The acoustic guitar is a truly special instrument, offering a sound that’s difficult to replicate, even by its electric counterparts. However, sometimes the natural volume of an acoustic guitar isn’t quite enough. This is where the best acoustic electric guitars come into play, providing an ideal solution for players needing more volume while retaining that acoustic tone.
Whether you’re performing live at a cozy local venue or on a massive arena stage, an acoustic electric guitar (often called an electro-acoustic) has you covered. It delivers the authentic acoustic sound you love, with the added benefit of amplification when needed.
Acoustic electric guitars are available in a wide range of styles and utilize various technologies to achieve their “electric” capabilities. Prices can vary significantly, from budget-friendly options to high-end investments. The good news is, even affordable acoustic electrics can be exceptional instruments. We’ve explored the market to bring you a list of the very best acoustic electric guitars across all price points. For those seeking further information, we’ve also included a helpful FAQs section at the end of this guide to address common questions about choosing the right acoustic electric guitar.
Our Top Picks
Taylor American Dream AD17E
- Taylor American Dream AD17E – Best Overall
For those with a थोड़ा more to spend, the Taylor American Dream AD17E is an outstanding choice. Taylor guitars are renowned for their clear, detailed sound, and this model lives up to that reputation. The dreadnought body shape provides a classic, powerful tone with a modern edge. The ES-2 pickup system ensures a wonderfully organic sound when amplified, and Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing system delivers impressive volume and sustain.
Read more below
Martin DJR-10E
- Martin DJR-10E – Best Value
The Martin DJR-10E is a standout for its exceptional value. It perfectly balances quality, playability, sound, and affordability. Crafted from all-solid wood and equipped with a quality pickup, all for under $700 – it’s a genuine Martin! Its slightly smaller size also makes it incredibly comfortable for a wide range of players.
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Martin 000-28E
- Martin 000-28E – Best for Pros
Martin’s D-28 and 000-28 are iconic acoustic guitars that set the standard for many others. However, the 000-28 is our preferred choice due to the comfort and intimacy offered by its smaller, shallower body. This particular 000-28 model is lighter than most, featuring a titanium truss rod for strength, yet it’s also louder. It’s a supercharged 000, with the bass response beautifully balanced with the treble, and incredibly responsive to your touch.
Read more below
Best Overall
Best acoustic electric guitars: Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop
(Image credit: Taylor)
1. Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop
The best solid wood electro-acoustic all-rounder
Our expert review:
Specifications
Scale length: 25.5”
Top: Solid Sitka spruce
Back and sides: solid ovangkol
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Eucalyptus
Frets: 20
Electronics: Taylor ES-2
Finish: Matte black
Bag included: Aerocase
Reasons to buy
- A USA Taylor without the exorbitant price tag
- Vintage character combined with superb V-Class sustain
- The Expression System 2 consistently delivers exceptional amplified tone
Reasons to avoid
- The Blacktop aesthetic might not appeal to everyone
Taylor’s most affordable USA-made solid wood acoustic guitar is truly captivating. Thanks to the company’s V-Class bracing, it offers exceptional intonation and resonance across the entire fretboard, encouraging you to explore the higher frets more than you might expect.
We’re drawn to the Johnny Cash and Everly Brothers vibe of the matte black spruce top, beautifully complemented by the rich ovangkol grain of the back and sides. This Grand Pacific slope-shouldered dreadnought is a professional-grade guitar for life, providing tonal balance and a wide frequency response that exemplifies the best of the dreadnought class.
It possesses a woodier tonal character than some might anticipate from a Taylor – somewhat reminiscent of a Gibson J-45 – and the Expression System 2 pickup system captures this beautifully.
Expert verdict: Taylor American Dream AD17E
Expert verdict on Taylor American Dream AD17E by Neville Marten.
“The Blacktop is a fabulous, head-turning instrument that plays and sounds great in a variety of musical styles. It packs personality galore, too.” Read our full Taylor American Dream AD17E Blacktop review.
