Umair Gaines
Acoustic-electric guitars are a type of guitar that combines the features of an acoustic guitar with those of an electric guitar. They are designed to produce the rich, resonant sound of an acoustic guitar while also offering the option of amplification. This makes them a versatile choice for musicians who want the benefits of both acoustic and electric guitars. Acoustic-electric guitars typically feature an onboard pickup and built-in controls that allow the user to adjust the volume, tone, and pickup balance. They can be used unplugged, like a traditional acoustic guitar, or plugged into an amplifier or sound system to increase the volume and alter the tone. The size, shape, and materials used in the construction of acoustic-electric guitars can also vary, each contributing to the overall sound and playing experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body | Hollow body with a sound hole |
| Strings | Traditional acoustic guitar strings made of nylon, coated, or steel |
| Sound | Natural, organic, and warm |
| Amplification | Requires an external amplifier |
| Pickup | Onboard pickup with built-in controls for volume, tone, and pickup balance |
| Tone | Unique to each guitar due to the wood used |
| Playability | Easier to play than electric guitars due to string spacing |
| Versatility | Suitable for various musical styles and playing with a band |
| Cost | More expensive than acoustic guitars due to electronics |
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What You'll Learn
Amplification
Acoustic-electric guitars are designed to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system to boost the volume. They include an onboard pickup with built-in controls that allow the guitarist to adjust the volume, tone, and sometimes even the pickup balance. The pickup can be a piezo or transducer pickup, which works off the vibrations caused by the strings and the body of the guitar.
The first commercially available electric pickup was Harry DeArmond's FHC pickups, released in the 1930s. These pickups were widely adopted because they did not require any modification of the guitar. In 1954, Gibson released the first commercially successful flattop acoustic-electric guitars, the J-160E and CF-100E.
Acoustic-electric guitars offer the best of both worlds, combining the natural, organic sound of an acoustic guitar with the ability to amplify the sound to fill a room or an entire stadium. This makes them well-suited for playing with a band or in larger venues, where the guitar needs to be heard over other amplified instruments.
The choice of material used in the construction of acoustic-electric guitars also affects their amplified sound. Different types of wood produce different sounds, and the combination of woods used in the top, back, and sides of the guitar can create a unique tone. For example, a guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides will have a rich and resonant sound with lots of nice overtones and a full low end.
Additionally, the size and shape of the guitar's body will impact the sound. A larger body will generally produce a bigger sound, while the shape of the guitar can affect the projection and balance of the sound.
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Body shape
The body shape of an acoustic guitar is a defining feature that impacts its sound and playability. While the specific shape and size of a guitar's body can vary, there are a few standard shapes that are commonly found on the market. Here are some of the most popular body shapes for acoustic guitars:
Dreadnought
The dreadnought is arguably the most iconic and recognisable shape when it comes to acoustic guitars. Named after a British battleship from the early 20th century, the dreadnought is characterised by its large body, which promotes increased volume and sustain. It offers a good balance of bottom-end depth and high-end clarity, making it a versatile choice for musicians exploring different styles. Despite its standard acoustic shape, the dreadnought is not known for its comfortability, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands.
Grand Concert
The grand concert body shape is similar in size to a classical guitar, featuring a tapered, narrow waist. This design delivers a well-balanced mid-range tone with excellent clarity and balance. The compact shape and lower string tension of the grand concert make it a comfortable option for players, especially when sitting down. Its lightweight body also makes it a convenient choice for travel.
Grand Auditorium
The grand auditorium body shape is a versatile middle-size option that strikes a balance between the dreadnought and grand concert acoustics. It has a well-balanced, clear tone, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle playing. The grand auditorium is distinguished by its cutaway, a scooped indentation in the upper bout near the neck, providing easier access to higher frets.
Parlor
Parlor guitars offer a blend of portability, playability, and tonal excellence. They have a shorter scale length, resulting in lower string tension, and a smaller body size that is well-suited for fingerstyles and acoustic blues. Parlor guitars are also known for their reduced bass and accentuated treble response, making them stand out in a mix when recording multiple guitars.
Grand Symphony
The grand symphony body shape features a soundport cutaway, giving it an expressive, reverberant sound with thick trebles and rich sustain. Despite being a large-bodied guitar, the grand symphony handles both heavy strumming and light fingerpicking with ease due to its scale length and light-gauge strings. It is a responsive instrument that accommodates dynamic players who switch between different styles in their performances.
Grand Theater
The grand theater, or GT, provides a rich, powerful tone in a compact package. It has a shorter body length and reduced depth, making it highly portable without compromising on sound. The grand theater's bass response and crisp, clear highs make it a versatile instrument that is well-suited for modern players.
These are just a few examples of the diverse body shapes available for acoustic guitars. Each shape influences the guitar's sound and playing experience, catering to different musical styles and player preferences.
