The guitar is one of the most ubiquitous, versatile, and longest-lasting instruments in the history of music. It has transcended levels of popularity for hundreds of years, and while it can no longer claim to be the most popular instrument in Western society, it still remains one of the best-known.
This article provides an overview of how to find a good acoustic-electric guitar under $500 that will properly fit your musical needs without breaking your wallet. From beginners to professionals alike will find these reviews helpful when buying their next guitar.
Choosing a portable acoustic-electric guitar is a difficult task for many people. It can be daunting to decide between so many brands, styles, and prices. We have narrowed down the best of the best so you don’t have to!
The Guitar is one of the most important instruments in music. It can be used in many different types of music, whether it’s rock, metal, blues, classical, or jazz. The sound that Guitar produces is very unique and enjoyable. The guitar is also a very easy instrument to learn to play with some practice.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
If you’re after an axe that will be an absolute pleasure to play, there are three things to consider: the brand, the body type, and the model. The first two factors are fairly straightforward, but the model can be a little confusing – you’ll find a lot of “Special Edition” claims on the labels.
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This is where your personal preferences come into play. Do you like high-end brands like Fender or Gibson? Or do you like boutique brands like B.C. Rich or Ibanez? It’s all a matter of taste, so consider what appeals to you. There are some cool brands out there, no question about it.
Sound Quality
The sound of your guitar is very important – if the sound doesn’t appeal to you, you won’t enjoy playing. Some guitars have more treble, some have more bass. For beginners, the best electric guitar choice is probably one that has a middle-of-the-road tone. A good brand will be able to provide this.
5 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $500 (Includes Top-Rated Guitars Below $400)
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Seagull S6 Original QI Guitar
- Made in North America
- Select Pressure Tested Top
- Double Action Truss Rod
- Tapered Headstock for precise and stable tuning and great for open tunings
- Tusq nut and compensated saddle for better intonation
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Seagull has a long history of making quality instruments and their S6 QI guitar is a perfect example. This production model features a solid basswood body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, Seagull pickups, and hardware.
Pros :
- New body design
- Unique QI system
- Seagull’s patented piezo pickup system is a huge step up from anything on the market today.
Cons :
- The guitar is not really portable because there are no handles or pockets.
- The guitar does not have a string tuner for use when not plugged in.
- The guitar only comes in black color, so if you are looking for more colors, you will have to buy them separately.
2. Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Cable, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth
- Single-cutaway dreadnought body style
- Fishman Presys electronics
- Solid mahogany top with scalloped "X"-bracing
- Rosewood back and sides
- Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a reliable, well-built acoustic guitar. All of the components are of solid construction and will give you years of service.
Pros :
- The Fender CD-140SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is designed for easy play.
- It has a natural finish that allows the tone of each note to resonate more freely.
- The body is made of solid mahogany, and the neck is made from maple with a rosewood fretboard.
- There are also built-in tuners so you can tune your guitar without any extra equipment.
Cons :
- First of all, this guitar isn’t very well known.
- It has a smaller following than the Fender CD-140SBG Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar which is covered in this article.
- Secondly, it’s not quite as good as the Fender acoustic dreadnought guitars that are more popular on YouTube videos playing music. Finally, it is very expensive for what you get.
3. Little Martin LX1E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag, Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany HPL Construction, Modified 0-14 Fret, Modified Low Oval Neck Shape
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND: Martin’s Little Martin LX1E acoustic-electric guitar has a Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) construction. It is...
- SUPERIOR APPEARANCE: The Little Martin LX1R acoustic-electric guitars are made with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back...
- Handmade from the highest-quality wood, Little Martin guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming...
- PLAYABILITY ENHANCED: In addition to Martin's iconic tone known worldwide, our guitars deliver enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure, no...
- PLAYABILITY ENHANCED: In addition to Martin's iconic tone known worldwide, our guitars deliver enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure, no...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Martin guitars have been considered among the world’s best acoustic-electric guitars. The Little Martin LX1E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag, Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany HPL Construction, Modified 0-14 Fret, Modified Low Oval Neck Shape is a high-quality guitar for a low price.
