As a beginner or pro, you’ll find a remarkable acoustic-electric guitar in this lineup. From Fender’s iconic tones to the well-rounded Glen Burton, each model offers distinct advantages. But what sets them apart, and which one fits your needs best? Uncover the nuances that could make all the difference in your playing experience. Whether you crave a bright, resonant sound or prefer a more balanced tone with extensive controls, the answers lie ahead. Get ready to discover the perfect acoustic-electric companion for your musical journey.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate guitarist seeking an affordable and versatile acoustic-electric guitar, the Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle is an excellent choice.
With its laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides, this guitar delivers a bright, resonant tone that’s perfect for a variety of styles.
The Fishman electronics provide solid amplified sound, allowing you to plug in and play with ease.
Weighing just 9.43 pounds and featuring a comfortable C-shaped neck, this guitar is easy to handle and play.
The bundle includes a host of useful accessories, including a gig bag, strap, strings, picks, and online lessons, making it a great value-packed option.
While some customers reported minor issues with the frets and a low-quality cable, the overall consensus is that this guitar offers impressive quality and performance for the price.
Best For: Beginner or intermediate guitarists seeking an affordable and versatile acoustic-electric guitar for a variety of playing styles.
Pros:
Delivers a bright, resonant tone with the laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides
Fishman electronics provide solid amplified sound for easy plug-and-play
Lightweight and comfortable design with a C-shaped neck
Cons:
Some customers reported minor issues with sharp fret edges
The included guitar cable may be of lower quality
Dealing with any potential issues may be more challenging for customers in Canada
Fender CD-60SCE Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – All Mahogany Bundle
Seeking an affordable, versatile acoustic-electric guitar that delivers impressive tone and playability, the Fender CD-60SCE Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – All Mahogany Bundle is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate players alike.
Featuring a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp, this guitar produces a rich, balanced sound you’ll love.
The easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges guarantees comfortable, smooth performance, while the built-in tuner and included accessories like a hard case, cable, strap, and more make this bundle a great value.
Reviewers praise the CD-60SCE’s impressive sound quality and overall quality for the price point.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, this Fender acoustic-electric delivers excellent bang for your buck.
Best For: Beginner and intermediate players seeking an affordable, versatile acoustic-electric guitar with impressive tone and playability.
Pros:
Rich, balanced sound from solid spruce top and mahogany body
Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges for comfortable performance
Included accessories like hard case, cable, strap, and more provide great value
Cons:
Some reviewers mentioned issues with the setup and quality control
Weight may be heavy for some users at 17 pounds
Limited color or finish options compared to more premium models
Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar, Black
For budding musicians seeking an affordable yet capable acoustic-electric guitar, the Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK delivers impressive features and performance.
This cutaway model boasts a flame top, basswood back and sides, and a catalpa neck and bridge, providing a rich, well-balanced tone.
The rosewood fingerboard and sealed gear tuners guarantee smooth playability and reliable intonation.
The onboard 4-band EQ and active preamp allow you to easily shape your sound, while the included 10-watt amplifier lets you plug in and start playing right away.
Despite some reported issues with the included accessories, the GA204BCO-BK offers excellent value for the price, earning a solid 4.4-star rating from over 1,900 customers.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this versatile guitar is worth consideration for your musical journey.
Best For: Budding musicians seeking an affordable yet capable acoustic-electric guitar with impressive features and performance.
Pros:
Provides a rich, well-balanced tone with a flame top, basswood back and sides, and catalpa neck and bridge
Smooth playability and reliable intonation thanks to the rosewood fingerboard and sealed gear tuners
Onboard 4-band EQ and active preamp allow for easy sound shaping
Cons:
Some customers reported receiving damaged shipments or minor cosmetic imperfections
Issues with the included amplifier, gig bag, and string quality reported by some customers
Customers had to resolve these issues through customer service or DIY adjustments
The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a versatile and affordable acoustic-electric guitar, with its thinline design, onboard electronics, and durable construction.
This full-size guitar features a cutaway for better fret access, an X-braced spruce top, and a basswood back, delivering a bright and rich sound with full midtones.
The 4-band pickup/EQ system allows you to shape your tone, while the upgraded phosphor bronze strings provide a smooth playing experience.
