9+ Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500 | Unrivaled Guide 2023

The journey of figuring out which is the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500  may seem long and daunting. With so many electric guitar brands and models, you are often spoiled for choice. However, the options can become simpler if you focus your attention only on those alternatives that may work for you.

To help you in this endeavor, we have chosen to create this guide for electric guitars and direct you to a more suitable purchase. Do you want to choose the best budget guitar ? Or do you settle for the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500 Or do you prefer to select your next electric guitar among the best electric guitars under $ 1000?

Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under  500 $| 2023

In our guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to talk about when choosing a six-string. We will find out which are the famous electric guitars and also a little history of this legendary instrument.

Aside from the different forms and styles of music that each of us is accustomed to, there are other considerations to make. Each electric guitar has a different setup and interesting pickup combinations. There will never be two identical guitars, of the same range and the same sound.   Don’t worry about all the information you will find on the internet. Our guide is truly comprehensive and will be very useful to find the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500

Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $ 500 | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $ 500 | 2023 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The Vongoa 3/4 Size Electric Acoustic Guitar is a 36-inch acoustic-electric guitar designed for beginners and juniors. It features an orchestra model body with a cutaway design, allowing for easier access to the upper frets. The guitar is made with an improved AAA spruce top, Sapele sides and back, producing a brighter sound at high frequency and a warmer tone at middle frequency, perfect for fingerstyle, country and blues music genres.

One of the key features of this guitar is the ability to play it both acoustically and electrically. When played unplugged, it produces a bright and warm sound as an acoustic guitar. The onboard 2-band EQ (Bass and Treble) and amp jack allow for easy amplification and modification of the sound to meet the player’s emotional expression. This makes it perfect for home practicing, busking, street shows, and even stage performances.

In terms of comfort and playability, the guitar has a slender type C neck for a cozy hold, and a built-in two-way truss rod for adjusting the proper string height and keeping the guitar neck straight. The 18:1 ratio gears ensure precise and accurate tuning, while the closed chrome-plated design tuning pegs are solid, dust-resistant and long-lasting. The guitar also comes with a complete kit including 3 guitar picks, a padded gig bag, adjustable guitar strap, extra strings, a truss rod Allen key, user manual, clip-on tuner, amplifier cable, self-adhesive pickguard, cleaning cloth, instructions and a capo.

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Product Overview:

The Fender CD-60SCE Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a versatile and high-quality instrument that is perfect for both beginner and experienced players. It comes in a natural color, with a sleek and elegant design that is sure to impress. The guitar features a Venetian-cutaway body, which allows for easy upper-fret access and improved playability.

The top of the guitar is made from solid spruce, which is known for its excellent tonal qualities and durability. The scalloped "X"-bracing on the top of the guitar enhances the overall sound projection and provides a rich and full sound. The back and sides of the guitar are made from mahogany, which adds warmth and depth to the overall tone.

The guitar's neck is designed to be easy to play, with rolled fingerboard edges that provide a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The fingerboard and bridge are made from rosewood, which is known for its durability and bright, balanced tone. The guitar also features a Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp system, which allows you to easily amplify your sound and play the guitar through an amp or PA system. Overall, the Fender CD-60SCE is a high-quality, versatile and elegant guitar that is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and great-sounding instrument.

Product Overview:

The Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a highly affordable option for beginners looking for a versatile and visually stunning instrument. With a laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides, this guitar produces a great tone and is able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The Nato, C-shaped neck with walnut fingerboard offers great playability and a comfortable feel for players of all skill levels. The Viking bridge, which is visually striking, provides great tonal support and adds to the overall aesthetic of the guitar.

The guitar also features Fishman electronics that provide a solid amplified tone, making it perfect for performing on stage or in a studio setting. The black color of the guitar gives it a sleek and modern look, while the dreadnought body style is a classic choice for acoustic guitars. The bundle package also comes with a gig bag, strap, strings, picks, Fender Play online lessons, and an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, which provides everything a beginner needs to start playing.

Overall, the Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike. Its combination of affordability, playability, and versatility make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a great sounding, reliable instrument. Its sleek black finish and visually striking Viking bridge make it a great option for those looking for a guitar that looks as good as it sounds. With this bundle package, it's easy to start learning to play the guitar with all the necessary tools included.

