Top Brands for Acoustic Electric Guitars: Captivating Sound Choices

Acoustic electric guitars offer a versatile blend of acoustic tonal richness and the amplified sound suitable for larger performances. The market boasts several brands known for crafting high-quality acoustic electric guitars that cater to a diverse range of playing styles and preferences. Well-regarded names such as Taylor, Martin, and Yamaha continually push the boundaries in terms of sound, craftsmanship, and innovation. For an in-depth exploration of the best brands worth considering, we invite you to read further below.

Illustration of acoustic electric guitar

Best brands of acoustic electric guitar in 2025

Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars, founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, is a leading American manufacturer of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, holding an estimated 40% of the market share, with annual sales reaching around $150 million and producing approximately 175,000 guitars each year. Featuring their innovative ES2 and ES-B pickup systems, Taylor Guitars distributes to 65 countries globally. You can explore their product line on their website.

Martin Guitars

Martin Guitars, established in 1833, is a highly respected American manufacturer, renowned for its acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, with a 9.3% market share in the US and a history of innovation, such as the X-bracing, and has been used by iconic musicians for almost two centuries. Their guitars, including the popular D-28 and SC-13E models, are known for their quality and rich tone, and continue to be a favorite among musicians worldwide. The company has been family-run for six generations, emphasizing tradition and craftsmanship, making them a top choice for many players.

Gibson

Gibson, established in 1894, stands as a premier manufacturer of acoustic-electric guitars, pioneering innovations like the archtop design in the 1930s and the ES-150 in 1936, while also maintaining a significant 34% market share in the guitar industry, with their acoustic models being played by legendary musicians for nearly a century; in 2020, approximately 3.1 million acoustic guitars were sold in the United States, with Gibson being among the top 3 brands that accounted for over 40% of global sales. You can explore their current offerings on their official website.

Yamaha

Yamaha, established in 1887, has been producing high-quality guitars for over 60 years, with their first acoustic guitar in 1942 and their first electric models introduced in 1966. The brand holds a 7% market share in the guitar industry, ranking fourth overall, and offers a diverse range of acoustic-electric models known for their craftsmanship, playability, and durability, like the popular FG800 and A5R A.R.E models. Yamaha's acoustic-electric guitars, featuring advanced pickup systems and onboard preamps, cater to a wide range of musicians and continue to innovate, such as the TransAcoustic series and Silent Guitars, and have tripled their overall guitar business revenue in the past decade.

Fender

Fender, established in 1946, is a leading brand in the music industry, holding a significant 25% of the global guitar market share and producing approximately half a million guitars annually, with their acoustic guitar production beginning in 1963; although they are well known for electric guitars, their acoustic-electric models are also popular, often featuring designs with bolt-on necks and Stratocaster-style headstocks; in the USA, Fender holds around 30% of the guitar market and is known for quality instruments. You can explore their product line here.

Takamine

Takamine, established in 1959 and officially named in 1962, is a Japanese guitar manufacturer recognized as a major brand of steel-string acoustic guitars worldwide. They are renowned for pioneering acoustic-electric models with their innovative preamplifier-equalizer component in 1978, and boast a 50+ year heritage of craftsmanship. Takamine produces a variety of models, such as the Pro Series, Legacy Series, and Limited Editions, which are beloved by performing musicians. Discover their diverse product line by visiting their official website.

Breedlove

Breedlove, established in 1990 by former Taylor Guitars luthiers, is recognized as a top producer of acoustic-electric guitars, known for their innovative designs and use of sustainable tonewoods like Oregon myrtlewood. Their diverse offerings include the USA-made Legacy and Oregon series, as well as more accessible ECO collections, with some models featuring Fishman or LR Baggs electronics for amplified performance. Breedlove guitars are praised for their excellent sound quality, playability, and are used by musicians like Jeff Bridges, who has his own signature model. Although they started as a small custom shop, Breedlove now produces instruments at various price points, ensuring access for a wide range of players. You can explore their models at Breedlove Music.

Guild

Guild, established in 1953, is a historic guitar manufacturer renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, becoming a favorite among famous musicians from the 1950s jazz scene to rock legends; while not dominating market share like some brands, Guild maintains a strong presence offering reliable and expressive instruments, with models ranging from dreadnoughts to 12-strings, and a commitment to quality that has made them a respected brand with a long-standing reputation for great sound. Guild guitars have been used by artists such as Richie Havens, Jerry Garcia, and Eric Clapton, further solidifying their place in music history, and despite shifts in ownership, Guild continues to be a prominent figure in the guitar market, focusing on balancing premium craftsmanship with affordability.

Seagull

Seagull Guitars, a Canadian brand founded in 1982 by Robert Godin, is renowned for producing high-quality acoustic-electric guitars with solid tops and innovative designs like the compound-curve top, focusing on affordability and playability for musicians. Their guitars are made in La Patrie, Quebec, where almost half the population is involved in their production. The brand offers various models, including the award-winning S6 Original, and they are considered a great value for the money with excellent craftsmanship. Seagull guitars are a sub-brand of Godin Guitars, using sustainably sourced wood and incorporating features of high-end guitars into instruments for all working musicians. Their guitars often feature a unique combination of woods like cedar tops with wild cherry backs and sides, setting them apart from other manufacturers.

Epiphone

Epiphone, a brand with roots dating back to 1873, is a popular choice for acoustic-electric guitars, offering quality instruments at affordable prices and holding a 4% market share. They provide models ranging from entry-level to high-end, including the Masterbilt series, known for their exceptional sound. Since being made by Gibson in 1957, Epiphone offers a wide variety of acoustic guitars to suit all budgets, often featuring components typically found on more expensive guitars, making them a worthwhile investment for both beginners and experienced players.