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The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars
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The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

Acoustic Electric Guitars

Welcome music enthusiasts! If you're in search of a versatile instrument that effortlessly combines the warmth of an acoustic guitar with the amplification capabilities of an electric one, look no further. In this article, we'll be rounding up the top acoustic electric guitars available in the market today. Get ready to explore your musical possibilities with these remarkable instruments, and let us help you find the perfect fit for your melodic adventures.

As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation through qualified purchases

Reviews

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I recently had the pleasure of using the Best Choice Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set, and it exceeded my expectations. The 41-inch guitar crafted from supple linden wood produced a consistent, full-bodied sound in both acoustic and electric styles. The comprehensive design was comfortable for young learners, while experienced players appreciated its classic feel.

One of the standout features was the protective padded case, which allowed me to take my music on the go and ensured years of care-free gigs. The inclusion of accessories like extra strings, a capo, and a cleaning cloth made it even more appealing. The carrying case featured storage pockets for all the included accessories, making it easy to transport and protect the guitar.

However, there were a couple of minor issues. I noticed a slight roughness around the nut, but I was able to fix this by adding some nut sauce. The tuners were also at a price point, but they held the tune effectively. Additionally, the gig bag had some fraying stitching, but it still served its purpose adequately.

Overall, this guitar is an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey. The full-size guitar, case, strap, picks, tuner, and other accessories make it a comprehensive set with great value for the price.

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The Blue Lava Touch Smart Guitar has become my constant companion in my music journey. Its vivid blue color and sleek design instantly caught my eye, but it's the features that truly shine.

The 3.5-inch multi-touch display allows me to explore endless possibilities, and the HILAVA System makes my stage everywhere - even when practicing at home. The built-in effects and lessons have been invaluable, and the FreeBoost driver ensures my sound always fills the room. Despite being made of recyclable materials, the Blue Lava Touch doesn't skimp on quality or performance; it's a truly eco-friendly guitar that's perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

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Playing the Yamaha CPX600 Black for the first time, I was blown away by the balance of comfort and incredible tone. The medium-jumbo cutaway body design offers full bodied acoustic tone, while the 25" scale length and narrower string spacing enhance comfort.

The new scalloped bracing pattern provides increased bass response, and the abalone sound hole rosette adds a touch of elegance. One of my favorite features is the stage-focused pickup system, which allows me to shape my sound perfectly when using it in a live setting. With its Piezo pickup system, amplification has never sounded more natural and true to the guitar's craftsmanship.

The combination of solid spruce top and rosewood fingerboard offers a big and warm sound with resonance to spare. Overall, the Yamaha CPX600 is a fantastic choice for guitarists who want comfort and a well-rounded tone, both acoustically and electrically.

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As a passionate guitarist, I had the opportunity to try out the Ivy IPF-300 TSB Acoustic Solid-Body Electric Guitar in Tobacco Sunburst. The first thing that stood out to me was the precise craftsmanship, as it was made with a CNC machine using computer programming. This level of accuracy reflected in the guitar's perfect neck and almost flawless fit. The guitar's specifications were impressive, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality instrument.

However, there were a couple of areas where the Ivy IPF-300 could use some improvement. The finish could have been smoother, and the overall sound quality, while good, didn't quite match the exceptional build quality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ivy IPF-300 TSB Guitar still stands out as a well-crafted and stylish option for guitarists seeking an acoustic solid-body electric guitar with a unique look.

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Embark on an enchanting musical journey with the Blue Lava Touch Smart Guitar. This innovative acoustic-electric guitar redefines the way you play, featuring a multi-touch display that adds a modern twist to the classic touch of the strings. With a myriad of vibrant color options, this guitar stands out from the crowd and delivers an effortless, eco-friendly experience.

Enhance your practice sessions with the built-in training apps, which cater to beginner and advanced players alike. Immerse yourself in the creative process with an array of effects, all at your fingertips. The intelligent looper keeps you grounded with constantly updated grooves, perfect for recording and sharing your masterpieces.

This guitar's sleek design, with a carbon fiber composite neck and matte finish, exudes elegance and comfort. At just 5.5 pounds, it's a breeze to carry around, while the stylish case with backpack straps ensures safe storage and portability. With a 5000mAh lithium battery and Type-C charging port, you can enjoy endless hours of playtime and convenience.

The Blue Lava Touch Smart Guitar is an exceptional investment for musicians of any skill level. Don't miss the opportunity to revolutionize your guitar game.

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The Lava ME 3, a 38-inch acoustic-electric guitar, has taken the music world by storm with its innovative features. The highlight of this guitar is the 3.5-inch touchscreen, powered by Hilava's operating system, transforming the way you create music. It also boasts a carbon fiber unibody and a carbon fiber composite neck, both of which contribute to its enhanced acoustics.

