Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $300 of 2021 – Reviews and Top Picks

Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under 300

The popularity of acoustic-electric guitars has continuously increased over the years. Plenty of musicians are looking to invest in a new guitar. If today is the day that you’ve decided to buy a guitar, congratulations! The vast majority of novice players are searching for the best acoustic-electric guitar under $300. These guitars are the best combination of price and quality. Moreover, even continuing players are exploring the market for such types of guitars since they do not want to spend a lot of money on something more fashionable.

This is why you might be confused by the significant number of options, not to mention the differences in specs and appearance. Unfortunately, with high demand, there is always a risk of buying a low-quality product. To save you time and money, we have selected the highest quality and most diverse $300 acoustic-electric guitars. Even if you do not choose something specific from this list, you will already have a clear idea of what to look for when choosing the best acoustic-electric guitar for $300.

So, we present you with three worthy samples.

Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top
  • Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway
  • Rating:
  • Size: 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches
  • Weight: 7.04 pounds
  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Material Type: Nato
  • Guitar Bridge System: Hardtail Bridge
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway
Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic
  • Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic
  • Rating:
  • Size: 42.2 x 5 x 19.7 inches
  • Weight: 6.6 pounds
  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Material Type: Mahogany
  • Guitar Bridge System: Hardtail Bridge
Name
Size:
Weight:
Body Material:
Neck Material Type:
Guitar Bridge System:
Price
Name
Size:
Weight:
Body Material:
Neck Material Type:
Guitar Bridge System:
Price
â„–1
42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches
7.04 pounds
Mahogany
Nato
Hardtail Bridge
â„–2
41.6 x 20.6 x 6.5 inches
8.83 pounds
Laminated
Nato
Hardtail Bridge
â„–3
42.2 x 5 x 19.7 inches
6.6 pounds
Mahogany
Mahogany
Hardtail Bridge
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top

This is the only under-$300 guitar in this series that has a Nato body and a natural finish. Other similar models are way more expensive. With this guitar, players will realize that a good axe does not need to cost a fortune.

This kind of guitar uses the latest acoustic analysis technology developed by the Yamaha R&D Division. Therefore, they have a louder and stronger sound in the low and mid-range. Discerning engineering minds have found the best mount design through analysis and simulation. A rigorous scientific calculation has helped to reach a new level of creativity.

The newly developed scalloped bracket design guarantees an authentic, well-balanced sound – which is ideal for all aspiring guitarists.

Size:
42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches
Weight:
7.04 pounds
Body Material:
Mahogany
Neck Material Type:
Nato
Guitar Bridge System:
Hardtail Bridge
PROS

Good sound

Well-balanced body

Stable wood

High-quality construction

Cons

Needs professional help for set up

The action is quite high

Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway

Here is another great Fishman guitar that’s perfect for beginners. Its great tone is produced by a laminate spruce top and basswood back and sides. The neck has a C-shape and a walnut fingerboard. The Viking bridge makes the guitar visually stunning while also helping with tonal support. This is a highly affordable and comfortable dreadnought acoustic-electric cutaway.

Size:
41.6 x 20.6 x 6.5 inches
Weight:
8.83 pounds
Body Material:
Laminated
Neck Material Type:
Nato
Guitar Bridge System:
Hardtail Bridge
PROS

Rich, deep voice of the dreadnought body

Great tonal support provided with the Viking bridge

Fishman Electronics

A lot of accessories are included

Video lessons are available for this particular guitar

Cons

Low quality of accessories

Hard to stay in tune

Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic

The last best acoustic-electric guitar for $300 we want to describe to you is APX600 BL by Yamaha. This item’s main characteristics are fantastic sound, phenomenal balance, and great playability.

The design of this guitar is exceptional. Players have full mobility to access the entire length of the neck. The design produces a full and powerful sound, which is supported by the electronics.

Size:
42.2 x 5 x 19.7 inches
Weight:
6.6 pounds
Body Material:
Mahogany
Neck Material Type:
Mahogany
Guitar Bridge System:
Hardtail Bridge
PROS

Bright sound

Rosewood fingerboard

Prevention of vibration loss

Impressive electronics

Inexpensive, thin-body guitar is comfortable to hold

Cons

Not comfortable for those who have larger hands

Action is too high without set up

How to choose an Acoustic-Electric Guitar under $300 – Buyer’s Guide

Usually, after playing classical acoustic guitar for a while, beginners want to experiment with an amplified sound. So, the acoustic-electric guitar becomes an appropriate solution. It is better to study some information about characteristics and types more appropriately to find the best item.

Acoustic-Electric vs. Acoustic: What is the Difference

The main difference between an acoustic-electric guitar and a traditional acoustic guitar is the possibility to amplify an acoustic-electric. Acoustic-electrics have a built-in pre-amp and input, so it is possible to plug in the lead. Acoustic-electric guitars usually have a built-in EQ and volume control. The players can make adjustments from the guitar.

New Axes and Used Axes: What to Choose

Before buying a guitar, you need to answer a few questions for yourself:

  • What’s my budget?
  • What is my level?
  • How long am I going to play guitar?
  • Where am I going to play guitar?

The answers to these questions will help you choose several acceptable options. And already among them, you will decide whether to buy a new or an old one. The main advantage when buying a used guitar is that you can get a good quality, brand-name guitar for a much lower cost. That is why many who want to save money choose a suitable new model for themselves, and then look for someone who sells it in good condition.

Is It for Beginners Only?

Beginners face many challenges when choosing their first guitar. They still know little about equipment and electronics and are also unable to distinguish high-quality equipment from a cheap analog. Moreover, it is difficult for new players to assess whether a guitar is convenient for their needs at the very beginning. That is why it is optimal to buy an inexpensive guitar at the beginning of your musical career.

However, cheap does not mean substandard or unworthy. Experienced players are also always learning new things. For their experiments, they prefer to buy quality samples of budget guitars.

Check List for the Price: Is Maximum Equipment Really Needed?

For aspiring musicians, the safest choice is the basic setup with the highest quality. Step by step moves from tonewood to mahogany and linden. When choosing hardware, keep in mind that the Floyd Bridge is difficult to configure and control.

Your main task is to choose a reliable model without unnecessary bells and whistles. While studying, it is better to master the necessary skills in playing the guitar and its control, so that you will later understand where to go next. Excessive adaptations and functions can only confuse you and make the learning process difficult and tedious.

Why You Shouldn’t Spend More Money

Guitar pricing is based on three primary parameters: materials, equipment, and skill level. Therefore, you can often see guitars that look the same, but their price is extremely different.

Budget guitars consist of cheaper materials and hardware. They are usually produced quickly somewhere in Asia. Nevertheless, because of the consumer’s demand, the quality of the guitars available for beginners and non-professional users has improved significantly. This market segment expanded a lot last year. Manufacturers want to make their products available to more people. Therefore, it is not always worth relying on the price. A good option can be found cheaper.

Starting Accessories

The electric guitar accessory packs are the perfect gift for a learning or intermediate guitarist. You’ll need to buy a couple of them for yourself in the very beginning. Accessory packs may include useful items like string winders to cables, guitar stands, guitar polish, and more. The first thing you need to buy for sure is extra strings. As you have read above, even the best acoustic-electric guitar under $300 needs them.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is an opportunity to find a qualitative, comfortable, and reliable $300 acoustic-electric guitar. Choosing a suitable item can be tough since it is hard to reveal the quality of the materials. However, there are axes for the beginners from scratch, for players who are exploring new genres, and for those who cannot afford something expensive. Honestly, even some experienced players find these guitars to be great. These guitars are excellent for all skill levels.

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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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    Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway