Amongst the most versatile instruments you can own, the best acoustic-electric guitars are a must-have for any player serious about their craft. The ability to use the same guitar for private practice in your living room, open mic nights, or, for the lucky few, headlining festivals, makes it a must-have in any serious player’s collection.
Thanks to their adaptability, the acoustic-electric guitar market offers more choice than ever, from budget-friendly options to boutique builds. With iconic brands like Martin, Taylor, Fender, and Epiphone leading the charge, the range has never been wider. To help narrow things down, I have drawn on my 20 years of playing and nearly a decade working in a busy high-street guitar store to highlight what I consider the very best acoustic-electric guitars available today.
Between me and the wider Guitar Player team, we've tested and reviewed hundreds of acoustic-electric guitars, encountering the good, the bad, and the truly exceptional. For me, it doesn't come much better than the Taylor Gold Label 814e SB Super Auditorium if you want the best overall acoustic-electric. For those who need an option that's a little more budget-friendly, check out the expensive-looking but great value Epiphone Hummingbird.
At the bottom of this guide, you'll find plenty of guidance for those who are new to acoustic-electric guitars with my how to choose section, based off ten years of music retail experience. I've also curated an FAQs section which answers loads of common questions, as well as a glossary of key terms to help you break down the acoustic-specific lingo I use in this guide.
My top picks
If you want the best of the best, Taylor's Gold Label 814e SB Super Auditorium is a superb example of an acoustic-electric guitar. One of the best Taylor acoustic's we've reviewed, it delivers incredible sound and beautiful build quality in a tantalizing package.
With its small body but great sound, the Martin D Jr E is an excellent option for beginner and younger players who need a comfortably-sized instrument. It's very transportable, so great for taking to guitar lessons, and the full solid wood construction means it sounds fantastic.
If you want an acoustic-electric that looks a million bucks but doesn't cost it, the Epiphone Hummingbird would be my top pick. It's superb value for money, giving you a solid top wood for less than $500, paired with the eye-catching Hummingbird aesthetic that belies its price point.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want the crème de la crème: The 814e is perhaps the best Taylor acoustic we have reviewed, and you won’t be disappointed.
❌ Avoid if you are a lefty: Unfortunately, Taylor hasn’t made this fantastic instrument available for left-handed players.
Overview: 2024 was a big year for Taylor. The Californian acoustic brand celebrated 50 years of existence and, with it, released the Gold Label collection. Inspired by legacy guitars of the pre-War era, combined with Andy Powers’ modern V-class designs, Taylor introduced the Gold Label 814e Super Auditorium, a brand new body shape and ultimately, one of the best Taylor acoustic models Guitar Player has reviewed.
Build quality: The brand-new Super Auditorium body is slightly larger than Taylor’s Grand Auditorium, with rounder curves and no cutaway. You can choose either Honduran rosewood or Hawaiian koa for the back and sides, both paired with a torrefied Sitka spruce top. A new feature here is the long tenon neck joint, designed to improve energy transfer and boost resonance. A slanted script Taylor logo on the headstock adds a touch of elegance. Everything about this guitar reflects the care, attention, and expertise that few builders can match.
Usability/Playability: The 814e carries the hallmark of other high-end Taylor guitars: superior playability. This guitar is an absolute joy to play, whether it be big cowboy chords, finger-picking, or intricate picking work. The standard carve neck profile, accompanied by the stain finish, is a joy.
Sounds: As for tone, this guitar is special. Powers created this guitar with the intention of producing a different Taylor tone and it is a little less bright, but packed with resonance, articulation and warmth. In our review, it took one strike of a G chord to realize that this guitar has a voluptuous tone. Instead of the Taylor Expression 2 pickup system, the 814e utilizes LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics. The LR Baggs system does a fantastic job of translating the guitar’s soul and is a top-class system. So, if you are after the best acoustic-electric guitar currently on the market, look no further.
