Electro-acoustic guitars

The electric acoustic guitar is widespread in the music market due to its versatility. Indeed, unlike "semi-acoustics" (electric guitars with a hollow body), electro-acoustics has all the same properties as its acoustic analogue. The only difference is that thanks to electrification, it does not need to use a microphone to amplify sound in concert conditions, but connects directly to an amplification system, be it a combo amplifier or a linear system.

Generally, the term “electric acoustic guitar” refers to an instrument with a pre-amp built-in from the factory. If you buy a removable pickup and install it on your "acoustics", then you can call it "electroacoustics" very conditionally. Speaking about the market, both the manufacturer and the consumer mean by this term exactly a tool with an embedded system. This is an active piezoelectric sensor located under the sill on a stand and powered by a battery, for which a special socket is provided; this is a preamplifier system embedded in the body. Outside the body there is a socket for an instrument cable and a sound control - an equalizer volume knob, the number of settings of which partially determines the cost of the instrument. On branded models (Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha, etc.) a tuner is also built into the preamp system.

It is impossible to say for sure who and when first electrified this instrument. The first attempts to “get rid of” the microphone were back in 1910, when they tried to install in-body telephone transmitters on violins and banjos. A decade later, musicians tried to attach a carbon push-button microphone to the bridge, but the construction was shaky, the body vibrated, and the signal from the microphone to the amplifier was very weak.

The first step towards the electrification of the acoustic guitar is the emergence of semi-acoustic instruments. These were electric guitars with a narrow hollow body and resonator holes. The advent of electric guitars with magnetic pickups pushed amateurs to new experiments, such as installing an electric guitar pickup on an acoustic instrument. The experiment, although it was widespread among amateurs, did not live up to expectations. Firstly, the "acoustics" sounded like electric, and secondly, the pickup did not work with nylon strings.

The introduction of an in-body preamp was a real breakthrough. Initially, electrified acoustic guitars were available only to professionals, but today they are in mass production, and even a person with modest financial resources can buy an electric acoustic guitar.

In addition to conventional acoustic instruments equipped with electronics, there are also specific models. For example, guitars with a reduced narrow body or backs and sides made of carbon fiber. These instruments are designed for active concert performance. In terms of sound depth without connection, they are inferior to an ordinary guitar, but this specific body makes it easier for both musicians and sound engineers to work on sound by minimizing the feedback effect. If a deep enclosure gives strong feedback from a monitor or combo amp, then a narrow enclosure or CFRP will solve this problem. At the same time, due to additional processing of the sound (equalizer, compressor, reverb, etc.), the sound of such a guitar connected to amplification is not inferior to the sound of a conventional acoustic instrument.

If you have decided which "electroacoustics" to buy, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the assortment of our store. If you have any difficulties in choosing, our consultant will help you choose a tool that suits your wishes, be it a budget model or an elite professional copy. Delivery is carried out free of charge in Kiev and at carrier tariffs throughout Ukraine. All products of our store have a manufacturer's warranty - you will receive a warranty card in the original packaging along with the tool.