|
22 Apr 03 - 08:34 PM (#938141) Subject: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Ron I'm looking to purchase an acoustic-electric guitar in the $500.-$700. range. I'll also need to buy an amplifier. This is not for performance; just home use and in my work as a teacher. I've heard a lot about Ovation guitars. Can anyone recommend a particular model of Ovation or another brand that is worth looking into? I'd also appreciate a recommendation for a reasonably priced but well-made amp. Thanks, Ron |
|
22 Apr 03 - 08:47 PM (#938147) Subject: RE: Tech: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: catspaw49 Sorry Ron....The only Ovation fans around here know to keep quiet like me. I don't think they've built a decent guitar since about '83 or '84. You'll get lots of ideas here and by reading past threads you'll get even more. Some will suggest their favorite acoustic with a favorite pickup....Other may suggest perhaps Takemine, which has some fine on-boards already, but weighs too much or whatever. The key here is to play some new ones (or old ones) and find something you like, Then there are alwyas some great options for pickups. If you're looking for factory install, takemine is hard to beat. We'll put som other threads for you to refer back to on this thread....Good Luck....and enjoy searching......and take anything you see here with a grain of salt. What you "hear" and feel is the real thing. Spaw |
|
22 Apr 03 - 09:18 PM (#938166) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Sandy Mc Lean If you shop around you may find a Seagull with factory electronics for about the upper end of your range. Other Godin brands, Simon & Patrick and Norman are also great value. My daughter just bought an Art & Luthrie with great sound but no electronics for about $300. At least in Canada and probably the U.S.A. these Godins are great value. Sandy |
|
23 Apr 03 - 08:50 AM (#938398) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Ron Thanks for the advice about Acoustic-Electrics. Do others feel the same way as Spaw about the newer Ovations? Also I found a site on the internet that imports something called PEAL GUITARS made in South Korea. It's an acoustric-electric and looks, at least from the description, like excellent value for the money. Problem is they are located out West and I don't know a local dealer who carries them where I can play them. Does anyone out them own a Peal guitar? I imagine it would be a mistake to order a guitar site unseen, although their return policy seems good. Thanks for any additional help, Ron |
|
23 Apr 03 - 09:05 AM (#938409) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Merritt I agree with everything Spaw said above. Find what feels good, sounds right for you. IMHO Ovations are not fun to play and the tone lacks acousticity, even before you plug 'em in; but I know people who love them, and some people make them sound pretty oke too. Seagull, Simon & Patrick & the rest of the Godin Gang are great acoustic guitars at a decent price, but, at least a couple of years ago, they were putting crappy electronics on there instruments. They didn't sound good plugged-in, and the EQ controls were hard to read and "dial-in." In the last 2 years, my low-end, acoustic-electric choices have been: ~ Cort MR710F - at +/- $300 you get Fishman electronics, a solid top and a decent, very playable fretboard; laminated maple back & sides ~ Martin 000C-15E - prices (what you actually pay) range from $625 to $1,000; solid mahogany, made in USA, very playable, Fishman electronics; for a bare-fingers picker like me, gives me the punch & clarity I need. Again, your fingers may differ. Good luck! - Merritt "It's all one big note." - F. Zappa |
|
23 Apr 03 - 12:27 PM (#938587) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Pooby I'm with Spaw. I've owned two Ovations (still have one), with the newer one a 1983 model. I still play it a lot (the convenience of the acoustic-electric has a lot to do with it), but when I know I'm going to be in a strictly acoustic, unamplified setting, it's time to whip out the jumbo-body Yamaha instead. When it's freshly strung, it's got a big fat sound that could peel paint off the walls. My Ovation (admittedly, a shallow bowl model) can't compete. That said, I still like my Ovation (a Legend model) and what it can give me. I'm not so much of a purist as to sneer at it because it's got a synthetic body (hey, so do some of my favorite actresses!). In 20 years, I've never put a belt-buckle scratch on the back. And the electronics (at least on my older model) are potent enough for any amplified setting. Works for me. Happy shopping. Poobs |
|
23 Apr 03 - 12:40 PM (#938597) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Jim Colbert I still own my Ovation, but would steer clear of buying one if you play unplugged much- or if you must, try to get the deeper bowl models. The beauty to me of Ovies has always been that they made home recording easy- but now with the increased popularity of acoustic/electrics in all price ranges they no longer have a clear advantage there. It is a very controlled, easy to record or amplify guitar, and is to me one of the few guitars that sound better plugged in than not! ( I do give them points for a nice feeling neck, least on mine.) There are a lot of decent guitars in the price range you're looking at- it's a buyer's market! I personally own 2.5 Taylors (the baby only counts as 1/2!), which a lot of people also don't like, they find the sound too balanced- although I like that for fingerstyle- but I like the feel and sound a lot. But that being said, they are overpriced. Try seagulls and the lower-end larrivees- both very nice for the price. Also, a few of the epiphones with solid tops CAN- you need to try them- have pretty good sound. I've heard some good things about the Carvin acoustics as far as their "value factor" goes, but have never tried their acoustics. I don't quite understand, though, why you need an amplifier if you're using the guitar just for teaching and home use though- ? Do you teach in a large group setting where amplification is necessary? BTW if you want a screaming deal on a near-mint Ovation, PM me. I'm just about to put mine on eBay after I take some pics. jim |
|
24 Apr 03 - 11:17 AM (#939224) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Louie Roy Don't sell the ovation short the newer ones with the laser holes are far superior to many other guitars on the market and the sound is excellent whether you play acoustic or electric Louie Roy |
|
24 Apr 03 - 01:07 PM (#939291) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Jim Colbert We all have our preferences and tastes in sound... Ovations are well enough made, have good action and usually good necks, and offer an easy way to plug and play. I personally find their unplugged sound very "plasticy," a bit bland, without the subtle depth and nuances that woods bring to the mix. I myself haven't heard an Ovation in years (and besides my own, I've played new ones as recently as two weeks ago on 48th st in new york city) that I would call excellent sounding when played acoustic. Especially the ones that are the shallow bowls. But hey, that's just me. I do play mine regularly- and sometimes use it on demos as a second guitar specifically because of its sound, which is a lot different from my other guitars. And that being said, Glen Campbell can get some amazing sounds out of his... I just don't think I would ever use the description excellent in describing them. (Nor would I use it to describe many guitars I've played, honestly! Although a Lowden and a particular sparkling Collings come readily to mind...) I would recommend personally trying a few Ovations. If it sounds good to you, buy it. They're well enough made that quality has never been the issue- one thing, too, make sure you try it seated and standing, some folks find the bowls don't "fit" them real well depending on their heigth and, er, width... cheers and keep us posted on what you decide! Jim |
|
24 Apr 03 - 02:15 PM (#939355) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Ron I spoke to a fellow in Utah about the Peal JC Deluxe acoustic-electric made in Korea. He spoke very positively about it. I also read a few reviews on Harmony-Central that spoke well about this guitar. The price seems great for what you get and it comes with a great guarantee. Has anyone heard of the Peal? I'd appreciate any insight! Thanks, Ron |
|
24 Apr 03 - 02:57 PM (#939389) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Jim Colbert I've never encountered them here in PA or in my guitar-browsing in the nyc/northern new jersey areas. But then again, I've never seen an Avalon by Lowden so that just means, well, I haven't seen or played one! It is worth noting that the Sammick company makes a staggering amount of the guitars made in Korea, which are then sold under various names. So don't be thrown simply by a name you're not familiar with if it seems to be a decent instrument otherwise. If you don't mind springing for shipping and they have a return/exhange policy you can live with, what can it hurt to try it? jpc |
|
25 Apr 03 - 11:43 AM (#939990) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Jim Colbert Out of curiosity, what is the link for the site that sells pearl guitars? I'd like to read about them a bit since I'm unfamiliar. |
|