"I’d recommend the Taylor Gold Label 814e SB Super Auditorium to practically anyone looking for a top-tier acoustic experience. It delivers custom shop-like quality in a production guitar that’s perfect for the studio, the stage, or simply sitting around the back porch strumming on a sunny day."
Read more: Taylor Gold Label 814e SB Super Auditorium review
Best for beginners
✅ Buy if you want a very comfortable guitar. The shrunken Dreadnought body makes this guitar very comfortable to wield and is ideal for smaller players.
❌ Avoid if you want an acoustic with lots of unplugged volume: The diminutive body is ergonomic, but it does lack some acoustic volume comparatively.
Overview: The Dreadnought Junior is not a new entry in Martin’s lineup, but the D Jr E is the latest version of this popular scaled-down guitar. Sitting between the Little Martin and a full-sized dreadnought, the D Jr E delivers many of the tonal qualities of a full-size model in a package that is easily transportable and very comfortable to play.
Build quality: Although the D Jr E is one of the more affordable guitars in Martin’s range, the company has not cut corners on materials. This is a fully solid acoustic, with a spruce top and sapele back and sides. Inside, scalloped spruce X-bracing helps the smaller body project more effectively, and this bracing is a new feature for the 2025 model.
Usability/Playability: The D Jr E is a very comfortable guitar to play. Its slimmer lower bouts mean you do not have to reach over as much wood, which smaller players will especially appreciate. The 24.9-inch scale length is shorter than that of a D-28, but it does not put this guitar into travel-sized territory. In fact, Martin’s 000 models also use a 24.9-inch scale, so the neck feels natural and there is still plenty of room on the frets for your fingers.
Sound: The reduced dimensions give the D Jr E its own unique voice. It is not as boomy as a full-size dreadnought, yet it avoids the thinness often associated with travel guitars. It is impressive how Martin has managed to blend elements of both into something distinctive. While there is slightly less volume than a standard dreadnought, that is to be expected from a guitar of this size.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want a classic acoustic at an affordable price: Epiphone is the king of value and this solid top Hummingbird is putting this famous guitar into many more hands.
❌ Avoid if you need something more nimble: The Hummingbird isn’t the most dainty of guitars, so avoid it if you rely on portability.
Overview: We have all dreamed of owning a genuine Gibson Hummingbird, but for most of us, the price tag puts it out of reach. Luckily, Epiphone’s Hummingbird Studio gives us a solid top construction that comes remarkably close to the Gibson original, at a cost that’s much, much less.
Build Quality: With a solid Sitka spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides, this Epiphone Humminbird offers fantastic build quality. Available in a classic faded cherry burst, Epiphone has nailed the finishing here, it looks absolutely stunning. It also features Grover Rotomatics tuners for excellent tuning stability.
Playability: The square-shouldered dreadnought body gives this Hummingbird a bold and powerful feel. I have always found this guitar to be incredibly rewarding if you enjoy a room-filling presence when you play. The SlimTaper D-profile neck feels approachable, and paired with a 24.72-inch scale length, it keeps the string tension manageable, which is great for both rhythm and fingerstyle play. While it is not the daintiest guitar in Epiphone’s stable, it feels solid, dependable, and perfectly suited to players who want a classic acoustic that can handle long playing sessions in comfort.
Sound: This acoustic electric delivers a strong and resonant guitar tone with a low end that underpins everything you play. It has got great character in the high end too, warm sounding and not at all harsh, suiting a wide variety of playing styles. The Fishman Sonitone system faithfully reproduces all of that low-end character and warmth when you plug the guitar in.
Best modern
✅ Buy if you want an all-in-one acoustic-electric: This is ideal for performers who want a solution for carrying multiple guitars, the Acoustasonic covers acoustic, electric, and then some.
❌ Avoid if you’re a fan of traditional acoustic guitars. It may be stating the obvious, but Fender isn’t appealing to fans of vintage acoustic guitars here and a pre-war D-28 this is not.
