Acoustic Electric Guitars vs. Acoustic Guitars (A Best Comparison)

What differentiates an acoustic guitar from an acoustic electric guitar?

Is it acoustic or electro-acoustic? Confused? They may appear the same, but do they sound alike?

Let's clear up any confusion and get you started comparing the two guitars, Acoustic Electric Guitars vs. Acoustic Guitars. You'll know which one best suits your strumming needs by the end of this! This epic guide will show you the main differences between Acoustic Electric Guitars from Acoustic Guitars .

Regular Acoustic Guitar – Overview

The acoustic guitar is the more versatile relative of the electric guitar. It's a fretted musical instrument with strings that vibrate above a hollow chamber on the guitar's body to make sound.

Because the vibrations move through the air, there is no need for electrical amplification, thanks to the sound chamber that generates amplification and tone. A regular acoustic guitar and an electro-acoustic guitar are both acoustic guitars in terms of sound production.

Furthermore, without an inbuilt pickup, a regular acoustic's volume potential is limited, which is where an electro-acoustic comes into play.

As a result, acoustic musicians who often perform live choose electro-acoustic instruments.

Bedroom players, on the other hand, who aren't frequent gigging musicians and aren't fond of the plugged electro-acoustic tone, prefer a traditional acoustic guitar.

What is an Acoustic Electric guitar?

What distinguishes an acoustic guitar from an acoustic electric guitar?

Is it acoustic or electro-acoustic? Confused?

We already know what an acoustic guitar is, and as you can see, the two guitar types are very similar in appearance. So, how do acoustic and acoustic electric guitars differ?

The acoustic-electric guitar, also known as electro-acoustic, is similar to an acoustic guitar in terms of design, acoustic qualities, and instrument components. The distinction is the “electronics” that are installed on an acoustic electric guitar.

These electronic components enable an acoustic electric guitar to be connected to an amplifier or soundboard. Components include:

• Magnetic pickup
• Piezo pickup
• Built-in microphone

The Piezo pickup is the most popular type, however there are other more modern acoustic electric guitars that combine a microphone, a Piezo pickup, and sensors.

In addition to requiring a pickup system, an acoustic-electric guitar will also require a built-in preamp to function effectively. A preamp in your acoustic-electric guitar boosts the signal produced by your instrument's pickup before delivering it to your amplifier.

A built-in tuner, tone controls, and equalizers are common features of built-in preamps. However, because the preamp system requires a power source to function, batteries of various capacities are usually included with the purchase of an acoustic-electric guitar.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing an acoustic-electric guitar?

Why would you want to play an acoustic-electric guitar? Why not, right? While the acoustic guitar is a classic instrument that paved the way for acoustic-electric and electric guitars, it isn't quite up to par when it comes to performing “live” or anywhere other than your bedroom.

You're limited to static movement on stage (in front of a mic), poor sound projection in broad regions, and acoustic, harmonic overtones with an acoustic. While the latter argument isn't always a disadvantage, an acoustic-electric guitar provides more sound options.

Pros of owning an acoustic-electric:

• You can play your acoustic-electric guitar whether it's plugged in or not.
• A larger sound projection will be available to you.
• You'll notice that your harmonic overtones have increased in volume.
• Customization of your sound
• Are they significantly more expensive than non-acoustic electric guitars?
• While performing live, you can move around the stage.
• The guitar still sounds, plays, and looks like a typical acoustic guitar.

Cons of owning an acoustic-electric:

• To play your instrument while plugged in, you must have access to a power supply.
• Electronic parts fail frequently.
• You will need to purchase additional equipment if you want to play plugged in
• If you want to play plugged in, you'll need more storage space to accommodate all of your gear.
• Investing in an acoustic-electric guitar doesn't really serve many uses if you aren't looking to play live shows or performances.

Alternative Video: Acoustic Electric Guitars vs. Acoustic Guitar: Which guitar is better for me?

Acoustic VS Acoustic Electric Guitar For Beginners

Since it's about your personal preferences, this isn't really a discussion at all. The versatility and benefits of having an acoustic electric guitar, on the other hand, lean decisively in favor of the winner.

However, there are several things to consider for a newbie. Let's have a conversation about them.

1. Attractiveness

This really is, without a doubt, one of the first things you'll check for when purchasing a guitar. However, if you expect it to be a make-or-break decision, you will be disappointed. Acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars can be manufactured from the same tonewoods, have the same shape, and even the same finish.

2. Shape/Size

Both acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars are available in the same shape, size, and form that will best suit your playing style. When it comes to acoustic guitars, you have the choice of purchasing a ¾ acoustic guitar to match your smaller stature. The only thing with buying a ¾ acoustic guitar is that, for the majority of ¾ guitars, you have to sacrifice sound projection with your smaller body.

Acoustic-electric guitars are used to solve this problem. If you want to get your hands on a smaller-bodied acoustic guitar that you can play comfortably but don't want to lose sound quality, an acoustic-electric guitar will be a great alternative.

3. Playability

Beginners have been playing acoustic guitars for five centuries. How are you going to compete with that? It's all about the strings and the overall quality of the instrument. Nylon strings are kinder on the fingers, which is why so many novices prefer the electric guitar. However, they don't produce nearly as much volume as steel strings, which is another problem solved by electric guitars.

Beginners may find steel strings more difficult to play, but this helps to “break you in,” which is where action comes in. Both an acoustic and an acoustic electric guitar with medium to low action and light strings are ideal for a beginner player.

4. Portability

An acoustic-electric guitar is an amazing design that allows it to perform as an acoustic while still being plugged in for optimum volume projection.

We all know a rookie will love this because they'll want to show off their skills whenever and everywhere they can! When you're at a bonfire or the beach, however, your acoustic-electric is confined to just that. 

When you don't know where you're going or where you'll wind up, carrying the extra equipment required to plug in might be inconvenient, especially if there isn't anywhere to plug in. Isn't it fine if you only play acoustic?

Yes, but because you didn't plug in, you still have your unused luggage to take around. On the other hand, what about an acoustic? There will be no extra equipment, toting, or baggage. You know what to expect no matter where you end up! Magical acoustic music.

5. Costs/Price

As mentioned earlier, an acoustic-electric guitar might cost the same as an acoustic guitar or a fraction of the price. However, when it comes to brands, quality, and features, everything is subjective. So, they’re tied here.

However, you will need to purchase additional equipment to get amplified sound from your acoustic-electric guitar. Whether you buy the equipment and extras as a package or separately, you're still paying more money for more items.

Final Thoughts about Acoustic Electric Guitars vs. Acoustic Guitars

Was it truly a race between the two instruments to begin with? They're both identical in nature, yet one can be plugged in. Of course, the benefits of an acoustic-electric guitar may sway you one way or the other, but it is in no way a cause to dismiss the time-honored acoustic.

Consider your guitar's realistic use and expectations, and selecting an instrument will become much easier. If we can't hear you, we'll say “amp it up,” and if you can't, maybe you should've gone for an acoustic electric guitar!

Despite their differences, both the Acoustic and Electro-acoustic guitars are incredible instruments that serve their own roles; regardless of which you choose, both will allow you to create something remarkable. I hope you enjoyed the reading and learned about the similarities and differences between Acoustic and Electro-acoustic guitars.

FAQs about Acoustic Electric Guitars vs. Acoustic Guitars