Best for Value
Best acoustic electric guitars: Martin Junior Series DJR-10E
(Image credit: Martin)
2. Martin Junior Series DJR-10E
The best all-round acoustic electric guitar for value
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Dreadnought with 000 body depth
Top: Solid Sitka spruce top
Back and sides: Solid sapele
Neck: Select hardwood
Fingerboard: Richlite
Scale: 24″
Frets: 20
Electronics: Fishman Sonitone
Left-handed: Yes
Finish: Satin
Case: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Exceptional value for money
- Excellent combination of dreadnought shape, 000 body depth, and shorter scale
- Solid wood construction
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks the acoustic power of a larger guitar
A solid wood Martin acoustic electric guitar for under $700? In our opinion, nothing in the iconic company’s current lineup offers better value than the Dreadnought Junior. It’s simply that good. This model is a slightly smaller interpretation of the classic Martin dreadnought shape, and we particularly appreciate the combination of the 000 body depth and the shorter 24” scale length. This design makes the guitar feel comfortable and portable, while still delivering the unmistakable Martin sound and playing experience.
Martin’s consistently high build quality provides peace of mind, especially when purchasing online. We’re confident that this is a guitar you’ll want to keep close at hand – and the discreet Fishman Sonitone system means you can confidently take it on stage.
Expert verdict: Martin DJR-10E
Expert verdict on Martin DJR-10E by Paul Riario.
“The Martin Dreadnought Junior is an acoustic that ticks all the boxes for comfort, feel, playability, and portability, but most importantly, sound.” Read our full Martin Junior Series DJR-10E review.
Best for Pros
Best acoustic electric guitars: Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe
(Image credit: Martin)
3. Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe
A premium option for professional acoustic electric guitarists
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: 000
Top: Solid VTS Sitka spruce top
Back and sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
Neck: Select hardwood
Scale: 24.9”
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 20
Electronics/Pickups: 1
Finish: Natural gloss
Case: Molded hardshell
Reasons to buy
- A superb and modern update to a classic model
- New features that noticeably enhance volume and projection
- Features one of the very best preamp systems available
Reasons to avoid
- Some traditionalists might find the added embellishments less appealing
Martin’s D-28 and 000-28 models are considered benchmark acoustic guitars against which many others are judged. For us, the 000-28 stands out due to its comfort and the intimate playing experience offered by its smaller, shallower body. This Modern Deluxe edition, released in 2020, is a premium and contemporary reimagining of this classic.
The Deluxe edition is characterized by its ‘sophistication meets performance’ ethos, evident in the pearl logo, vintage-style gold-plated open-back Waverly tuners, flamed maple wood binding, and durable gold alloy frets. This 000-28 is also lighter than previous iterations, thanks to a titanium truss rod for added strength, yet it boasts increased volume (enhanced by carbon-fiber bridge plates and Liquidmetal bridge pins). It’s a supercharged 000 model where the bass frequencies are well-balanced with the treble, maintaining exceptional touch sensitivity.
The top also benefits from a vintage treatment through Martin’s VTS torrefication process. The custom Fishman Aura VT Blend system further enhances the amplified tone by blending sound images captured from miked examples of this model with the pickup signal. The result is the best of both worlds: organic acoustic detail combined with desirable pickup attack for live performances and recordings.
Expert verdict: Martin 000-28E
Expert verdict on Martin 000-28E by Paul Riario.
“Possessing a clear harmonic range, ultramodern features, and vintage-style appointments, the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe is by far one of the most responsive and satisfying acoustics available.” Read our full Martin 000-28E Modern Deluxe review.
Best Hybrid
Best acoustic electric guitars: Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster
(Image credit: Fender)
4. Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster
The ultimate hybrid acoustic and electric guitar
Our expert review:
Specifications
Scale length: 25.5”
Top: Mahogany
Back and sides: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Electronics: Fishman under-saddle transducer and bridge plate body sensor, Fender Acoustasonic Shawbucker
Finish: Ocean Turquoise, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Tungsten (pictured) and Arctic White
Bag included: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Broad range of both acoustic and electric guitar tones
- Electric guitar-like playability
- Can be played unplugged as a parlor-style acoustic
Reasons to avoid
- The Arctic White finish may not be as appealing as other color options
Fender’s Acoustasonic series began with Strat and Telecaster models, but we believe this Jazzmaster is the most impressive iteration yet. Is it an electric guitar? The answer is nuanced; it leans slightly towards the acoustic side in terms of sound. The key appeal here is that it plays like an electric guitar, but its soundhole allows you to strum it unplugged, producing a parlor-esque acoustic sound. However, when plugged in, things become truly fascinating…
It features five distinct positions, each with A and B voices that can be blended to your preference, and three different pickup sources that power the ‘Acoustic Engine’. These include a magnetic Shawbucker pickup capable of a wide range of tones, along with a transducer and body sensor designed to recreate the sounds of various acoustic guitars sizes. The result is an exceptionally versatile and effective stage guitar.
