Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $2000 of 2021 – Reviews and Top Picks

Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under 2000

If you’re ready to move up from beginner and intermediate instruments to a more professional range, you’re at the right place. You already know that there are many factors and specifications to consider. The pickup system alone is a big topic of consideration: how do you make sure the piezo pickup translates the sound of the strings? Or which preamp is going to give you optimal onboard controls for volume, bass, and treble?

We’ve compiled this list to help you find the best acoustic electric guitar under $2000, whether you’re gigging out, at home recording, or looking for a fine collectible.

Cordoba FCWE Flamenca
  • Cordoba FCWE Flamenca Thin Body Cutaway
  • Rating:
  • Body Shape: Thin Line Flamenco
  • Top Wood: Solid German Spruce
  • Back & Sides Wood: Solid Spanish Cypress
  • Neck Wood: Spanish Cedar
  • Frets: 19
  • Body Width: 14.5″ lower bout, 10.7″ upper bout
  • Body Depth: 2.7″ lower, 2.5″ upper
  • Strings: Savarez Cristal Corum in High Tension 500CJ
  • Electronics: Fishman Prefix Problend System
Taylor Guitars 224ce-K DLX Koa Deluxe Grand Auditorium
  • Taylor Guitars 224ce-K DLX Koa Deluxe
  • Rating:
  • Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
  • Top Wood: Solid Hawaiian Koa
  • Back & Sides Wood: Layered Koa with Koa veneer
  • Neck Wood: Sapele
  • Frets: 20
  • Body Width: 16″
  • Body Depth: 4 5/8″
  • Strings: Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light
  • Electronics: ES2
Cordoba GK Pro Cutaway Flamenco
  • Cordoba GK Pro Cutaway Flamenco
  • Rating:
  • Body Shape: Lightweight Spanish Flamenco
  • Top Wood: Solid European Spruce
  • Back & Sides Wood: Solid Spanish Cypress
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Frets: 19
  • Body Width: 14.6″
  • Body Depth: 3.5″
  • Strings: Savarez Cristal Corum in High Tension 500CJ
  • Electronics: Fishman Prefix ProBlend with 3-band EQ
Name
Body Shape:
Top Wood:
Back & Sides Wood:
Neck Wood:
Frets:
Price
Name
Body Shape:
Top Wood:
Back & Sides Wood:
Neck Wood:
Frets:
Price
â„–1
Thin Line Flamenco
Solid German Spruce
Solid Spanish Cypress
Spanish Cedar
19
â„–2
Grand Auditorium
Solid Hawaiian Koa
Layered Koa with Koa veneer
Sapele
20
â„–3
Lightweight Spanish Flamenco
Solid European Spruce
Solid Spanish Cypress
Mahogany
19
Cordoba FCWE Flamenca

Back in the late 1990s, this model was Cordoba’s first thin body cutaway electric guitar. Since then, it became a go-to option for iconic flamenco and salsa players who favored the guitar for the body design and performance capabilities. Cordoba FCWE guitars are handmade by a small team of luthiers in a boutique workshop in Spain.

The model features Fishman Prefix ProBlend onboard electronics ideal for smaller body guitars. Snappy flamenco sound on and off stage is supported by 3-band EQ and a built-in microphone. What makes this 2000 bucks acoustic electric guitar also worth the price is the Humicase Protege case with a built-in humidifier system. This case maintains the optimal conditions for storage.

Body Shape:
Thin Line Flamenco
Top Wood:
Solid German Spruce
Back & Sides Wood:
Solid Spanish Cypress
Neck Wood:
Spanish Cedar
Frets:
19
Body Width:
14.5″ lower bout, 10.7″ upper bout
Body Depth:
2.7″ lower, 2.5″ upper
Strings:
Savarez Cristal Corum in High Tension 500CJ
Electronics:
Fishman Prefix Problend System
PROS

Hand-built quality

Great playability

Superb stage-ready flamenco sound

Professional electronics

Humicase for guitar’s best protection

Cons

Not the most consistent intonation

Taylor Guitars 224ce-K DLX Koa Deluxe Grand Auditorium

This one is the best acoustic electric guitar for $2000 for the mid-range options in the company’s hugely-popular Taylor 200 series. Manufactured in the Tecate factory, Mexico, the instrument shows off great craftsmanship. It features an aesthetically diverse range, namely, its musical versatility makes for both strumming and fingerpicking.

The body is made entirely of ethically sourced Hawaiian koa with slight shading, adding a vintage feel. Instruments made of koa are known to be bright sounding, yet focused, clear, and sharp – and this one is no exception. The expression system is equipped with individually calibrated pickup sensors and professional-grade preamp.