With its ultra-glossy finish and chrome tuning pegs, the Ashthorpe guitar not only sounds great but also looks the part.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this package offers exceptional value for money, earning it a well-deserved 4.5-star rating from thousands of satisfied customers.
Best For: The Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is best for beginner to intermediate musicians seeking an affordable and versatile acoustic-electric guitar.
Pros:
Bright and rich sound with full midtones
Onboard 4-band pickup/EQ for tone shaping
Durable construction with ultra-glossy finish
Cons:
Some minor issues reported with the finish, frets, and tuners
Low end is tempered compared to larger body guitars
Factors to Consider When Choosing Acoustic Electric Guitars
When choosing an acoustic electric guitar, you’ll want to ponder the body size and comfort.
Construction and durability are also crucial factors to consider.
Tonal properties and balance are essential aspects to think about.
Electronics and amplification are vital components to examine.
Playability and action are critical elements to assess.
These factors can greatly influence the guitar’s overall feel, sound, and performance, so crucially, choose wisely.
Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail to help you find the perfect acoustic electric guitar for your needs.
Body Size and Comfort
One key consideration when selecting an acoustic-electric guitar is the size and comfort of the body, as this can substantially impact your playing experience.
Full-size guitars can be challenging for players with smaller frames or those who prefer a more comfortable feel. Opting for a concert, parlor, or thinline body may be a better fit, providing a more manageable and ergonomic design.
The cutaway design is another important factor, as it allows for better access to the upper frets, making it ideal for players who frequently perform lead lines or solos.
Additionally, thinner body styles, like thinline guitars, offer a more comfortable playing experience, especially during extended playing sessions.
The weight of the guitar is also vital, with the sweet spot typically ranging from 4 to 9 pounds.
Heavier guitars can lead to fatigue and discomfort, so finding the right balance between tone and comfort is essential.
Construction and Durability
In addition to the body size and comfort, the construction and durability of an acoustic-electric guitar are crucial elements to ponder when making your purchase.
The guitar’s build quality will determine how well it holds up to regular use and the rigors of travel. Look for a solid wood construction, which is more durable than laminate. Examine the joints and binding to verify they’re tightly secured.
The hardware, like the tuning pegs and bridge, should be sturdy and well-crafted. You’ll also want to ponder the guitar’s finish – a high-quality lacquer or polyurethane will protect the instrument from dings and scratches.
Additionally, the neck should be straight and stable, with a comfortable profile that suits your playing style.
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, the electronics are another critical component. Seek out a pickup system that delivers clear, natural tone and is built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
With the right construction and durability, your acoustic-electric guitar will serve you well for years to come.
Tonal Properties and Balance
Achieving a well-balanced tonal profile is essential when selecting an acoustic-electric guitar, as it determines the overall richness and expressiveness of your sound.
The type of wood used for the guitar’s construction plays a pivotal role, from the brightness of the treble to the warmth of the midrange and the depth of the bass. Additionally, the bracing pattern and body shape can profoundly impact the balance, with X-bracing and dreadnought bodies often producing a more powerful and evenly distributed tone.
Don’t overlook the electronics, either. Active pickup and EQ systems provide more tonal flexibility and control, allowing you to fine-tune your sound to your preference.
The choice of strings can also sway the overall tone, with phosphor bronze strings typically offering a warmer and more balanced response compared to the brighter and more aggressive sound of steel strings.
Electronics and Amplification
When selecting an acoustic-electric guitar, carefully consider the on-board electronics, as they can substantially impact the amplified tone and overall performance.
Fishman electronics, for instance, are renowned for delivering a bright, clear sound that translates well in live or studio settings. Additionally, a 4-band pickup/EQ system provides a wider range of tonal adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the bass, mid-range, treble, and presence to your liking.
Many modern acoustic-electric guitars also feature active 4-band 7545 EQ systems, which give you even more control over shaping the amplified sound. This can be particularly useful if you play in diverse musical settings or need to adapt your tone to different venues or recording environments.
Moreover, built-in tuners can make it easier to keep your guitar in perfect pitch, ensuring a polished performance.
The type of string material used, such as phosphor bronze, can also affect the sound quality and tone of your acoustic-electric guitar.
Considering these electronics and tonal factors can help you find the perfect instrument to meet your musical needs.
Playability and Action
Beyond the electronics and tonal considerations, the playability of an acoustic-electric guitar is paramount, as it directly impacts your comfort and performance.