Pros :
- The guitar has a spruce top with mahogany HPL back and sides for a rich, resonant sound.
- It includes D’Addario EJ16 strings.
- Inlaid Colored Position Markers make it easy to know where to place your fingers on the fretboard.
Cons :
- Cheaply built
- Unstable tuning
- Finaccurate sound
4. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Natural
- Solid Mahogany Top, Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
- Scalloped X Bracing
- Fishman Isys III System
- Rosewood Bridge with Compensated Saddle and chrome die cast tuning keys
- 4-Ply Tortoise Shell Pickguard, Hellcat Position Inlays, Double Skull Inlays at 12th Fret, Tim Armstrong Signature on Truss Rod Cover, Cream Body...
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fender is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Founded by Leo Fender back in 1946, their association with Rock’s Roll automatically makes them world-class. The company’s first electric guitar was made for Gretsch and was called “The Broadcaster”.
Pros :
- The Hellcat guitar is designed for enhanced sound quality.
- Tanker body style is lightweight and comfortable to play, making it easy to switch between live performance and practice.
Cons :
- May not stand up to heavy playing
- Cord is not well protected from outside impact when using a strap
5. Epiphone DOVE PRO Solid Top Acoustic/Electric Guitar
- Fishman Presys VT undersaddle pickup and preamp
- Square Shoulder Dreadnought Shape
- Select Maple Body, Back, and Sides
- Previously called Dove Pro
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Epiphone DOVE PRO is a budget-friendly acoustic/electric guitar. It’s affordable, well-crafted, and easy to use. Although it’s not made for professionals, it has everything you’ll need to play the music you love at your next gig or jam session.
Pros :
- The sound is good for the price.
- It has a solid feel and a nice weight to it.
- I would recommend it to anyone looking for a first guitar to take lessons on, as well as for those who just want something that isn’t going to hurt their wallet.
Cons :
- The tuning heads are absolutely terrible and fall off easily. It happens with any string I use, too.
- There is no case included with this (although I knew that ahead of time).
Conclusion :
We hope this guide has given you the information necessary to make an informed decision about what kind of guitar is best for your needs. With this information in hand, you’ll be sure to find the best acoustic-electric guitar like LAVA ME 2 for your budget and personal style!
As always, remember that all guitars listed on our site are reviewed by our team of trusted experts. So when you buy a guitar from us, it comes with our promise that it will function just as designed.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best acoustic electric guitar?
A: An affordable all-rounder from one of the biggest and best. If Taylor is capable of making some of the world’s greatest high-end instruments,then they’re bound to know a thing … A J-45 ‘Jumbo’ reissue that sounds as old-school as it looks. … One of the best acoustic electric guitars for beginners. … A highly desirable,slim-necked dreadnought. …
Q: What are the top 5 acoustic guitars?
A: Martin D-28. The Martin D-28 has become almost synonymous with the acoustic guitar,and chances are,if you picture someone playing an acoustic,you’re unwittingly imagining this in their hands. Gibson J-45. … Gibson J-200. … Taylor 214ce. … Cordoba C5 Acoustic Nylon String. … It’s Not Always a Popularity Contest. … Learn Guitar With Online Guitar Lessons. …
Q: What are the best acoustic guitars for the money?
A: Martin 000-15M – Best for the Money Martin LXK2 Little Martin – Best for Beginners Martin LX1E Little Martin – Best for Small Hands Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar – Best for Strumming Martin GPC Special Koa X Series – Best Under$500 Martin Road Series DRS1 Dreadnought – Best Under$1,000 Martin D-41 Standard Dreadnought – Premium Pick
Q: Should you buy an electric or an acoustic guitar?
A: You should start with an acoustic guitar because it is harder to play and will make you hands and fingers stronger much more quickly. You should start with an electric guitar because it is easier to play. Choose the type of guitar you are excited about playing. Work within the parameters your budget.