The Lava ME 3 offers a variety of apps to help enhance your playing skills. There's a practice app with five modes, each tailored to build different skills, and wireless connectivity for hassle-free music creation. Plus, the guitar's powerful apps offer an array of sound effects and a metronome for a well-rounded musical experience.

While the Lava ME 3 has multiple features that make it stand out, it does have a downside - its durability. Some users have reported the guitar breaking even before they had the chance to use it extensively. Despite this issue, the Lava ME 3 remains a popular choice for those seeking a unique and innovative approach to their music creation.

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I've been strumming the Taylor Custom T5z acoustic-electric guitar for a few weeks now, and let me tell you, this beauty has got me hooked. The Urban ash body and figured Big Leaf maple top are exquisite, making it look and feel premium. It's a stunner that's sure to turn heads.

The guitar's proprietary T5 electronics with 5-way switching is a game-changer, giving me a ton of options to tweak my sound. However, I found the chamfered body edges a bit sharp on the fingers when I first started playing.

Overall, it's a stunning instrument with a lot of potential when played right.

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The Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a versatile and impressive device, offering both style and quality. It's perfect for both beginners and more experienced musicians alike. The guitar's body is made of glossy dreadnought-shaped laminate, giving it a classic look. Additionally, it's equipped with Fishman electronics, making it ideal for taking the stage.

One of the most impressive features of the FA-125CE is the neck, which is made of mahogany. This not only gives the guitar a lively tone, but also ensures a smooth, easy playing experience. The tuners are also a standout attribute, as they stay in tune, perfect for beginners and experienced musicians alike.

However, there are a few downsides to this guitar. One of the most prominent is the high action, which can be difficult to adjust for some players. Additionally, the strings can be stiff, requiring a bit more force to produce a good sound. There have also been reports of the guitar being damaged in transit, which can be concerning for buyers.

Overall, the Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile guitar at an affordable price. It offers a great sound, easy playability, and a stylish appearance. However, it's important to note that there may be some issues with the guitar's construction and shipping, which can be a downside for some buyers.

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The Ibanez V70CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a versatile and comfortable option for both beginners and experienced players alike. Its select spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide a rich, resonant sound, while the soft cutaway allows for higher access and increased playability. The rosewood bridge and fretboard, along with the chrome tuners, add a touch of elegance and style to this guitar.

The Ibanez V70CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, well-made instrument that delivers great sound quality, regardless of whether you're strumming it acoustically or plugging it in for an electric performance. Although it's lightweight and easy to carry around, some users have pointed out that the neck has sharp fret edges, so it's crucial to handle it with care.

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The Ibanez PC54CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a beautiful natural finish, and its grand concert body shape allows for a rich and warm tone. The Nandu Wood fretboard provides an added depth of sound, while the Meranti top and back contribute to a balanced and warm tone. The guitar also features an Ibanez Undersaddle pickup that accurately reproduces the acoustic nature of the bass, allowing you to enjoy the fullest sound possible.

The Nandu Wood bridge efficiently transfers string vibration to the body, resulting in a natural and warm tone. This guitar provides professional features, quality sound, and affordability, all backed by Ibanez's reputation for excellence.

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The McPherson Carbon Series Touring acoustic-electric guitar is a marvel to play with its 3/4 dreadnought body type and single cutaway design. The top is made of carbon fiber, giving it a unique, all-carbon fiber construction that provides exceptional resonance and long-lasting sustain. The carbon fiber doesn't expand or contract due to temperature or humidity changes, ensuring a consistently clear tone no matter where you are.

The guitar also comes in a travel-friendly size with an offset soundhole, cantilevered neck, and patented bracing system that allows the soundboard to vibrate to its fullest potential. The sound is warm, punchy, and well-balanced throughout the fingerboard, providing plenty of depth and response.

The carbon fiber neck offers a smooth matte feel and comfortable playability, while the Gotoh 510 precision tuners, composite nut and saddle, and EVO frets ensure smooth, clean, and precise tuning and playability. The L. R. Baggs Element pickup captures the guitar's vibrant sound for amplified performances, and it comes with a custom fit case.

While the guitar is praised for its exceptional quality and sound, a few users have mentioned that the piezo pickup might not suit everyone's preferences and could benefit from an upgrade. However, they still rave about the overall performance, build, and sound, making the McPherson Carbon Series Touring a fantastic option for traveling musicians and discerning players alike.

Buyer's Guide

Acoustic electric guitars are a versatile and convenient option for those looking to explore the world of guitars. They offer the warm, rich sound of an acoustic guitar combined with the amplification capabilities of an electric guitar, making them suitable for both live performances and recording sessions. In this buyer's guide, we will cover the essential features to consider when purchasing an acoustic electric guitar, as well as some general advice to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Acoustic Electric Guitars

There are two primary types of acoustic electric guitars: Grand Concert and Dreadnought. Both have their own unique sound and characteristics, which you should consider before making a purchase. Grand Concert models typically have a slightly quieter and brighter tone, while Dreadnought models have a richer and more resonant sound. Both types can be further divided into Solid Top and Laminate Top varieties. Solid Top models tend to have better sound quality and resonance, while Laminate Tops are more cost-effective and durable.