Product Overview:

The R.W. Jameson Full Size Thinline Acoustic Electric Guitar is a versatile and stylish instrument that offers the best of both worlds for guitar players. With its classic acoustic guitar design, this 41" guitar is crafted with a spruce top and a basswood body, making it both durable and beautiful. The electric-acoustic versatility of this guitar is what sets it apart from others. When played unplugged, it produces clean and raw acoustic tones that are perfect for a variety of musical genres. However, when plugged into an amp, it can produce a customizable electric tone with its on-board 4-band pickup/EQ.

This guitar is perfect for students and musicians of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this guitar offers endless appeal. It is well-made and of excellent quality, ensuring a great experience every time. In addition to its sound and performance, this thinline cutaway acoustic electric guitar is also designed for comfort. The classic cutaway shape allows for higher positioning and ample comfort, making it easier to learn to play.

This guitar package is truly a complete kit. Included with the guitar is a perfect-fitting guitar gig bag, a shoulder strap, an extra set of strings, three celluloid picks, and a cable. This is everything you need to start playing (minus the amp) and with such great quality, musicians at every level will be pleased by the sound and performance. Overall, the R.W. Jameson Full Size Thinline Acoustic Electric Guitar is one of the nicest guitar bundles around and is definitely worth considering for anyone in search of an acoustic-electric guitar.

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Product Overview:

The Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCEOPN Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument that boasts a satin natural finish and all-mahogany construction. This combination gives the guitar a warm, full tone that is perfect for a variety of musical styles. The open pore natural finish adds to the guitar's natural, subtle aesthetics, but it also contributes to the sound of the instrument.

One of the most notable features of this guitar is its electronics. The Ibanez under-saddle pickup with AEQ2T preamp and built-in tuner allows for easy amplification and tuning. The guitar also features a tortoise rosette, rosewood fretboard and bridge with Ibanez Advantage bridge pins for improved tuning stability.

In summary, the Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCEOPN Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument that is perfect for musicians of all skill levels. Its all-mahogany construction and open pore natural finish give it a warm, full tone, while its electronics and other features make it easy to play and amplify. This guitar is currently unavailable.

Product Overview:

The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is a high-quality instrument that is designed for the serious musician. It features premium tonewoods, including a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which provide a warm and rich tone that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The cutaway design allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it ideal for soloing and fingerstyle playing.

The guitar also comes with a built-in pickup and preamp system, which allows you to amplify your sound and perform live. The preamp includes tone and volume controls, as well as a built-in tuner, so you can always be sure that your guitar is in tune. The package includes a padded gig bag, a set of extra strings, and a guitar strap, everything you need to start playing right away.

This guitar package comes in a striking red finish which will definitely catch the eyes of anyone who loves a good guitar. The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is perfect for players of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality instrument that is both versatile and affordable. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, this guitar will provide you with the sound and playability you need to take your music to the next level.

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Product Overview:

The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a compact, acoustic/electric guitar that is perfect for musicians on the go. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, which provides a rich, warm tone with a bright and clear projection. The guitar has a modified low oval neck shape and a 23" scale length, making it easy to play and comfortable to hold.

One of the standout features of the LX1E is its onboard Fishman Sonitone electronics. This system includes a volume and tone control, as well as a built-in tuner, allowing you to plug in and play through an amp or PA system. The Fishman Sonitone is also equipped with a USB charging port, so you can charge your USB devices while you play.

The LX1E comes with a gig bag, making it easy to transport and protect the guitar. This is the perfect option for any musician looking for a high-quality, compact, and versatile instrument. With the combination of the solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany HPL back and sides, the onboard Fishman electronics, and the gig bag, the Martin LX1E Little Martin is a great choice for any musician looking for a high-quality, portable guitar.

Product Overview:

This Left Handed Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a 41 inch full size Dreadnought Acoustic Cutaway Guitar specifically designed for left-handed players. The matte black finish gives it a sleek and modern look. The built-in 4 band EQ allows for easy adjustments to the sound and tone, making it a great option for both beginners and more experienced players.

The cutaway design of the guitar makes it easy to reach the higher frets, and the dreadnought body shape provides a rich and full sound. The guitar also comes with a bundle that includes everything you need to get started, such as a pick, a tuner, and a gig bag for easy transport.

Overall, this Left Handed Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a great option for left-handed players looking for a high-quality and versatile instrument. With its built-in 4 band EQ, cutaway design, and sleek matte black finish, this guitar is sure to provide a great playing experience for years to come.

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Product Overview:

The Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument that is perfect for both beginner and experienced players. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and nato/okume back and sides, which provides a rich and full sound. The cutaway design of the guitar allows for easy access to the higher frets, making it perfect for soloing.