The neck material is vital, and choices like nato, mahogany, and catalpa offer a smooth playing feel. Ensuring the action, or string height, is set between 4/64′ and 5/64′ at the 12th fret will prevent fatigue and discomfort.
The scale length also plays a role, with shorter 25.3′ scales allowing for easier playing, while longer 41′ scales provide more tension and volume.
The fretboard material and edge style matter too, as rolled edges and smooth fretboards offer a more comfortable experience.
Aesthetic and Design
Alongside the practical considerations of playability and tone, the aesthetic and design of an acoustic-electric guitar shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can profoundly impact your overall satisfaction with the instrument.
The guitar’s body shape, like a cutaway or thinline, can make a big difference in how comfortably it fits and feels in your hands.
And the choice of tonewood – from the warm hues of mahogany to the bright grain of spruce – will shape the guitar’s visual appeal.
Don’t underestimate the significance of the finish, either.
Whether you prefer a glossy shine or a more natural, matte look, the finish can dramatically alter the instrument’s aesthetic.
Even the bridge design, whether fixed or adjustable, can contribute to the guitar’s overall aesthetic.
Finally, the headstock’s shape and style, including the tuning pegs and knobs, can add the finishing touch to the guitar’s visual identity.
Considering all these design elements will help you find an acoustic-electric that’s as pleasing to the eye as it’s to play.
Value and Budget
When shopping for an acoustic-electric guitar, your budget is a crucial factor to weigh as it can substantially narrow down your options. Ensuring you get the best value for your money means considering not just the guitar’s upfront cost, but also any necessary accessories or features that may come bundled with it.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar is worth considering. While its price is lower than other guitars with similar features, it doesn’t compromise on quality.
The Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle offers excellent value, with a 4.5-star rating and a top-selling rank.
For those seeking a great deal, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is an excellent choice, boasting a 4.5-star rating and a high best-sellers rank.
Accessories and Extras
In addition to the guitar itself, the accessories and extras included in a bundle can substantially impact the overall value and convenience of an acoustic-electric guitar purchase.
A sturdy hardshell case, like the Gear Lux in the Fender CD-60SCE bundle, can provide excellent protection for your instrument, though the quality may vary.
Accessories such as gig bags, straps, strings, and picks, found in packages like the Fender FA-125CE and Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline, can be incredibly useful, especially for beginners setting up their gear.
Instructional materials, including DVDs or online lessons, can be a valuable addition, as seen in the Fender FA-125CE bundle’s Fender Play access.
However, the quality of included accessories, like the 1/4 guitar cable in the Fender FA-125CE, may not always meet expectations, so research and reviews are essential.
Some bundles, such as the Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK, even include a digital clip-on tuner or a 10-watt amplifier, enhancing the overall playing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Optimal String Gauge for Beginners?
As a beginner, you’ll typically want to start with a lighter string gauge like .012-.053 or .013-.056. These strings are easier to fret and bend, making them more comfortable for developing your playing technique. The ideal string gauge will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.
How Often Should I Replace the Strings?
You should replace your guitar strings every 3-6 months, depending on how often you play. Regular string changes will guarantee peak tone and playability. Factors like humidity and sweat can also affect how often you need to change them.
What Is the Best Way to Maintain the Guitar’s Finish?
To maintain your guitar’s finish, regularly wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or harsh cleaners, which can damage the finish. Occasionally, apply a small amount of guitar polish to keep it looking its best.
Can I Upgrade the Electronics on My Acoustic-Electric Guitar?
You can upgrade the electronics on your acoustic-electric guitar. This allows you to enhance its tone, volume, and overall performance. Just be sure to consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for compatible parts.
What Is the Difference Between a Cutaway and a Non-Cutaway Design?
A cutaway design on your acoustic-electric guitar allows you to easily access the higher frets, like a piece of cake. In contrast, a non-cutaway model offers a more traditional appearance and a fuller, richer sound, but may feel a bit cramped on the upper end.
Conclusion
You’ve got the perfect acoustic-electric guitar for any skill level, from the beginner strummer to the virtuoso shredder.
Whether you want a bright, resonant tone or a well-balanced sound, these guitars have you covered.
Don’t overthink it – just pick one and start rocking out.
Your neighbors might hate you, but hey, that’s the price of musical greatness, right?