25 Apr 03 - 11:57 AM (#940002) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Art Thieme Guest Ron, If you are at all "round" like I am, you and the ovations round back will never work well together. In the middle of every song things will start to slip and slide until by the end of it your guitar's top will be looking right at you as if you were playing a horizontal Dobro guitar. Sincerely, Art Thieme |
|
26 Apr 03 - 01:45 PM (#940756) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Ron Hi Jim: The website for Peal Guitars is: guitarimports.com It looks like a beautiful instrument, especially for the price. Let me know what you think after looking at the website. Thanks, Ron |
|
27 Sep 03 - 01:16 PM (#1025674) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Colonel Robert Peal is my guitar sponsor, and I can't say enough about the guitar. All hype aside, you will be surprised at how well this axe is made. And the look is very cool. You may want to have the guitar set up to your playing, but it is very user friendly. And the electronics are one of their selling points. Over all, for the price, heck for even a highr price, you just can't go wrong. Colonel Robert Morris colonelrobert@bellsouth.net mailto:colonelrobert@bellsouth.net Write me with any questions |
|
28 Sep 03 - 04:08 AM (#1025715) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: C-flat As Art points out, the Ovation can be a bit difficult to handle depending on your waist measurement, (in my case it was like two worlds colliding!) which is why it's important to try it standing up. I bought mine, years ago, from a sitting position, having played it thoroughly and checked it all out. I sold it a few months later (when I eventually caught up with it) and bought something more girth-friendly. I can't advise you on guitars in your price range (here in the UK guitars like Martins would be way more expensive) but I would urge to look at the used market. The very best guitars are never brand new. Some can take years to "play-in" and develop their tone and it's quite possible to pick up a good quality make at mid-range prices. Good luck. |
|
18 Oct 05 - 07:47 AM (#1585163) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,barbara i learned on a yamaha, bought a cheap <300.00> gk and fine it better |
|
18 Oct 05 - 11:46 AM (#1585375) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: The Beast of Farlington I am also in the process of starting to think about the possibility of maybe buying a new elctro-acoustic guitar. (I couch it in these terms in case my wife is listening) To date, the best one I have tried is a Crafter Auditorium size electro-acoustic - great tone and at the upper end of your price range. I tried a Fender but I hated the neck. I tried a Tanglewood but it felt too light to me. I bought an Acoustic Guitar mag and that just confused me. Knowing what kind of width neck you like helps a bit too. You just have to try a lot of guitars and not rush into it. |
|
18 Oct 05 - 11:52 AM (#1585383) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Guest From a working musician - considering your price range, you can get a very good (if not great) guitar from Takamine - I really like them and own two that are my stage work-horses. Takamine has done a great job of copying Martin for many years. Having said that, however, there are now many great sounding "low end" Martin guitars out there, too. I would strongly suggest that you spend a day or two at a well stocked store (or visit several) playing everything that catches your eye that you can afford. Who knows, you could end up with a gem from some obscure line. Good luck and keep an open mind about brands. |
|
25 Oct 05 - 05:17 AM (#1590326) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: The Beast of Farlington Good advice. Since my last post, I have tried a Takamine EG523Sc, which is a jumbo-bodied, flame maple, electro-acoustic beauty with a big sound and warm tone which left me mightily impressed. It looks good too. I'm tempted but feel the need to try 50 or so more guitars before taking the plunge |
|