Overview: Is it an acoustic guitar? Is it an electric? Some players questioned whether the Fender Acoustasonic Player Telecaster even belonged in this category, but to me, it is one of the most innovative acoustic-electric guitars on the market. Initially dismissed as a gimmick, it has proven to be genuinely groundbreaking. Sitting between the affordable Acoustasonic Standard and the U.S. Acoustasonic, the Player strikes an excellent middle ground, borrowing many design elements from its higher-end sibling.
Build quality: Despite its electric guitar-sized body, the combination of a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides gives this model impressive unplugged projection. Fender’s Stringed Instrument Resonance System soundhole design does much of the heavy lifting here, while features borrowed from the U.S. Acoustasonic, such as the Micro-Tilt neck angle adjustor and a Graph Tech nut, round out what is a very well-made instrument.
Usability/Playability: One of the biggest advantages of an acoustic guitar built like an electric is how easy it plays. The flat 12-inch radius neck with a comfortable C profile feels instantly familiar, and the exaggerated armrest on the lower bout makes long sessions easier on your strumming arm. Add to that a slim body and lightweight construction, and the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster plays more like an electric than a traditional acoustic.
Sound: Plugging in unlocks the full scope of what this guitar can do. It can emulate ten different body shapes and tonewood combinations, while the Fender Acoustasonic Noiseless magnetic pickup delivers convincing electric tones. Working in tandem with a Fishman under-saddle transducer, the result is an acoustic-electric that offers a remarkable amount of versatility. In fact, the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster is one of the most advanced instruments on this list.
Best dreadnought
✅ Buy if you want superior craftsmanship: The D-28 Modern Deluxe combines heritage and modernity like no other and is a fine example of 192 years of experience.
❌ Avoid if you are a rigorous gigger: This is not the kind of guitar I would risk hauling to open mics or local gigs.
Overview: The Martin D-28E is part of the Modern Deluxe series, whereby Martin aims to revamp some of its industry-standard guitar models with modern materials and technologies. This is a premium-level acoustic electric, so no expense has been spared with the design and execution.
Build Quality: Being a Martin guitar at this price point, top-tier craftsmanship is expected and the D-28E does not disappoint. There have been many intricate details utilized to provide an authentic ‘vintage’ Martin tone, such as Vintage Tone System technology on the spruce top, natural protein glue construction and a dovetail neck joint. The more modern build components include Liquidmetal bridge pins with red dots and a carbon fiber bridgeplate for reinforcement that will give this guitar superior longevity.
Usability/Playability: For such a powerful dreadnought, the D-28E Modern Deluxe is surprisingly comfortable to play. The asymmetrical neck shape is a clever touch that gives your hand a natural feel as you move up and down the fretboard, and I found it makes long sessions far less tiring. The neck’s profile strikes a balance between vintage heft and modern comfort, which will suit both traditionalists and players used to slimmer designs.
Sound: The D-28 delivers an even sound across all the strings, with plenty of mid-range punch and a super-tight low end. It’s got a crisp attack that responds quickly, delivering a powerful guitar tone that isn’t excessively bright. Such a glorious unplugged voice needs a good pickup system, and here we find the Fishman Thinline Gold+ VTII pickup system, which delivers the guitar’s unplugged sound impeccably, whether you’re plugged into a PA or an audio interface.
Best for gigging
✅ Buy if you are a serious gigging musician: This understated guitar houses some of the best electronics on the market and is right at home on even the biggest stages.
❌ Avoid if you prefer a traditional dreadnought: This style of guitar can be controversial and isn’t the traditionalist's cup of tea.
Overview: The Yamaha A5R ARE Acoustic Electric has its sights firmly set on the gigging guitarist, aiming to dispel the notion that you have to compromise on the unplugged sound when you plug into a PA, acoustic amplifier, or audio interface.
