Otis Singleton
Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into amps, but they don't sound the same as electric guitars. Acoustic-electric guitars are different from electric guitars in that they are not meant to sound like electric guitars. Acoustic-electric guitars are designed to be played live and have a built-in tuner. Electric guitars, on the other hand, have a more crunch in their sound and higher-pitched overtones. To make an electric guitar sound more like an acoustic one, guitarists can use a variety of techniques, such as adjusting the reverb, echo, EQ, and tone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | An acoustic-electric guitar does not sound like an electric guitar. |
| Plugging into an amp | Can be plugged into an amp, but not a regular guitar amp. |
| Amp settings | Requires an amp with a “clean” setting. |
| Effects | Distortion and overdrive pedals typically do not sound good. |
| Pickups | Using one pickup instead of blending two can give a cleaner, more acoustic-like sound. |
| Tone | Adjusting the EQ and tone can reduce higher frequencies. |
| Volume | Using low volume and low tone may sound more acoustic. |
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What You'll Learn
- Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into amps, but not all amps are suitable
- Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into effects pedals, but some pedals are not suitable
- Electric guitars can be made to sound more like acoustics with the right settings
- Acoustic-electric guitars do not sound the same as acoustics when plugged in
- Acoustic-electric guitars have built-in electronics that may become outdated
Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into amps, but not all amps are suitable
Acoustic-electric guitars offer the best of both worlds: the natural, soulful sound of an acoustic guitar, with the option to plug into an amplifier or sound system to boost the volume and fill a room with sound. They are versatile and can handle mellow strumming as well as fiery riffs.
However, not all amplifiers are suitable for acoustic-electric guitars. Amplifiers designed for electric guitars may not be the best choice, as they can alter the sound of the guitar by adding colour and exaggerating the mids, resulting in a muddy, compressed tone. Electric guitar amplifiers are designed to work with the magnetic pickups of electric guitars, and they produce a treble-heavy, compressed sound.
If you want to maintain the natural sound of your acoustic-electric guitar, an acoustic amplifier is a better option. Acoustic amplifiers are designed to make the guitar sound as much like its unplugged version as possible, just louder. They have a full range and are closer to keyboard amps than electric guitar amps. They typically have a less mid-happy voicing and are paired with full-range speakers to reproduce high frequencies accurately.
When plugging an acoustic-electric guitar into an amplifier, it is important to consider the type of amplifier and its features. Some amplifiers may not provide the desired tone or may even damage the amp. Additionally, certain guitars may require specific connections, such as an internal pickup or a microphone.
To achieve the desired sound, it is recommended to experiment with different amplifiers and settings, such as adjusting the EQ controls to fine-tune the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Ultimately, the choice of amplifier depends on the individual's musical style and preferences.
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Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into effects pedals, but some pedals are not suitable
Acoustic-electric guitars can be plugged into effects pedals, and while this can produce some interesting sounds, some pedals are not suitable. Effects pedals can be used to add texture and inspire improvisation and songwriting. They can also be used to amplify the natural sound of an acoustic guitar.
There are a few things to consider when using effects pedals with an acoustic-electric guitar. Firstly, the signal from an acoustic guitar is different from that of an electric guitar, so pedals designed for electric guitars may not work well with acoustics. Acoustic guitars have a lower output signal, which can be prone to noise and distortion when overloaded. Therefore, it is important to find pedals that complement the acoustic tone rather than overpower it. Transparent overdrives, low-gain distortions, and EQ pedals can work well with acoustic guitars when used gently and with lower gain levels. Time-based effects like reverb, delay, and modulation can also add interesting dimensions to the sound.
It is worth noting that distortion and overdrive pedals typically do not sound good with acoustic pickups, and if you want a more electric guitar sound, it is better to simply get an electric guitar. Additionally, while experimenting with different pedals can be fun, it is recommended to use pedals designed specifically for acoustic guitars to avoid potential issues.
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, it is also important to consider the built-in electronics and whether they will become outdated or unsupported by the manufacturer. This can be a downside of built-in electronics, and it may be better to buy a simple acoustic guitar and add an aftermarket pickup.
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Electric guitars can be made to sound more like acoustics with the right settings
One way to achieve this is by using an acoustic guitar simulator pedal or a pedal that includes acoustic guitar sounds, such as the BOSS GP-10 or Roland GR-55. These pedals allow guitarists to simulate acoustic tones and dynamics by capturing the playback response and frequency dynamics from an existing acoustic guitar. Additionally, some guitars come with a suitable hex pickup and 13-pin output, such as the Godin Multiac SA guitars, which can drive external synthesizers and samplers with excellent guitar sounds.