Expert verdict: Fender Acoustasonic Jazzmaster
Expert verdict on Fender Acoustasonic Jazzmaster by Dave Burrluck.
“The Acoustasonic is once more validated by the sheer breadth and quality of the acoustic sounds and electric voices on offer. This is a true hybrid acoustic-electric guitar that blurs the lines in the most musically inspiring ways.” Read our full Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster review.
Best Budget
Best acoustic electric guitars: Cort Little CJ Walnut OP
(Image credit: Cort)
5. Cort Little CJ Walnut OP
An excellent value travel-sized acoustic electric guitar
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: ¾-size jumbo
Scale length: 23.5”
Top: Solid Sitka spruce top
Back and sides: Laminate walnut back and sides
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ovangkol
Frets: 20
Electronics: Fishman Presys II
Finish: Open pore
Bag included: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Superb performance for its affordable price
- Fishman preamp includes EQ and a tuner
- Cort’s build quality is consistently impressive
Reasons to avoid
- No left-handed option available
Cort has established a strong reputation for providing exceptional value, and the Little CJ is a prime example. Immensely playable and attractive, it also performs admirably when amplified.
Currently, street prices in the US are under $450, making it a highly appealing choice for anyone seeking a travel-friendly electro-acoustic guitar. We found the mahogany neck with ovangkol fingerboard to be fast and comfortable with its low action. While its smaller size won’t deliver booming bass, it offers a punchy midrange and lively highs.
Its Fishman Presys II preamp effectively transmits its strengths through an amplifier or PA system, making the Little CJ sound much larger than its size would suggest, especially with the onboard bass and treble EQ for fine-tuning your tone.
Expert verdict: Cort Little CJ Walnut OP
Expert verdict on Cort Little CJ Walnut OP by Rob Laing.
“The Little CJ is one of the very best value travel acoustics on the market right now. There’s a lot of different players who would enjoy this; from younger starters, to electric players cautiously eyeing an acoustic purchase.” Read the full Cort Little CJ Walnut OP review.
Best Parlor
Best acoustic electric guitars: PRS Parlor SE P20E
(Image credit: PRS)
6. PRS Parlor SE P20E
Fantastic value in a parlor-sized electro-acoustic
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Parlor
Top: Solid mahogany
Back and sides: Laminate mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Scale: 24.72”
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 20
Electronics: Fishman GT-1
Finish: Vintage Mahogany, Tobacco Sunburst, Black Top
Case: No
Reasons to buy
- SE build quality is consistently high
- Excellent playability and punchy tone
- A contemporary take on the classic parlor shape
Reasons to avoid
- The PRS headstock on a parlor guitar shape might be divisive
A parlor-size acoustic model was an unexpected but welcome addition from PRS in 2020, bringing a small body shape that evokes the aesthetic of 1930s guitars. However, the company’s interpretation of tradition is another testament to the build quality and flair PRS brings to its SE line.
We appreciate the understated satin finish and the appealing finish options: Vintage Mahogany, Black Top, and Tobacco Sunburst, all complemented by classic herringbone binding and ivory butterbean tuner buttons on the distinctive PRS headstock.
PRS SE guitars are among the best in terms of consistent factory finish quality in the mid-range market, and this model further solidifies that reputation. The combination of classical and X bracing, bone nut and saddle, and Wide Fat neck profile is a smart design choice, enhancing projection from this light and compact guitar. It’s ideally suited for blues, fingerstyle playing, and singer/songwriter inspiration. The Sonicore-based Fishman GT1 pickup system provides simple yet effective amplified features at this price point.
Expert verdict: PRS Parlor SE P20E
Expert verdict on PRS Parlor SE P20E by Paul Riario.
“Boasting clean lines from top to bottom, comfortable playability, and a sweetly sonorous voice, the PRS SE Tonare P20E is one of the finest budget-minded parlor guitars.” Read our full PRS Parlor SE P20E review.
