Nothing quite beats the chime of a quality, perfectly tuned, acoustic guitar. But if you’re up on stage with a full band or trying to record the purest audio possible for your next release, sometimes, a regular acoustic just won’t cut it.
But what if I told you there’s a way you can enjoy the sweet tones of an acoustic guitar, but with the amplification and easy setup of an electric guitar? Enter the electro-acoustic guitar!
The versatile electro-acoustic guitar gives you all the charm of a traditional acoustic with the added bonus of plug-and-play amplification. And thanks to their growing popularity, more and more brands are offering their own take on nifty instruments, meaning there’s more choice out there than ever before. But with so many models, electronics, and brands to choose from, finding the right one for you can be a tricky task. That’s where this guide comes in! Join us as we walk through the world of electro acoustic guitars, checking out their key features, what you need to look out for when buying, and the best electro acoustic guitar brands available right now.
In a sense, an electro acoustic guitar is just like your standard acoustic. They typically have the same construction, use the same tonewoods and strings, and even have soundholes that help produce acoustic volume, so you can play one unplugged just like any other acoustic instrument. But, as the name suggests, there is one big difference: electro acoustic guitars house electronics, sort of like you would expect to see on an electric guitar. This means you can plug your instrument straight into an amp or PA system, crank the volume, and away you go.
But, why use an electro acoustic guitar at all? Traditional acoustics already capture that sweet natural resonance and woody goodness, and if you want to plug into an amp, that's what solid-body electric guitars are for, right?
Well, not quite. There's no denying that electric guitars are great for high-gain tones and versatility, but they don’t typically do a great job of capturing the organic sound of an acoustic. And as anyone who's ever had to mic up an acoustic guitar will attest to, the whole endeavour can be unwieldy, sensitive to positioning, and prone to feedback. Electro acoustics solve all these problems. They give you the pure acoustic sound you love, with the added convenience and control of built-in amplification.
Acoustic sound can be captured in a number of ways. There are three main groups of electronics used to "pick up" sound, each with its own pros and cons. They all essentially do the same job, but they each approach the task a little differently:
Piezo Pickups: These pickups sit under the bridge saddle and detect vibrations from the strings and body. In doing so, they capture the energy generated by the string movement and convert it into an electrical signal. The result is a clear, direct sound, but it’s important to balance your tone with a preamp or onboard EQ to avoid a sound that some describe as "honky".
Soundhole Pickups: Similar in design to electric guitar pickups, soundhole pickups are mounted, as the name suggests, in the soundhole, using magnets to sense string vibrations. They have a warmer tone and are less prone to feedback, which makes them a great choice if you often play in louder stage environments.
Internal Microphone: Quite literally, these are a miniature microphone you pop inside your guitar. The result is much like placing a mic in front of your acoustic, making it a great solution for getting the most natural tone reproduction possible. However, as with front-micing a guitar, this method also runs the same risk of feedback, so setup is crucial when you’re out gigging.
In order to amplify sound, you’re going to need both preamp and power amp sections. Nowadays, many electro acoustic guitars come with a built-in preamp, taking the raw sound of the pickup or microphone and shaping it into a pleasing tone. With onboard preamps, you often have the ability to alter the voicing in more detail and adjust volume from your instrument. Most also come with a three-band EQ and additional controls, like presence, phase, and even a built-in tuner.
Preamp quality varies between models and brands, but even a basic one will give you greater control over your sound and help shape your tone before it reaches the audience. Some players prefer simpler systems with minimal controls, while others want full EQ flexibility right on the guitar.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a bona fide pro, there’s an electro acoustic guitar out there for every budget and playing style. Let’s take a look at some of the standout brands you can choose from:
Alvarez are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and excellent value. They’ve been making acoustic guitars since the 1960s and have always strived to achieve the highest build quality, using a wide variety of tonewoods in the process, including African mahogany, Macassar ebony, flamed maple, and black walnut bodies.
Their electro acoustic models often utilise solid wood tops and come with LR Baggs Element pickups and StagePro EQ systems. The result is a rich, articulate sound with no fuss. If you want those traditional looks but paired with modern playability and stage-ready electronics, Alvarez is a safe bet.
Beginner or casual players will feel right at home with EastCoast Guitars. They’re simple, effective and don’t cost the earth.
These guitars use classic tonewoods like spruce and mahogany and come fitted with entry-level pickup and preamp systems. The electronics might be made in-house to keep costs down, but they still deliver clear, reliable amplification. Perfect if you’re looking to explore electro acoustic guitars without breaking the bank.
As Gibson’s more affordable cousin, Epiphone produce a wide range of electro acoustics that blend classic vintage style with modern performance. Many models are based on popular Gibson classics like the Hummingbird and Dove, packing stylish finishes and robust Fishman pickup systems to boot. If you want a retro aesthetic with dependable stage performance, all at a mid-range price point, Epiphone could be a good shout.
Fender’s acoustic line has come a long way in recent years, with standout models like the California Series offering excellent value for money and real stage presence. Their electro acoustics often feature slim bodies and necks, making them a super comfortable choice if you’re an electric player transitioning to acoustic. Fender typically uses Fishman electronics, giving you consistent tones and intuitive controls as standard. These guitars are gig-ready right out of the bag, bringing a cool, modern edge with them.
Just like their electric guitars, Gibson acoustics are nothing short of legendary, and their electro acoustic models carry that same level of prestige. These are genuinely premium instruments, often handcrafted in the USA and fitted with high-end LR Baggs systems.
Models like the J-45 or Hummingbird Studio offer detailed, intricate tones that hold up beautifully whether you’re on stage or laying down tracks in the studio. These are premium instruments with a price tag to match, but in exchange for your hard-earned, you’ll get exceptional build quality, knockout performance, and the best in classic design.
