Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

How to Choose the Right Acoustic Electric Guitars

Selecting an acoustic-electric guitar involves assessing how it performs both unplugged and amplified. Ovation's lineup excels here with their signature Lyrachord bodies—composite materials that enhance sustain and reduce feedback—making them stage-ready. Focus on guitars that align with your playing style, whether fingerpicking folk, strumming rock, or hybrid setups.

Key Features to Compare

1. Top Wood and Construction: The top wood dictates unplugged tone. Solid Sitka spruce (A- or AAA-grade) provides bright, responsive projection with natural warmth, as in the Pro Series models. Laminate or "precious wood" tops, like on the Celebrity Traditional Plus, offer durability at lower costs but less resonance. Compare grain quality: AAA-grade is premium for vibration transfer.

2. Body Shape and Depth: Ovation's deep contour Lyrachord bodies (e.g., in Custom Balladeer) deliver bass-heavy sustain and comfort for long sessions, ideal for stage use. Mid-depth bodies, like the CS24P, balance portability and volume. Cutaways (on 2771AX and 2778AX) improve high-fret access for leads, versus non-cutaway designs for traditional rhythm play.

3. Electronics and Pickup System: Look for OP-4BT or similar preamps with built-in tuners and EQ controls. Ovation's piezo pickups capture acoustic nuance without muddiness. Coated strings like Adamas Nuova (on 2771AX and 2778AX) reduce squeak and last longer under amplification.

4. Neck Profile and Scale Length: A slim C-shaped neck (standard on Pro Series) suits smaller hands, while 25.5-inch scales (common in these) ensure tension for bending. Fretboard material—ebony or rosewood—affects feel; Ovation's often use ovangkol for smooth play.

5. Included Accessories and Finish: Premium models like the Custom Balladeer include 20mm soft cases for protection. Finishes (Vintage Burst vs. Black) impact aesthetics and resale; transparent bursts highlight wood grain.

6. String Gauge and Action: Factory setups vary; lighter gauges (e.g., .012-.053) ease playability for beginners, while mediums suit pros. Check action height—low for speed, higher for volume.

7. Weight and Ergonomics: Lyrachord bodies weigh 4-5 lbs, lighter than all-wood guitars, reducing fatigue. Contour designs hug the body better than flatbacks.

Budget Considerations

Acoustic-electric guitars span tiers based on materials and craftsmanship. Entry-level ($500-$700), like the Ovation CS24P-TBBY-G at $563.39, uses mid-depth Lyrachord with precious wood tops for reliable tone and basic OP-23 preamp. You get gig-ready versatility without frills—suitable for hobbyists.

Mid-range ($1,000-$1,200) includes the Standard Balladeer 2771AX ($1,127.84) and Elite 2778AX ($1,149.14), featuring solid A-grade Sitka spruce, cutaways, and coated strings. These offer pro-level projection and electronics upgrades, justifying the jump for semi-pros who amplify often.

Premium ($1,500+), such as the Custom Balladeer ($1,649) models, boast AAA-grade spruce, deep contours, and soft cases. Expect superior sustain, aesthetic details like abalone inlays, and longevity—worth it for touring musicians valuing investment pieces.

Across tiers, Ovation's molded bodies ensure consistent quality, but premiums shine in unplugged clarity and feedback resistance.

Performance vs. Price

The sweet spot lies in mid-range Ovation Pro Series Standards ($1,100-$1,150), where solid spruce tops and advanced Lyrachord deliver 80-90% of premium performance at 70% cost. The 2771AX, for instance, matches the Custom Balladeer's sustain but skips AAA grading, saving $500 without sacrificing stage punch. Budget options like the CS24P lag in resonance (thinner highs) but excel for practice amps. Premiums justify expense via finer details—e.g., the Custom's vintage burst enhances visual appeal for collectors. Analyze ROI: If gigging weekly, mid-range yields best value; casual players save with budget. Overall, Ovation's innovation minimizes performance gaps, making $1,000 models outperform pricier all-wood competitors in amplified scenarios.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Playability for Looks: Flashy finishes like Transparent Blackburst tempt, but test neck feel—wide necks on some Ovations can cramp beginners' hands.

2. Overlooking Electronics Compatibility: Basic preamps (e.g., on CS24P) may not integrate with pro PA systems; ensure XLR outputs for direct recording.

3. Skipping Setup Checks: Factory action might buzz; budget for a $50 pro setup to optimize intonation across the 20-fret board.

