Collection: Acoustic Electric Guitars
Acoustic Electric Guitars
At Chicago Music Exchange, we carry one of the nation’s best selections of acoustic electric guitars, combining the warmth of traditional acoustic tone with the convenience of plug-in performance. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, studio guitarist, touring musician, or a player who wants an acoustic that can handle open mics, recording sessions, and stage use, we offer the top acoustic electric models from Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Guild, Fender, Takamine, Epiphone, and more.
From the most searched cutaway acoustic electric guitars to the bestselling dreadnought acoustic electric, to compact parlor acoustic electrics, CME has the right guitar for every style—and every stage.
Why Guitarists Want Acoustic Electric Guitars
Acoustic electric guitars exist because players needed the natural warmth of an acoustic—but louder, cleaner, and more controllable onstage and in the studio. Before pickups, players struggled with:
- feedback from microphones
- inconsistent tone depending on venue
- low stage volume
- lack of control over EQ & effects
The solution was the built-in pickup system—piezo, under-saddle, soundboard transducers, magnetic soundhole pickups, and modern hybrid systems with microphones and digital preamps.
Today’s players love acoustic electric guitars because they offer:
- authentic acoustic tone, amplified
- easy connection to PA systems, amps, pedals, and recorders
- stage-ready volume without feedback
- consistent tone night after night
- built-in tuners, EQ, and tone shaping
Popular Styles & Types of Acoustic Electric Guitars
People search for acoustic electric guitars by body shape, pickup style, tonewood setup, or player type. CME stocks every major category.
1. Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitars
The most popular and versatile style—big volume and balanced tone.
- Top Models: Martin D-28E, Taylor AD17e, Gibson Hummingbird Studio, Fender Paramount.
2. Concert & Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electrics
Perfect for fingerstyle, singer-songwriter performance, and balanced studio tone.
- Top Models: Taylor 214ce, Martin GPC models, Gibson Songwriter, Takamine NEX series.
3. Parlor & Small Body Acoustic Electrics
Warm, intimate, and highly portable.
- Top Models: Taylor GS Mini-e, Martin 000 series & 00 series, Guild M-Series, Fender California Mini.
4. Jumbo Acoustic Electrics
Huge projection and iconic presence.
- Top Models: Gibson SJ-200 Studio, Guild F-55E, Epiphone J-200E.
5. Nylon-String Acoustic Electric Guitars
Great for classical, jazz, bossa nova, and crossover players.
- Top Models: Taylor Academy Nylon-e, Cordoba Stage, Cordoba C series electrics.
Popular Pickup Styles in Acoustic Electric Guitars
- Piezo pickup acoustic electric – most common, clear, stage-friendly
- Hybrid pickup/mic systems – premium (Taylor Expression System 2, LR Baggs Anthem
- Soundhole pickup acoustic electric – magnetic warmth
- Internal microphone systems – studio-quality tone
- Active EQ preamps – bass/mid/treble shaping + tuners
CME carries top electronics from LR Baggs, Fishman, Taylor ES2, Guild AP-1, Takamine CT4B, and more.
Most Popular Acoustic Electric Guitars
- Taylor 214ce – Among the most searched acoustic electric guitars in the world.
- Martin D-28E & Martin D-18E – Historic, powerful dreadnoughts with refined onboard electronics.
- Gibson J-45 Studio & Hummingbird Studio – Iconic American tone with LR Baggs systems.
- Taylor GS Mini-e Series – One of the highest-searched small acoustic electric guitars.
- Guild F-Series & D-Series Electrics – Classic full-bodied punch.
- Takamine EF341SC – Stage standard used by Bruce Springsteen and widely searched.
- Fender Newporter, Redondo, & Malibu Electrics – Modern, affordable, high-search models.
CME keeps these models in stock and ready to ship.
Price Points for Acoustic Electric Guitars
- $199–$599: Beginner acoustic electrics, Fender California Series, Epiphone models
- $600–$1,199: Mid-range Taylor, Guild, Takamine, Yamaha, and Martin Road Series
- $1,200–$2,999: Professional stage guitars from Taylor, Gibson, Martin, Guild
- $3,000+: High-end custom shop acoustics, all-solid boutique builds with premium electronics
Whatever your budget, Chicago Music Exchange offers top-tier selection, setup, and service.
Famous Artists, Bands & Influencers Who Use Acoustic Electric Guitars
Acoustic electric guitars have defined nearly every genre—from folk to rock to pop.
Historic & Major Artists
- Bob Dylan – One of the earliest adopters of acoustic electrics onstage
- Bruce Springsteen – Iconically uses the Takamine EF Series
- Ed Sheeran – Known for using small-body acoustic electrics with loop
- John Mayer – Taylor & Martin electrics in acoustic sets
- Noel Gallagher – Gibson and Epiphone jumbo acoustic electrics
- Chris Stapleton – Uses Gibson J-45 electric models
- Taylor Swift – Frequently plays Taylor acoustic electrics live
Influencers & YouTubers
- Rhett Shull
- Mary Spender
- Paul Davids
- Marty Music
- Music Is Win (Tyler Larson)
- Tobias Rauscher
Small-body acoustics like the GS Mini-e and mid-size auditorium models dominate YouTube searches.
