Published on this page in the GuitarFella archive — what our editors chose at the time, not a lab test.
Last Updated: November 19, 2019
In our first 2019 refresh of this article we made some big changes to this long electro-acoustic chart! This included removing a few older models, such as the Fender Sonoran SCE and the Yamaha APX500III. In their places we added two unique Fenders – the Newporter Classic and the Tim Armstrong Hellcat – as well as a high-end Takamine EF341SC. We also saw the arrival of the Breedlove Solo Concert, the Washburn WCG55CE Comfort, and the new Yamaha APX600.
Performing to a crowd? Recording a quick track? Can’t be bothered fussing around with microphones? It’s time to buy an electro-acoustic guitar!
Since the early 1910s, players and brands have experimented with adding electronics to their acoustic guitars, and have continued to improve and innovate these over the past century or so. These days, the range of electro-acoustics is unbelievable. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming, even if you are an experienced player.
This is why we’ve put together the following chart, that highlights 15 of the best electro-acoustics on the market, that offer both solid electronics and a great guitar playing experience. The following 15 span a wide range of budgets from affordable to premium, so there’s something for everyone. Let’s get started…
Top 15 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars:
Do I Need an Electro-Acoustic?
The answer here should be pretty straightforward. Do you want to amplify or record the sound of your acoustic guitar without using a microphone? If so, then yes – you need an electro-acoustic guitar!
An acoustic guitar without electronics relies solely on the vibration of the body to project the sound. The inclusion of a pickup and preamp system allows you to use an amplifier to project the natural sound of the guitar or plug into a
good audio interface to record, while also allowing you to add effects such as reverb, delay and chorus.
If this is your first time looking for an electro-acoustic, you will find that fundamentally these guitars are standard acoustics with electronics added to them. This means that, even if you never plug it in, you still have a perfectly functional acoustic guitar that can be played unplugged.
Ultimately, there is no harm in buying an electro-acoustic. You will have the same unplugged sound, but with the added bonus of being able to plug it in should you wish. However, as guitar manufacturers have to factor in the costs of adding pickups and preamps, electro-acoustics are naturally more expensive to buy. If you know that you will never plug your guitar in – and a version without electronics is available – then go for that one instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuAyFasHVEA
What to Look for in a Good Electro-Acoustic Guitar
The electro-acoustic you end up with will ultimately come down to your budget. It’s pointless in telling you to go for a guitar with a high-end LR Baggs pickup system if your budget is $150! However, in general, you won’t go wrong with a pickup and preamp system from the likes of LR Baggs, Fishman, or Seymour Duncan.
In addition, you will find many
great acoustic guitar manufacturers have developed their own electronics systems, such as Martin, Taylor, Takamine and Yamaha. Ultimately, you won’t be able to be too picky – if you want a Martin guitar with a specific Fishman pickup, then your choices will be limited or you may have to install it yourself (see below).
When it comes to the systems in these electro-acoustics, most will be a piezo pickup with a preamp control panel on the side of the instrument, allowing you to tweak the volume and EQ. Some systems will be more limited, with controls hidden away inside the soundhole.
If you do have a control panel, you will want to look out for volume and EQ controls, such as bass, middle and treble sliders/rotary knobs. On some more advanced systems you will also find controls for thongs like notch, mic blend and phase, which are particularly welcome if you are a stage performer.
All good systems should offer a built-in digital tuner, allowing you to accurately tune the guitar without an external device or a pitchfork – perfect if you are sitting around a campfire!
If you are buying an electro acoustic, you will need to remember that most preamps run off battery power, so always have a spare battery in your guitar case. Also, you will probably need to consider an amp – especially if you are planning to perform or gig, whether on stage, on the street, or in a coffee house.
Unless you are just playing for yourself, an electric guitar amp won’t cut the mustard – a dedicated acoustic amp is required for the best amplified tone. You can check out our article on
the best acoustic guitar amplifiers for some of our recommendations.
Can I Install My Own Electronics?
You can indeed! Although it’s not something a beginner should – or really needs to – tackle. The problem is that, if you are installing a preamp with a control panel, you will need to saw part of the side panel out of your guitar – not a job for the fainthearted!
You can buy
good acoustic guitar pickups that require no major modification to your guitar, although if you want to purchase and install a bigger system you should follow a guide or take it to your local guitar pro to do it for you.
For an idea of the work involved, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz8bnP6D010
The Final Word
As you’ve seen from our chart above, the range of electro-acoustics on offer in 2019 is just fantastic. Whatever your budget, and whether you’re an experienced stage performer or just starting your journey with electro-acoustics, we hope our list has given you a little inspiration.
Just take the considerations into account, do some shopping around, read some reviews, and you should eventually be able to settle on an electro-acoustic that works for you. Good luck!