The guitar comes equipped with a System 66 preamp and SRT pickup, which allows for easy plug-and-play with an amplifier or PA system. The preamp also has a built-in tuner and 3-band EQ, making it easy to adjust the sound to your preference. The FGX800C also has a concert body shape, which is compact and easy to handle, making it comfortable to play for long periods of time.

The Yamaha FGX800C is a versatile guitar that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. It is an ideal choice for musicians who want the natural, full sound of an acoustic guitar, but with the convenience and flexibility of an electric guitar. This guitar is suitable for all music genre, folk, rock, blues and country.

Overall, the Yamaha FGX800C is a great option for those looking for a high-quality and versatile acoustic-electric guitar. It's sound quality, playability and the solid top construction makes it a great investment for any player looking for a reliable guitar.

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Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under 500 $ | 2023 Guide

The history of the electric guitar

The history of the electric guitar is inevitably linked to the history of the simple guitar. Probably, this instrument originated in Spain at the beginning of the sixteenth century and derived from the Latin guitarra, of the late medieval age.

The first guitar was decidedly narrower and elongated than we know it now and with a less present body. Several changes occurred in the instrument from the 16th to the 19th century.   Furthermore, before 1800 the single strings were inserted with the MI - A - D - G - SI - MI tuning.

Subsequently, the first gut frets were replaced with ivory or metal frets. In the 19th the keyboard is raised slightly and extended to the edge of the sound hole. In the 19th century, the body of the guitar also underwent changes which resulted in greater sonority. It becomes wider and shallower. Internally, the transverse bars that reinforce the soundboard have been replaced by radial bars that fan out under the bore.

The nineteenth-century innovations were largely the work of Antonio Torres. The resulting instrument was the classical guitar. Among the variant forms of the guitar are the 12-string guitar, or double course, and the Mexican jarana and the South American charango, both small guitars.

Other forms of the guitar include the metal string guitar played with a plectrum in folk and popular music; the cello guitar, with a violin-like bridge and tailpiece; the Hawaiian guitar, or steel, in which the strings are stopped by the pressure of a metal bar, producing a sweet and flowing sound; and the electric guitar , in which the sound and tone of the instrument depend almost entirely on the electronic sensing and amplification of its vibrating strings.

How is an acoustic guitar made?

A guitar is an acoustic instrument made up of: sound box (resonance chamber) and a central hole, which serves to collect the vibrations of the strings and make them audible; the neck where the frets are, which generally are 19 (the set of frets represents the keyboard); and the headstock whose mechanics are coupled to the strings , which are generally six, but some guitars have a few more strings (12 strings, 8 strings, 9 strings).

Let's see in detail the elements that compose it: a soundboard, bridge, resonance chamber, neck, strings, frets and fingerboard.

Let's say right away that the type of wood used to build the case, the soundboard and the neck influences the tone and performance of the instrument.

Soundboard

It can be made of candle, spruce or koa, but also of rosewood, alder, bamboo, each of which produces a unique sound.

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Bridge

Metal string guitars have a non-adjustable bridge attached to the soundboard. Its task is to transmit the vibrations of the strings to the table and this, by vibrating in turn, amplifies the sounds of the guitar.

Cash desk

The acoustic guitar has a resonance box that can be either in laminate and therefore a sheet of wood that covers it, or in solid wood, in this case we speak of "solid top". The difference is that laminate vibrates less than solid wood, and will not improve much over time, whereas a solid wood table over time "learns" to vibrate at the right frequencies. You can recognize if the top is in laminate or solid wood by looking inside the hole: if the wood changes inside the hole it is laminate, if it is the same it means that it is in solid wood.

Handle

The neck is generally made of the same wood as the back and sides. It is often equipped with an adjustable reinforcement bar, to prevent it from bending due to the tension of the strings. Usually on an acoustic guitar the neck joins the body at the 14th fret.

Keys and keyboard

A rosewood or ebony fretboard, rarely also maple, is attached to the upper side of the neck, consisting of 20 or 21 frets. To facilitate the guitarist's task, in correspondence with the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets, there are markers.

Ropes

In an acoustic guitar, the first three strings, the thinnest ones, are made of metal (usually nickel) of different diameters (scaling). The last three strings, the thickest ones, are in copper or bronze for their entire length.

The materials with which the strings are made are:

• Bronze (bronze): Offer a bright sound
• Phosphor bronze (phosphor bronze): offer a warmer sound than bronze
• Silk and steel : offer a very sweet sound.
• Brass

The posture. How to use the acoustic guitar in the most correct way?