A Short History of Acoustic Electric Guitars
The first acoustic electric guitars appeared in the 1930s–40s when companies like Gibson and Martin experimented with pickups designed for acoustic bodies. But the modern acoustic electric as we know it took shape in the 1970s–80s when Takamine and Ovation pioneered reliable onboard preamps and piezo systems for touring. Their innovations solved long-standing live-sound issues and set the template that Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Guild, Fender, and others refined over the next decades.
Today’s acoustic electrics deliver:
- cleaner amplified sound
- better feedback control
- studio-grade onboard electronics
- more consistent tone
- —and CME proudly stocks the latest versions of every major evolution.
Why Buy Acoustic Electric Guitars from Chicago Music Exchange
Huge Selection: From small-body plug-in acoustics to jumbo stage guitars.
- Top Brands: Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Guild, Fender, Takamine, Yamaha, Epiphone, Cordoba, and more.
- Expert Guidance: Our acoustic team actually plays this stuff—daily.
- Professional Setup: Every guitar ships ready to play.
- Exclusive CME Options: Access to our premium acoustic room, boutique pickups, and pro accessories.
- Best Acoustic Electrics Available: From entry-level performers to top-tier custom shop guitars.
Acoustic Electric Guitar FAQs
What is an acoustic electric guitar?
An acoustic electric guitar is a traditional acoustic with built-in electronics—such as a piezo pickup, soundboard transducer, or microphone system—allowing it to plug into an amp, PA, or interface.
What is the best acoustic electric guitar for beginners?
Top picks include the Taylor Academy Series, Fender California Series, and Yamaha FGX models.
What’s the best acoustic electric guitar for live performance?
Professional players often choose the Taylor 214ce, Martin D-28E, Gibson J-45 Studio, and Takamine EF341SC.
Are acoustic electric guitars good for recording?
Yes—most players record using a blend of the onboard pickup and a microphone for the best tone.
What is the difference between piezo, mic, and magnetic pickups?
Piezo systems are bright and clear; internal mic systems offer natural acoustic warmth; magnetic soundhole pickups feel more electric-like and reduce feedback.
Acoustic Guitars
If you’re searching for the best acoustic guitars, new acoustic guitars, or used acoustic guitars for sale, you’re in the right place. At Chicago Music Exchange, we curate a deep lineup of stage-ready and studio-approved instruments—from workhorse dreadnoughts to intimate parlors, modern acoustic-electrics, and collectible vintage acoustic guitars. Every guitar is photographed, weighed, inspected, and set up by our team so you can buy an acoustic guitar online with confidence.
Acoustic Guitar Strings
Shopping for acoustic guitar strings for sale—best acoustic guitar strings, phosphor bronze strings, 80/20 bronze strings, coated acoustic strings, 12-string acoustic guitar strings, or nylon folk strings? At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock the top brands and sets trusted by touring pros and studio players: D’Addario (XS, XT, EJ), Martin (Authentic, SP, Lifespan), Elixir (Nano/Polyweb), Ernie Ball (Everlast, Earthwood), GHS, DR, John Pearse, Thomastik-Infeld, Santa Cruz (Parabolic Tension), Gibson, Curt Mangan, and more—each fresh, authentic, and ready to play.
Price Drop Acoustic Guitars
Discover incredible savings without compromising on tone or quality with our Price Drop Acoustic Guitar Collection. Perfect for players at any stage, these guitars offer the craftsmanship, playability, and rich sound you expect from top-tier acoustic instruments—now at exceptional value. From beginner-friendly models to professional-level instruments, each guitar in this collection has been carefully selected to deliver inspiring tone, comfortable action, and durable construction, making them ideal for practice, performance, or recording.
Whether you’re chasing the warm, balanced resonance of a classic dreadnought, the bright clarity of a concert model, or the intimate voice of a parlor guitar, our Price Drop collection ensures there’s an acoustic to suit your style. Featuring instruments from trusted brands known for quality woods, precise hardware, and attention to detail, these guitars bring professional sound within reach.
Take advantage of limited-time savings and elevate your playing without breaking the bank. Each instrument offers the same playability and tone as full-priced models, giving you confidence in every chord, fingerstyle pattern, or strum. Ideal for students, hobbyists, and seasoned players alike, this collection makes it easy to find your next guitar while enjoying unbeatable value. Explore the Price Drop Acoustic Guitar Collection today and find the perfect guitar that inspires creativity, enhances your sound, and fits your budget—all in one place.