Top Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, sooner and later it’s time to buy or upgrade an instrument. More and more players around the world are turning to acoustic-electric guitars for their performance and sound. It doesn’t matter if you want to play at home or perform on stage – this guitar will be a great option. All you need is to connect your guitar to an amp or a PA system! However, which one to choose?
Of course, the market for musical instruments is huge, so it can be difficult to choose the right guitar that is perfect for you and your needs. The task becomes even more difficult if you are looking for an inexpensive but high-quality musical instrument. That is why our top best acoustic electric guitars under $500 will solve all your problems.
Top Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500
Here are our top picks:
1)Yamaha FGX800C
Yamaha FG is a series that has been around since the 60s and has not only proved its value for many years, but is also popular among the best acoustic electric guitars under 500. Yamaha FGX800C is a great model that is suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists performing on stage.
Unlike many other guitars on the market, this model has a fairly good construction. It has sitka spruce top which is a very good tonewood for acoustic guitars. As for the back and sides, they are made from nato (mahogany-like wood).
It is thanks to this design that the guitar has a beautiful sound and articular tone. A distinctive feature of this model is also the scalloped x bracing (which is most often found on expensive guitars).
This scalloped bracing greatly improves the bass response of the guitar. Also, among other things, this model has a convenient cutout that provides good access to all frets.
Before buying, you should pay attention to the fact that this guitar has only 17 frets instead of the usual 20, which can scare away professional guitarists who like to play in the high registers.
However, if you are a beginner or intermediate player, this model can be an excellent choice. In terms of electronics, this guitar has a System 66 pickup with preamp so you can get a decent sound. It also has a tuner, 3-band EQ and volume control.
2)Fender FA-135CE
Fender is probably one of the most famous guitar brands in the world, and you have probably heard about it more than once, so this model should certainly be in our top electric acoustic guitars under 500.
Despite the fact that Fender specializes more in electric guitars, he still makes quality electric acoustic guitars at an affordable price. This model will cost you only $200.
The Fender FA-135CE has a classic basswood-spruce body with a single cutout and a nato neck with rosewood fingerboard. Also this model has Classic
Fender headstock and chrome die-cast tuners. It is also worth noting that the body has x-bracing which provides a decent resonant guitar sound.
However, you should also pay attention to the fact that the guitar does not sound as loud without amp, however, when you connect it, you will immediately fall in love with its amplified tone.
This model has a very balanced and warm tone, which makes the sound very full.
Speaking of electronics, this guitar has a Fishman ION-T preamp and a chromatic tuner.
Among other things, the Fender FA-135CE this model comes with 3 EQ controls (bass, middle and treble) and also has a volume control. This model is universal for both beginners and professionals.
3)Washburn WA90CE
If you have already done your own research and searched for the best guitars electric acoustic under 500, then most likely you have come across Washburn guitars. The brand is known for its large selection of acoustic guitars, which is why you should check out the WA90CE.
The top of the guitar is made of spruce and the back and the sides are mahogany. It is important to note that mahogany is the wood that makes the guitar resonate well.
In addition the model has a venetian singe cutaway which is very handy for accessing higher frets. The neck of the guitar is comfortable enough to grab and the fretboard is made of rosewood. Thus, you will be able to feel quite warm and dense sounding of this model due to its design.
We also cannot fail to mention electronics, as Washburn comes with its own built-in preamp and a tuner.
The preamp is pretty simple as it only has volume control and a button to turn tuner on, but for such an inexpensive guitar you get everything you need. If you are a beginner musician, then most likely this guitar will be a good option for you.
However, if you are a professional who performs, then most likely you should pay attention to other options.
4) Ibanez AW54CE
Ibanez is another world famous brand that produces good quality guitars. The Ibanez AW54CE model costs only $300 despite being completely made of mahogany, which is why it has such a memorable appearance.
So, speaking of the main features, the Ibanez AW54CE has a dreadnought body and a nice and comfortable single cutaway. Also this guitar has a longer scale length (25.6”) which allows it to resonate well. Not to mention that this guitar has an open pore design which makes it somewhat vintage and quirky.
As already said, the top, back and sides of the guitar are made of mahogany, which gives it a rich and beautiful guitar tone. It is also worth noting that the classic rosewood fretboard also provides a deep timbre.
This model has 20 frets and features the Satin finish on the neck and chrome die-cast Grover tuners. So, if you are looking for a guitar with the warmest and richest sound, then this model will be your best budget acoustic electric guitar under 500.
The electronics of this guitar are also simple, but at the same time quite effective. This model has an Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp with Fishman Sonicore pickup.
So the preamp has volume, bass, onboard tuner and treble knobs. The Ibanez AW54CE is a worthy choice for both the beginner guitarist and the professional who is looking for a good electric acoustic guitar.
5)Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
If you’ve been looking for the top 10 best acoustic electric guitars between 300 and 500, the $370 Epiphone Hummingbird Pro is your absolute favorite. First of all, it is worth mentioning that this Epiphone guitar is based on the legendary Gibson
Hummingbirds model. If you are a fan of the Rolling Stones then you probably know that this guitar was used on some of their hits. It is not only unique, but also has very good characteristics.
So, the neck, back and the sides are made of mahogany, and the top is solid which makes the sound of this guitar full, juicy and warm.
It is also important to note that the neck had a SlimTaper D profile which makes the game very comfortable.
The scale length is shorter than conventional electric acoustic guitars at only 24.75”. Speaking of electronics, the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro has both Fishman Sonitone preamp (which has dynamics control, bass and treble knobs, mute, phase and a volume knob) and Sonicore pickup. It is also important to mention that this guitar does not have a built-in tuner.
If you’re into rock and are an Epiphone fan, then this guitar is a must have for you. However, it will be good for any level, from beginner to professional.
6) Gretsch G5024E
Although Gretsch is not such a well-known company, they are also famous for making quality tools at an affordable price. This model is distinguished by its futuristic design, which was developed back in the 50s. This guitar has a guitar pick-shaped sound hole and also amusing pickguard design. It has a dreadnought body and is known for its excellent pickup system, which is why it made it to our top best acoustic electric guitars under 600.
It is important to note that this guitar has amazing high-tech specs. You probably don’t know everything, but spruce is one of the best tonewoods for acoustic guitars. Among other things, it has a scalloped X bracing technique that creates a rich resonant sound. It is important to note that the Gretsch G5024E has a smaller scale length than other guitars, only 25 inches. However, it’s important to note that this will make it much easier for you to play, especially if you’re a beginner or intermediate player.
It’s time to talk about the electronics of the guitar as it features the Fishman Isys + preamp and Sonicore under-saddle preamp with a volume knob, bass, tuner, middle and treble knobs. Thus, this guitar combines everything necessary for an electro-acoustic guitar. This model will be an excellent option for people who want to purchase a unique tool for a small amount.