Build Quality: The A5R features a torrefied – or an A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treated top in Yamaha lingo – Spruce top for a warm, vintage voice, complemented nicely by the solid Rosewood sides. Most Yamaha instruments are known for their build quality, but when you step up to the Japanese-made products, you are at a different level altogether. Being the flagship guitar in Yamaha’s A series, you can guarantee that every angle has been meticulously crafted to produce a stunning, yet somewhat understated acoustic-electric guitar.
Playability: The A5R feels instantly ready for the stage. The dreadnought cutaway body gives you plenty of projection while still allowing easy access to the higher frets, which makes it versatile for both rhythm work and lead lines. The slightly shorter bracing design also helps the guitar respond quickly under your fingers, giving it a lively and dynamic feel. If I were playing back-to-back gigs, this is the guitar I would want with me, thanks to the smooth Elixir strings, rock-solid Gotoh open-gear tuners, and the overall sense that it was built for the working musician.
Sound: The A5R is a very bright-sounding guitar overall, but not at all harsh, and will suit a variety of playing styles. The SRT2 is a unique mic blend system, taking the typical piezo sound and marrying it with a digitally recreated mic sim that can mimic both a Neumann U67 and a Royer R-122. The former is perfect for playing with a pick, whilst the latter will complement your fingerstyle work.
Also consider
For most players, the above six acoustic should cover most of the bases if you need a new acoustic-electric guitar. That said, a guitar is a very personal thing so if you didn't find what you were looking for, here are some more great options for you.
How to choose
If you are new to guitar, or just need a few pointers, I have pulled together advice from my two decades of playing and nearly 10 years working in a guitar store. Whenever players ask me how to pick an acoustic-electric, I usually point to three key factors. This simple method has helped hundreds of guitarists, and I’m confident it will help you too.
1. Body shape
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In my opinion, this is the single most important choice. The body shape affects not just how a guitar sounds, but also how comfortable it feels in your hands. Smaller players, for example, might struggle with a jumbo acoustic – that wide lower bout can be a challenge to get your arm around. On the flip side, if you’ve got larger hands, a travel-sized guitar can feel cramped and frustrating.
Of course, there are always exceptions – if you love the sound of a guitar, you’ll often find a way to make it work. But for most players, comfort is key. An uncomfortable guitar will discourage you from picking it up, and if you’re planning to plug in and play live, comfort becomes even more important.
2. Tonewoods
Next, think about the woods used. While every guitar has its own personality, there are some general rules: spruce tops tend to be brighter and livelier, while mahogany tops are warmer and more mid-focused. If you already know the kind of sound you want when unplugged, let that guide your choice of woods.
Solid tonewoods usually offer more depth and richer harmonics than laminates, but they also drive up the price. For acoustic-electrics, the tonewood mix can have a big impact, so it’s worth paying attention here.
3. Electronics
Finally, consider the pickup system. Is it active or passive? Active systems usually let you tweak EQ and volume right on the guitar, while passive systems are simpler but can be more natural-sounding.
Also, look at the brand – established names like L.R. Baggs or Fishman are tried and tested, and often command a higher price, while in-house systems vary in quality. And don’t overlook practical details: is the battery compartment easy to reach? It might sound trivial, but when you are mid-gig and need to swap a battery, easy access suddenly feels like a lifesaver.
FAQs
What is an acoustic-electric guitar?
Starting with the basics, an acoustic-electric guitar is an acoustic guitar that has an electronic pickup system built within. Unlike pure acoustic guitars, an acoustic-electric guitar has an output jack that you can plug into an amplifier or PA system and amplify it, not having to rely on an external microphone to pick up your guitar sound. This type of guitar can also be called an electro-acoustic guitar; this is a different name for exactly the same thing.
Do I need an amp to use an acoustic-electric?
Although you will need an amplifier or a PA system to use the pickup system and amplify the guitar, since it is an acoustic guitar, you can play without an amplifier, just like you would with a pure acoustic guitar. Some players rely on the acoustic-electric pickup system when recording, and you can even plug into an audio interface, so there are different ways you can utilize the electronics if you don’t have an amplifier.