Best Dreadnought
Best acoustic electric guitars: Taylor Academy Series 12e
(Image credit: Taylor)
7. Taylor Academy Series 12e
The best dreadnought acoustic electric guitar for playability
Our expert review:
Specifications
Scale length: 24.6”
Top: Solid Sitka spruce top
Back and sides: layered sapele
Neck: Hard rock maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: 20
Electronics: Taylor ES-B
Finish: Natural
Bag included: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Accessible playability for guitarists of all skill levels
- More compact dimensions ideal for players with smaller hands
- Taylor’s renowned build quality and tone
Reasons to avoid
- Lack of bass control on the ES-B preamp might be a limitation for some players
While positioned as an entry-level Taylor electro-acoustic, the Academy Series 12e is priced higher than many competitors in the beginner guitars category. However, we believe its exceptional playability, comfort, and performance make it the best in its class, and an instrument that will serve any guitarist well for years to come.
Taylor designed it with accessibility in mind: a slim profile neck, shorter scale length, low action, and an armrest all contribute to its comfortable feel for players of all levels. We’ve chosen the smaller Grand Concert body over the 10e dreadnought for this recommendation, prioritizing ease of playing. Taylor’s excellent onboard ES-B electronics ensure it’s ready for live performance whenever you are.
Expert verdict: Taylor Academy Series 12e
Expert verdict on Taylor Academy Series 12e by Chris Gill.
“The Taylor Academy Series guitars may have “plain Jane” appearance, but guitarists of all levels of experience will find it hard not to fall in love with their sexy sound quality, comfortable playability, and impressive electronics.” Read our full Taylor Academy Series 12e review.
Best 12-String
Best acoustic electric guitars: Guild F-2512E Archback 12-string
(Image credit: Guild)
8. Guild F-2512E Archback 12-string
The best value 12-string acoustic electric guitar on the market
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Jumbo
Top: Solid Sitka spruce
Back and sides: Laminated maple back and sides
Neck: Mahogany
Scale: 25.5”
Fingerboard: Pau ferro
Frets: 20
Electronics/Pickups: Guild/Fishman GT-1
Finish: Natural
Case: No
Reasons to buy
- An affordable entry into the world of 12-string guitars
- Jumbo body shape maximizes the rich sound of 12 strings
- Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain
Reasons to avoid
- Limited EQ options from the preamp
Guild boasts a long and rich history in crafting exceptional 12-string jumbo acoustics, dating back to the 1960s. The F-2512E combines this heritage with modern manufacturing techniques. Nothing quite matches the lush, shimmering sound of a 12-string acoustic, but it’s not an everyday guitar for most players. Therefore, the more accessible price point of this model is a significant advantage.
The arched back design enhances the projection of the captivating out-of-phase sounds unique to 12-string guitars. The inclusion of a bone nut and saddle is a welcome feature on a more affordable model, contributing to improved sustain.
The electronics are straightforward, based on the Fishman Sonitone design, with volume and tone (treble rolloff) controls conveniently located just inside the soundhole.
Best Preamp
Best acoustic electric guitars: Yamaha A5R ARE
(Image credit: Yamaha)
9. Yamaha A5R ARE
Exceptional preamp performance in an acoustic electric guitar
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Western body cutaway electro-acoustic
Top: Solid Sitka spruce with A.R.E treatment
Back & sides: Solid rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 20
Tuners: Gotoh open gear
Electronics: Yamaha SRT2
Left-handed: No
Finish: Vintage Natural
Reasons to buy
- Superb build quality and specifications, made in Japan by Yamaha
- Classic vintage aesthetics
- Excels both acoustically and when amplified
Reasons to avoid
- A non-cutaway body option would be a welcome addition
The Yamaha A5R is a remarkable acoustic guitar even before considering its electric capabilities. The ARE torrefied spruce top provides a vintage look and feel, while the solid rosewood back and sides, combined with scalloped bracing, deliver a classic, full-bodied dreadnought sound with the added convenience of a cutaway.
