Whether you have no experience playing guitar or want to improve your skills, there are many choices available. In this article we will take a look at several instruments that are both impressive and affordable. The following reviews will help you decide on the best acoustic electric guitar under 500.
Our top choice is the Yamaha FGX800C, which features a cutaway design to enable comfortable playing. It features a solid mahogany body that will hold up exceptionally well over time. This guitar also offers a 3-band EQ to help you achieve the perfect overall sound.
Before you decide on a certain guitar, we encourage you to learn about the following products.
How We Picked The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500
As we put together our best acoustic electric guitar under 500 list, we carefully considered a variety of factors. We first looked at the materials that each of these instruments is made of. This will ultimately determine how long yours will last. A strong fretboard, top, back, and sides will ensure years of reliable performance.
We also made a point of selecting guitars that are specifically designed for beginners and intermediate players. Each of the instruments listed in this article feature a cutaway design, which allows for comfortable playing. This is definitely something that you will appreciate when performing or just practicing.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 in 2022:
[wptb id=98]
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Yamaha FGX800C features an ultra-durable top piece that is made of solid Sitka spruce wood. This ensures years of reliable performance with little to no wear or damage. You won’t have to worry about any cracks or other issues over time. There’s also the die-cast chrome tuning machines, which are incredibly tough and resilient.
This guitar’s sturdy top construction will also give you an amazing tone for years to come. You’ll find that this guitar’s enhanced scalloped bracing gives you better top movement for better overall projection.
We also really like the nato body of this guitar. It is just one of the reasons that the Yamaha FGX800C made our best acoustic electric guitar under 500 list. This design delivers a warm tone with very impressive midrange frequencies. We were especially blown away by the clarity and fullness of its sound.
The true sound that this guitar offers is largely due to its System-66 electronics. We also have to give credit to the onboard preamp, which offers a 3-band EQ that lets you prevent annoying feedback. You will quickly discover that this design will really help with getting the exact sound you want on a consistent basis.
You’ll be able to access this guitar’s battery compartment quite easily, as it is conveniently located on the upper bout. It takes two AA batteries, which you won’t have to replace terribly often.
The incredibly tough construction and impressive overall design of this guitar makes it a great choice. It is well-suited to beginners as well as more experienced musicians.
Pros:
- Extremely tough solid wood top construction
- 3-band EQ makes it easy to eliminate feedback
- Nice warm tone that will age incredibly well over time
- Designed for increased top movement
- System-66 pickup gives you a true sound
- Offers an excellent overall sound with complete clarity
Cons:
- Finish on fretboard is a bit inconsistent
Jameson Guitars Full Size Thinline 979 BLUE CSE Acoustic Electric Guitar
The Jameson Guitars 979 BLUE CSE Acoustic Electric Guitar has a full size design at 41 inches long. It has a traditional acoustic shape with an impressively tough wood construction. The spruce top and basswood body of this guitar will provide you with many years of sweet-sounding performance.
One of the reasons we chose this particular instrument for our best acoustic electric guitar under 500 list is its onboard EQ. It offers a total of four bands, so you can easily adjust the tone to match your preferences. This virtually guarantees that you will be able to achieve the type of sound you want at any given moment without any hassle.
We also really like the fact that this guitar is designed for musicians of all different experience levels. You don’t have to be a professional to take advantage of its incredible sound. It is the perfect choice for learning the basics, or taking your skills to the next level.
The cutaway shape of this guitar makes it comfortable to play, even for long periods of time. This design is particularly beneficial for beginners who are just starting out.
When you buy this acoustic-electric guitar, you will also receive three picks, an extra set of strings, a cable, and high quality gig bag. You will have everything needed to begin learning and play whatever kind of music you want.
Pros:
- High quality solid wood construction will stand the test of time
- Features onboard 4-band EQ for custom performance
- Cutaway shape will provide you with a comfortable feel
- Perfect for beginners as well as intermediate players
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Versatile design to meet all of your playing needs
Cons:
- Strap that comes with guitar isn’t very durable
Ashthorpe 21637114 Full-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package
The Asthorpe 21637114 Acoustic-Electric Guitar will give you a consistently amazing tone over the long term. It also particularly shines in terms of its projection as well as overall sonics. It is equipped with very tough stainless steel strings that are specially coated to prevent rust.
We were very impressed with the spruce wood and basswood construction of this guitar. These materials are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They will also give you a nice warm sound with a high level of responsiveness, regardless of your volume.
Measuring 41 inches long, the full size design of this guitar has a cutaway design for maximum comfort. The three-inch neck delivers a sleek aesthetic and an excellent sound that you will definitely appreciate. The thinline design of this instrument also makes it quite light for easier transportation. You should have no problem using it for long periods.
An onboard 4-band EQ provides you with adjustable treble, bass, presence, and mid-range options. This will give you the ability to modify the overall sound of this guitar to an impressive degree.
You’ll find that the chrome tuning pegs are very durable and turn smoothly for easy adjustments. The finish is also quite tough and won’t wear away easily like so many other guitars on the market today. It comes with a strong shoulder strap, cable, and some replacement strings.
Pros:
- Excellent projection and tone
- Cutaway design allows you to play comfortable for long periods
- Numerous adjustable settings allow you to achieve the perfect overall sound
- Basswood and spruce wood construction won’t get damaged or wear easily
- Resilient finish ensures that guitar continues looking great
- Lightweight design makes it easy to travel with
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with amplifier
Lotmusic 41 Inch Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle
This Lotmusic 41-inch Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a nice cutaway design that allows you to access the upper frets with ease. It is also made in such a way that you’ll be able to change springs without any unnecessary hassle. This ensures a great-sounding tone no matter what.
