Acoustic electric guitars are by design acoustic guitars fitted with pickups, transducers, and microphones. In general, acoustic electric guitars combine the features and functions of guitar tones with pickups for amplification system connection. These should not be confused with semi-acoustic guitars that are characterized by distinct sound chambers integrated within the guitar body.  

Acoustic electric guitars are often fitted with well built piezoelectric pickups. These instruments therefore require preamplifiers that are incorporated into the body of the guitar to amplify the signal prior to traveling into the main guitar amplifier. The preamps also include different types of tone controls. There are also up to six-frequency bands that are used as equalizers.  

In some cases, these guitars are also called plug-in acoustic guitars because of the instruments ability to plug into any speaker system without any issues. There is also no need for special microphones. They are also popular on folk as well as in classical music, because they are able to capture some of the sound of acoustic guitars. Volume is raised if the guitar is plugged into an appropriate speaker system.  

Other uses make acoustic electric guitars more notable. They are commonly used in different gospel music together with other kinds of Christian music. Among the popular artists known for playing electrical acoustic guitars are Tim Hughes, Chris Tomlin Matt Baker. Bands like RPM and Hilsong are best known for using them.  

Fortuntately for the consumer, it is not hard to find good brands of electric acoustic guitars. This is due to increasing demand,more manufacturers are producing guitars to satisfy demand. Buyers are sometimes confused when looking to buy a guitar due to the large variety of guitars available. The top brand names of acoustic electric guitars are as follows: 

Alvarez - The quality of Alvarez guitars originates from an exclusive relationship with top Japanese musician Kazuo Yairi, who has a 60 years of experience. Alvarez is known for hand crafting and manufacturing fine classical instruments.  

Gibson - For quite some time, Gibson has always been a reputable name for the production of acoustic guitars. The history of the company could be traced back to as early as 1890s. Acoustic guitars made by Gibson are among the best, as well as the most expensive in the market. Acoustic artists all over the world try hard to produce guitars that are of the quality of Gibson guitars.  

Guild - This venerable American guitar manufacturer was established in the late 1940s. They are now known for making some of the best models of acoustic guitars. Since 1960s, the name Guild has been synonymous with electric acoustic guitars producing good quality sound. Guild may not be as costly as Martin or Gibson, but can be argued its quality is the match of the other more renowned acoustic guitar brands.