Otis Singleton
Acoustic and electric guitars differ in their amplification methods. Acoustic guitars produce sound through the vibration of strings, which creates an acoustic sound. On the other hand, electric guitars rely on electromagnetic pickups to capture string vibrations and convert them into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to an amplifier. While acoustic guitars can be amplified using microphones, pickups offer more convenience due to their higher volume output and ability to isolate the guitar's sound from other instruments. Magnetic soundhole pickups are a popular choice for acoustic guitars, and they function similarly to electric guitar pickups, reproducing sound waves in the same manner. However, the overall sound differs due to the acoustic properties of the guitar body. Additionally, the type of strings used, such as nickel-wound electric guitar strings versus bronze-wound acoustic strings, can impact the volume picked up by magnetic pickups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | Acoustic pickups have a more mellow, mid-focused tone compared to electric pickups. |
| Soundhole | Acoustic guitars have a soundhole, which yields a tone akin to the rhythm pickup on an electric guitar. |
| Strings | Acoustic guitars typically use bronze strings, which are non-magnetic, while electric guitars use magnetic nickel strings. |
| Installation | Soundhole pickups are rarely pre-installed on acoustic guitars. |
| Volume | Magnetic acoustic pickups are more resistant to feedback and can play at higher volumes. |
| Pickup Type | Undersaddle transducers (USTs) are the most common type of pickup for acoustics, while electromagnetic pickups are common for electric guitars. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magnetic soundhole pickups can add a distinct colour to the sound
- Acoustic guitars produce sound acoustically, unlike electric guitars
- Electric guitars usually have more than one pickup
- Undersaddle transducers (USTs) are the most common type of pickup
- Pickups are more convenient than microphones for amplification
Magnetic soundhole pickups can add a distinct colour to the sound
The mellow, mid-focused tone of a magnetic soundhole pickup is achieved by wrapping an insulated copper wire around a magnet, creating a magnetic field that is disturbed by the vibrations of the strings. This magnetic field will pick up more volume from the strings if they are wound with electric guitar strings, which are magnetic, as opposed to acoustic guitar strings, which are non-magnetic.
However, magnetic soundhole pickups do not capture soundboard vibrations, which are a significant factor in the sound of any acoustic instrument. This means that while your guitar will still sound like an acoustic, it will lack the complexity and resonance of its unplugged tone. Some players feel that magnetic soundhole pickups make an acoustic guitar sound like a cheap electric, lacking body.
There are a variety of other pickup options available for acoustic-electric players, including piezo pickups, which have a bright and full-range tone, and microphone pickups, which can be used in conjunction with piezo pickups to improve their sound. Transducer pickups, which include piezo systems, are more reliable than magnetic soundhole pickups as their tone is easier to control, and they are not prone to feedback.
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Acoustic guitars produce sound acoustically, unlike electric guitars
Acoustic and electric guitars produce sound differently. Acoustic guitars produce sound through the vibration of their strings, which resonates with the air inside the hollow body of the guitar. This causes the soundboard to vibrate, and the sound is amplified to audible levels through the sound hole. The body of an acoustic guitar plays a crucial role in its tone. For example, acoustic guitars with mahogany backs and sides tend to have a warm, natural sound.
In contrast, electric guitars rely on electronic components to produce sound. They use magnetic pickups, consisting of bar magnets wrapped with fine wire, to sense the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals. These signals are then routed to an amplifier and speaker, which reproduce the sound. Electric guitars have solid bodies and multiple knobs, allowing for greater control over sound and effects compared to acoustic guitars.
It is worth noting that acoustic guitars can also be equipped with pickups, known as acoustic-electric guitars. These guitars combine the acoustic sound of a traditional acoustic guitar with the ability to amplify their sound electronically. Magnetic soundhole pickups on acoustic guitars function similarly to electric guitar pickups, using magnets to capture string vibrations and convert them into electrical signals. However, acoustic guitars with pickups still produce some sound acoustically, contributing to their unique tone.
The type of strings used on acoustic and electric guitars can also impact their sound. Acoustic guitar strings are typically wound with bronze, which is non-magnetic, while electric guitar strings often use magnetic materials like nickel, resulting in different sound characteristics when used with magnetic pickups.
Ultimately, the choice between an acoustic and an electric guitar depends on the desired sound and the type of music being played. Each guitar has a distinct tone, and understanding their differences can help guitarists select the most suitable instrument for their needs.