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String spacing
The wider string spacing on acoustic guitars provides players with more room to manoeuvre and execute fingerstyle techniques, such as flamenco or bluegrass fingerpicking. This additional space is particularly beneficial for players with larger hands or those who require more space for intricate fingerings.
On the other hand, the increased string spacing on acoustic guitars may pose a challenge for players with smaller hands or those who have not yet developed finger strength and dexterity. The greater distance between the strings and the fretboard may require additional pressure on the strings, which can make playing more difficult for some individuals.
It is worth noting that string spacing can vary slightly between different models and brands of acoustic guitars, so it is advisable to try out different options to find the spacing that suits your hand size and playing style. Additionally, the type of strings used, such as nylon or steel, can also impact the overall feel and playability of the guitar.
When choosing between an acoustic and an electric guitar, it is essential to consider your musical goals, preferred genres, and playing style. Acoustic-electric guitars offer the versatility of both acoustic and amplified sounds, allowing you to explore different musical styles and play with a band or in larger venues.
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Materials
Acoustic-electric guitars are made from a variety of materials, with wood being the most traditional and commonly used. The type of wood used for a guitar body can significantly impact the tone of the instrument. For instance, the density of the wood contributes to the guitar's vibration and resonance. The backs and sides of acoustic-electric guitars have a strong influence on the projection and tone of the guitar.
The most common types of wood used for guitar bodies include alder, ash, and mahogany. Mahogany is a stiff tonewood with high hardness and density, providing a woody and warm tone with an emphasised midrange. Mahogany is often used for the entire body of the guitar, including the back and sides, and can be spotted by its reddish appearance. Other types of wood used for guitar bodies include maple, rosewood, and koa. Rosewood produces warm and resonant tones, with Brazilian rosewood offering a particularly complex tone and luxurious, exotic look. Koa has been traditionally used for ukulele tops but has recently been used for acoustic guitar soundboards, offering great mid-range projection and natural compression.
The necks of acoustic-electric guitars are typically made from soft wood that is easy to work with yet strongly fibred, such as mahogany. Fingerboards are subject to wear and tear, so harder woods like ebony are used due to their high density and strength. Ebony is also sought after for its polished appearance and excellent attack followed by a long, smooth sustain. For the top of the guitar body, northern wood is often used, while southern wood is used for the sides and back. Spruce, a type of pine that grows in Germany and North America, is ideal for the top due to its excellent resonant qualities.
In addition to wood, other materials used in the construction of acoustic-electric guitars include metal and plastic. Metal is commonly used for electric guitars because it is more resistant to feedback and produces a sharper, more aggressive sound. Plastic is sometimes used because it is lighter and cheaper than wood or metal. Chrome is used for the hardware, and a nitrocellulose lacquer is applied to finish the body. Piezo-based materials, such as those used in guitar strings, can also be used to enhance the sound by sensing vibrations and changes in pressure.
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Controls
Acoustic-electric guitars are fitted with electronics, such as a preamp and a pickup, that allow the player to adjust the volume, tone, and sometimes even the pickup balance. The preamp may also come with an integrated tuner and varying types of tone controls. The pickup is usually a piezo (a system that detects vibrations from the wood of the guitar to produce sound), a magnetic pickup in the soundhole, or an internal microphone.
Most acoustic-electric guitars come with built-in controls that allow you to adjust the volume, tone, and sometimes even the pickup balance. These controls can be used to experiment and find the sound that suits your playing style and the music being played.
The EQ controls on an acoustic-electric guitar allow you to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies, helping to tailor the sound to the room or performance environment. The preamp, which is often embedded into the top of the guitar or inside the soundhole, may also have an integrated tuner and varying types of tone controls.
Some acoustic-electric guitars have built-in EQ controls for bass, mid, and treble. These controls can be adjusted to complement the natural sound of the guitar. Additionally, the strap button on an acoustic-electric guitar often doubles as an input jack, known as an end pin, allowing for easy plugging into an amplifier or sound system.
Overall, the controls on an acoustic-electric guitar provide greater flexibility in volume and tone compared to a purely acoustic guitar, making it a versatile option for both intimate settings and large performances.
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Frequently asked questions
Acoustic-electric guitars offer the natural, soulful sound of an acoustic guitar with the added benefit of amplification. This means you can plug your guitar into an amplifier or sound system and fill a room or stadium with your music. Acoustic-electric guitars also allow you to alter the tone and add special effects.
Acoustic-electric guitars include an onboard pickup with built-in controls that allow you to adjust the volume, tone, and sometimes the pickup balance. They work well with traditional acoustic guitar strings made from materials like nylon, coated steel, and bronze. The size, shape, and materials used in construction also affect the sound and playability of the guitar.
Acoustic-electric guitars offer more possibilities for playing with a band or exploring different musical styles. They are ideal when an acoustic sound is preferred but amplification is needed to match the volume of other amplified instruments. Additionally, acoustic-electric guitars can be played unplugged, just like an acoustic guitar, so you get the best of both worlds.
