Acoustic-electric guitars offer the versatility of traditional acoustic sound with the added benefit of amplification for live performance and recording. With a wide range of models available, players can find instruments that suit their tone preferences, playing styles, and performance needs. This guide explores a selection of highly regarded acoustic-electric guitars that have earned consistent praise from musicians across experience levels and musical genres.

1. Ibanez PC54E Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This grand concert-style instrument features a mahogany top, back, and sides, delivering a warm, focused tone with strong midrange presence. The compact body design offers comfort for extended playing sessions and improved control.

Equipped with an Ibanez under-saddle pickup and AEQ-2T preamp, it allows for easy amplified performance. The onboard tuner and straightforward controls make it suitable for a wide range of playing contexts.

Pros:

• Warm, mid-focused tone

• Comfortable smaller body

• Built-in tuner included

• Simple electronic controls

• Durable mahogany construction

Cons:

• Limited bass projection

• Laminate wood build

• Less volume than dreadnoughts

• Basic electronics

• No cutaway for high fret access

2. Yamaha FX335C Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

With a spruce top and nato back and sides, this dreadnought offers a balanced tone suited to strumming and flatpicking. Its full-sized body ensures strong projection and presence, while a cutaway adds access to upper frets.

The built-in System 58 preamp with 3-band EQ allows precise tone shaping for live or amplified settings. A black gloss finish provides a sleek, classic appearance.

Pros:

• Strong projection and volume

• Upper fret cutaway access

• Onboard EQ for tone shaping

• Versatile for multiple styles

• Classic black gloss finish

Cons:

• Laminate construction

• Heavier body weight

• Tone less warm than all-mahogany

• Factory setup may need adjustment

• Basic pickup system

3. Epiphone Limited Edition Hummingbird Performer PRO

This square-shoulder dreadnought features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a bright, resonant sound with strong low-end. Its distinctive Hummingbird pickguard and sunburst finish add visual appeal.

Equipped with Shadow ePerformer preamp and NanoFlex pickup, it offers clear, natural amplified tone. Comfortable neck profile and classic design make it a versatile choice for performance or recording.

Pros:

• Solid spruce top tone

• Distinctive aesthetic design

• Clear amplified sound

• Strong low-end projection

• Comfortable neck shape

Cons:

• Slightly larger body size

• Gloss finish shows wear easily

• Price above entry level

• Limited cutaway access

• May require setup adjustment

4. Fender FA-135CE All-Mahogany Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar

An all-mahogany body gives this concert-size guitar a warm, mellow tone ideal for intimate settings. The smaller size provides comfortable handling for players of all levels, with a cutaway for extended fretboard access.

Fishman electronics ensure reliable amplified performance, and the built-in tuner adds convenience. It’s a balanced option for practice, songwriting, and smaller live performances.

Pros:

• Warm all-mahogany tone

• Comfortable concert size

• Built-in tuner included

• Fishman pickup system

• Cutaway for high fret access

Cons:

• Less projection than dreadnoughts

• Laminate body construction

• Limited brightness in tone

• Basic control options

• Finish can show fingerprints

5. Mitchell T311CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This dreadnought model pairs a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for balanced tone with crisp highs and warm lows. The Venetian cutaway offers access to higher frets, enhancing versatility.

A built-in Fishman Presys preamp with tuner allows for clear, controllable amplified sound. Its combination of solid-top construction and affordable price makes it appealing to value-conscious players.

Pros:

• Solid spruce top tone
• Warm, balanced sound
• Cutaway for upper fret reach
• Onboard tuner and EQ
• Good value for features

Cons:

• Laminate back and sides

• Heavier dreadnought body

• Gloss finish maintenance needed

• Factory setup may vary

• Less portable than smaller bodies

6. Yamaha APX600 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This modern cutaway body features a spruce top with nato/okoume back and sides to deliver a bright and focused acoustic tone with enhanced projection. Its slim, thin-line body design and comfortable neck make it particularly suited for stage use and extended play sessions.

The onboard System‑66 electronics provide easy acoustic amplification control, while the sleek satin finish and ergonomic boost make it practical for both live performance and studio work.

Pros:

• Thin-line body design
• Bright tonal clarity
• Stage-friendly cutaway
• Integrated System‑66 preamp
• Lightweight and ergonomic

Cons:

• Less resonance than full-depth acoustics

• Basic electronic features

• Nato/okoume wood feels lighter

• No onboard tuner

• Satin finish smudges easily

7. Takamine GD-30CE 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This 12‑string dreadnought offers a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing rich, chiming resonance and robust harmonic complexity. The cutaway design supports higher fret access, while Takamine’s traditional craftsmanship ensures reliable structure and tonal balance.

Equipped with Takamine’s TP‑4TD preamp system for live or amplified use, it combines vintage-style build quality with modern plug-in versatility—ideal for players seeking full, shimmering sound from a familiar dreadnought form.

Pros:

• Rich 12‑string resonance

• Easy upper-fret access

• Solid spruce tonewood

• Dedicated TP‑4TD electronics

• Strong build quality

Cons:

• Heavier than 6‑strings

• Complex string setup

• No built-in tuner

• Thicker neck profile

• Higher cost maintenance

8. Martin Special 000-X2E Spruce-Rosewood HPL Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Styled on the classic 000 body shape with solid spruce top and durable HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) back and sides, this instrument offers balanced, articulate tone in a compact format. The smaller body brings focused projection and excellent balance across registers.

It features Fishman MX‑T electronics for plugged‑in performance and remains lightweight—making it suitable for travel, recording, or intimate live settings while maintaining solid tonal response.

Pros:

• Compact 000 body

• Clear, balanced tone

• Durable HPL construction

• Fishman MX‑T preamp onboard

• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Laminate reduces acoustic depth

• No tuner included

• Slim body may limit volume

• Basic electronics

• Minimal aesthetic detailing

9. Epiphone Hummingbird EC Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Inspired by the classic Hummingbird design, this guitar offers a solid spruce top with select mahogany body, delivering a warm and resonant voice with familiar tonal richness. Its square‑shoulder dreadnought body balances low-end fullness with midrange clarity.

Equipped with Fishman Sonicore pickup and Presys II onboard preamp—including tuner—the instrument provides reliable amplified sound and aesthetic touches like vintage-themed appointments, making it accessible heritage style for players seeking tradition with modern utility.

Pros:

• Iconic aesthetic design

• Warm acoustic tone

• Onboard tuner included

• Fishman electronics

• Thoughtful vintage appointments

Cons:

• Upper fret access limited

• Heavier body size

• Presys II is entry-level

• Dreadnought neck may feel wide

• Gloss finish shows wear

10. Martin D-10E Road Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This classic dreadnought features a solid Sitka spruce top with layered sapele back and sides for a rich, balanced tone and strong projection. The large body yields robust low-end response and clarity across chords and melodies.

Includes Fishman MX‑T electronics for quick amplified output. Positioned as an affordable entry into Martin’s heritage, it blends familiar craftsmanship, stage-ready functionality, and accessible pricing for players seeking reliable dreadnought performance.

Pros:

• Strong dreadnought projection

• Balanced acoustic tone

• Reliable Fishman preamp

• Heritage-grade build

• Affordable entry point

Cons:

• No onboard tuner

• Larger body not travel-friendly

• Basic electronic layout

• Gloss finish requires upkeep

• Layered back/sides