Who else wants to find the best acoustic electric guitars under $500?
It’s no secret that finding the best acoustic-electric guitar for under $500 can be a chore.
It’s tough enough to find the different models, compare the different features, and understand all of the options.
Plus, there’s always the chance you could buy a guitar only to find it’s not the right one for you.
All this can take the fun out of buying a new acoustic-electric guitar.
Fortunately, we’ve done all of that hard work for you.
We’ve done extensive research, compared the different models, weighed the features, and found the best acoustic-electric guitars under $500 available for you.
Check it out!
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: Best Overall
Ibanez Artwood AC340CE
Are you ready for an acoustic-electric guitar with warm, full tones and quality features? Then check out the Ibanez Artwood AC340CE.
It has a Grand Concert-shaped body with a cutaway and is composed of a solid Okoume top, and Okoume back and sides. As a result, it has a woody and warm tone with clear highs and punchy mids.
The neck is made of nyatoh and has Ibanez’s AC shape with a radius of 15.74″ so it’s very flat and fast making it perfect for fingerpicking.
With 20 frets, white dot inlays, and a bone nut, the ovangkol fretboard ensures superior resonance and a fuller tone.
The Fishman Sonicore pickup is paired with an Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp which delivers excellent tonal reproduction. Plus, the 3-band equalizer and onboard tuner ensure full control of your tone, and no excuse to ever be out of tune.
Finally, the bridge is composed of Thermo Aged Ovangkol and has a compensated bone nut, and Ibanez Advantage bridge pins so it provides an enriched, fuller sound, a more resonant tone, and easier string changes.
Pros
- 2 Outputs: Balanced XLR and Standard 1/4″
- Bone Nut and Saddle
Cons
As you can see, the Ibanez Artwood AC340CE delivers some compelling tones and refined features.
We think you’ll find its size and shape only add to its easy playability.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: Best Budget
Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package
Are you looking for a very affordable acoustic-electric guitar that has a thin body, and comes with plenty of accessories? Then check out the Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package.
It has a thin dreadnought-shaped body with a spruce top, basswood back and sides, and a cutaway so you have easy access to the higher frets and a bright, crisp tone that has plenty of warmth.
The neck is made of Okoume wood with a bound fretboard that features dot inlays and 20 frets. As a result, it adds a great tone to your sound and makes playing easy and comfortable.
A 4 band pickup/EQ featuring bass, midrange, treble, and presence means you’ll have total control over your sound if you choose to plug into an amp.
Lastly, it all comes with a gig bag, a strap, cable, some picks, and extra strings so you’re all set to rock and roll.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut and Saddle
All in all, the Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package is a very playable and very affordable acoustic-electric.
We think you’ll find it’s a great quality guitar at a very affordable price.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: Best Runner-Up
Guild OM-240CE
Are you looking for an easy-playing acoustic-electric guitar that’s got a bright, and lively sound? Then check out the Guild OM-240CE.
It has a mid-sized orchestra shaped composed of a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany sides, arched mahogany back, and a cutaway. As a result, it has easy access to the higher frets and improved volume, projection, and sustain.
The mahogany neck is in a classic Guild “C” shape with a radius of 16″ so it’s got easy playability whether your strumming or fingerpicking.
Additionally, the Pau Ferro fretboard has mother-of-pearl dot inlays, 20 frets, and a bone nut so it adds warmth, resonance, and sustain.
The Guild and Fishman-designed AP1 electronics provide a full, and dynamic sound when plugged in.
Finally, the compensated bone saddle ensures improved richness and sustain.
Pros
- Unique Archback Design
- Bone Nut/Saddle
Cons
- Very Basic Soundhole Controls
All in all, the Guild’s OM-240CE provides a bright, full sound in an easy-to-play acoustic-electric.
We think you’ll find it delivers some features at an affordable price.
Don’t wait any longer! Click here to get yours now.
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: Best Under $400
Ibanez Artwood AW54CE
Are you looking for an easy-to-play acoustic-electric guitar that delivers a warm and wonderful sound? Then check out the Ibanez Artwood AW54CE.
It has a dreadnought-shaped body with a cutaway and is composed of a solid Okoume top and laminated Okoume back and sides. As a result, you have easy access to the higher frets and a full, warm and crisp sound with improved projection.
The nyatoh neck has an AW shape and a radius of 15.74″ making it very comfortable for your hand and very easy to play leads on.
With 20 frets and small dot inlays, the ovangkol fretboard adds warmth to your sound while keeping with the natural look of the guitar.
Plus, the Ibanez T-bar Undersaddle pickup is paired with the Ibanez AEQ-TP2 Preamp which features bass, treble, and volume controls and is designed to more precisely translate your tone to your amplifier.
Lastly, the bridge is also made of ovangkol and features Ibanez Advantage bridge pins which make string changes quicker and easier while also more securely anchoring your strings.
Pros
- Balanced XLR and 1/4″ standard outputs
- Open Pore Finish Improves Resonance of the Wood
Cons
- Plastic Nut and Saddle
As you can see, the Ibanez Artwood AW54CE is a step up in quality and looks and available at an affordable price.
We think you’ll find its looks and wonderful tone are only matched by its easy playability.
Don’t delay! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: Best Under $300
Ibanez PF15ECE
Are you looking for an acoustic-electric guitar that has professional quality and features at an affordable price? Then check out the Ibanez PF15ECE.
It has the classic dreadnought-shaped body with a cutaway and is composed of a spruce top and nyatoh back and sides. As a result, it has a very classic tone with lots of projection and bass.
The 3 piece nyatoh and maple neck has the PF shape with a radius of 9.84″ so it’s very stable and adds a rich mid-low tone to your sound while having a very vintage playing feel.
With 20 frets and white dot inlays, the nandu wood fretboard adds warmth and sustain and a classy look. Plus, since it has a cutaway you have easy access to the highest frets.
The Ibanez Undersaddle pickup is paired with an Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp that has an onboard tuner. It features a 2-band equalizer so you can dial in your preferred sound, and always stay in tune.
Finally, the nandu wood bridge features Ibanez Advantage bridge pins which are designed to make changing your strings a whole lot easier.
Pros
- Available in 3 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut and Saddle
All in all, the Ibanez PF15ECE delivers the sounds and playing feel of a classic dreadnought at a very affordable price.
We think you’ll agree its looks and features make for a high-quality vintage-feeling guitar.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours today.
The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars under $500: FAQ
- What is the best acoustic electric guitar for under 500?
- Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations.
- What is the best acoustic guitar for under $500?
- Please see this post for our recommendations.
- What is the best cheap acoustic electric guitar?
- Please see this post for our recommendations.
- What is the best acoustic electric guitar for the money?
- Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations. If you’re just looking for a quality acoustic electric, it’s hard to go wrong with an Ibanez.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.