Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $500

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You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great acoustic-electric guitar. Whether you’re playing worship sets, open mics, recording demos, or just jamming at home, there are some excellent guitars under $500 that deliver reliable tone, solid construction, and dependable electronics.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best acoustic-electric guitars under $500 in 2024—covering tonewoods, electronics, comfort, and playability—so you can find the right instrument without draining your wallet.

What Makes a Good Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $500?

At this price range, you’re not getting a handmade boutique guitar—but you can get something that feels, plays, and sounds way above its price tag.

Here’s what to expect and prioritize:

  • Solid top (or at least solid spruce/cedar): For better tone and resonance

  • Onboard preamp/tuner: Essential for live use and convenience

  • Comfortable neck and setup: No sharp frets, low action if possible

  • Reliable electronics: So your plugged-in tone sounds clean and natural

  • Durability: For practice, travel, or small gigs

Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500 (2024 Picks)

Let’s look at the top-rated, best-performing options available right now.

1. Yamaha FGX800C

Best Overall Acoustic-Electric Under $500

Yamaha’s FG series is legendary, and the FGX800C gives you the same build quality with built-in electronics and a cutaway.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top

  • Nato/Okoume back and sides

  • Cutaway body for upper fret access

  • Yamaha System66 electronics with built-in tuner

Why It’s Great:

  • Clean, balanced tone acoustically and plugged in

  • Outstanding build for the price

  • Comfortable neck for both strumming and fingerstyle

Best For: All-purpose players—worship, gigs, practice, songwriting

2. Fender CD-60SCE

Most Comfortable and Beginner-Friendly

The CD-60SCE is a fan favorite for beginners and intermediate players because of its playability, smooth neck, and full tone.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top

  • Mahogany back and sides

  • Fender FE-A2 preamp with tuner

  • Rolled fingerboard edges for comfort

Why It’s Great:

  • Easy on the hands—great neck shape and low action

  • Full dreadnought tone with bright sparkle

  • Plug-and-play ready for small shows or church services

Best For: Beginners or casual players who want stage capability without complications

3. Ibanez AEG70

Best Slim-Body Acoustic-Electric

If you find most acoustics too bulky or uncomfortable, the Ibanez AEG70’s slim body and modern feel make it a winner.

Key Features:

  • Flamed maple top

  • Sapele back and sides

  • Ibanez AEQ-TTS preamp with tuner

  • Thin body and cutaway

Why It’s Great:

  • Extremely comfortable, even when sitting or standing

  • Sharp modern look with great clarity

  • Good for smaller players or electric guitar converts

Best For: Players needing comfort, aesthetics, and a bright, tight tone

4. Epiphone AJ-220SCE

Best for Bold Projection and Rich Tone

Epiphone’s Advanced Jumbo body shape gives this guitar more low-end and natural projection than many others in the same price class.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top

  • Mahogany body

  • Shadow Performer preamp with NanoFlex pickup

  • Dreadnought-style body with cutaway

Why It’s Great:

  • Loud and bold sound, even unplugged

  • Works beautifully for singer-songwriters

  • Unique body shape for deeper tone

Best For: Players who love rich lows, strummers, and vocal accompaniment

5. Washburn Festival EA15

Best for On-Stage Performance

Originally designed for live performance, the Festival series offers a comfortable, feedback-resistant body and smooth electronics.

Key Features:

  • Select spruce top

  • Catalpa back and sides

  • Cutaway mini-jumbo body

  • Barcus Berry EQ4T preamp with tuner

Why It’s Great:

  • Thin, fast neck and slim body

  • Designed with gigging in mind

  • Plugged-in tone is crisp and clean with great control

Best For: Gigging musicians, worship teams, and players who prioritize plugged-in performance

Acoustic-Electric Guitar Comparison Table

Guitar Top Wood Body Style Electronics Price Range Best For
Yamaha FGX800C Solid spruce Dreadnought System66 + tuner ~$350–$400 All-around players
Fender CD-60SCE Solid spruce Dreadnought cut Fender preamp ~$300–$350 Beginners, casual players
Ibanez AEG70 Flamed maple Slim AEG cutaway AEQ-TTS + tuner ~$350 Small-handed players, modern feel
Epiphone AJ-220SCE Solid spruce Jumbo cutaway Shadow Performer ~$400–$450 Bold tone, singer-songwriters
Washburn EA15 Spruce Mini-jumbo cut Barcus Berry EQ4T ~$300 Gigging, worship, feedback control

What to Look for When Buying Under $500

1. Solid Top vs. Laminate

Always opt for a solid top (usually spruce or cedar) if available. It improves tone, sustain, and resonance.

2. Electronics Quality

  • Built-in tuner is a must

  • Preamp with volume, EQ, and tone shaping is a bonus

  • Fishman, Barcus Berry, and Yamaha electronics are solid bets

3. Comfort and Neck Profile

Make sure the guitar isn’t a chore to play. Slim necks, cutaways, and rolled edges make a big difference—especially if you’re playing live or practicing long hours.

4. Body Style

  • Dreadnoughts: Louder and bass-heavy

  • Concert/slim body: More comfortable, better for fingerstyle

  • Cutaways: Useful for soloing or high-fret access

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to stretch your budget to get a quality acoustic-electric guitar that sounds great and plays even better. From Yamaha’s tried-and-true FGX800C to Ibanez’s sleek AEG70, these guitars prove that tone, comfort, and stage-readiness can be affordable.

Here’s the takeaway: Pick the one that fits your hands, matches your style, and supports your goals—whether it’s open mic nights, worship services, or recording songs in your bedroom.

Ready to plug in and play? Grab the right guitar under $500 and take your sound to the next level—without overspending.

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