03 Oct 06 - 12:22 PM (#1849324) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Tim About two years ago I bought a peal jc delux for $350. I couldnt find anything that could compare in any of the guitar stores for that price. I put elixr strings on and it plays great and sounds great, built very solid. I thought Id like an inexpensive guitar to take out and not mind if it gets knocked around, also I wanted it to be a little smaller than the full size jc. So I bought the sc solid top. Its so nice I dont take it out and knock it around. the sound is ok to pretty good but not great. But when you plug it in its amazing. the sound unplugged is fine for my strumming and picking. Its also built very solid and I put elixrs on it. I liked it so much that I found a left handed one on ebay for my left handed wife. its sold as used from guitar imports factory store. they sell returned items on ebay and I payed about $125 for it. great buy. And now my teenage daughter has disappeared with my jc to her hs guitar class and I havent seen it for 4 weeks. So I just bought her a peal/gtx m-40 guitar sold by guitar imports that I won on ebay for $140. they sell new for less than the sc solid top and its a bit different, but if its anything like the others I got a good deal. No Im not a sales guy for these guitars Im just a novice player who's been around and seen whats out there, I apreciate value for the dollar and this is it. also its no risk, if you return it they pay all costs, nothing to lose. I hope my peal guitar review helps someone. |
|
03 Oct 06 - 12:41 PM (#1849340) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: jonm I never found Ovations remotely inspiring, either as player or listener, until recently someone plugged one in to an ELECTRIC guitar amp. Perfect acoustic tone - I guess the electric amp losing all those high frequencies killed the tizzy nature of the plugged sound. This is what they must have been intending all along. As regards other makes, I have a Tanglewood and really rate them as a budget brand due to the B-band electronics. The plugged tone beat the Simon & Patrick, although the S&P had the better unplugged sound (I already had a Seagull Folk). My advice would be to try not just a variety of guitars, but a range of amplifiers and find the best combination. For example, I've tried several systems through my Marshall AS50R and the B-band on the Tanglewood was good, while other systems (Taylor ES) wouldn't give me a decent sound - but that could be me. I had the reverse problem with the Roland AC60, which sounded great with the Taylor but not so good with the Tanglewood. |
|
03 Oct 06 - 12:53 PM (#1849350) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Richard Bridge Vantage (not Vintage) made by Korg I think are no longer available new but are hugely underpriced if you can get a decent one second hand. They sound nothing like a Martin or a Gibson, but they do sound like a guitar, albeit different. Good for getting an electric-style lead to bite through when used acoustically, and lots of wellie when plugged. UK 'catters may have seen Royston Ford play one at Dave Bryant's barbies. |
|
03 Oct 06 - 01:19 PM (#1849367) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: tenn_jim My personal opinion is that an acoustic should be played without electronic pickups. It's best to just mic up and let the guitar sound natural. No matter how good the pickup, you will never achieve the true tone of the guitar. There are some excellent internal microphones that can be used along with external mics. Just my opinion. |
|
03 Oct 06 - 06:33 PM (#1849635) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,282RA The Takamine G-Series guitars are good. I bought one made of koa and it has bright sound with perfect intonation. The electronix are the best I've ever seen including a built-in tuner (and it works!). I got it for around six. I think Taks are highly underestimated. |
|
03 Oct 06 - 06:58 PM (#1849668) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Deckman An "Acoustic-Electric" guitar is an oxymoran. Bob |
|
03 Oct 06 - 07:00 PM (#1849669) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Deckman Make that ... an "Axy-moran. Bob(again) |
|
03 Oct 06 - 08:02 PM (#1849708) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,lox "Freshman" is a relatively new brand from China, my other guitar is in fact a martin, but struggles to compete despite the huge price difference. Ask to try one and you might be quite astounded by electronics and acoustics |
|
04 Oct 06 - 01:48 AM (#1849829) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: PoppaGator When Ovations first came out (was it in the '70s? or early 80s?), they were something entirely new, not only for their rounded plastic backs, but also because they the first and only acoustic guitars manufactured with built-in electronics. (Or, at least, the first to be widely enough marketed for me to be aware of 'em.) Perhaps that would explain why they would sound best when played through standard "electric-guitar" amps ~ there was no such thing as an acoustic-guitar amp at that time. Built-in amplification in acoustic guitars is now very commonly available, under a whole slew of brand names. While it may once have made sense to look primarily at Ovations when seeking an acoustic ax with on-board electronics, it has been many years since a much wider variety of brands have been available for considerations, including (of course) many models with standard-shaped wooden bodies. Have you considered installing a pickup in a guitar originally made as a straight-acoustic instrument, either a new purchase or one of your current instruments? You wouldn't have a hole in the side of the body to accommodate a switchbox ~ you'd have to rely exclusively on your amp's knobs for volume and other sound controls ~ but is that necessarily a bad thing? Anyone have any input about this approach? |
