Acoustic VS. Acoustic Electric

[SoLShrEdDeR]

I'm looking to buy my first acoustic guitar, but I don't know if i should get an acoustic or an acoustic electric. The acoustics are a bit cheaper, but the idea of being able to plug it in and having the onboard tuner sound tempting. I've been playing on an electric for about half a year and looking to make the switch
Can you recommend some guitars along with your decision?

[boldaslove1977]

i wouldn't worry so much about the onboard tuner... but i don't think i'd ever buy an acoustic that can't be plugged in. it's worth it now for a little extra cash... so you don't have to worry about a noisy pickup later.

that brings us to an entirely different discussion. some great acoustic guitars don't sound so great when you plug them in. i have a takamine that i absolutely love. it sounds huge, even when plugged in. i think you will find people who say the same thing about taylor and guild.

[Stevo57]

www.acousticguitarforum.com

[coldfingaz]

I think it's better to first find the acoustic you really want & then add a pick up (of your choice) later and once you know it's "the one". After market pick up options are, IMO, much better than the standard options in most cases. The choices out there run the gamut, and they don't have to be very expensive or invasive to sound great or plug into a tuner. I never liked acoustic electrics with onboard controls... I'd rather not have holes cut in my wood!

Like most guitar options, this is subjective, but this is my 2 cents.

[zombywoof]

I agree with Coldfingaz. I know alot of folks who were not happy with the stock electronics that came with their guitars. Usually it is the balance, ya don't get much on the high end. Put the money towards the best acoustic you can get minus the doodads. Then you can have whatever electronics you want installed later on.

[Lawn Jockey]

i Think It's Better To First Find The Acoustic You Really Want & Then Add A Pick Up (of Your Choice) Later And Once You Know It's "the One". After Market Pick Up Options Are, Imo, Much Better Than The Standard Options In Most Cases. The Choices Out There Run The Gamut, And They Don't Have To Be Very Expensive Or Invasive To Sound Great Or Plug Into A Tuner. I Never Liked Acoustic Electrics With Onboard Controls... I'd Rather Not Have Holes Cut In My Wood!

Like Most Guitar Options, This Is Subjective, But This Is My 2 Cents.


+ 2

[solitaire]

It's always a welcome feature with an onboard pickup - which btw can be added later if you'd wish. Some of them don't sound very good so being able to choose the type and brand of pickup is always a+. Therefore second me to the above statement about finding the instrument that speaks to you first and worry about plugging it in later.

Depends on pricelevel you're aiming at, but I would direct you towards GAD Guilds or their new made-in-the-states DV line as a starting point. Personally I'm not a fan of piezo pickups so I would check out Lace magnetic pickups or K&K contact-pickups or the previous together with an internal microphone.

[devilrob1979]

+ 2


+3
The pickup system I want (K&K Powermix Trinity) doesn't come on the acoustic guitar I want (D-35) so I'd rather have the acoustic I want then later add the pickup system. I also don't like the idea of barndoor pre-amps.

[chaz]

+3
The pickup system I want (K&K Powermix Trinity) doesn't come on the acoustic guitar I want (D-35) so I'd rather have the acoustic I want then later add the pickup system. I also don't like the idea of barndoor pre-amps.

+4 Used to have a Gibson Blues King that I loved, but hated the onboard thing that was installed. I would have kept it and just removed it if it weren't for the big hole that would be left in the side. I don't like holes in an acoustic! Too bad 'cause it was a really sweet guitar in a great custom color. Still miss it sometimes.

[royd]

there is a wide variety of pickup technologies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. What works for one person or in one situation won't always work for another. For example, if you're playing loud with a band, then a magnetic like a Sunrise is usually the best choice. OTOH, if you play quiet fingerpicking stuff, then a surface mount transducer like a K&K is probably the best choice. Personally, I like a dual source with a mag and a surface mount... Most factory systems come with an under-the-saddle and sometimes an added microphone. So... if you purchase a guitar with electronics, it may be the best system for you or it may not. Let that be the determining factor as to whether you go with factory electronics or not. Also realize that the technology does change... but the hole in the side of the guitar will always be there.