Another technique is to adjust the EQ and tone settings on the electric guitar. This involves cutting high frequencies, boosting bass, and reducing treble. Using a compressor or auto-tune effect can also help to reduce the "crunch" and higher-pitched overtones typically associated with electric guitars. Playing with thicker strings can also make an electric guitar sound more like an acoustic.
The amp settings can also make a difference in achieving an acoustic sound. Using a “clean” setting on the amp and adjusting the tone controls can help create a clearer, more acoustic-like sound. Additionally, feeding the electric guitar through a flat-response, powered speaker system from brands like Bose, JBL, or Mackie can improve the acoustic emulation.
Finally, panning two different electric guitars with contrasting sounds in opposite directions can create a doubling effect, making it harder to tell the two guitars apart when spread in stereo. This technique can add a unique element to the overall sound of a mixed song.
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Acoustic-electric guitars do not sound the same as acoustics when plugged in
Acoustic-electric guitars are designed to be plugged into amplifiers, but they require an amp designed for acoustic/electric guitars. While it is possible to use any amp, certain amps will complement the acoustic sound better. Additionally, the amplifier used will have an impact on the sound, and the use of effects will alter the sound further.
The sound of an acoustic guitar is largely due to its hollow body, wood type, nut and bridge, and the types of pickups used. On the other hand, the sound of an electric guitar is influenced by the nut and bridge, and the type of pickups. Electric guitars with an added acoustic-sounding piezo pickup under the bridge can provide a more realistic acoustic guitar sound, but the better ones tend to be more expensive.
To make an electric guitar sound more like an acoustic one, one can try to emulate the feeling of a tight space by adjusting the settings to med-high reverb, tone knob near to 0, medium-high bass, and low treble. Using low volume and low tone on the guitar may also help achieve a more acoustic sound. Additionally, using a compressor, auto-tune, or reverb or echo adjustment can help reduce the "crunch" associated with electric guitars.
While it is possible to use effects pedals with an acoustic-electric guitar, certain effects like distortion and overdrive typically do not sound good with an acoustic pickup. If one is seeking to reproduce the sound of an electric guitar, it is recommended to simply purchase an electric guitar.
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Acoustic-electric guitars have built-in electronics that may become outdated
Acoustic-electric guitars are a popular choice for guitarists, offering the convenience of built-in electronics for amplification and sound manipulation. However, one important consideration when opting for an acoustic-electric guitar is the potential for the built-in electronics to become outdated.
The built-in electronics in acoustic-electric guitars, including pickups and pre-installed packages, may eventually become obsolete. This can occur when the manufacturer discontinues support for the specific pickup model or when the company ceases to operate. In such cases, guitarists may find themselves facing challenges in repairing or replacing these electronic components. This issue is a notable downside of choosing an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics.
To address this potential problem, some guitarists recommend purchasing a straight acoustic guitar and then installing an aftermarket pickup. Aftermarket acoustic pickups can offer superior performance and are often supported by active manufacturers, ensuring ongoing access to repairs and replacements. This approach provides the flexibility to upgrade and modify the guitar's electronics as needed, future-proofing the instrument to some extent.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the pursuit of a specific acoustic sound can be challenging, even with built-in electronics. The amplified sound of an acoustic-electric guitar may differ from its natural acoustic resonance, and the amplifier used can further colour the resulting sound. Achieving the desired acoustic sound may require experimentation with various settings, amplifiers, and effects.
In conclusion, while acoustic-electric guitars offer the convenience of built-in electronics, guitarists should be aware of the potential for these components to become outdated. Considering alternatives such as aftermarket pickups for straight acoustic guitars can provide more flexibility and longevity for the instrument. Additionally, the pursuit of the perfect acoustic sound may involve experimentation beyond simply plugging in an acoustic-electric guitar.
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Frequently asked questions
An acoustic-electric guitar is a type of guitar that can be played either unplugged like a regular acoustic guitar or plugged into an amplifier like an electric guitar.
An acoustic-electric guitar sounds like a regular acoustic guitar but can be plugged into an amplifier to increase the volume.
No, an acoustic-electric guitar will not sound like an electric guitar when plugged in. If you want your guitar to sound like an electric guitar, you should get an electric guitar.
Yes, you can play your acoustic-electric guitar without plugging it in, but keep in mind that the sound will not be amplified.
You can use an amplifier designed specifically for acoustic/electric guitars, or you can experiment with different amplifier settings to find the sound you prefer.
