Thin body acoustic guitars have thin, yet completely empty, bodies like a traditional acoustic. They tend to also come with electronics, such as preamps and pickup systems so that they can be plugged into an amp.
For the most part, their volume is not adequate enough to be utilized unamplified, as it could with a full-bodied arch-top acoustic-electric guitar. Their acoustic nature influences their electric tone. It might be said you could categorize them under hollow body electric guitars.
However, their shallow body often has guitarists and manufacturers lumping them in the semi-acoustic category.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Thin Body Acoustic Guitars
- OUR TOP PICK: Fender CD-140SCE
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
- BEST THIN BODY ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR: PRS SE A50E
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Thin Body Acoustic Guitar
Understanding what a thin body is could be the first step in a lengthy process. This process will eventually lead you to ask yourself, what makes a good thin body acoustic guitar? What should I be looking at as I peruse my choices? Below, we have put together some of the key factors that should be considered when making your final decision.
Shape
While picking an acoustic guitar, it's critical to consider its body style and size. Body size affects the guitar's sound, so each will have its own unique sound profile.
Tone-wood
An acoustic guitar's sound and tone is basically the result of the wood utilized in its development. Make sure to pay attention to the tone-wood used and choose according to the sound you will be looking to create.
Action
The guitar's action is the separation between the strings and the fret-board. It ought to be set low enough that there are no dead notes or hums. Typically, acoustic guitars will normally have higher actions than electric guitars. Though this can be adjusted, it is still something to consider, especially if you are a new player.
Comfort
While it's a given that you need an incredible sounding guitar, it's also essential to ensure that you pick one you can play easily, as well. The guitar should feel nice when you hold it and shouldn’t put too much strain on your shoulders. You should be able to reach around the neck comfortably, as well.
Comparison of the Best Thin Body Acoustic Guitars
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Review of the Best Thin Body Acoustic Guitars
Knowing what to look for when shopping for such a big investment is crucial. Now that you are armed with that knowledge, let's get to our carefully compiled list of thin body acoustics.
Best Overall:
Fender CD-140SCE
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This guitar brings with it the classic Fender sound, and it is vibrant and crisp. It is designed with careful consideration, from the type of wood used to the pickups it is fitted with. Despite the fact that there are a few pieces that are made of plastic, overall, this guitar is durable and offers awesome sound.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The neck is one of the things that play the biggest role in playability. This Fender has an easy-to-play neck that is slimmer than most. It also has rolled edges on the fret-board, which helps make it comfortable to play. This also makes it a fast-playing neck.
Who Will Use This Most
The truth is this guitar would be great for basically any player. However, the beginning guitarist will reap the most from it, especially if that guitarist is a right-handed player. The cutaway design, though comfortable to play, isn’t quite right for the left-handed individual.
Bottom Line
The Fender reputation stays intact with this CD-140SCE. It is a well-crafted instrument that brings with it that traditional Fender acoustic and electric sound. It is almost like having two guitars for the price of one.
Best for the Money:
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This guitar's design lends itself to fast comfortable play. The sound, of course, is affected by both the shape and the smaller neck. It is also affected by the inclusion of high-quality pickups that help with the volume.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Shadow electronics in this guitar are enough to give it a price tag that is more on par with the higher-end models. However, that isn’t the case with this guitar. What stands out most is the value you get for a price tag that won't send you into debt.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone would be well suited to choose this as their go-to guitar, but those looking for a little more challenge may just get the most out of it. Moving from a traditional acoustic to an acoustic-electric will have you needing a whole new set of skills. Try hitting the recording studio with others, too. It offers a lot of performance there, as well.
Bottom Line
The budget may be a concern, but you don’t have to worry. There is a great thin body acoustic option, and it is the Epiphone Hummingbird PRO. It is designed to be a comfortable guitar with superior performance, yet it still has a budget-friendly price tag. You will get everything you want, and you will still be able to afford that cup of coffee.