4. Neglecting String Type for Genre: Coated Adamas strings suit electric-acoustic hybrids but feel slick for pure acoustic purists—swap if fingerstyle demands grip.

5. Buying Without Amp Testing: Unplugged tone deceives; always plug in to verify feedback resistance, a Ovation strength, before purchase.

Top Picks Summary

1. Ovation Pro Series Custom Balladeer (Vintage Burst, $1,649): Best for professional performers and collectors seeking ultimate tone and aesthetics. Its AAA spruce and deep contour outperform others in sustain and projection, ideal for studio or stage pros.

2. Ovation Pro Series Standard Balladeer 2771AX ($1,127.84): Top mid-range pick for gigging intermediates. Cutaway and coated strings balance value and versatility, suiting singer-songwriters who amplify frequently without premium markup.

3. Ovation CS24P-TBBY-G Celebrity Traditional Plus ($563.39): Ideal for beginners or budget-conscious hobbyists. Mid-depth body and reliable electronics provide entry-level quality for home practice and casual jams, without overwhelming cost. (Word count: 742)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar?

Acoustic-electric guitars, like the Ovation models in this guide, feature built-in pickups and preamps for amplification, allowing connection to amps, PA systems, or recording interfaces without external mics. Pure acoustics rely on natural projection via soundholes. For Ovations, the Lyrachord body enhances this hybrid nature by providing molded composite backs that vibrate efficiently, reducing feedback—a common issue with traditional wood acoustics when plugged in. This makes them ideal for live performers; for example, the Pro Series Standards (2771AX) use piezo pickups to capture string nuance accurately, unlike basic acoustics that sound thin amplified. Choose acoustic-electric if you gig or record often; otherwise, a pure acoustic saves $200-500.

How do Ovation's Lyrachord bodies compare to traditional wooden bodies?

Ovation's Lyrachord is a fiberglass-reinforced composite, offering superior sustain and feedback resistance over all-wood bodies, which can warp or feedback under stage volume. In models like the Custom Balladeer, it pairs with solid spruce tops for a bright, balanced tone rivaling $2,000+ Martins, but at lighter weight (4.5 lbs vs. 5+ lbs). Drawbacks include a slightly "modern" timbre—less "woody" warmth than cedar-top Taylors—but coated strings on the 2778AX mitigate this for electric use. They're durable for travel, unlike fragile rosewood, making them best for gigging; the CS24P's mid-depth version suits beginners avoiding high maintenance.

Should I prioritize solid wood tops in an acoustic-electric guitar?

Yes, for better unplugged tone and longevity, as solid Sitka spruce (A- or AAA-grade in Pro Series) ages gracefully, opening up over time unlike laminates. The Custom Balladeer's AAA top vibrates freely for dynamic range, outperforming the CS24P's precious wood, which prioritizes affordability over resonance. However, for amplified play, body material matters more—Ovation's Lyrachord amplifies efficiently regardless. Budget $1,000+ for solids if tone is key; under $600, accept trade-offs like the CS24P's reliable but less vibrant sound. Always humidity-control solid tops to prevent cracking.

What electronics should I look for in an acoustic-electric guitar?

Seek active preamps with 3-band EQ, volume, and phase switches to shape tone and kill feedback. Ovation's OP-4BT (in 2771AX and 2778AX) includes a built-in tuner and battery check, superior to the CS24P's basic OP-23 for live tweaks. Piezo under-saddle pickups, standard here, sense string vibration accurately without hum, but add a soundhole mic (aftermarket) for fuller airiness if needed. Avoid passive systems—they require external preamps. For recording, XLR outputs (on some Ovations) enable direct DI; test with your amp to ensure compatibility, as mismatched impedance muddies highs.

How much should I spend on my first acoustic-electric guitar?

For beginners, $500-700 hits the sweet spot, like the $563 CS24P, offering playable action, basic electronics, and Ovation durability without regret. Intermediates should aim $1,000-1,200 for solids like the 2771AX, gaining pro features for growth. Pros invest $1,500+ in Customs for resale value. Factor setup costs ($50-100) and accessories (tuner, strap: $50). Resale holds strong for Ovations (70-80% value after years), so mid-range minimizes risk. Test in-store; online buyers use 30-day returns.

Are coated strings worth it on acoustic-electric guitars?

Absolutely for amplified play, as Adamas Nuova coated strings (on 2771AX and 2778AX) resist corrosion and squeak, lasting 3x longer than unco