shape that best fits your needs.
Pickups and Preamps
When it comes to electric acoustic guitars, the pickups, and preamps are what make them stand out from traditional acoustic guitars. They allow you to plug in your guitar to an amplifier or sound system and produce a louder, clearer sound. Here are a few popular options for pickups and preamps:
1. Fishman Pickup and Preamp
Fishman is a well-known brand in the world of acoustic guitar pickups and preamps. Their products are known for their clarity and precision. The Fishman MX pickup and preamp system is a popular choice for many electric acoustic guitar players. It features a soundhole-mounted pickup and an onboard preamp that allows you to adjust the volume and tone of your guitar.
2. Expression System 2
The Expression System 2 is a pickup and preamp system developed by Taylor Guitars. It features three pickup sensors that are mounted behind the guitar’s saddle. This allows for a more natural and balanced sound. The preamp also features tone and volume controls, as well as a built-in tuner.
Overall, the right pickup and preamp system can make a big difference in the sound of your electric acoustic guitar. It’s important to choose a system that fits your playing style and preferences.
Playability and Sound Quality
When it comes to choosing an affordable electric acoustic guitar, playability and sound quality are two of the most important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Shorter Scale Length
A shorter scale length can make a guitar easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands. This is because the frets are closer together, which reduces the distance you need to stretch your fingers. Shorter scale lengths can also make it easier to play chords and bend strings.
Low Action
Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Low action means the strings are closer to the fretboard, which can make it easier to play. It also reduces the amount of pressure you need to apply to the strings, making it easier to play for longer periods without experiencing fatigue.
Scalloped X Bracing
Scalloped X bracing is a type of internal bracing that can improve the sound quality of a guitar. It involves carving out sections of the X bracing pattern to reduce weight and increase flexibility. This allows the top of the guitar to vibrate more freely, which can result in a more responsive and resonant sound.
Overall, choosing a guitar with a shorter scale length, low action, and scalloped X bracing can greatly improve the playability and sound quality of an electric acoustic guitar. Keep these features in mind when selecting your next instrument.
If you are considering buying an affordable electric acoustic guitar, you may have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you make an informed decision.
FAQs
What is an electric acoustic guitar?
An electric acoustic guitar is a type of guitar that has a built-in pickup and preamp system, allowing it to be connected to an amplifier or sound system. It can be played acoustically like a regular acoustic guitar or plugged in for amplified sound.
What is the difference between a regular acoustic guitar and an electric acoustic guitar?
The main difference between a regular acoustic guitar and an electric acoustic guitar is that the latter has a built-in pickup and preamp system. This allows the guitar to be amplified and also gives it more versatility in terms of sound. Electric acoustic guitars can be played acoustically or plugged in for amplified sound, whereas regular acoustic guitars can only be played acoustically.
Are affordable electric acoustic guitars any good?
Affordable electric-acoustic guitars can be of good quality, but it depends on the brand and model. Some affordable options may have lower-quality materials or construction, which can affect sound and playability. However, many reputable brands offer affordable electric acoustic guitars that are of good quality.
What should I look for when buying an affordable electric-acoustic guitar?
When buying an affordable electric acoustic guitar, you should consider factors such as brand, materials, construction, sound quality, and playability. Look for a well-built guitar, that has a good sound, and is comfortable to play. You may also want to consider the style and design of the guitar, as well as any additional features such as built-in tuners or EQ controls.
How do I maintain my electric acoustic guitar?
To maintain your electric acoustic guitar, you should keep it clean and properly store it when not in use. You may also need to change the strings periodically and have the guitar professionally set up if necessary. It is also important to keep the electronics and hardware in good condition by avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding an affordable electric acoustic guitar can be a challenge, but there are options available that won’t break the bank. By considering your needs and budget, you can find a guitar that suits your style and preferences.
When it comes to finding the best affordable electric acoustic guitars, it’s important to read reviews and do your research. Look for guitars that have a good reputation and are well-reviewed by other musicians.
If you’re just starting, a cheap acoustic guitar may be a good option, as it will allow you to learn the basics without spending too much money. For children, there are also smaller-sized guitars available that are easier to play and handle.
When it comes to amplifying your guitar, an audio interface and PA system can help you get the most out of your instrument. Look for options that are affordable and easy to use.
Overall, there are many great options available for those looking for the best affordable electric acoustic guitars. By doing your research and considering your needs, you can find a guitar that will help you create beautiful music for years to come.