|
04 Oct 06 - 02:46 AM (#1849842) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: webfolk The 'Snake pickup' from Headway http://headwayelectronics.com is by far the best acoustic pickup I have heard and used, I know they make better more expensive models, but for simplicity and easy of use, use a DI box etc and you have all the control you need. I have four, two in guitars an done each in a bouzouki and a mandolin, and I have not a bad word to say about them. Geoff |
|
04 Oct 06 - 03:05 AM (#1849846) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Richard Bridge In general I don't think a Freshman will hold a candle to a good Martin, but of course you might be lucky and have a very good Freshman - or unlucky had have a very bad Martin. Some of the late 70s early 80s Martins were pretty mundane. In some cases the relatively stiff top structure of a cheaper guitar will resist feedback on a loud PA better than the more flexible top (for a more mellifluous sound) of a beter guitar. Headways have virtues and vices. The early snakes were better and more reliable than the later ones. IMHO the the need to round out the bottom of the sadddle slot to fit them is a nuisance anda potential source of problems. Their thickness can make for saddle stability problems if there is a problem routing the slot deeper, and they do need to bed in for about a week (or be very well pressed in with a clamp before stringing) before doing their best electrically. I am inclined to think they remain a little compressible even after considerable settling in, so I think they do compromise the acoustic sound of the guitar. However, a good one is very true to the resulting acoustic sound of the guitar -- ie witha good PA they come very close to the ideal of sounding exactly like the acoustic guitar only louder. But on balance I think that B-bands (now standard on Breedloves, I think), although there may be reliability issues, probably come even closer to capturing the guitar's acoustic sound, and raise fewer fitting issues. What I'm not clear about here however is whether the OP is looking for "an acoustic guitar only louder" - or a "plugged" sound. Takemines do tend to sound like what most soundmen think an acoustic guitar sounds like, which may be pleasant but is often not much like an acoustic guitar. And they are quite expensive. There are a range of almost acoustic guitars designed to plug, with smaller bodies and stiffer tops, so they don't feed back, and without too much bass in the body, to give them "cut" in an electric mix. IMHO Taylor 512CE does this well, but the Yamaha APX4 range is specifically designed for the job with a amallish non-wood body and a stiffish wood top and a cutaway. I don't like the sound, but they do what they are designed todo, namely get heard in an electric mix. |
|
04 Oct 06 - 08:53 PM (#1850645) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Mudjack Guitar Center has the Takaine G series EG544SC-4C acoustic/electric on sale for $499.99.I have one I bought from them and think it is a very exceptional buy.Has Koa sides and back, looks solid but have my doubts. Does have a solid cedar wood top and the electronics is excelent and has an on board tuner. I began with the $299 area and ended up with a fine guitar but spending more. You have the hardest decision made by knowing how much you want to spend. You can find a lot of guitars out there in that price range. Breedlove's have a Atlas import for $699.99. If you don't have a "Guitar Center" in your area, I'd say go store hopping and play these critters and find the sound and feel you deserve. The internet has a wonderful Ibanez TA35 acoustic electrical amp for $250. You can google a search for it. Good luck in your quest. Mudjack |
|