Best Thin Body Acoustic Electric Guitar:
PRS SE A50E
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This guitar comes with great action, and that means you can play it straight from the box. When you do, you will get a taste of the rich sound that the premium spruce top wood brings to the table. There is a little buzz problem, but with a slight adjustment to the neck, that can easily be taken care of.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With any acoustic-electric guitar, it is all about the electronic hardware used in the construction. This guitar is no different. The inclusion of Fishman electronics makes this guitar easy to shape the sound with. This will, in turn, lead to your own unique sound, and that is what is most important.
Who Will Use This Most
The unique sound quality really lends itself to the blues. If you are a blues player looking for a guitar that is easy to transport, then you should definitely consider this PRS thin body. Because of its ultra-thin design, you will get a guitar that is lightweight and easy to store. This is helpful when trudging from gig to gig.
Bottom Line
PRS is more known for its electric guitars. However, it's dedication to high-quality hardware, mixed with a rich, acoustic sound, has created one of the best thin body options on the market today. This guitar doesn’t lose tonal quality when hooked to an amp. In fact, the sound is almost better, unlike many of the other options on our list.
Best Yamaha Thin Body Acoustic Guitar:
Yamaha APX600 BL
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The design of this guitar is masterful and makes it one of the most comfortable guitars to use for long periods of time. That, coupled with the superior sound even when it is being amplified, is why it is one of the most recommended Yamaha options out there. The action may be a bit high, but that doesn’t stop everyone from raving about it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The shorter neck and patented Yamaha cutaway design create a guitar that is easy to hold. The cutaway lets you have access to all the frets easily, which will give you extra playability and sound crafting capabilities.
Who Will Use This Most
The guitar, even when not amped up, has a volume, unlike most others. This makes it perfect for the country musician or rocker who wants to join in on the jam session. It is even great for that player who wants to play a small intimate venue and just doesn’t have the space for all the gear.
Bottom Line
Yamaha is one of those well-known names in the music industry and for good reason. For decades, it has given us well-crafted musical instruments that offer durability and performance. This thin body does that and so much more. That is why we knew it had to be one of our choices.
5. Jameson Blue Thinline
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When you invest in this guitar, you get a high-quality instrument that offers you killer volume capability. You may lose a little tonal quality once plugged into an amp. However, the build of the guitar makes it comfortable to play for hours.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The level of sound shaping possible with this guitar is amazing. Built with a patented Jameson pickup, you get optimal control over tone and volume. This means that you are able to craft a sound that is solely your own.
Who Will Use This Most
This thin body guitar from Jameson іѕ an ехсеllеnt buy, not only for the value but for the реrfоrmаnсе, as well. Іt'ѕ іdеаl for а beginner who is looking for a comfortable guitar that offers superior sound quality. It also has a look that will have its user feeling like a rockstar in no time.
Bottom Line
This medium-thin body acoustic is a great guitar that is built with high-quality materials. Everything from the wood to the electronics is designed to offer optimal sound, while the design gives it superior playability. Combine those together, and you get one of the biggest superstars of the thin body acoustic world.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Thin Body Acoustic Guitar
Even with all the amazing things we have talked about above, there may still be those that are saying to themselves, "Why do I need a thin body acoustic? What will it do for me, and what are the disadvantages of this type of guitar?"
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages you should know about before making your final decision.
Advantages
- More natural sound
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Smaller body makes it easier to play, especially for smaller players
- Great for learning to finger-pick
Acoustics naturally have a more natural tone. With a thin body, you get that tone with the capability of it being amplified. How cool is that?! The thinner body means less space and wood needed in the construction, which naturally leads to a lightweight frame.
This means that it is easier to transport from place to place and will take up less room when stored. The body design offers versatility when it comes to the players, as well. Whether you have small or large hands, they tend to be more comfortable to play.
Disadvantages
- May not be comfortable to play for larger players (too small)
- Volume in acoustic mode is weaker than a traditional
It's important to note that the versatility does not encompass all large-framed players. It also lacks the volume level of a traditional acoustic when being played as an acoustic, which could irritate some players.
Conclusion
Purchasing an acoustic guitar is an extraordinary investment in the future. When buying your guitar, take as much time as necessary. The guide above should be able to help you along with your process.
We have given you five of the best thin body acoustics to choose from and a wealth of knowledge to help with that decision. We know you will make the right choice, and all you have to do after that is start making some sweet music.
