Are you a music enthusiast looking to upgrade your acoustic guitar without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best acoustic electric guitars that you can purchase for under $500. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these guitars offer exceptional sound quality and versatility, combining the rich tones of an acoustic guitar with the convenience of an electric one. Say goodbye to limitations and explore the possibilities with these affordable yet high-quality instruments.

1. Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Acoustic Electric Guitar is a top choice for musicians looking for a high-quality instrument that won’t break the bank. With its solid spruce top and cutaway body design, this guitar offers a balanced, warm tone and excellent playability.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Nato/Okoume
• Neck Wood: Nato
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: System 66 preamp
• Scale Length: 25″
• Nut Width: 1.69″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid spruce top, cutaway body design, and System 66 preamp. The solid spruce top provides a clear and well-balanced sound, while the cutaway body design offers easy access to the higher frets. The System 66 preamp allows you to amplify your sound when performing live or recording.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with a balanced tone
• Solid spruce top for enhanced projection and durability
• Cutaway body design for easy access to higher frets
• System 66 preamp for amplified performance
• Affordable price

Cons

• Some users may find the neck a bit thick for their liking
• The built-in tuner may not be as accurate as external tuners

Customer Reviews

Customers rave about the Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Acoustic Electric Guitar’s sound quality, praising its clear and well-balanced tone. Many users also appreciate the affordability of this instrument, considering its high-quality construction and features. Some users mention that the neck may feel a bit thick, but overall, the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

2. Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic Electric Guitar is a stunning instrument that captures the iconic design and rich sound of the original Gibson Hummingbird. With its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and built-in electronics, this guitar delivers a powerful and versatile performance.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Square Shoulder Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Fishman Sonitone
• Scale Length: 24.75″
• Nut Width: 1.68″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic Electric Guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a Fishman Sonitone pickup system. The solid spruce top offers a bright and balanced tone, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the sound. The Fishman Sonitone pickup system ensures accurate amplification and easy control over your sound.

Pros

• Stunning design with classic Hummingbird aesthetics
• Rich and balanced sound with solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides
• Fishman Sonitone pickup system for reliable on-stage performance
• Comfortable playing experience with a slim-taper neck profile
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Some users may find the action (string height) a bit high out of the box
• The built-in tuner could be more accurate

Customer Reviews

Customers appreciate the overall quality and sound of the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro Acoustic Electric Guitar. Many users mention its stunning design and accurate replication of the iconic Gibson Hummingbird. The guitar’s rich and balanced sound, along with the reliable Fishman Sonitone pickup system, receive high praise. Some users note that they had to adjust the action to their preference, but the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

3. Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar is a popular choice among beginners and intermediate players looking for a versatile and affordable instrument. With its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics, this guitar offers a well-rounded sound and great playability.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Fishman CD preamp
• Scale Length: 25.3″
• Nut Width: 1.69″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman CD preamp. The solid spruce top produces a dynamic and balanced sound, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The Fishman CD preamp ensures accurate amplification and includes controls for volume, bass, and treble.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price
• Versatile sound with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides
• Fishman CD preamp for reliable on-stage performance
• Slim-taper neck profile for comfortable playability
• Built-in tuner for easy and accurate tuning

Cons

• Some users may find the fret edges a bit sharp
• The factory setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

Customer Reviews

Customers praise the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar for its affordable price and versatile sound. The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides combination offers a balanced and rich tone that is well-received by users. The Fishman CD preamp and built-in tuner are also appreciated for their contribution to reliable on-stage performance. Some users mention minor concerns with the fret edges, but overall, the customer reviews are positive.

4. Takamine GD20CE-NS Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Takamine GD20CE-NS Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument known for its solid cedar top and excellent craftsmanship. With its warm and resonant sound, comfortable playability, and built-in electronics, this guitar is a top contender in its price range.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Cedar
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: TP-4TD preamp
• Scale Length: 25.3″
• Nut Width: 1.6875″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Takamine GD20CE-NS Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides, and TP-4TD preamp. The solid cedar top produces a warm and rich tone with excellent harmonic resonance. The mahogany back and sides contribute to the guitar’s overall warmth. The TP-4TD preamp offers reliable amplification and includes controls for volume, bass, and treble.

Pros

• Warm and resonant sound with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides
• Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Comfortable playability with a slim neck profile
• TP-4TD preamp for accurate and reliable on-stage performance
• Beautiful natural finish

Cons

• Some users may find the preamp controls a bit sensitive
• The factory setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

Customer Reviews

Customers highly appreciate the Takamine GD20CE-NS Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar for its warm and resonant sound, attributing it to the solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The guitar’s craftsmanship and attention to detail receive positive comments, highlighting its excellent build quality. Users also mention the comfortable playability and reliable TP-4TD preamp. Some users note minor concerns with the preamp controls, but the overall customer reviews are favorable.