05 Oct 06 - 06:43 AM (#1850844) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Big Al Whittle the thing is, its getting cheaper and better all the time. if you are a gigging musician and you have around £500 to spend there are a lot of companies out there ready to oblige. You have to bite the bullet, and make some effort. Go round the stores, a guitar fair, if you can - spend about another £30 on buying the guitar magazines for another couple of months - just checking out what is out there, because it changes very month or so. above all talk to anybody who builds guitars and knows a hawk from a handsaw, when it comes to guitar constuction, and anybody you hear with the sort of sound you want. when you're starting out - it should be fun, as you get older - its a pain in the arse. Every hundred quid or so you spend has to be paid for with a gig or possibly two. |
|
05 Oct 06 - 10:18 PM (#1851673) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: 282RA >>Guitar Center has the Takaine G series EG544SC-4C acoustic/electric on sale for $499.99.I have one I bought from them and think it is a very exceptional buy.Has Koa sides and back, looks solid but have my doubts. Does have a solid cedar wood top and the electronics is excelent and has an on board tuner.<< That's the same model I have and I also got it out of Guitar Center. The guy even brought it out from the back stockroom in the shipping box. Made in Korea. Same koa back, sides and neck. Cedar top. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Got a nice hardshell with it. Of all my acoustics, it's the one electric-players like the most. Thinner, faster neck. The intonation is great, that's what I like about Taks. But the plugged-in sound is what's happening on this guitar. Of all the electros I have, the electronix on the Tak are by far the best. 3-band EQ, contour pot, notch filter, bypass and the built-in tuner. All on one 9-volt battery (which, over 2 years later, I still haven't changed yet). I believe I got it for right around six. Maybe lower--in the fives somewhere. Nice cutaway design so you can get up there and tear it up. Easily my favorite playing out guitar. The amped-up sound is just lovely. It's what I recommend for electro-players. |
|
06 Oct 06 - 07:44 AM (#1851880) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Jon I was really impressed with an Ashbury GR5433 being offered by Hobgoblin Music for around £199.00 (www.hobgoblin.com) I got to try one at the Cropredy Festival earlier this year. It is a cedar top jumbo with cut-away and sounded just amazing for the money. Maybe it was a lucky one and others are not so good. I would have bought it then and there but regrettably funds didn't allow. I play a Crafter J15N normally which is also quite stunning for the money (but not electro), meanwhile I am saving up for the Ashbury. Jon |
|
12 Jan 07 - 07:38 PM (#1934812) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Doug Prowant I have owned a Peal JC-Deluxe a little over a year now. It is a fine instrument and I have no complaints. It sounds better every day. I have never had it set up. Action is low and intonation is right on. |
|
12 Jan 07 - 07:53 PM (#1934825) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST Martin has a couple of ac/elec in the price range you indicate (at least in the US from Musician's Friend on the internet). The have both the dreadnaught and auditorium body styles with Fishman electronics though the models of the electronics differ. I think these lower-end models have the high pressure laminate bodies instead of spruce, mahogany, or other straight wood construction. I've not actually had my hands on any of these so I can't comment on playability or sound, but I'm keeping the D style in the running for testing when the chance arises. I'm just too strapped for cash right now to invest in anything musical (having to replace a modern auto transmission in a car will put a big dent into the old money-bag). Sorry I can't recall the model numbers, but if anyone has experience with either body style, I'd like to hear about it. SC |
|
16 Jan 07 - 04:20 PM (#1938667) Subject: Electric vs. Acoustic: the best guitar for a beginner? From: GUEST,GuitaristExpertI You want to learn how to play the guitar, but don't know whether which guitar you should use. An acoustic guitar might appear simpler to handle but on the hand an electric guitar probably looks much cooler. So what do you do? What do you base your decision on? Is there a correct answer? The debate continues… How Is The Acoustic Different From An Electric? An acoustic guitar is the most commonly used guitar. The sound is produced by the resonance produced due to the vibration of the strings. An electric guitar is not hollow, so the resultant sound is different and much quieter than an acoustic. Of course, there is no doubt about the fact that an acoustic guitar is a little harder to play than an electric guitar. The strings on an acoustic guitar need to be pressed down much harder to produce sound. While an acoustic guitar is generally used to play chords, a