Pickups and Preamp System

When shopping for an acoustic electric guitar, you should focus on the pickups and preamp system. Pickups in these guitars capture the vibrations from the strings and convert them into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified. Good quality pickups will provide clear and accurate sound transmission. The preamp system amplifies the signal and helps adjust the sound to your taste. Look for guitars with adjustable volume, tone, and bass controls, as well as a notch filter to reduce feedback.

Bracing and Body Materials

The bracing and body materials of an acoustic electric guitar play a significant role in its sound quality. Common materials include spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is a popular choice for its bright and clear tone, while cedar produces a warmer and softer sound. Mahogany is known for its rich and powerful tone, while rosewood offers a balance between warmth and clarity. The bracing affects the guitar's sound by controlling the vibration and resonance. A solid bracing pattern usually results in a better sound quality.

Accessories and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and performance of your acoustic electric guitar, consider purchasing accessories and taking proper care. A durable gig bag will protect your guitar from damage during transportation. A humidifier helps maintain the proper humidity level, preventing the guitar from warping or cracking. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and tuning, is essential to keep your guitar in optimal condition. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations or a guitar technician for advice on maintenance and proper care.

FAQ

What is an Acoustic Electric Guitar?

An Acoustic Electric Guitar is a type of guitar that combines the traditional sounds of an acoustic guitar with the amplification capabilities of an electric guitar. These guitars are built with a hollow body and a pickup system, which allows the sound to be amplified through an amplifier. This makes them ideal for both live performances and recording sessions, as they offer a versatile range of sounds.

Acoustic Electric Guitars are usually designed with a solid top, which provides a bright and clear tone. They also have a cutaway, which allows for easier access to higher frets, making them more comfortable to play. Some models also feature a preamp system, which allows for adjustments to the tone and volume before plugging into an amplifier.

What are the main benefits of an Acoustic Electric Guitar?

One of the main benefits of an Acoustic Electric Guitar is its versatility. You can play it unplugged in an acoustic setting or plug it into an amplifier for a fuller, louder sound. This makes them ideal for a variety of music genres, from folk to rock and everything in between. Additionally, Acoustic Electric Guitars are often more comfortable to play, as they have a cutaway, which allows for easier access to higher frets.

Another advantage of Acoustic Electric Guitars is their versatility when it comes to recording. You can record the guitar's natural acoustic sound, or you can plug it into an amplifier for a more processed sound. This gives you a wide range of options when it comes to creating your music, allowing you to achieve the exact sound you're looking for.

What are some popular brands and models of Acoustic Electric Guitars?

There are many popular brands and models of Acoustic Electric Guitars, with some of the most well-known being Martin, Taylor, and Gibson. These brands offer a variety of models, with varying features and price points, so it's important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Some popular models include the Martin Dreadnought, Taylor 214ce, and Gibson Hummingbird. Each of these guitars offers a unique combination of tone, playability, and features, so it's important to try them out and see which one feels and sounds the best to you. Many guitar shops also offer rental options, so you can try before you buy.

What is the price range of Acoustic Electric Guitars?

The prices of Acoustic Electric Guitars can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features. You can find models that range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Generally, higher-end models will offer better craftsmanship, tone, and features, but they will also come with a higher price tag.

If you're a beginner or on a tight budget, there are still plenty of options available. Many guitar manufacturers offer entry-level models that are still capable of producing a good sound, but at a more affordable price point. It's important to do your research and find a guitar that meets your needs and budget.

What accessories should I consider when purchasing an Acoustic Electric Guitar?

When purchasing an Acoustic Electric Guitar, there are a few accessories that you may want to consider. These can include a guitar case or gig bag to protect your instrument, a strap to make it more comfortable to play, and a set of extra strings in case the ones that come with the guitar wear out over time.

Many Acoustic Electric Guitars also come with a preamp system, which allows for adjustments to the tone and volume before plugging into an amplifier. If your guitar doesn't come with a preamp, you may want to consider purchasing one separately, as it can greatly improve the sound quality when playing through an amplifier.

How should I maintain my Acoustic Electric Guitar?

To maintain your Acoustic Electric Guitar, it's important to keep it clean and dry. This includes wiping down the body and fretboard with a soft cloth and avoiding exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. It's also important to keep the strings clean and change them regularly, as dirty or worn-out strings can affect the sound quality.

It's recommended to have your guitar professionally set up and maintained on a regular basis, as this can help to ensure that it stays in good playing condition. Many guitar shops offer maintenance services, so it's important to find one that you trust and can work with you to keep your guitar in top shape.

As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation through qualified purchases

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