The SRT2 pickup system perfectly complements the guitar’s timeless quality with its cutting-edge preamp. It allows players to blend the under-bridge piezo pickup with the sonic characteristics of either a classic Neumann U 67 large-diaphragm condenser microphone or a Royer R-122 active ribbon microphone. This system works exceptionally well, producing amplified tones that are both articulate and retain a natural, organic acoustic character.
Best Jumbo
Best acoustic electric guitars: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson J-180 LS
(Image credit: Epiphone)
10. Epiphone Inspired By Gibson J-180 LS
Fully equipped with all-solid wood construction and a high-quality pickup system
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Jumbo
Top: Thermally aged solid spruce top
Back and sides: Solid mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Laurel
Scale: 25.5”
Frets: 20
Electronics: LR Baggs VTC
Left-handed?: No
Finish: Ebony, Pink, Frost Blue
Case?: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Top-tier LR Baggs pickup and preamp system
- Excellent acoustic tone and projection
- Gibson-style headstock adds a touch of classic appeal
Reasons to avoid
- Price point might seem high for an Epiphone model
A more recent offering from Epiphone, the Inspired By Gibson J-180 LS draws inspiration from Gibson’s Custom models and boasts an array of impressive features.
Notably, it features a thermally aged solid spruce top, which imparts a played-in, mature tone right out of the box. This contributes to a rich and resonant sound with abundant overtones. This is paired with solid mahogany back and sides, providing a lush and full low-end response.
The body shape is akin to a mini-jumbo, offering excellent projection and a wonderfully balanced sound, while remaining comfortable for a wide range of players, regardless of their size. The Epiphone J180-LS is equipped with a high-quality LR Baggs VTC under-saddle pickup and preamp system. This ensures that the amplified sound is full and robust, with minimal “piezo quack” when plugged in.
FAQs
Martin 000 on a wooden background
(Image credit: Future)
Why do I need an acoustic electric guitar?
An acoustic electric guitar is virtually essential if you plan to perform live in any venue larger than a small room. While large-bodied acoustic guitars can produce impressive volume, their sound can easily get lost in larger spaces. The ability to amplify your guitar through a speaker system becomes invaluable when you need to project your sound.
The alternative to an acoustic electric guitar would be using a standard acoustic guitar with an external microphone. While this can produce excellent sound quality, it’s significantly less convenient than an acoustic electric, especially in live performance situations. Microphone setups introduce potential challenges such as mic placement, unwanted noise pickup from other instruments or the audience, and feedback issues. An acoustic electric guitar offers a far simpler and more reliable solution for amplified acoustic sound.
What are the different types of acoustic guitar pickup?
You’ll find several different types of pickups in acoustic electric guitars. The most common is the undersaddle piezo pickup. This type consists of a thin strip positioned beneath the saddle. When the guitar is played, the vibrations from the strings are detected by this sensitive pickup and sent to a preamp, which boosts the signal. Preamps typically also include some form of EQ control. The processed signal is then sent to an amplifier or PA system.
Generally, piezo pickups have a fairly consistent sound character. The specific guitar model does influence the amplified tone, as the wood combination, body shape, and other factors all contribute to how the strings vibrate initially. Piezo pickups are often described as bright and direct sounding, with a degree of compression. Effective use of the EQ on the preamp and your amplifier can significantly refine the sound.
Transducer pickups function similarly, detecting vibrations from the strings and the guitar body. They can be placed in various locations, but common placements include under the bridge or on the guitar body itself.
Some of the best acoustic electric guitars utilize a mic blend system. As the name suggests, this system combines a microphone with another pickup type, often a piezo. A small microphone placed inside the guitar body can capture more of the natural, organic tones of the instrument. While a microphone signal alone might not be strong enough, blending it with a piezo can create a rich and balanced amplified sound, combining the attack and brightness of the piezo with the more natural “in the room” acoustic character of the microphone.
What do I need to know about preamps?
An acoustic-electric preamp is a crucial component that boosts the signal from your pickup. Acoustic-electric pickups, particularly piezo types, often produce very weak signals. This signal needs to be amplified to a line level before it reaches an amplifier or PA system. Without a preamp, you would need to use extremely high gain settings, which would introduce unwanted noise and increase the risk of feedback. Acoustic-electric preamps typically require a 9V battery for power, so always keep a spare on hand, especially for gigs!
