Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $1000

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You don’t need to spend thousands to own a stage-ready, great-sounding acoustic-electric guitar. Whether you’re performing live, recording at home, or just want the versatility of plugging in when needed, the best acoustic-electric guitars under $1000 deliver top-tier tone, playability, and electronics—without blowing your budget.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best options in this price range for every style of player—from fingerpickers to strummers to performers.

What to Expect from an Acoustic-Electric Under $1000

At this price point, you’re stepping into serious quality with features that include:

  • Solid tops (spruce, cedar, mahogany) for rich tone and resonance

  • Reliable onboard electronics from Fishman, LR Baggs, or Yamaha

  • Cutaways for better access to higher frets

  • Comfortable necks and smooth playability

  • Performance-ready builds that sound great unplugged and amplified

Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $1000 (2024 Picks)

1. Yamaha A3M ARE

Best Overall Acoustic-Electric Under $1000

The A3M from Yamaha’s A-Series combines powerful projection, great comfort, and professional-level electronics.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top (A.R.E. treated)

  • Solid mahogany back and sides

  • Slim taper neck, cutaway body

  • SRT2 pickup with mic modeling and onboard tuner

Why It’s Great:

  • Bold, bright, and balanced tone

  • Plays beautifully unplugged and on stage

  • Top-tier Yamaha craftsmanship

Best For: Gigging musicians and serious players who want premium tone and feel

2. Taylor Academy 12e

Best for Playability and Balanced Tone

Taylor’s Academy series brings their signature clarity and comfort to a budget-friendly model. The 12e includes top-tier electronics and an ergonomic armrest.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top

  • Layered sapele back and sides

  • ES-B pickup system with tuner

  • Comfortable armrest bevel

Why It’s Great:

  • Exceptionally comfortable for long practice or live sets

  • Articulate, balanced tone for fingerstyle and light strumming

  • Built-in tuner and EQ make it plug-in ready

Best For: Fingerstyle players, students, and performers who value playability

3. Fender Paramount PD-220E

Best Vintage-Inspired Acoustic-Electric

The PD-220E brings vintage dreadnought styling with modern updates and a powerful Fishman pickup system.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany or spruce top

  • Solid mahogany back and sides

  • Fishman Sonitone Plus system

  • Old-school appointments (rosette, inlays)

Why It’s Great:

  • Strong projection and warm mids

  • Classic vibe with modern performance features

  • Great for singer-songwriters and strummers

Best For: Players who want a bold, traditional dreadnought with performance electronics

4. Takamine GD93CE

Best for Live Performance Under $1000

Takamine guitars are trusted by gigging musicians worldwide. The GD93CE is built for the stage with a powerful preamp and stage-ready tone.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top

  • Black walnut/maple back and sides

  • TP-4TD preamp with built-in tuner and EQ

  • Venetian cutaway

Why It’s Great:

  • Bright, clear sound that cuts through the mix

  • Slim neck for fast fretting

  • Onboard controls are intuitive and gig-friendly

Best For: Performers who play in bands or regularly play amplified

5. Guild D-140CE

Best All-Solid Wood Dreadnought

The D-140CE is a rare find under $1000—it offers all solid woods, powerful tone, and great electronics at a fair price.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top

  • Solid mahogany back and sides

  • Fishman Sonitone preamp

  • Gloss finish and vintage-style detailing

Why It’s Great:

  • Deep, resonant dreadnought tone

  • Beautiful for rhythm and vocal backing

  • Solid construction ensures long-term tonal growth

Best For: Acoustic purists and players who want maximum wood resonance for under $1k

Quick Comparison Table

Guitar Model Top Wood Body Type Electronics Best For Price Range
Yamaha A3M ARE Solid spruce Dreadnought SRT2 w/ mic modeling All-around players, gig-ready tone ~$899
Taylor Academy 12e Solid spruce Grand Concert Taylor ES-B Fingerstyle, beginners, studio use ~$699
Fender PD-220E Solid spruce Dreadnought Fishman Sonitone Plus Vintage tone, singer-songwriters ~$799
Takamine GD93CE Solid spruce Dreadnought CE TP-4TD preamp + tuner Live performers, strong projection ~$799
Guild D-140CE Solid spruce Dreadnought CE Fishman Sonitone Big tone, all-solid build enthusiasts ~$950

What to Look for in an Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $1000

1. Solid Top Wood

  • Solid wood tops (vs. laminate) offer better tone, projection, and aging

  • Sitka spruce = bright and clear

  • Mahogany = warm and woody

2. Comfortable Neck

  • Look for satin-finished necks, rolled fretboard edges, and slim profiles

3. Reliable Electronics

  • Fishman, LR Baggs, and Taylor ES systems are the most trusted

  • Onboard tuners and EQ help in live situations

4. Cutaway Design

  • A cutaway gives access to higher frets, especially useful for solos or capo’d playing

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend thousands to get a stellar acoustic-electric guitar that sounds great plugged in or unplugged. The sub-$1000 range is rich with options that deliver professional-level tone, durability, and versatility.

Here’s the bottom line:

  • Go with the Yamaha A3M ARE for all-around quality and pro performance.

  • Choose the Taylor Academy 12e for comfort and clarity.

  • Grab the Guild D-140CE if you want all-solid wood at an unbeatable price.

Ready to plug in and play? Pick the acoustic-electric guitar that fits your sound—and get ready to take your performance to the next level.

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