Best Beginner Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $200 – A Guitar Pro’s Choice
Welcome to our guide for finding the perfect beginner acoustic-electric guitar under $200. With over 30 years of experience as a professional guitar player, I bring valuable insights to help you make a smart decision.
The Washburn Experience: A Pro’s Perspective
Many of you might have heard about guitars like Strats and Teles, thinking they could be an upgrade to your current acoustic-electric setup. In reality, many popular electric guitars might not meet the quality expectations of an acoustic-electric player. After my decade-long experience with the Washburn, I can confidently say that it has been my dependable partner on countless gigs. The Washburn acoustic/electric guitar, which I purchased for around $250, has been my go-to instrument for 30 years. It's robust, reliable, and, most importantly, it gets the job done.
Top Recommendations: Mitchell Guitars
Mitchell Guitars stand out for their acoustic-electric offerings. My experience with a Mitchell acoustic-electric, purchased on a whim from Guitar Center or Musicians Friend, was exceptionally positive. The solid spruce top and top-notch Fishman electronics, combined with excellent tone and playability from the moment I took it out of the case, make this one of the top five acoustics I've ever owned. Notable models include the Mitchell 101Mega and Mitchell 51.
Investing in Quality: Bottom Line Up Front
As someone with over 59 years of guitar experience, I recommend investing in a guitar within the $400-500 range for proper learning materials. However, if you're on a tight budget and looking for a top-shelf guitar for under $200, there are options available that won't disappoint.
Yamaha and Orangewood: Quality Within Budget
Yamaha is a trusted brand in this price range, offering high-quality instruments. Additionally, consider the Orangewood brand, which sells a model for $225. The Orangewood guitar features a bone nut/saddle, rosewood fingerboard, and bridge, and a solid spruce top with layered back and sides. It comes with full Adaptive Frequency Respiratory Circuit (AFRC) pickups, a feature that many in the guitar community highly recommend.
The Baby Taylor: A Great Choice for Beginners
For an excellent entry-level guitar, consider the Baby Taylor series. Originally priced around $500, you can find a well-conditioned Baby Taylor 200CE for around your budget. This guitar is well-built, sturdy, and easy to play, making it an ideal first instrument. I own a Big Baby Taylor and have added a sound hole pickup for live performances. This guitar is a great sounding and playing instrument that is significantly smaller than a full-size Dreadnaught, making it highly portable and versatile for both playing and recording. I can confidently say it's a great "go-to" guitar for traveling and many other situations!
Finding the Perfect Guitar: Tips and Advice
Before making your purchase, consider visiting a physical music store to try out different models. You could also ask other guitar players in your network for recommendations. The Baby Taylor, in particular, is a highly sought-after instrument, and once you get your hands on one, you might find it hard to part with it.
Happy guitar hunting, and may your journey on the strings be filled with joy and passion!