Acoustic electric guitar preamps commonly include some form of EQ controls. These are useful for shaping your amplified sound and reducing resonant frequencies that can cause feedback. Some preamp systems even feature notch filters, which are designed to specifically cut frequencies prone to feedback.
These preamps may also incorporate a tuner, a very convenient feature. Some higher-end preamps even include built-in effects like chorus and reverb, although using external effects pedals generally provides more control over these effects.
What’s the difference between solid and laminate woods?
The terms ‘solid’ and ‘laminate’ are frequently used when discussing acoustic guitars, including acoustic electric models, and refer to the construction of the guitar’s body. Solid body guitars are generally more expensive because they are more costly to produce, and this cost is reflected in the retail price.
Solid body guitars are made from single, solid pieces of wood, which are believed to have superior resonant qualities. Laminate body guitars, on the other hand, are constructed from a composite material consisting of multiple thin layers of wood glued together. This manufacturing process is less expensive than using solid woods, but typically results in an instrument with less resonance.
One advantage of laminate acoustic electric guitars is their increased resistance to changes in humidity compared to solid wood guitars. This can make laminate guitars a more practical choice if you frequently tour in diverse climates.
It’s common to find guitars with a solid top combined with laminate back and sides. This construction approach helps to reduce costs while still retaining some of the tonal benefits and aesthetic appeal of solid wood.
Remember that when choosing an acoustic electric guitar, you will likely play it unplugged at times. Therefore, its natural acoustic tone is just as important as its amplified sound, and a significant portion of that natural tone comes from its construction materials and methods.
Why trust Guitar World?
Man playing Taylor acoustic guitar
(Image credit: Future)
☑️ A global audience of 3.8 million guitarists monthly
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☑️ 30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
Guitar World has over 44 years of expertise and is the leading authority on all things guitar-related. Our magazine and website feature expertly written gear round-ups and in-depth, authoritative reviews created by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Guitar World’s first print issue was published in July 1980, and since then, we have been captivating guitar players and enthusiasts with engaging lessons, insightful interviews with the biggest guitar heroes, and invaluable buying advice for players of all levels.
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Learn more about the expert authors behind this guide below.
Rob Laing is the Reviews Editor for GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars. He dedicates his time to exploring and evaluating the latest gear, ensuring our reviews team provides thorough and honest assessments. With nearly 20 years of experience as a writer and editor for guitar magazines and websites, he remains slightly apprehensive about restringing guitars with Floyd Rose tremolo systems.
Richard Blenkinsop spent a decade in music retail before becoming a freelance writer for Guitar World, MusicRadar, Guitar Player, and Reverb. He specializes in electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Beyond gear reviews, he runs a small business assisting musicians with songwriting, production, and performance, and plays bass in an alt-rock band.
Daryl Robertson is Guitar World’s Senior Deals Writer. He is responsible for creating and maintaining over 200 buyer’s guides on the site, identifying the best deals on guitar products, and testing new gear. His reviews have appeared in prominent publications including Total Guitar, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to interview many musical icons, including Slash, members of The Offspring, Foo Fighters, Sum 41, Thrice, and more. Prior to joining Guitar World, he worked in music retail at Kenney’s Music in Dundee, Scotland, advising customers from beginners to professionals on the ideal gear for their needs.
Connor Godfrey is a contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar. A guitarist since age 10, he has played bass and guitar in bands across South West England. With a background in audio engineering, including experience at renowned studios like Rockfield and Invada, he is passionate about recording guitar and always seeks out the best gear for capturing great tone, from microphones and audio interfaces to cabinet simulators.
How we test products
Two Martin acoustic guitars side by side
(Image credit: Future)
At Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with extensive experience in playing and product testing. We are deeply immersed in all things guitar-related, and we leverage this knowledge and experience from live performances, recording sessions, and rehearsals when selecting products for our guides.
When determining what we believe are the best acoustic electric guitars currently available, we combine our hands-on evaluations, user feedback, and in-depth discussions with our editorial team to reach a consensus on the top products in each category.
First and foremost, we are guitar players ourselves, and our goal is to help other guitarists find the perfect product for their needs. We carefully consider factors ranging from budget and features to ease of use and durability to create lists of products that we confidently recommend as the best available.
Learn more about our recommendation process and how we test each product in our buyer’s guides.
