When you’re on the Internet looking for a new acoustic guitar and come across something called an “acoustic-electric” guitar, you’re probably perplexed. Because the instrument appears to be an acoustic guitar, you’re just guessing that it’s a typing mistake.
A Google search reveals a long list of acoustic-electric guitars that are referred to as such. What is the distinction between an acoustic-electric guitar and a regular acoustic one?
Do these acoustic-electric guitars have the same sound like acoustic guitars?
There are several issues to consider when trying to distinguish the differences between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar, especially if you aren’t familiar with them.
Today, we’ll discuss the distinctions between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar. You’ll have a better understanding of what an acoustic-electric guitar is and which type of acoustic guitar would be suited to your musical requirements at the end of this discussion!
What is an Acoustic-Electric guitar?
If you’ve come to this page, it’s very likely that you already have a basic understanding of what an acoustic guitar is. However, if you look at an acoustic-electric guitar and an acoustic guitar, it’s difficult to tell the two instruments apart just by looking at their outward appearance.
The acoustic-electric guitar (also known as an electro-acoustic guitar) has a similar physical construction to that of an acoustic guitar and produces the same acoustical sound. The only difference between an acoustic guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar is the incorporated electric components.
The addition of electrical parts to an acoustic-electric guitar allows your instrument to be connected to an amplifier or a soundboard. The electronic components put into your acoustic-electric guitar may be:
- A built-in microphone
- A magnetic pickup
- A Piezo pickup
The most popular pickup is the Piezo, but there are some more sophisticated acoustic-electric guitars on the market that use a microphone, a Piezo pickup, and pressure sensors together.
An acoustic-electric guitar will require a preamp, in addition to an electric pickup system, to function correctly. A preamp is an electronic circuit that amplifies and converts the signal produced by your acoustic-electric instrument before sending it (sound) to your amplifier.
Built-in preamps usually include a built-in tuner, tone controls, and equalizers. However, since the preamp system requires a power supply to operate, you may frequently discover different battery strengths included with your acoustic-electric guitar purchase.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using an acoustic-electric guitar?
Even if you are a seasoned acoustic player, playing an acoustic-electric guitar isn’t for everyone. Even though the acoustic is one of the most popular instruments to learn in the whole world, there are numerous distinct types of acoustical-electric guitars.
If you want to keep particular features or maintain integrity during your live performances, an acoustic-electric guitar may not be the best choice (especially if you’ve already established a name for yourself with the sound you’re currently creating).
Acoustic-electric guitars, on the other hand, are a fantastic investment if you want to project your sound outside of your bedroom and onto a live stage. Attempting to amplify an acoustic guitar with only the microphone you’re using limits both the amount of room you have to move about on stage as well as the amount of energy you convey to your audience during your performance.
Not to mention that not all microphones are produced equally, and if you’re playing behind whatever microphone is available at the venue for the evening, you’ll have a hard time expressing the gorgeous sound you’re capable of generating. Playing in front of a microphone doesn’t guarantee consistency, but it also eliminates any sort of precision in terms of sound projection and pure acoustic sounds from your instrument will be muffled and diminished.
Pros of owning an acoustic-electric:
- Your acoustic-electric may be played plugged in or unplugged.
- A greater sound projection is available to you.
- You’ll notice that the harmonics in your sound are more apparent.
- Sound customization abilities
- Non-acoustic electric guitars aren’t much more expensive than acoustic-electric guitars.
- While performing live, you may walk about on stage.
- It still has the same sound, playability, and appearance as a normal acoustic guitar.
Cons of owning an acoustic-electric:
- If you want to play your instrument plugged in, you’ll need access to a power source, which may be inconvenient if there are many other individuals using electricity for their sound or if you enjoy playing in outdoor locations.
- If an electronic component in the electronic system fails, you’ll have to replace it in order to play again amplified.
- Unless you buy a kit with extra add-ons (which is typical of less expensive kits that aren’t worth your money), you’ll need to spend more money on the equipment necessary to project your voice (an amplifier).
Acoustic-electric guitars are ideal for live shows, but if you just want to film yourself playing or aren’t going to bring your playing outside of your bedroom walls, there’s no need for an acoustic-electric guitar. If you only want to play the acoustic-electric guitar for personal entertainment and don’t intend on transferring it outside of your house, there’s no need for you to buy an acoustic-electric guitar.