When playing an instrument pay attention to posture, as the correct position plays a fundamental role in the success of a piece.

There must be no tension on the joints involved , especially on the wrists, which must be kept in a natural and relaxed way to be able to play for many hours, without having problems in the future.

The acoustic guitar is usually held in the arms, resting on the right leg and with the neck down; the right hand does not necessarily rest on the side band and the left one keeps the hammer-like fingers as much as possible, while the thumb can come out from above the handle creating a foothold.

What are the best acoustic guitar brands?

. Gibson

.Yamaha

. Fender

. Ibanez

. Martin

. Takamine

. Lava Music

. Taylor

The wood of the electric guitar

The wood of the electric guitar is certainly one of the main aspects to take into account when choosing an instrument. In fact, although all the electronics can be replaced, the wood is unique. So, choosing an instrument that has good durable wood is essential to getting your electric guitar right.

Below, you will find a number of the most common materials from which electric guitars are made. By analyzing the different woods you will understand that you have a wide range of different options. If you look hard enough, you will be able to find a guitar made of almost any possible wood. There are, however, a few select choices that will pop up over and over in your searches.

Mahogany: Gibson, PRS, Schecter, ESP electric guitars and many other electric guitar brands choose mahogany to make the body of the instrument. Some also use it for the neck, in order to achieve a warm but balanced tone. Mahogany is used on guitars that suit genres such as blues, rock, metal.

Alder: This is the most balanced of the woods to make an electric guitar. It's great for guitarists who want to have a versatile instrument that fits everything. Fender electric guitars like Stratocaster and Telecaster have alder as wood.

Ash: depending on the type of Ash chosen, you will have a different type of tone. Generally, Fenders that aren't made from alder are designed with Ash. This balanced tone makes it a great choice for those who want an all-rounder instrument, suitable for many genres.

Maple: Although maple is not often used for guitar bodies, it is most commonly found on its own or as part of a 3-ply maple / poplar / maple structure on a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar.

Linden: this wood is certainly one of the cheapest and also the lightest. Therefore, many people think it is a poor quality choice. The reality, as often happens, is another as many artists and companies choose basswood to make light and versatile guitars. However, you will find this wood in the best electric guitars to start with.

Korina: Korina has been called the "super mahogany" for years. It is a decidedly lighter wood than mahogany but which is used for the best mid-range electric guitars.

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The body of the guitar

The body of the guitar is definitely one of the most important aspects on an aesthetic level. Some iconic electric guitar bodies with the Gibson "devil", or the sinuous body of a Fender Stratocaster or, again, the massive and less elegant body of a Telecaster .

Finding the right body shape is not easy, as you have to consider three elements: timbre, sound and appearance. In fact, to these must also be added the convenience of holding a guitar that adapts to the shape of your body. In fact, you can also choose the best electric guitar above 1000 euros , but with an uncomfortable body you will immediately intend to change it. Which body to choose, then?

Back to the basics, there are three different types of guitar body construction: solid, acoustic, and semi-acoustic. This will be one of the most important choices for getting your sound, as it really affects the tone of your guitar.

Generally, guitars with an acoustic body are the best choice for jazz and blues players. This is because the body, made in this way, is able to give a better sound and good feedback.

Semi-acoustic bodied guitars are used in genres such as blues and hard rock . Depending on your guitar and amplifier setup, all the resonance and feedback issues of a fully hollow body should be gone.

Finally, we have solid-body guitars. This is what you will see most guitarists use, from soft rock to blues to more hardcore metal. So which one suits you? Is it completely up to you and what you want to play? If you want to have a softer sound then it might be right to choose one of the best semi-acoustic guitars . If, on the other hand, you want to play with overdrive and reverb, a solid-body is the perfect choice.

The neck of the electric guitar

The neck of the electric guitar is another of the fundamental parts of your next instrument. Also in this case, just like the body, the choice of the guitar neck is purely subjective. However, here it is not based on the tone the guitar could have but more on the feel.

Although the neck of an electric guitar can be made of different materials, what you should really care about is its size and shape.

Some necks may be small, thin, and suit players who require greater speed when developing a solo. Others, on the other hand, are much more robust and larger. As you can well understand, the choice of one handle rather than another varies according to one's personal taste. However, some players may feel awkward if the neck is too large.

The material also certainly plays a role in the choice of the neck for an electric guitar. Again, the decision varies based on your personal tastes. To help you in your choice, we have decided to list the most famous woods with which the necks for electric guitars are made.

