The best of both the acoustic and electric worlds can be found for under 200 dollars.
Really, you’ll be quite pleased with yourself with a guitar that has good value.
If you’re a beginner or you want something good you can wear out over a few years, you’ll find it right here in our lineup of acoustic electric guitars priced below $200!
The Top Electric-Acoustic Guitars for Less Than $200
One of the most important things you want to remember when buying a guitar on the affordable end is how well it holds up with the masses. What they say can be a huge influence on whether or not you want to put your money on this or that guitar.
Good thing for you, we’ve grilled each and every guitar in our lineup for how well it will meet your needs. Beginners won’t need to worry about not getting value. Intermediates will also find something they wear out until they’re ready for their big, bad buy.
Ready or not, here’s how we ranked our top 7!
Our 7 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $200 In2024
1. Ibanez PF Series PF15ECE – Best Overall
- Mahogany back and sidesSpruce topFishman Sonicore pickupSST preampOnboard tunerCase sold separately
Ibanez certainly created an affordable masterpiece with the PF Series PF15ECE acoustic electric guitar. Because it’s a simple, stunning, and solid guitar, it’s rated very high with the masses. Admittedly, it’s the reason why it’s ranked as the number one guitar below $200. With not a single complaint against this beauty of an instrument, it’s hard to contend with.
With a Fishman Sonicore pickup, a Japanese reputation to uphold, and an on-board tuner, you know the guitar is going to hold up. It can amplify your talent, and it might just help you sound better than you actually are with the EQ system – maybe that’s why it’s so popular!
While everything about it is traditional, from the dreadnought shape, laminate woods, and even die-cast tuners, there’s a special feature that sets it apart from other guitars. We can’t spill all the secrets here, so you’ll have to check out the full review for the big reveal!
2. Jameson Guitars Blue Full Size Thinline Acoustic Electric Guitar – Best Rated
- Classic acoustic guitar design: This full-size 41" acoustic-electric guitar from R.W. Jameson features a beautiful design and exquisite sound. Shaped like a classic acoustic guitar, it has a durable...
- Electric-acoustic versatility: The R.W. Jameson thinline acoustic electric guitar offers the option of various sounds. Unplugged, you can take advantage of the clean, raw, acoustic tones. Plugged into...
- Perfect for students and all levels: Whether you are a beginner or student, an intermediate guitar player, or a seasoned advanced guitarist, this guitar offers endless appeal. It is well-made and of...
This guitar shouldn’t surprise anyone as taking the second spot in our ranking system. It’s by far the most popular guitar in our lineup with several hundred buyers raving about it. Not only did it earn its spot with the raves, but it also sports a good price that you might not be able to believe unless you see it.
Yes, there were compromises in its build to cater to a cheap price tag, but it still looks awesome and it works. It works in the fact that it has several audio settings with the built-in EQ, die-casters that hold, and the extra freebies that are thrown in despite its already low cost.
Jameson Guitars did well to dress up the laminate woods too. Its aesthetic appeal is downright sexy with its high-gloss finish. As a full-size, thinline guitar, it earned its ranking. What do you say?
3. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Best 3/4 Size
- [EASY TO PLAY] The 3/4-size APXT2 is a fun and easy-to-play instrument that's perfect if you have smaller hands or are looking for a great traveling guitar.
- [ONBOARD ELECTRONICS] Plug in and get full-bodied acoustic tone with less feedback, courtesy of the onboard System68 A.R.T. preamp and contact pickup system.
- [GIG BAG INCLUDED] Padded gig bag included, so you're ready to play anywhere with your Yamaha APXT2 acoustic-electric guitar.
This guitar might seem to you to be quite expensive for a 3/4 size acoustic electric guitar, especially when we have full-size guitars yet in the rankings. However, we can’t ignore the demand for a good functioning guitar for adults with smaller hands or for kids who want to grow with an instrument that will allow them to learn on a “real” guitar. The Yamaha APXT2 provides just the solution.
Not only is it for “smaller” people, it’s also a great traveling or practice guitar for an intermediate or pro who need to jam on something wherever they may be. For what’s life without a few tunes?
With an ART-based preamp and System 68 pickup, the sound is just as expected from a 3/4 size guitar. It’s practically ready to play out of the box, and you might find yourself attached to it. Don’t be surprised if you’re spotted lugging the lightweight guitar with you when you’re on the road – it’s what it was made for!
4. Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK
- Flame Top; Basswood Back And Sides
- Catalpa Neck And Bridge; Rosewood Fingerboard
- Steel String; Sealed Gear Tuners. Number Of Strings: 6
Another best seller guitar makes it into our lineup. As you can tell, we’re impartial to title and status. The guitar actually has to be better than good to earn a spot in our top rankings, and the Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK acoustic electric guitar made the par.
Other than its very attractive, chic, and vintage aesthetics, it has the right price to boot. The value is also trumped up with the fact that the guitar comes with a full accessories package. With everything that will be arriving at your door, can you really expect more? Yeah, you can.
A strong and solid neck is important for any guitar buy, no matter the cost. In this price range, you’ll definitely appreciate the American-sourced wood for the hardy and straight neck. Wondering what that is? You’ll have to click on to find out!
5. Best Choice Products 41″ Full-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Are you in the market for a guitar that includes all the bells and whistles? This Best Choice 41’’Acoustic Electric guitar has everything you need to get you started with playing both acoustic and blasted through an amp.
