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The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars

Who else wants to find the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars?

It’s no secret that finding the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars can be a chore.

With all of the different models from all of the different manufacturers, it’s hard to know which one is the right one for you.

Plus, it can be difficult to know exactly which features you need and which ones you don’t.

All of this makes finding the best acoustic electric guitar under $500into a bit of a hassle.

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work and found the best ones currently available.

Check it out!

The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars: Best Overall

Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar 

Are you looking for the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars that features a vintage-inspired design, quality electronics, and easy playability? Then check out the Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

It features a body composed of a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides and a faded cherry finish which means it has a sweet tone with plenty of warmth and bright full tones.

Additionally, its design is inspired by the ’60s Gibson hummingbird so it features the timeless hummingbird graphics and the hummingbird-shaped pickguard which gives it a very classic look.

The mahogany neck is in Gibson’s SlimTaper “D” shape and features a radius of 12″ so it has a solid tone, is designed for maximum playability, and is flat enough to make playing chords and leads straightforward.

Additionally, the neck is connected to the body using a set dovetail joint at the 14th fret which guarantees excellent sound transfer and superior build quality.

With distinctive Pearloid Twin Parallelogram inlays and 20 medium-jumbo sized frets, the Pau Ferro fretboard has an opulent, timeless design with modern frets that make playing feel effortless.

The Fishman Sonicore under-saddle pickup is paired with a Fishman Sonitone preamp so you get a dynamic and accurate sound when you’re plugged in.

Plus, the soundhole mounted volume and tone controls let you dial in your preferred tone without ruining the vintage look of this guitar.

Finally, the Pau Ferro “Reverse Belly” Gibson bridge features a compensated saddle which gives it the classic Gibson look as well as superior intonation.

Pros

  • Update of a Classic from the ’60s
  • Grover Rotomatic 18:1 ratio tuners

Cons

  • Nut Composed of Plastic
  • Old School Looks May Not Appeal to Every Guitar Player
  • 9 Volt Battery to Power Pickup not Included

As you can see, the Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar delivers a timeless guitar with modern improvements.

We think you’ll agree its iconic design coupled with its quality electronics make it the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars: Best Budget

Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar 

Are you searching for the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars that is high quality, comes with accessories, and is surprisingly easy on your budget? Then check out the Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package.

This guitar features a dreadnought-shaped body composed of a spruce top with basswood back and sides so it has a warm and full tone with brightness and clear articulation.

Plus, the body has a thinner profile than a standard dreadnought as well as a cutout which gives you easier access to the higher frets as well making it more comfortable to play.

The neck is composed of Okoume wood and features a bound fretboard with 20 frets and white dot inlays which gives it a solid sound, a classic look, and ensures easy playability.

The 4 band EQ features bass, midrange, treble, and presence controls so you have complete control over your tone and can dial in the sound you’re looking for.

Finally, this guitar comes with a gig bag, a guitar strap, a cable, and some guitar picks, as well as an extra set of strings which means it’s got just about everything you’ll need.

Pros

  • Available in Multiple Finishes

Cons

  • Plastic Nut and Saddle

As you can see, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package delivers a guitar that’s comfortable to play that comes with plenty of accessories.

We think you’ll find its wallet-friendly price and quality build make it the best acoustic electric guitar under $500 for anyone on a budget.

You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.

The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars: Best Runner-Up

Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Are you looking for the best acoustic electric guitar under 500 dollars that features potent electronics, is comfortable to play, and has a classic design? Then check out the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

It features a dreadnought-shaped body composed of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides which means it produces bright and full tones that are dynamic and full bodies.

Plus, it has a Venetian cutaway which gives you easier access to the higher frets as well as a pleasing look.

The mahogany neck is in Fender’s ‘Easy-to-play’ shape and features rolled fretboard edges as well as a radius of 12″ so it adds warmth to your tone, has a shape that’s designed to be comfortable, and a radius that encourages easy playing. 

With 20 vintage-sized frets and 3mm Pearloid dot inlays, the walnut fretboard delivers a vintage playing feel, inlays that showcase the wood, and a comfortable playing surface.

The Fender exclusive CD-1 Fishman system includes an onboard tuner as well as volume, bass, and treble controls so you have full control over your amplified tone.

Finally, the walnut bridge and chrome die-cast tuners ensure solid tuning stability as well as enhanced resonance and sustain.

Pros

  • Available in 2 Finishes
  • Scalloped “X”-bracing Enhances Your Tone
  • Also Available with Mahogany Top

Cons

  • Plastic Nut and Saddle

As you can see, the Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar delivers quality electronics, first-class tonewoods, and a modern guitar design.

We think you’ll find its high-quality build and resonant sounds make it the best acoustic electric guitar under $500.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars: Best Under $300

Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCE

Are you interested in the best acoustic electric guitar out there that delivers professional features, a quality build, and a great sound? Then check out the Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCE.

This guitar features a grand concert-shaped body composed of an Okoume top with Okoume back and sides as well as an open pore finish.

As a result, it produces a very balanced sound with a lot of warmth and a much richer, deeper tone.

Plus, the body features a cutaway design that allows for easy access to the higher frets.

The neck is made of nyatoh and is in Ibanez’s PC shape with a radius of 9.44″ which means it adds warmth to your tone, has a shape that’s designed for playability, and delivers a very old-school feel.

With 20 frets and white dot inlays, the Laurel fretboard has an almost vintage look as well as comfortable frets and inlays that don’t distract from the look of the fretboard.

The Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp allows you to effortlessly control the volume, bass, and treble settings whenever you’re plugged in.

Finally, the laurel bridge features Ibanez’s Advantage bridge pins which are designed to make strings changes easier and to more securely anchor your strings.

Pros

  • Preamp Includes OnBoard Tuner

Cons

  • Plastic Nut and Saddle

As you can tell, the Ibanez Performance Series PC12MHCE delivers warmer tones and old-school looks with top-notch electronics.

We think you’ll find its grand concert shape ensures plenty of volume and projection in a shape that’s easy to play.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars: FAQ

  • What is the best electro acoustic guitar for under 500?
    • For under $500 you have a wide choice of acoustic electric guitars that will be built with a solid top and have a high build quality. Please see our Best Overall and Best Runner-Up suggestions.
  • Do acoustic electric guitars sound good unplugged?
    • Acoustic electric guitars sound just like a regular acoustic guitar when they are unplugged. At their heart, acoustic electric guitars are basically acoustic guitars that have some type of pickup added to them. Unlike electric guitars, no amplifier is necessary to enjoy playing them.
  • How much does a good electric acoustic guitar cost?
    • You can buy an acoustic electric guitar for as little as $100. To ensure you get a good quality one, you really want to budget around $300. This will leave get you a guitar built with quality tonewoods, powerful electronics, and better build quality.