You’ll also appreciate the smooth fretboard, which allows you to play however you want without any hand irritation or injury. The strings are also quite soft and smooth, offering a high degree of clarity for an amazing overall sound.
We also have to mention this guitar’s 18:1 machine head, which eliminates slack entirely. This will ultimately allow you to lock in the proper string position and make pitch adjustments with total accuracy. You can therefore expect consistently impressive performance from this instrument.
The adjustable neck design is another reason that we put this instrument on our best acoustic electric guitar under 500 list. It will allow you to keep the strings at the right height for easy and convenient access. This ensures that you can play smoothly, which is especially important when you are learning the basics.
Whether you have never picked up a guitar or possess intermediate skills, this guitar is a great overall choice. It boasts an ultra-tough construction with mahogany back and sides. This will provide you with many years of great performance without any damage or wear to deal with.
This guitar comes with a variety of accessories, including a padded travel bag, extra set of strings, strap, cable, cleaning cloth, and silicone mute.
Pros:
- Unbelievably tough mahogany construction
- Adjustable neck design gives you easy access to strings
- Cutaway shape allows you to play comfortably at all times
- Designed for precise tuning for the best possible sound
- Features extremely strong strings that are made of steel
Cons:
- Frets are a little on the sharp side
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Fender FA-125CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar has a cutaway design that is absolutely perfect for beginners. If you don’t have any experience whatsoever, you’ll find that this instrument is very easy to use in a number of ways. It has a shape that allows for comfortable playing, which is a huge plus.
We also really like the Nato C-shaped neck, which features a sturdy walnut fretboard. You’ll find that it is specifically designed for smooth playing.
The top of this guitar is made of laminate spruce wood material, which is quite tough and resistant to damage. The back has a basswood construction, which is equally sturdy and delivers a superb tone. There is no question that it has an incredible solid overall feel that you will notice right away.
The Viking bridge is also worth mentioning, as it will help you maintain the perfect tone at all times. You’ll find that the Fishman electronics it is equipped with will also make it easy to achieve a great amplified tone.
You will receive a number of very useful accessories with this guitar. It comes with three picks, a high-quality strap, some extra strings, and a gig bag with padded interior. You’ll also get an Austin Bazaar Essentials DVD to help you with learning the basics. This package has a lot to offer beginners.
Pros:
- Nato neck offers a superb tone with a nice smooth overall feel
- Walnut fretboard is impressively tough
- Laminate construction is made up of durable spruce and basswood
- Bridge design gives you plenty of tonal support
- Comfortable cutaway shape is ideal for beginners
- Features Fishman electronics for the perfect amplified tone
Cons:
- Headstock color does not match picture
Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Buying Guide
When you need to find the best acoustic electric guitar under 500, there are quite a few different things to consider. We have put together a list of important criteria to keep in mind while reviewing these products.
Size and Shape
As you set out to find the best acoustic electric guitar under 500, you’ll need to consider which size to get. A standard dreadnought guitar is 41 inches long, while a concert guitar measures 40 inches. If you don’t have much experience with this instrument, we recommend that you go with a dreadnought model. This is also the best option if you are on the tall side.
You should also pay particularly close attention to guitars with a cutaway shape. This type of design enables comfortable playing, which is especially beneficial if you are just starting out. It will make it easier for you to learn the basics through long practice sessions at home.
Construction
It is also incredibly important to look at the overall construction of each guitar. You’ll find that the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 will have a solid wood design. Look for ones that are made of sturdy materials like spruce and basswood. This will ensure many years of excellent performance with little to no wear or damage.
A walnut fretboard will provide you with a high degree of sturdiness that you can really count on over the years. It is imperative that you choose a guitar with a strong neck. This particular part can be very expensive to have repaired if it ever cracks.
Guitars that feature a mahogany construction are particularly tough and resilient. If you want to get your money’s worth, this is definitely something you’ll need to consider. It’s always better to spend a little more on a guitar that will last.
You should also at the tuners on each guitar, as they are very important for a number of reasons. Die-cast tuning pegs are very sturdy and will allow for easy adjustments.
Onboard EQ
An onboard equalizer is something else to keep an eye out for when trying to find the best acoustic electric guitar under 500. A 3 or 4-band EQ will allow you to customize the sound of your instrument with ease. You should be able to adjust the bass, treble, and mid-range at the very least.
Electronics
The guitar’s electronics are also worth considering while you are looking into each of these instruments. Fishman electronics are highly recommended, as they will give you a natural overall sound. You’ll definitely need to focus on the design of each one’s preamp. This will have a tremendous effect on just how user-friendly it is.
Finish
A smooth and durable finish is something else that you’ll need to look for in the best acoustic electric guitar under 500. This will ensure years of great playing with minimal issues. A high-gloss finish is particularly striking in terms of pure aesthetics.
Neck Design
The neck or fretboard of your guitar is another crucial factor to pay close attention to. The best acoustic electric guitar under 500 will have a smooth neck that allows for easy adjustments. You should be able to modify the position of the strings for easy access. This will be especially helpful when you are learning the basics.
Accessories
Take a look at the accessories that come with each guitar before choosing one in particular. There are certain items that you should get to help you with getting started.
You’ll find that many of these guitars come with an extra set of strings, a strap, gig bag, and picks. All of these things are essential and important to look for.
Make sure that the bag has a high quality design with ample padding inside. This will make it easy to transport your instrument safely and securely to and from gigs. If you want to get your money’s worth with a new guitar, you’ll definitely want to look for a good package deal.
Conclusion
Before you can decide on the very best acoustic electric guitar under 500, it is important that you take a close look at each one’s design. We recommend buying a guitar that has a solid wood construction that will really last. You’ll also want to look for guitars that have a cutaway shape for maximum comfort. Feel free to leave a comment below so we know what you think about our list.