What types of pickup does an acoustic-electric use?
There are a few different pickup types that can be utilized; sometimes, a combination can be used. Firstly, a Piezo pickup is typically the most common. A piezo pickup, otherwise known as a transducer pickup, works by detecting the string vibrations of your guitar and transforming them into an electrical signal on its way to amplification. A piezo pickup is usually situated inside the guitar itself.
Whilst still occurring, the soundhole pickup and microphone pickup can still be found on acoustic-electric guitars. The soundhole pickup denotes exactly how it works. Mounted over the soundhole, it works very similarly to an electric guitar pickup; it creates a magnetic field, which then picks up on string vibrations. Whilst a microphone pickup is also suitably named. This type of pickup works by naturally picking up the guitar’s sound using a small microphone, usually situated within the body.
Are acoustic-electrics good for beginners?
If you are a beginner, then an acoustic-electric guitar can be a good choice. Although you are unlikely to amplify your acoustic when practicing, picking up an acoustic-electric at the start is a great way of future-proofing your choice. Once progressed, it will give you the choice to play an open mic, record your guitar, or even play a gig.
However, electronics are not completely necessary for beginners, and often, an acoustic-electric will be slightly more expensive than the pure acoustic option. If you don’t have amplification in your future, it may be overkill.
Do I need a battery for an acoustic-electric?
There are two types of acoustic-electric guitar: passive and active. A passive system in an acoustic-electric guitar does not require a battery. A passive system is more basic, and you won’t find a control panel with volume, gain and EQ controls, but it does come with the benefit of not worrying about battery levels.
On the other hand, an active system will require a battery to work. Generally speaking, most acoustic-electric guitars will be active and utilize a 9V battery to work. However, on the plus side, there are many more hands-on controls on board an active acoustic-electric.
Do acoustic-electrics sound different unplugged versus a traditional acoustic?
In almost all cases, an acoustic-electric will sound virtually identical to its purely acoustic counterpart when unplugged. The addition of a pickup system doesn’t change the body shape, tonewoods, or construction that really shape the sound. Some players with very trained ears might notice subtle differences (for example, a tiny bit of weight added by onboard electronics), but for 99% of guitarists, the unplugged tone is the same.
Is it better to buy a traditional acoustic and install an aftermarket pickup?
It depends on what you are looking for. Many higher-end acoustics, like certain Martin models, come without electronics because players at that level often prefer choosing their own pickup. The big advantage is customization – you can install exactly the system you want, tailored to your style.
That said, installing an active pickup with an onboard preamp often requires invasive work, sometimes even cutting into the body, so it’s a job for a skilled luthier. Less invasive systems are available, but they don’t always deliver the same sound quality. If convenience is a priority, it’s usually better to buy an acoustic-electric that already comes with a quality factory-installed pickup.
Can you plug an acoustic-electric into an electric guitar amp?
Yes, you can plug an acoustic-electric guitar into an electric amp, and you’ll get sound – but it probably won’t be very good. Electric guitar amps are voiced specifically to make electric guitars shine, whereas an acoustic’s tone spans a much wider frequency range. That mismatch can make your acoustic sound muddy or unnatural, and in some cases, those big low-end chords could even put strain on the amp’s speaker. There are some electric guitar amps on the market, like the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3, that have a dedicated acoustic channel, but otherwise, be careful when plugging in.
Can I use pedals with an acoustic-electric?
Absolutely – using pedals with an acoustic-electric can be great fun. Effects will react differently compared to an electric guitar because of output levels, frequency response, and pickup systems, but that just makes things more interesting. Reverb and chorus are classic acoustic effects, and if you have a stompbox, it is definitely worth trying them out. If you want to get more experimental, delay can sound beautiful, and even fuzz or distortion can create a gnarly tone some players love. Just be mindful of feedback – especially when using gain-heavy effects.