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Electric guitars usually have more than one pickup
The different types of pickups available, such as single-coil and humbucker pickups, also contribute to the variety of sounds that can be achieved. Single-coil pickups, for example, typically have a crisper and brighter tone with more attack and "bite", while humbuckers are known for their warmer and smoother sound. Additionally, the placement of the pickups on the guitar also influences the sound. The general rule is that the further apart the pickups are, the better the sound variety, and the closer the pickups are to the hollow string vibration, the "cheerier" the sound.
Another reason for having multiple pickups is to allow for noise-cancelling capabilities. For instance, the neck and middle pickups on a guitar can have anti-phase wiring and magnets, resulting in noise-cancelling properties similar to those of a humbucker.
While some may argue that additional pickups simply increase the price of the guitar without offering any significant advantages, many guitarists disagree and value the expanded sonic possibilities that multiple pickups provide.
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Undersaddle transducers (USTs) are the most common type of pickup
Acoustic guitar pickups are used to convert an acoustic sound into an electrical signal, which is then sent to an amplifier. There are several types of acoustic guitar pickups, including magnetic soundhole pickups and undersaddle transducers (USTs).
Magnetic soundhole pickups, on the other hand, are typically installed by the guitarist, as they rarely come pre-installed on a guitar. They are mounted across the soundhole, clamping onto the top of the guitar, and can be easily removable in some cases. Magnetic pickups are popular among players who need to play at higher volumes because they are more resistant to feedback. They do not capture soundboard vibrations, which are a significant factor in the sound of any acoustic instrument.
The electromagnetic pickups commonly found on electric guitars can also be used in the soundhole of an acoustic guitar. They will produce a good sound through an electric guitar amplifier due to their high impedance, low output, and tight midrange focus. However, a direct box is needed to convert a magnetic pickup to an appropriate level before sending it to a PA system.
Ultimately, the choice between different types of acoustic pickups depends on the player's preferences for tone, volume, and convenience.
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Pickups are more convenient than microphones for amplification
Pickups and microphones are both used to amplify sound, but they are not the same. Pickups are more convenient for amplification than microphones for several reasons. Firstly, microphones are more prone to feedback issues, especially at high gain settings, which can result in uncontrolled, squealing noises. Pickups, on the other hand, are more resistant to feedback and have almost no "crosstalk", meaning they do not pick up sounds from nearby instruments. This makes pickups a more reliable choice for live performances, where feedback and crosstalk can be significant issues.
Another advantage of pickups is their ease of use. Pickups are generally less fragile than microphones and can be left on the instrument when packed up and transported, reducing the setup time and complexity at a gig. Pickups are also less sensitive to the artist's movement on stage, unlike microphones, which can be affected by even small adjustments in positioning. This provides consistency in the amplified sound from show to show.
Additionally, pickups offer a range of tonal options. While they won't add something that isn't there, they can shape the character of the sound. Some pickups provide a darker, woodier tone, while others deliver a more detailed and upfront sound. This versatility allows artists to choose the pickup that best suits their desired acoustic output.
It is worth noting that some musicians prefer microphones for studio recordings, as they can provide a more authentic and detailed sound in a controlled environment. However, for live performances, pickups are often favoured due to their convenience, reliability, and ability to shape the character of the amplified sound.
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Frequently asked questions
Acoustic pickups are devices used to amplify the sound of an acoustic guitar. They convert the acoustic sound of the guitar into an electrical signal, which is then sent to an amplifier or speaker.
Magnetic acoustic pickups are similar to electric pickups in that they use magnets to pick up the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals. However, acoustic pickups are typically mounted across the soundhole of the guitar, while electric pickups can be placed in different configurations.
Acoustic pickups provide more volume and allow the player to move around more freely compared to using a microphone. They are also more resistant to feedback and can isolate the guitar's sound from other instruments.
Yes, the two main types of acoustic pickups are magnetic soundhole pickups and undersaddle piezo pickups. Magnetic soundhole pickups are popular among players who need higher volumes, while undersaddle piezo pickups offer good feedback resistance and a reasonable acoustic tone.
Acoustic pickups can affect the sound of the guitar, with some players feeling that they make the guitar sound more like an electric guitar. However, others appreciate the unique tone that pickups can provide, such as the soft attack and blossoming sound of a magnetic soundhole pickup.