5. Ibanez AEG10NII Nylon String Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Ibanez AEG10NII Nylon String Acoustic Electric Guitar is a great option for those looking for the warm and mellow tone of nylon strings combined with the versatility of an acoustic electric instrument. With its spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics, this guitar offers a well-rounded sound and comfortable playability.

Specifications

• Body Shape: AEG
• Top Wood: Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Fishman Sonicore
• Scale Length: 25″
• Nut Width: 2″
• Number of Frets: 21

Key Features

The key features of the Ibanez AEG10NII Nylon String Acoustic Electric Guitar include its spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman Sonicore pickup system. The spruce top provides a balanced and clear sound, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The Fishman Sonicore pickup system ensures accurate amplification and includes controls for volume, bass, and treble.

Pros

• Warm and mellow tone with nylon strings and mahogany back and sides
• Comfortable playability with the AEG body shape
• Fishman Sonicore pickup system for reliable on-stage performance
• Built-in tuner for easy and accurate tuning
• Beautiful natural finish

Cons

• Some users may find the nut width a bit wider than their preference
• The action (string height) may be a bit high for some players

Customer Reviews

Customers rave about the warm and mellow tone of the Ibanez AEG10NII Nylon String Acoustic Electric Guitar, specifically highlighting the combination of nylon strings and mahogany back and sides. The guitar’s comfortable playability and reliable Fishman Sonicore pickup system also receive positive comments. Some users mention their preferences for a narrower nut width or lower action, but the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

6. Seagull S6 Original Slim Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Seagull S6 Original Slim Acoustic Electric Guitar is a well-crafted instrument that offers rich and vibrant tones. Its slim body design enhances comfort and playability, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced guitarists.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Cedar
• Back and Sides Wood: Wild Cherry
• Neck Wood: Silver Leaf Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Godin QIT
• Scale Length: 24.84″
• Nut Width: 1.72″
• Number of Frets: 21

Key Features

The key features of the Seagull S6 Original Slim Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid cedar top, wild cherry back and sides, and Godin QIT electronics. The solid cedar top adds warmth and richness to the overall sound, while the wild cherry back and sides contribute to the guitar’s vibrant tone. The Godin QIT electronics provide reliable amplification and include controls for volume and tone.

Pros

• Rich and vibrant tones with a solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides
• Comfortable playability with a slim body design
• Excellent build quality and attention to detail
• Godin QIT electronics for reliable on-stage performance
• Handcrafted in Canada

Cons

• Some users may find the nut width a bit narrower than their preference
• The built-in tuner may not be as accurate as external tuners

Customer Reviews

Customers praise the Seagull S6 Original Slim Acoustic Electric Guitar for its rich and vibrant tones, which are attributed to the solid cedar top and wild cherry back and sides. The guitar’s slim body design receives positive comments, emphasizing its comfortable playability. Users also appreciate the excellent build quality and reliable Godin QIT electronics. Some users note minor concerns with the nut width or built-in tuner, but the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

7. Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar combines the beauty of a jumbo-sized body with the unique sound of a 12-string instrument. With its solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and Fishman electronics, this guitar offers a powerful and full-bodied sound.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Jumbo
• Top Wood: Solid Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Maple
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Fishman Sonicore
• Scale Length: 25″
• Nut Width: 1.875″
• Number of Frets: 21

Key Features

The key features of the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and Fishman Sonicore pickup system. The solid spruce top provides a clear and powerful sound, while the maple back and sides add brightness and projection. The Fishman Sonicore pickup system ensures accurate amplification and includes controls for volume, bass, and treble.

Pros

• Powerful and full-bodied sound with a solid spruce top and maple back and sides
• Unique tonal characteristics of a 12-string instrument
• Comfortable playability with a jumbo-sized body
• Fishman Sonicore pickup system for reliable on-stage performance
• Striking aesthetics with the Falcon logo and Western-themed design

Cons

• Some users may find the jumbo-sized body a bit large for their preference
• The action (string height) may need adjustment for optimal playability

Customer Reviews

Users praise the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon Jumbo 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar for its powerful and full-bodied sound, specifically highlighting the unique tonal characteristics of a 12-string instrument. The guitar’s comfortable playability and striking aesthetics, including the Falcon logo and Western-themed design, receive positive comments. Users note that the jumbo-sized body may not be suitable for everyone and that the action may need adjustment. However, the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