✔️ What we like: Includes all accessories needed for a beginner
❌ What we don’t like: Does not include a 9-volt battery for amp
Standout Features
- Includes a 10-watt amp
- Equipped with 4-band EQ7545R preamp
- Cutaway design
- Includes digital clip-on tuner
This beauty is a great option for beginners to work at their skills, but that is not to say that it isn’t a great option for advanced players as well. It’s perfect for those situations when you may be taking a trip through some rocky terrain and don’t necessarily want to pack your $500 guitar in case it gets damaged. Having a spare never hurt anybody!
Let’s be honest, if you’re just starting to learn how to play, you probably aren’t going to be nailing those chords perfectly. That’s where the 4-band EQ preamp comes in and can help that output go from “he’s definitely a beginner” to “not too shabby for someone just starting out”. The amp also gives you adjustment options for volume, bass and treble levels. The best part – fret not about the cables because this Best Choice Products set includes an amp cable.
This full-size guitar is crafted with a linden wood top and rocks a cutaway design, making it easier to play. Even though the playability is great, you may miss out on the better resonance gained from solid wood, due to it being made with laminate instead. However, at this price point, that is to be expected.
This set is kitted out with everything you need to start. It’s got you covered with the 10-watt amp, a digital clip-on tuner and a capo. It even goes above and beyond with including extra strings, 4 guitar picks, a cleaning cloth, a guitar strap and a padded gig bag. Overall, it’s a great all-inclusive set with a fantastic sounding guitar.
6. Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Oscar Schmidt Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a respected brand in the industry. The OD312CEB-A-U 12-string model adds a touch of elegance, confidence, and performance to your Craft. Expect a clean ding sound that brings the creative you to limelight.
✔️ What we like: Lightweight design and great build quality
❌ What we don’t like: There is no pickguard.
Standout Features
- Ease-to-use control board.
- Solid Engineering.
- Designed for Beginners and professionals.
- Lightweight (5lbs)
The build is solid and comes in engineered and rosewood fretboard. Also, the finishing features three premium colors; black, natural, and Tobacco SunTrust. This design is flawless with precision cut nuts.
The electronics are not out of this world but the spick and span wiring sound better when amplified. You get a nice control turner on the control board to keep your sound as accurate as possible.
This model weighs 5lbs making it super lightweight. The Right-hand Orientation makes this an easy-sell. We recommend “Soft touch” when Pushing the buttons but go a bit harder on the knobs.
You should not expect a pickguard in case you need one. Coming in at this budget is the definition of value. With this in your hands, you have all you need to perfect your craft.
7. Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package
Choosing the right guitar as a beginner can be a tough task. Right? However, the Ashthorpe full-size cutaway thinline guitar is a great choice that ticks all the right boxes. Moreover, it is equally good to function as a backup device for the pro players. So let us check it out in detail.
✔️ What we like: Impressive sound quality for the price.
❌ What we don’t like: No included amp or tuner.
Standout Features
- Comes with extra accessories
- Value for money
- Glossy finish
- 6 colors to choose from
To start with, the guitar looks impressive with a combination of Spruce and Basswood and a glossy finish. The good news is that the finish is also scratch-resistant. The 41 inches length makes it a full-size guitar, but the lightweight (just 8.25 pounds) construction makes handling very easy. In addition, you have six attractive colors to choose from.
Another thing that I liked is the fact that it is an acoustic-electric guitar. Why so? Because for learners, an acoustic guitar makes the playing process clean and easy. On the other hand, when the pro-players need to connect it with an amp for a gig, it fares equally well. The best part is, the guitar offers a balanced response and the tone remained warm and clear all through.
Moreover, the price is very affordable without compromising quality. Some of the additions like the high-quality phosphor-bronze coated strings and durable build quality are excellent features in a budget model. You also get a full range of practical accessories including an extra set of strings, a nylon guitar case, a cable, and a shoulder strap as well.
To sum up, whether you are a learner or a pro looking for a reliable, low-cost backup guitar for supporting your performances, this is definitely a great instrument to choose.
What To Expect In This Price Range Of Under $200
Being realistic about your expectations in a guitar in this price range is key to finding the perfect instrument for you. You’ll always have to compromise somewhere to achieve the low-cost benefits of a guitar priced below 200 bucks. But, we can help you filter out the duds from the golden nuggets. Here’s what to look for.
- Tone woods: Laminate is typically your choice of wood in this price range. Don’t expect solid woods here.
- Quality: There might always be complaint about quality, especially the build, in this price range. Ensure that vital components, like the neck, aren’t the source of poor quality control. Cosmetic blemishes are acceptable unless you have a vain streak in you.
- Electronics: The preamps and pickups are going to be acceptable in this price range. There’s not much you can do, because upgrading can cost you more than what your guitar is worth.
- Accessories: Many higher-end guitars aren’t going to offer extra accessories. They justify this with quality in the guitar. Most accessories in this price range are going to be mediocre, so you may want to invest in higher-quality accessories if you plan on purchasing better instruments in the future.
Sound Above All!
Even though you’ve only got $200 to spend on your acoustic electric guitar, you don’t have to compromise on sound. Being diligent throughout the buying process will enable you to strum up a decent guitar with better-than-average tonality.
Whether it’s acoustic richness or amplified options you’re after, this budget range has it, and it offers the best of both worlds!
Further Reading:
- Jameson Guitars Review – Full Size Thinline Acoustic Electric Guitar (w/ Gig Bag)
- Epiphone EJ-200SCE Review – Solid Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Black/Vintage Sunburst)
- Epiphone PR-4E Review – Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package (Includes Amp!)
- Fender CD-140SCE Review – Beginner Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (Under $400)
- Epiphone Hummingbird PRO Review & Dove Acoustic Electric Guitars – Which Will You Choose?
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.