From Country to Rock Ballads: Top 5 Electric Acoustic Guitars for Recording and Performance

The 15ECE model is one of three representatives of the premium PF (Performance) series of the Japanese manufacturer Ibanez, presented by them in January 2016. The instrument demonstrates all the advantages of the Dreadnought acoustic design. Combining a rich tone and a bright attack, the 15ECE has become one of the most popular electroacoustic guitars among musicians looking for a reliable predictable sound and ease of playing.

The guitar body is made of wood (mahogany on the shell and back deck, spruce on the top). A combination proven by practice and time, providing high-quality dense sound with a predominance of cutting high.

A plastic protective cover (picgard) reliably protects the lower part of the case under the socket from damage and scuffs left by the hand or the pick. The edging of the case is made of ivory. The neck is traditionally maple with a rosewood fingerboard and fret markers in the form of dots.

The active timbre block, containing volume controls, timbre and digital tuner, is traditionally conveniently located on the shell closer to the attachment point of the neck with the body.

The model is available in 3 colours: Natural, Black and Blue with a High gloss body coating (high gloss varnish). Additionally, you can purchase a branded case / case, which, unfortunately, is not included in the basic package. It is also desirable to change the strings to those that are more used to, since the kit installed from the factory will not appeal to everyone: the sound of the strings is low-cost.

Ibanez PF15ECE is a high—quality reliable instrument with a well-balanced sound at an affordable price for its class.

The Epiphone EJ200CE electroacoustic guitar is an official replica of the legendary Gibson J200 model, invented in 1937, and on which such famous musicians as Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and others managed to play at one time. So that you can safely rely on the EJ200CE. It is made in the best traditions of the guitar business, but with the use of modern technologies that make it possible to reduce the cost of the instrument without loss of quality.

The case of the "jumbo" type with a lower deck and a shell made of selected maple and a solid spruce top is able to give out a more voluminous, deep and massive sound than the usual "dreadnought". Maple is characterized by a strong bright attack with a dense high middle and cutting tops. But his bottoms are read worse, but the matter is fixable with the help of equalization.

The eSonic2 preamp is equipped with a 3-band equalizer, which allows you to give the sound a rich timbral colour, as well as a convenient tuner that will tune the guitar even without the need to connect.

We note the Grover pegs of high quality, thanks to which it is possible to achieve very effective intonation and reliable construction, as well as factory-installed strings from D'addario 12-53.

Fret markers on the rosewood fingerboard have the shape of a crown. Bridge and pickguard are decorated in a similar style, so that in general the inlay makes a spectacular impression.

The guitar is offered in 3 colours: Black (BK), Natural (NA), Vintage Sunburst (VS).

EJ200CE is a worthy legacy of the traditions of the legendary J200 from Gibson. Of course, there is a difference in sound between the models, but the price, build quality and excellent appearance of the Epiphone compensate for this slight disadvantage. But the branded cover, after all, is not enough.

The AD880CE model belongs to the Cort Standard series of electroacoustic and acoustic guitars, which has been in existence for more than 50 years. The series is produced in the classic version of the Dreadnought hull. The AD880CE model is perfectly suitable for both training and chamber performances, and is by far the most popular and requested in this line.

The lower deck and shell are carved from mahogany (but this is not mahogany, do not flatter yourself for such money), and the upper deck is laminated with spruce and protected by picgard. The combination of breeds guarantees a dense accentuated sound with a predominance of the middle.

The design is distinguished by excellent build quality and durability, which Cort has always been famous for. The guitar reacts weakly to temperature and humidity changes and holds the formation well, including thanks to Die Cast nickel-plated pegs.

The edging of the case, the fingerboard and sockets are inlaid with tiger acrylic, which not only emphasizes the elegance and beauty of the instrument, but also protects it from damage.

For maximum sound interaction of the neck and the body, the mount is made in the style of "dovetail", which increases the sustain and resonance. Also, to increase the sustain, a special bridge design has been applied, which allows optimizing the angle of inclination of the strings, while avoiding their excessive tension – this creates additional convenience when playing. But the strings installed from the factory, it is better to immediately replace them with better ones. The sound will be better.

The CE304T proprietary preamplifier is responsible for the electronic component, the output signal of which is regulated by a 3-band equalizer. But you shouldn't expect a miracle from him. It will not be possible to "wind up" low frequencies. But the built-in tuner with backlight will help you tune the guitar even in the dark.

Cort AD880CE is an excellent low-cost solution for novice musicians, not inferior in quality to similar products of more famous and expensive brands, but it will not work for a big stage, as it is lost in the mix.

The CD60CE model from the legendary Fender company belongs to the manufacturer's low-cost line, being the personification of an almost perfect balance of price and quality. Not surprisingly, the CD60CE is one of the most popular electroacoustic guitars on the market.

The full–size dreadnought is made of mahogany on the lower deck and shell, and spruce on the top (laminate everywhere). The top is protected by a plastic pickguard. The 20-fret neck is carved from Nato, low-cost mahogany, inferior in characteristics to mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of Indian rosewood.

The model is available in natural colour, black and sunburst.

The case is securely reinforced from the inside with an X-shaped structure, which guarantees strength and protection from deformations. The strength of the neck is greatly facilitated by a double anchor. Of course, this makes the instrument somewhat heavier – however, it reliably keeps the neck from both the slightest axial and "propeller" deviations. A set of chrome-plated pegs is made by injection molding, so there is no doubt about the stability of the system.

A good, but not top-end, Fishman Isys III preamp paired with a 3-band equalizer is responsible for the formation of a classic Fender sound, and a built-in tuner adds convenience to tuning.

Despite some disadvantages, the Fender CD60CE is one of the best offers on the market at the moment in this price segment. The sound and feature set that you get for that kind of money is too good to pass by such an instrument. Plus a branded case included!

Popular Japanese musical instrument manufacturer Yamaha first released a series of electroacoustic guitars ARCH in 1987. Currently, there are only three models left in the line, effectively replacing all the others, and the most popular of them is the APX700II. We should immediately note that in addition to 6-string variants, the model is also available for left-handed and 12-string, and is offered in 5 colour versions: vintage sunburst, brown sunburst, natural, black, sandburst.

The shape of the "mini-jumbo" deck combines smoothed contours and a thinner body (80 – 90 mm deep), which increases the convenience of the game. At the same time, the sound remains bright and juicy, but more accurate and penetrating compared to standard Jumbo or Dreadnought hulls.

The top is cut from a single piece of spruce, and the lower deck with a shell is made of nato. Fret markers, the logo, as well as the ornament on the head of the neck are beautifully inlaid with mother of pearl. By the way, the model has an increased number of frets — 23 versus 20-21 for a similar number of models from other brands with a classic 25.6-inch beaker, that is, their width is slightly less, which means it's easier to play solo parts.

For maximum resonating inside the case, solid X-shaped fasteners are used. Along with the reduced dimensions, this also guarantees additional strength and stability of the deck structure.

The universal broadband preamplifier System 64 One Way A.R.T., designed to work in the range of 80 Hz – 10 kHz, allows you to achieve soft bass, smoothed middle and bright cutting high frequencies.

The guitar is equipped with Yamaha or D'addario strings, a suppressor to eliminate feedback, a hex key to adjust the anchor and a pair of batteries for preamp.

In general, the model is reliable, very comfortable, with good sound, both with and without connection, but there are competitors no worse and cheaper.