Maple: Maple is a light colored type of wood that is used on guitars with thin necks. Generally, the best Fender guitars are equipped with this wood.

Mahogany: As with the body, mahogany is also chosen to make fantastic guitar hands. The characterizing factor is the decidedly darker color. PRS and Gibson choose this type of wood.

Rosewood: Rosewood is a darker wood than mahogany and is especially appreciated by players who want to play with a smooth neck. It is often used on the finest limited edition guitars.

Bubinga: Bubinga is a wood that is not often used to make necks for electric guitars. It is often chosen for guitar with 7.0 or 9 strings due to its durability.

Multilayer: Multilayer is used by the best Ibanez electric guitars. The multilayer is a maple neck which is more durable.

Level

If this is your first acoustic guitar, we advise you not to invest a large amount of money. In our selection you will find some options that offer you good sound at an affordable price. Learning to play an instrument is a complex process that requires a lot of commitment and perseverance. You don't want to spend thousands of dollars if you are not sure that you will continue with the same dedication for a long time.

If, on the other hand, you are not a beginner, depending on your level you can also opt for higher range models and, depending on your anatomy, consider a different width (fingerboard) and a different length (neck). If, in addition to being a beginner, your hands are small, a more manageable size guitar is for you. On the other hand, if you have long fingers and a lot of experience, the fingerboard and neck can be larger.

What are the pros and cons of an acoustic guitar?

Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $500 | Video Explanation

FAQs

How to choose the strings of the acoustic guitar

Acoustic guitar strings are usually thicker than electric guitar strings. The strings vary from the softest to the hardest. The hardness of the strings, in addition to the material, does the thickness of the individual strings. Softer strings are recommended for acoustic guitars with a smaller case than dreadnoughts . With larger speakers you have to put the harder strings , in order to have all the body and quality of the sound.

How much does a good acoustic guitar cost?

A good acoustic guitar costs around $ 200 , the best acoustic guitars to start with are generally Fender, Eko, Yamaha, and Ibanez . Whether you are a beginner or a pro these brands never disappoint. In addition to the price, these brands ensure the highest quality of their products and anyone who has tried them can testify to their veracity.

What are the basics of the electric guitar?

After knowing how the modern electric guitar came about , it is important to understand the main factors that make it up. As you well know, the standard for an electric guitar is to be equipped with 6 strings normally tuned with EADGBE, starting from the lowest string up to the highest one.

The electric guitar is an instrument that has been made to be played in a group with a bassist, drummer and a singer. While it can be wonderful to play the electric guitar alone, in a band it's another story altogether!

However, the electric guitar does not necessarily have to have only 6 strings . The world of the guitar is very diverse, that's why you can find instruments that also have 7, 8, or 9 strings.

The great thing about the electric guitar is that although the instrument can get more complicated from a playing standpoint, the fundamentals remain the same.

What is the cutaway?

Conclusions

Have you found the best acoustic guitars ? Have you finally decided which one to buy? Poor quality acoustic guitars are available on the market and for this reason choosing a perfect model may be more difficult than solid.

Each acoustic guitar is made by a different brand such as Takamine , Fender , Martin and many others. Obviously, there are other factors that vary such as wood, tone, quality.

Before choosing one of the best quality-price acoustic guitars , consider the elements that you consider important such as your budget, the possibility of connecting a guitar to the amp, the steel or nylon strings.

If you are passionate about what you are doing and keep learning and practicing, every guitar will sound great in your hands. If you're just starting out, you might be interested in reading our guide to the best budget acoustic guitars .

As anticipated, we suggest you not only look at the price of the guitar you like, but choose the best mid-range or high-end acoustic guitar also considering the quality of the various models. Some woods are able to guarantee better acoustics than others, just as it is important to assemble the various pieces to obtain perfect sounds, so take these aspects into account too.

Not only that, if you are looking for the best brand acoustic guitar you must know that there is not just one brand that excels in this sector. Numerous companies have been active in this field for many years and have created models that have often marked the history of music, so more than the brand we suggest you evaluate the other aspects that we have indicated at the beginning of this article. Furthermore, consider that in the various lists that we have prepared for you we have selected only the best acoustic guitars belonging to the respective price ranges, so the search for the best acoustic guitar by brand can be avoided.

Consider that some brands focus their production on the creation of acoustic guitars for new entries and for medium-level musicians , so you may often find certain manufacturers in some bands while in others not.