Key terms
- Action: This is the distance between the strings and the fingerboard. A high action can be harder to press notes, whilst a low action is often preferred; it can’t be too low, otherwise you will experience fret buzz.
- Active electronics: Simply put, active electronics are onboard electronics that need to be powered by a battery.
- Blend control: This control allows you to blend the amplified output between two different pickup types. Typically, a piezo pickup and a microphone pickup.
- Boomy: A boomy acoustic is one that is prominent and dominated by low-end bass frequencies. This can be a problem when recording with a microphone, as it can cause unwanted distortion.
- Boxy: A boxy tone is mostly prominent in the mid-range, sounds compressed and without much sustain. A boxy tone sounds somewhat muffled, like speaking into a cardboard box.
- Bridge: The bridge is the part of your guitar that holds the strings to the surface of the guitar’s body. On an acoustic-electric, the strings are held in place by bridge pins.
- Cutaway: A cutaway is a carved-out part of the guitar’s body to allow for easier access to the upper frets.
- DI (Direct Input): A method of sending an acoustic-electric signal directly into a PA system, audio interface, or preamp. Often done through a DI box, it balances the signal, ensuring the cleanest sound when amplified.
- EQ (Equalization): Equalization allows you to adjust the volume of different frequencies to shape the tone you are hearing, which is usually lows, mids and highs.
- Feedback: This happens when an acoustic-electric’s pickup captures its own amplified sound, creating a continuous loop that builds into a sustained howl.
- Intonation: Intonation refers to how accurately your guitar plays in tune across the fretboard. Correct intonation means that fretted notes are in tune with their corresponding open strings.
- Laminate: In the guitar world, a laminate tonewood involves many layers of wooden veneer glued together to create either the top, back or sides. It is more cost-effective than solid wood.
- Magnetic pickup: Similar to an electric guitar pickup, a magnetic pickup on an acoustic guitar uses magnets and a coiled wire to create a magnetic field. When the strings vibrate and disturb that field, it’s converted into an electrical signal.
- Notch filter: Usually found on the preamp, a notch filter eliminates a specific ‘problem’ frequency that causes feedback.
- Nut: The part of the guitar that holds the strings in place at the end of the fingerboard, traditionally made from bone; now it tends to be a synthetic material.
- Passive pickup: Unlike an active pickup, a passive pickup doesn’t require a battery or external power to function. It produces a weaker signal on its own, so it often benefits from being run through a preamp for the best tone.
- Phase switch: This flips the polarity of a signal; on an acoustic-electric, it helps to reduce feedback issues by cancelling out specific frequencies.
- Piezo pickup: A contact pickup usually placed under the saddle on an acoustic guitar’s top. It senses vibrations directly from the wood and strings, converting them into a signal that can be amplified.
- Preamp: This is an electrical unit that boosts your guitar’s weak signal into one that can be amplified. The preamp found on an acoustic-electric guitar usually houses the EQ, volume, phase and other controls.
- Rosette: This is the decorative circle around the soundhole; it is purely for cosmetic purposes and can be laid with different materials like wood and abalone.
- Saddle: The piece seated in the bridge that raises the strings, creating the break angle needed for proper tension, tuning stability, and intonation.
- Scale length: The distance between the nut and the saddle. A shorter scale length makes strings feel slinkier and easier to bend, while a longer one adds tension and snap.
- Soundhole pickup: A pickup that sits neatly in the soundhole of your acoustic, letting you plug in without drilling into the body.
- Top (soundboard): The guitar’s top wood that does most of the heavy lifting for tone. Spruce tops are bright and lively; mahogany tops are warmer and more mellow.
- Tuner: The machine heads on your headstock that tighten or loosen the strings so you can stay in tune. Some guitars also come with built-in electronic tuners for quick checks.
How we test
Here at Guitar Player, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best acoustic electric guitars available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are musicians, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best acoustic electric guitars on the market right now.
Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.
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