Best Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitars of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitars are highly sought-after instruments that boast a unique tonal quality and beautiful appearance. Made with a Hawaiian koa wood top, back, and sides, these guitars produce a warm, bright sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, including folk, rock, and country. Additionally, they come equipped with a built-in pickup and preamp system, allowing for easy amplification and performance. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, a Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a worthwhile investment that will provide years of enjoyment and musical expression.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Washburn Festival EA55G-A Guitar Cover #TOP 1
Washburn Festival EA55G-A Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Luna Koa Bevel Grand Auditorium Guitar Cover #TOP 2
Luna Koa Bevel Grand Auditorium Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Martin 000-12E Koa Guitar Cover #TOP 3
Martin 000-12E Koa Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitars

#TOP 1

Washburn Festival EA55G-A Guitar

EA55G-A
Koa Burst
Cutaway Mini Jumbo
Washburn Festival EA55G-A Guitar Cover
Washburn Festival Series 6 String Acoustic Electric Guitar, Right, Koa Burst, Cutaway Mini Jumbo (EA55G-A)

The Washburn Koa Burst Guitar is a stunning acoustic-electric with a distinctive Koa top that gives it an exotic look. Its Catalpa back and sides, along with a mahogany neck, produce a rich tone despite its smaller size. The mini jumbo body makes it easier to play, ideal for smaller players or those seeking a more intimate guitar voice. With a cutaway design, accessing the upper frets is effortless, and the Barcus Berry 4-Band EQ with Tuner ensures exceptional sound quality when plugged in.

What We Like
Distinctive Koa Top
Mini Jumbo Body
Easy Upper Fret Access
#TOP 2

Luna Koa Bevel Grand Auditorium Guitar

VINEYARD KOA GAE
Natural
Luna Koa Bevel Grand Auditorium Guitar Cover
Luna Vineyard Koa Bevel Grand Auditiorium Acoustic-electric Guitar - Gloss Natural

The Luna Koa Guitar is a beautifully crafted 6-string acoustic-electric instrument designed for versatility and quality sound. Its Koa top not only enhances the guitar's visual appeal but also contributes to a warm, rich tone that you will love. The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the frets. With an Eastern mahogany neck, this guitar provides stability and comfort during long playing sessions. Additionally, the Koa back and sides enhance the overall resonance, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles, ensuring you can express your musical creativity with ease.

What We Like
Rich, warm tone
Smooth playability
Comfortable neck
Enhanced resonance
#TOP 3

Martin 000-12E Koa Guitar

MARTIN
1100012E
Natural
Martin 000-12E Koa Guitar Cover
Martin 000-12E Koa Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

The Martin Acoustic-electric Guitar features a premium spruce top that enhances sound quality, giving you a bright and clear tone. Its richlite fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, making it comfortable for your fingers during long sessions. The stunning koa back and sides not only provide visual appeal but also contribute to the guitar's warm resonance. Additionally, the mahogany neck ensures durability and stability, allowing you to play with confidence. Overall, this guitar is designed to elevate your musical experience, whether you're strumming at home or performing on stage.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Smooth playability
Attractive design
Durable construction
#TOP 4

Bamboo GA-38-KOA-Q Acoustic Electric Guitar

GA-38-KOA-Q-KIT
brown
Bamboo GA-38-KOA-Q Acoustic Electric Guitar Cover
Bamboo Acoustic Electric Guitar 38" Koa Wood. Complete Beginner Kit for Adults and Teens with Gig Bag, Pick, Strings, Capo, Strap.

The Bamboo Acoustic Electric Guitar is a versatile instrument designed for travel and stage performances. Its compact 38-inch size makes it easy to carry, perfect for musicians on the go. Crafted from Koa wood, the guitar offers a warm and resonant sound, enhancing your playing experience. The walnut fingerboard and bridge add durability, ensuring smooth performance. With a matte finish, it not only looks sleek but also improves grip, providing you with better control while playing.

What We Like
Portable size
Rich tonal quality
Durable materials
Sleek matte finish
#TOP 5

Ovation CS28P-KOAB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

CS28P-KOAB
Koa Burst
Super Shallow
Ovation CS28P-KOAB Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cover
Ovation CS28P-KOAB Celebrity Standard Exotic Super Shallow Depth, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Koa Burst

The Ovation CS28P-KOAB Celebrity Standard Exotic Super Shallow Depth Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a Layered Koa body, Lyrachord Super Shallow Cutaway design, Center Sound Hole, and OP-4BT Preamp System. The Die Cast Tuning Machines make tuning easy and accurate. This guitar is perfect for those who want a quality acoustic-electric guitar that looks as good as it sounds.

What We Like
Beautiful Layered Koa body
Lyrachord Super Shallow Cutaway design for comfortable playing
OP-4BT Preamp System for great sound when amplified

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus ES2 Acoustic-electric Guitar

FG02016011001751084
Shaded Edgeburst
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus ES2 Acoustic-electric Guitar Cover
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus - Shaded Edgeburst

The Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus ES2 Acoustic-electric Guitar is an exceptional instrument with solid Koa top, ebony fingerboard in shaded edgeburst, Koa back, sides, and a mahogany neck. The guitar is perfect for those who want an acoustic-electric guitar that is comfortable to play and has a beautiful tonality. The guitar has a scale length of 23.5 Inches, making it easy to play, even for beginners. The nickel strings produce a bright and vibrant sound, while the layered Koa back material type enhances the guitar's durability and stability. The guitar is designed for right-handed players and comes with a gig bag, making it easy to carry and store.