8. Taylor Big Baby Taylor BBT Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Taylor Big Baby Taylor BBT Acoustic Electric Guitar is a versatile and portable instrument that offers a big sound despite its compact size. With its solid Sitka spruce top, layered sapele back and sides, and ES2 pickup system, this guitar performs exceptionally well in different settings.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Layered Sapele
• Neck Wood: Maple
• Fingerboard Wood: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Electronics: Expression System 2 (ES2)
• Scale Length: 25.5″
• Nut Width: 1.6875″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Taylor Big Baby Taylor BBT Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid Sitka spruce top, layered sapele back and sides, and Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup system. The solid Sitka spruce top provides a dynamic and responsive sound, while the layered sapele back and sides contribute to the guitar’s overall tonal balance. The ES2 pickup system faithfully captures the natural acoustic sound when amplified.

Pros

• Surprisingly big sound for a compact-sized guitar
• Excellent tonal balance with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides
• ES2 pickup system for natural and accurate amplification
• Comfortable playability with a Grand Auditorium body shape
• Portable and travel-friendly

Cons

• Some users may find the fretboard a bit dry and in need of conditioning
• The factory setup may require adjustments for optimal playability

Customer Reviews

Customers highly appreciate the Taylor Big Baby Taylor BBT Acoustic Electric Guitar for its surprisingly big sound, considering its compact size. The guitar’s tonal balance, attributed to the solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides, receives positive comments. Users also commend the ES2 pickup system for its natural and accurate amplification. Some users note minor concerns with the dryness of the fretboard or the factory setup, but the overall customer reviews are highly positive.

9. Washburn WD10CE Heritage Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Washburn WD10CE Heritage Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar is a reliable and affordable instrument that offers a rich and balanced sound. With its spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and built-in electronics, this guitar is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
• Electronics: Barcus Berry LX4
• Scale Length: 25.5″
• Nut Width: 1.69″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Washburn WD10CE Heritage Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar include its spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Barcus Berry LX4 electronics. The spruce top provides a clear and well-balanced sound, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The Barcus Berry LX4 electronics ensure accurate amplification and include controls for volume, bass, and treble.

Pros

• Rich and balanced sound with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides
• Comfortable playability with a dreadnought body shape
• Barcus Berry LX4 electronics for reliable on-stage performance
• Affordable price
• Excellent value for the money

Cons

• Some users may find the factory setup not to their preference and may require adjustments
• The built-in tuner may not be as accurate as external tuners

Customer Reviews

The Washburn WD10CE Heritage Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar is highly regarded by customers for its rich and balanced sound, specifically praising the combination of the spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The guitar’s comfortable playability and affordable price are also appreciated. The Barcus Berry LX4 electronics receive positive comments for their contribution to reliable on-stage performance. Some users note minor concerns with the factory setup or built-in tuner, but the majority of customer reviews are highly positive.

10. Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric Guitar is a compact and travel-friendly instrument that doesn’t sacrifice sound quality. With its solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman electronics, this guitar delivers exceptional resonance and projection.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Modified O
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany Pattern HPL
• Neck Wood: Natural Stratabond
• Fingerboard Wood: Richlite
• Electronics: Fishman Sonitone
• Scale Length: 23″
• Nut Width: 1.6875″
• Number of Frets: 20

Key Features

The key features of the Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric Guitar include its solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany pattern HPL back and sides, and Fishman Sonitone electronics. The solid Sitka spruce top provides exceptional resonance and projection, while the mahogany pattern HPL back and sides contribute to the guitar’s overall warmth and durability. The Fishman Sonitone electronics ensure accurate amplification and include controls for volume and tone.

Pros

• Impressive resonance and projection for a compact-sized guitar
• Solid Sitka spruce top for exceptional sound quality
• Fishman Sonitone electronics for reliable on-stage performance
• Comfortable playability with a Modified O body shape
• Ideal for travel and portability

Cons

• Some users may find the nut width a bit narrower than their preference
• The smaller size may not suit those accustomed to larger guitars

Customer Reviews

Customers admire the impressive resonance and projection of the Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Electric Guitar, considering its compact size. The solid Sitka spruce top receives positive comments for its exceptional sound quality. Users also appreciate the reliable Fishman Sonitone electronics for efficient on-stage performance. Some users note their preferences for a wider nut width or a larger-sized guitar, but the overall customer reviews are highly positive.

In conclusion, there are several excellent options for acoustic electric guitars under $500. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first instrument or an experienced player in need of an affordable upgrade, these guitars offer a range of features and tonal qualities to suit different styles and preferences. From the warm and balanced sound of the Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top to the unique tonal characteristics of the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon, these guitars prove that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality instrument. So, start strumming and let the music flow with one of these fantastic acoustic electric guitars under $500.