lead guitarist would choose an electric guitar (more here). What Kind Of Music Do You Want To Play? This is the most important question which needs to be addressed. When you start playing the guitar, you obviously look up to someone. When you're learning to play the instrument, you probably dream about sounding like someone. You need to be sure about this before you buy a guitar. If you want to produce sound like Dave Matthews or Bob Dylan, then your choice would be an acoustic. But then, your ideal guitarist might be James Hetfield or Joe Satriani. You would then need to learn how to play with an electric guitar. This is necessary because motivation is important in maintaining the interest and passion for the instrument. The basics of both guitars are the same – the chords, the scales, the tuning are the same. Only the sound is different and when you like the sound your guitar produces, you're bound to want to play it more (more here). How Easy Do You Want Life? Playing an instrument is no cake-walk, but of course you might be looking for the easiest way out. This determines the guitar you need as well. If you want to learn the instrument faster, the electric guitar is probably better for you. It is easier to press down the strings on an electric guitar because its strings are thinner. But if time and patience are not issues for you and you want to sound like The Beatles, then of course you should pick up an acoustic. Also, if you start with an electric, you might need more hand strength when you start playing an acoustic (more here). So Why Do Most Start With An Acoustic? An acoustic guitar is generally used by learners because it produces a cleaner sound. Also, when you're a beginner, you're bound to make a lot of mistakes and because the pickup on an electric is much better, it seems to amplify every little sound made by the player. The sound on an acoustic is much more subdued. This of course is considered a big advantage of acoustic guitars. An electric guitar has to be played with an amplifier, and often you might be disturbing your neighbors! With an acoustic guitar, it's very rare that someone will ask you to "turn it down" because you're not very loud in the first place. Also, acoustic guitars are cheaper than electric guitars. An electric guitar is accompanied with its amplifier and cable, without which it is pretty useless. Thus starting with an electric might turn out to be more expensive than an acoustic, and people generally don't want to pay a bomb for their first guitar. Also, an acoustic guitar is more portable. An electric guitar is heavier, and of course, its amplifier needs to be carried as well. Hence, the acoustic is often preferred for this reason because you can take it and perform wherever you like without worrying about an electricity source. Yet, at the end of the day, based on all the factors above, it's your choice, and there is no right and wrong answer. -- More lessons? Visit my guitar site now! |
|
17 Jan 07 - 07:36 AM (#1939288) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Scrump After looking into this, I've come round to thinking that it's better to buy a good acoustic guitar, and have it fitted with a good pickup (what 'good' is in each case depends on your view). I don't think any electro-acoustic is as good. I do have one, which it suits my purpose to use for certain band gigs, but otherwise I use an acoustic, which I can use unplugged, plugged in or mic'ed (or of course plugged and mic'ed, although I've never done this in practice so far). Of course you may need some sort of switch and/or volume control between your guitar and the desk, as there are no on-board controls. I could have had them fitted but decided against it, as I preferred to keep mods to the guitar to a minimum. |
|
17 Jan 07 - 08:01 AM (#1939308) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Big Al Whittle Try these before you decide. The CortPCW360M the Faith Saturn cutaway I've bought both within the last month, plus a Saturn that I'm having fitted with a transducer. they are extremely good instrumnts. the faith is being upgraded soon but I'm in too much of a rush. they are both solid wood, reasonably priced. the Faith Saturn electro will not even need a luthier set it up. The latest Chines stuff is redefining the whole market. I don't see how they will sustain this level of quality - given the finite nature of the world's resources. Get in there. al |
|
01 Oct 11 - 11:29 AM (#3232184) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST I'm glad I just bought for my second guitar is a Peal Guitar JC-10, I love it :) |
|
