What Is the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Brand? Top Picks and Buying Guide
Quick Answer
The best acoustic electric guitar brand is the one whose guitars sound good both unplugged and through an amp, with a reliable pickup, a simple preamp with a built-in tuner, a solid top and a careful setup. Good makers fit electronics that don't crackle or feed back easily, make the battery easy to change and cover the electronics under warranty. Test any acoustic electric guitar unplugged first, then plugged in, before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- An acoustic electric guitar must sound good unplugged, not just through an amp.
- Undersaddle pickups are common; blended systems sound more natural.
- A built-in tuner and simple EQ make live playing far easier.
- A cutaway helps reach higher frets, while a full body adds volume.
- Check that the warranty covers the electronics as well as the wood.
What Good Makers Do
Whatever the badge, a well-made acoustic electric guitar gets these details right:
- Solid top: a solid spruce or cedar top for richer unplugged tone.
- Quality pickup: balanced string volume with no weak or boomy strings.
- Useful preamp: volume, EQ, a tuner and ideally a phase or notch control to fight feedback.
- Easy battery access: a quick-release compartment rather than one hidden inside the body.
- Clean wiring: no crackles when you plug in or move the cable.
- Good setup: low action and accurate tuning up the neck.
Pickup Types Compared
| Pickup | Sound | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undersaddle piezo | Bright and clear | Feedback-resistant and common | Can sound slightly harsh |
| Soundhole magnetic | Warm and punchy | Easy to fit and remove | Less natural for fingerstyle |
| Internal microphone | Natural and airy | Captures the body's resonance | More prone to feedback |
| Blended system | Most natural overall | Mixes pickup and mic | Costs more |
Body Shapes and Cutaways
| Body | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dreadnought | Large, loud and bassy | Strumming and bluegrass-style playing |
| Auditorium or concert | Balanced and comfortable | Fingerstyle and mixed playing |
| Parlour or travel | Small and light | Couches, travel and smaller players |
| Thin-body | Slim and feedback-resistant | Loud stages and players coming from electric |
A cutaway on any acoustic electric guitar makes the high frets easier to reach, which is useful for lead playing.
How to Test an Acoustic Electric Guitar
- Play it unplugged and listen for even tone across all strings.
- Plug into an acoustic amp or PA and set the EQ flat.
- Play each string at several frets and listen for weak or loud strings.
- Wiggle the cable gently to check for crackles at the jack.
- Turn up the volume to see how easily it feeds back.
- Check the tuner and battery compartment are easy to use.
Strings and Setup
Strings change how an acoustic electric guitar sounds through an amp. Lighter gauges are easier on the fingers and suit beginners, while medium gauges give a fuller tone and more volume unplugged. Coated strings last longer between changes, which helps if you gig often.
A professional setup lowers the action, sets intonation and can adjust the saddle so the pickup reads every string evenly. If one string sounds louder through the amp, a technician can often fix it by reshaping the saddle base so it sits flat on the pickup.
Electronics Care
Remove or switch off the battery if you'll store an acoustic electric guitar for a long time, and keep a spare battery in your case for gigs. Unplug the cable when you finish, as many preamps draw power while a lead is connected. Keep the guitar away from heaters and direct sun to protect both the wood and the electronics.
Safety on Stage
Run cables along the floor edge or tape them down so nobody trips, and keep drinks well away from amps and pedals. Practise at sensible volumes and wear musician's earplugs at loud rehearsals, as long exposure to loud sound can damage hearing.
What to Expect at Each Price
- Under $250: laminate tops with basic undersaddle pickups and tuners.
- $250 to $600: solid tops with better preamps and more natural amplified tone.
- $600 to $1,200: solid woods and blended pickup systems.
- Over $1,200: all-solid builds with premium electronics.
Prices vary by region and retailer. If you already own an acoustic you love, adding a soundhole or clip-on pickup can be cheaper than buying a new acoustic electric guitar.
More Guitar Guides
Prefer nylon strings? Read our classical guitar brand guide. For solid-body options, see our guide to electric guitar brands and our help on which electric guitar is right for you.
The Bottom Line
Judge makers on solid tops, reliable pickups, a useful preamp, easy battery access and a warranty that covers electronics. Test unplugged and plugged in, and you'll find an acoustic electric guitar that sounds great at home and on stage.
Acoustic Electric Accessories at Global Swanky
We don't stock guitars at the moment, but these items from our range help you amplify, tune and play an acoustic electric guitar or convert a standard acoustic.
1. Pickup with 4-Band EQ
The Electric Guitar Pickup Box with 4-Band EQ for Acoustic Guitar Modification is $20.96, for players converting an acoustic for amplified use. Professional fitting is recommended.
2. Clip-On Instrument Pickup
The Clip-On Instrument Pickup for Guitar, Violin, Ukulele – Easy Mount, Clear Sound is $23.24, for amplifying an acoustic without drilling.
3. Acoustic Tuning Machines
The Guitar Tuning Machines 6-Piece Set for Folk Acoustic Guitars is $25.31, for upgrading worn tuners. Check they match your headstock first.
4. Wireless Transmitter System
The Wireless Guitar Transmitter Receiver System for Electric Bass is $30.52, for cable-free playing. Check compatibility with your guitar's output jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good acoustic electric guitar?
A solid top, a balanced pickup, a preamp with a tuner and EQ, easy battery access and a good setup.
Is a piezo or microphone pickup better?
Piezo pickups resist feedback, while microphones sound more natural. Blended systems combine both.
Do I need a cutaway?
Only if you play high up the neck often. A full body without a cutaway gives slightly more unplugged volume.
Can I add a pickup to a normal acoustic guitar?
Yes. Soundhole and clip-on pickups need no drilling, while internal systems are best fitted by a technician.
What amp do I need?
An acoustic amp or PA system gives the most natural sound. Electric guitar amps tend to colour the tone.