Body Shape:
Grand Auditorium
Top Wood:
Solid Hawaiian Koa
Back & Sides Wood:
Layered Koa with Koa veneer
Neck Wood:
Sapele
Frets:
20
Body Width:
16″
Body Depth:
4 5/8″
Strings:
Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light
Electronics:
ES2
PROS

Dark stain and exotic appeal

Accessible cutaway

Rock-solid intonation

Warm, sweet overtones

Sounds better with age

Cons

Performs differently as an electric

Cordoba GK Pro Cutaway Flamenco

This instrument is part of the innovative series of the company that differs from its classical counterparts. The general shape, neck geometry, and 2-way adjustable rods allow for even greater playability than you’d expect from traditional models. So, if you’re looking for the best acoustic electric guitar under $2000 to play something fiery, this guitar shines through. In particular, it’s perfect for flamenco as well as more sensual jazz and bossa nova.

There are several aesthetic touches that add elegance to the overall feel. For instance, it’s the weave rosette inspired by 1920s vintage guitars and the maple headstock. Similar to Cordoba FCWE Flamenca, the GK Pro is shipped in the humidified hard-shell case. Lastly, the guitar can be described as the perfect choice for exploring all the nuances in sound.

Body Shape:
Lightweight Spanish Flamenco
Top Wood:
Solid European Spruce
Back & Sides Wood:
Solid Spanish Cypress
Neck Wood:
Mahogany
Frets:
19
Body Width:
14.6″
Body Depth:
3.5″
Strings:
Savarez Cristal Corum in High Tension 500CJ
Electronics:
Fishman Prefix ProBlend with 3-band EQ
PROS

Premium tonewoods

Maximum resonance and projection

Versatility in playing style

Little or no relief

Great bass response

Cons

Stiffness in tuning heads

How to choose an Acoustic-Electric Guitar under $2000 – Buyer’s Guide

What’s the Difference from Acoustic Ones?

Acoustic electric and acoustic guitars are the same except the first features built-in electronics, and the other one doesn’t. Both types can be played acoustically and sound practically the same. But an acoustic electric comes with the ability to amplify sound via a preamp and input.

Think of it as an electric guitar that you can play through an amplifier and adjust the sound using the volume control. Or you can use the electronics to record music in an environment where the acoustics isn’t ideal otherwise.

New vs. Used Guitars

A rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t buy a used guitar unless you have the opportunity to play and inspect it first. If you live in a large city, buying a used instrument is possible, although it can still be a hassle. On the other hand, in smaller cities, there might be only a few resellers, and, subsequently, not enough choices.

Certainly, buying new doesn’t carry any risks, so you can be sure of its condition. The only factor that makes a good case for used guitars is the price. Used instruments can work for the amateur if there is a particular model they’re looking for. Otherwise, it’s better to look for lower-end but new ones.

Are They Only for Professionals?

Acoustic electric guitars are considered to suit advanced players. However, it ultimately depends on your budget. Acoustic electric versions usually cost slightly more because you are also paying for the electronics.

However, it doesn’t mean acoustic electric are harder to play. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll need to put the same effort into learning how to play as you would with a regular acoustic version.

What to Look for That Price?

If you’re shopping for a 2000 bucks acoustic electric guitar, it probably means you’re expecting a top quality, and you’re looking for premium controls for volume, tone, equalization, and tuning.

Generally, one of the important considerations is its shape and size. But with electrics, it mostly comes down to what fits your body and feels the most comfortable to play. You also need to look for high-quality woods as they play a big factor in an acoustic’s tone. Lastly, of course, there are the electronics that should adequately improve sound capabilities.

Are They Different from Cheap Ones?

The short answer is that higher priced models from major respected brands are simply better. They feature higher quality parts, better construction, and skilled craftsmanship. Cheap guitars, on the other hand, are mass-produced in factories by less-skilled workers and may not go through the same quality control procedures.

Do I Need Any Accessories?

Unless you’re buying a guitar in a bundle, the most essential accessory for any guitarist who wants to plug into an amplifier is a cable. The only accessories you really need are the ones that enable you to use the electronics. Down the line, you may also want to pick up guitar tuner, a strap, extra strings, a stand, and possibly something else.

Conclusion

These days, you are truly spoiled for choice. The guitars we’ve featured on our list are the higher-tier instruments that any players would be proud to have. Hopefully, you’ve found the best acoustic electric guitar for $2000, and you’ll soon be ready to hit its amplified strings.

As far as the current market goes, you can’t find anything better. Perhaps in the near future, we’ll see a surge of amped-up electronics. There are already instruments that digitally sampled each string and then mangled the ones and zeros to make it sound like something else. But for now, the classic acoustic sounds is the king.

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By Max Hudson
    about author

    My name is Max Hudson, born and raised in Chicago. I'm 30 years old and like many other people, I discovered guitar in my teens and have never looked back since. It has quickly evolved into a passion and has given me a creative outlet, something to redirect my time and unlimited energy toward. I want this website to be a handbook for players of all skill levels. It can become a starting point for your new hobby, where you can find the right instrument, get tips for playing effortlessly or anything else music related.

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    Cordoba FCWE Flamenca Thin Body Cutaway