01 Oct 11 - 12:21 PM (#3232208) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Musket For once, I'm just about, almost with Richard Bridge. Takemine make good all round guitars that handle the electro side of things and are robust. I like the big no nonsense sound they make unplugged too. Being a bit heavy on the bracing side, most models behave on stage plugged in. The Yamaha APX range are excellent if a little quiet acoustically. I have an APX4-12 as my 12 string beast and nearly 20 years on, it just gets better and better. There are many good korean guitars out there, and assuming one factory makes many brands, as I believe is the case, you may pick up a real good one, as I did. My day to day for many years (still my permanently DADGAD) was a Jim Harley "Canadian Winter" dreadnaught. If I were to pick it up as new in a shop but sounding as it does after many years of ageing, I would have happily parted with big money, and compare the sound now with a new Taylor 3 series, seriously. Don't disgard Washburn either. They went downmarket a few years ago, but still bang out good all rounders, and I like how they brace their cutaways, helping the overall tone. You could argue that with controlled seasoning, CNC profiling, modern glues and CAD design, there are few bad guitars out there once you get above the hundred buck mark. Ok, some may be acquired taste, but if the action is OK when buying, you should be able to get it to your needs easily enough, and after that, it is a combination of personal quirk, tone and brand loyalty. |
|
25 Oct 11 - 02:07 PM (#3244632) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST,Does anyone want to buy a Peal?? I have a Peal SC-850EQ N I just don't play anymore and don't see the point of having a bunch of guitars. Hit me up at wic07001@gmail.com |
|
02 Jul 14 - 03:42 PM (#3638414) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: GUEST I have wanted to get a new guitar for some time now. It would be great to have one I could plug into my amp, but still be acoustic. Does anyone know a good brand to find this in? John Bond | http://www.brettwardhomes.com.au/why-choose-us/ |
|
02 Jul 14 - 04:44 PM (#3638432) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: Chris_S Guest Ron, you seem to have zoned in Peal guitar as being good value for money. Be very careful. There is a lot of great advice in this thread and please TRY before you buy. As an teenager I came into a little money and bought a guitar because I wanted a guitar by what I thought was an amazing company (Nic Jones was my inspiration at the time). It served me for a while and then the neck snapped – looked inside and it was appalling, rough braces, unfinished glue lines. I could have got better with a decent budget guitar. Now I have now bought a Faith guitar, a name I knew nothing about. I spent a whole morning trying all sorts of guitars, from famous to cheapo, and I was amazed at the difference between the makes and models. The one I chose is fantastic. The on-board electrics are amazing and it can hold its own played in a loud rock band, but the acoustic sound is balanced and dynamic. The Takamines I played were great amplified but just a little restrained acoustically so the Faith won out. I preferred the Faith neck as well. A great all-rounder guitar but each example will be different so don't rely on brand name. One of the best guitars I've ever heard was a Yamaha mid range model. The guy who bought it tried loads of guitars, all prices, and this one was a peach and he got lucky. I have to say recently I tried a new model by the company that so disappointed me before and it was fantastic, so was the price! So it went back on the wall it had to go. Chris |
|
03 Jul 14 - 04:36 PM (#3638773) Subject: RE: Acoustic-Electric Guitars From: PHJim Poppagator and others have suggested buying an acoustic that suits your needs and installing a pick-up. I have done this and have been quite happy with the results. The cheapest pick-up I've found that works well is the Fishman sound-hole pick-up at about $70. It has no controls and is visible (but being black and small, is not bad.) A couple of my guitars have Baggs pick-ups, an Element and an I Beam. These both have volume controls in the lip of the sound hole and, except for the endpin jack, don't change the appearance of the guitar. These were about $150 installed. I put a first generation Fishman thin line under saddle pick-up in my Martin about 30 years ago and was never very happy with the sound. It had what folks often describe as a "quacky" sound. Since I replaced it with the I-Beam, I'm much happier with the sound. I agree with tenn_jim, that the acoustic guitar sounds better through a good microphone, but the quality of "acoustic" pick-ups has improved greatly since their introduction. |