You might associate Ibanez guitars more closely with 80s trad metal and modern 7-string metal machines, but Ibanez’s range of electro acoustics benefit from the same playability and innovative features. With slim neck profiles and lightweight builds, they’re especially popular with younger players or anyone who favours that fast, modern feel.
The Ibanez AE and AEG series typically include proprietary pickup systems with versatile EQ shaping and onboard tuners. If you’re one to think outside the box, an Ibanez electro acoustic is a great option for something a little different from the norm.
Martin are acoustic royalty. They set the trend for contemporary acoustic design, including the invention of the dreadnought shape and the concept of traditional x bracing - so they know a thing or two about making acoustic guitars!
In their electro acoustic instruments, Martin favour the use of high-end Fishman electronics or their own in-house electronics, including the Matrix VT Enhance pickup and preamp and the solder-free Sonitone systems. These setups aim for faithful tone reproduction and minimal interference with the guitar’s natural resonance. Expect premium tonewoods, expert bracing, and truly timeless tone.
Sigma are a growing brand that deliver Martin-inspired guitars at more accessible price points. Their electro acoustics blend classic design with modern pickup systems, often Fishman, giving you a taste of high-end performance but without the hefty price tag.
Build quality in Sigma instruments is consistently impressive, making them a favourite choice among intermediate players who are looking to upgrade on quality and playability without compromise, or breaking the bank.
Sire first made waves with their Marcus Miller-designed bass range, but in recent years they’ve also expanded on their acoustic section with the Larry Carlton series. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between dreadnought or grand auditorium sizes and natural or sunburst finishes, while the A4 range also features a the solid wood body.
The Sire SIB electronics system stands for ‘simple is best’, and they do plenty to prove that here. The system combines a piezo pickup with an internal mic to fashion an extremely satisfying recreation of natural acoustic tone. And with the three simple controls (mic blend, EQ search and volume), you can tweak your sound without overcomplicating things.
Sitting right alongside Martin Guitars, Taylor are another of the major forces in the acoustic guitar game, rightly renowned for their sleek necks, smooth playability, and articulate tone. And also like Martin, they’ve also put these traits to good use with their range of electro acoustic instruments.
Their Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup design is truly unique, using behind-the-saddle sensors to capture a more natural acoustic sound. If you’ve ever used a Taylor acoustic, you’ll expect these instruments to deliver clarity, balance, and road-tested reliability – and you wouldn’t be disappointed. Admirably, Taylor also offer a great range of models across all budgets, from the affordable Academy Series to the luxurious 800 Series.
There’s very few brands out there, both within and beyond the spheres of music, that can claim to have the sheer versatility that Yamaha possess. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that this Japanese powerhouse also offers their own range of electro acoustic guitars!
These thoughtfully designed instruments strike a balance between affordability, innovation, and reliability. The APX and A-Series are particularly popular with live performers, in no small part because of their comfortable bodies and cutting-edge electronics. Yamaha’s proprietary SRT pickup systems also offer convincing, mic-like tones with excellent feedback resistance - perfect when you need nothing less than consistent results, be it on stage or in the studio.
While there are some truly incredible electro acoustic guitars out there for you to consider, if you already have an acoustic that you wouldn’t change for the world, it might be that all you need is the pickup. The good news is that this is absolutely an option – and in most cases, it doesn’t take too much adjustment to add to your acoustic either. That said, if you’re not feeling too comfortable with the idea of tinkering with your precious instrument, don’t hesitate to take it to a local guitar shop (including Andertons!) and they’ll have you hooked up in no time.
If you’re looking for acoustic guitar pickups to augment your instrument, Fishman are, without question, one of the most popular pickup manufacturers. They’ve long been well regarded for their high-quality electric guitar pickups, and their electro-acoustic range is extremely consistent too. In fact, you might have noticed that a lot of manufacturers in our list of electro acoustic guitar brands source their electronics from Fishman - and that’s no coincidence!
LR Baggs are the other big name in acoustic pickups. These ones are geared towards pro-level players and the premium market, offering some of the best microphones, piezo systems, and humbuckers you can get your hands on. They’re widely lauded for their faithful reproductions of acoustic guitar tones, and if you have an instrument that uses quality tonewoods, you’ll struggle to find a pickup that more accurately translates those woody notes into electronic signals.
The ToneWoodAmp is a guitar preamp, DI box and multi-FX processor that uniquely harnesses the vibrations and resonance of your guitar to produce ultra-realistic effects and tones!
An electro acoustic is essentially a traditional acoustic guitar with added pickups, letting you play the instrument both acoustically and amplified. A semi-acoustic (or hollowbody electric) is a type of electric guitar with a partially hollow body, designed primarily for electric amplification.
You can play your electro acoustic acoustically, so you don’t need one, but you will need an amp or PA system if you want to get the most out of your guitar’s electronics, especially for live performances.
You certainly can! Many electro acoustic players like to add effects like reverb, delay, or looper pedals. Just make sure your signal chain suits acoustic tones.
Today’s electro acoustic instruments are pretty versatile and future-proof. Even if you’re just starting out, having built-in electronics will give you tonnes of options as you progress.
Yes. You can plug directly into an interface or use a DI box for a clean, balanced signal. Many artists combine this setup with a mic for more depth.
No. The pickup type and preamp quality will have an effect on your tone, and just like acoustic guitars, body shape and tonewood choice also have a major impact.
In the case of feedback, many of the best solutions aren’t electro acoustic-exclusive – try things like reducing gain levels, avoiding facing monitors directly, and experimenting with pickup blends to minimise problem frequencies.
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