What We Like
Exceptional tonality with solid Koa top and ebony fingerboard
Durable and stable with layered Koa back material type
Comfortable to play with a scale length of 23.5 Inches
#TOP 7

Martin D-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar

MARTIN
11DX2E-01
HPL Koa Back/Side
Right
Martin D-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cover
Martin Guitar X Series D-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag, Sitka Spruce and KOA Pattern High-Pressure Laminate, D-14 Fret, Performing Artist Neck Shape

The Martin D-X2E Guitar is a versatile acoustic-electric instrument designed for musicians who value quality and performance. It features a Sitka spruce top, which enhances sound clarity and projection, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking. The Katalox fingerboard adds a smooth playing experience, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the frets. With a durable hardwood neck, you can enjoy stability and comfort during long playing sessions. The HPL Koa body not only contributes to the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also ensures resistance to environmental changes, making it a reliable choice for any setting.

What We Like
Clear sound projection
Smooth fingerboard feel
Durable hardwood neck
Stable in various environments
#TOP 8

Takamine Pro Series Acoustic Electric Guitar

EF508KC
Natural
Takamine Pro Series Acoustic Electric Guitar Cover
Takamine Pro Series EF508KC NEX All Koa Acoustic Electric Guitar, Natural with Case

This Takamine Pro Series EF508KC NEX All Koa Acoustic Electric Guitar is a beautiful and high-quality guitar. The NEX cutaway body shape provides a comfortable playing experience while the figured Koa top, back, and sides deliver a warm and rich tone. The rosewood fingerboard adds to the overall beauty and playability of this guitar. It is perfect for professional musicians and serious guitar enthusiasts.

What We Like
High-quality
Comfortable playing experience
Warm and rich tone
Beautiful design
#TOP 9

Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB

GS MINI-E KOA
Natural
Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB Cover
Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB w/Gig Bag with case

The Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB is an acoustic guitar with a unique body shape and non-cutaway design. The Hawaiian koa top and layered koa back and sides produce a warm, bright sound. The ebony fingerboard and tropical mahogany neck make for comfortable playing, while the undersaddle piezo pickup system and 2-band preamp EQ provide reliable and easy amplification.

What We Like
Produces a warm, bright sound
Comfortable to play with ebony fingerboard and tropical mahogany neck
Reliable and easy amplification with undersaddle piezo pickup system and 2-band preamp EQ
#TOP 10

Martin X Series DC-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar

MARTIN
11DCX2E-03
Right
Martin X Series DC-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Cover
Martin Guitar X Series DC-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag, Sitka Spruce and KOA Pattern High-Pressure Laminate, D-14 Fret, Performing Artist Neck Shape HPL Rosewood Back/Side

The Martin X Series DC-X2E Acoustic-Electric Guitar boasts a blend of Sitka spruce and high-pressure laminate patterns, delivering a balanced sound and crisp, consistent tones. Its superior appearance includes a mortise and tenon neck joint, mother-of-pearl-pattern fingerboard inlay, and chrome enclosed gear tuners. The guitar is handmade from the highest-quality wood and HPL, making it durable for late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming or picking. It also delivers enhanced playability, making playing a pleasure no matter your experience or skill level.

What We Like
Delivers balanced sound and crisp, consistent tones
Superior appearance with mother-of-pearl-pattern fingerboard inlay
Handmade from highest-quality wood and HPL for durability
Enhanced playability for a natural playing experience
Martin's superior guitar and string products remain the choice of musicians around the world
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are koa guitars any good?

Lightweight, rigid, yet bendable, Koa is a great material for guitar manufacturers to work with. When paired with the right soundboard, it also has a wonderful tonal quality.

2. Does Martin make a koa guitar?

With the 000-12E Koa in Martin's lineup, now more players can turn their dreams of owning a koa guitar into reality. The back and side of this gorgeous model are constructed with koa fine veneer, which is an environmentally conscious, alternative-wood option, made by bonding koa hardwood to an African mahogany core.

3. What does koa mean in guitars?

Because koa is a 'tonewood,' it is used to make ukuleles, acoustic guitars, and Weissenborn-style Hawaiian steel guitars. In Hawaiian, the word koa itself means brave, bold, fearless or warrior. The Hawaiian music fad of the 1900s-1920s brought farther reaching awareness to this unique and beautiful wood.

4. Which is better koa or mahogany?

The Quick Answer. Mahogany acoustic guitars sound warmer and fuller compared to koa acoustic guitars which sound brighter and clearer. Koa acoustic guitars are usually rarer and more expensive, and they have a more unique grain. Both woods are dark although there are some variations in the shades between guitars.

Editor's Notes

During our koa acoustic-electric guitar research, we found 24 koa acoustic-electric guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,659 customer reviews through our big data system to write the koa acoustic-electric guitars list. We found that most customers choose koa acoustic-electric guitars with an average price of $596.93.

The koa acoustic-electric guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of koa acoustic-electric guitars, including Washburn, LUNA, MARTIN, BAMBOO, Ovation. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 234 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.