Question on acoustic-electric classical (nylon-string) guitar?

Question

I am thinking to buy this acoustic-electric classical guitar from an online store. I have a few questions that need to be answered, but the sellers is being a jackass so I need your help. First, it seems this partiular model is powered by a 9-V battery AS WELL AS needs to be plugged into an AMP in order to produce sound. Is this true for ALL acoustic-electric classical guitars, or is this simply crappy model? (by being crappy I mean it doesn't have a power adapter that allows me to connect to an external power source: I hate using betteries). Second, continuing my last question, why wouldn't it produce sound if I don't plug it into am AMP? I mean, after all, this is still a classical guitar with nylon string, isn't it?? Third, if there are acoustic-electric classical guitars that allows me to connect to an externa power source and saves me the hassel of using batteries, and one that would allow me to play without an AMP, what brand/model is it and where can I buy it?? Thx

Here is the link to all the different models. Thanks for the great reponses but I am sure I'm looking for an "Acoustic-electric CLASSICAL guitar (nylon, not steel strings).

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=acoustic+electric+classical&category0=

Answer 1

I don't know who the guy is but he sounds like an ***.I don't like the batteries idea either.It's a crappy model and that's why i perfer a simple of fashioned acoustic guitar because you can play them anywhere and you don't need an AMP.

It wouldn't play because when you play and eletric to sound goes to the AMP instead of coming out of the strings..

I don't know of any of them because like i said i play an acoustic.That's the best guitar you can buy.I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have an acoustic-electric guitar. And i've never heard of an acoustic-electic classical guitar. They are two different guitar's. There is a acoustic-electric guitar and there is a classical guitar. Not put together. So I guess i'm confused as do you want a acoustic electrical or a classical guitar?

Please do not buy the guitar from this guy he is not being straight up with you and he just wants your money. And with an acoustic electric you can play with out a 9-V battery. It does not have to be plugged into play. I've played mine for the last week or more (just bought mine recently) and it sounds like an acoustic guitar.

You only buy the amp if you want it to sound like an electric guitar. As you can see below the acoustic-electrical and the classical guitar are two different ones. The website is a well reputable one and I have a friend who bought from this website and said just make sure you buy insurance. But has never had a problem through this webiste.

To answer your question: why wouldn't it produce sound if I don't plug it into am AMP? Its because it doesn't work, and its broken

Answer 3

Yes. The 9V battery is a preamp or EQ that increases the very weak signal from the piezo pickup. The guitar then needs to be plugged into an amp. This is true with ALL guitars that use a piezo crystal pickup.

You can still play the guitar acoustically unless it is one of those weird ones that are an inch thick and rely on the pickup for sound.

No, I know of no onboard EQs that use an external power supply... these batteries last a Looooong time so you shouldn't worry too much.

You can purchase a Barcus Berry or some other contact pickup... these just "stick" on the guitar- no need for an EQ.. but they pick up every little thing.

Answer 4

Most acoustic electric guitars in my experience are essentially acoustic guitars with electric pickups installed. I have never seen one requiring a 9V battery. I have never seen one requiring a battery at all! The electrical power should be provided by the AMP.

I wouldn't buy this guitar as it seems wierd and not at all what I would be looking for in an acoustic electric guitar.

I wonder if it is a child's toy.

Every acoustic-electric guitar I have seen allows you to connect a plug to an amplifying device without the need for an external power source to power the guitar. The amplifier is usually run on a power source (portable amps may be battery run).

Go to ANY reputable guitar store near you and just ask to look at one. I think you'll see what I mean.

The Ibanez, the Washburn or the Yamahas look okay. Don't know about the others. I didn't see any requiring batteries.

Answer 5

First off, you do not have to use an amplifier to play an acoustic electric, it is still an acoustic instrument.

Second, if it takes a 9v battery, that just means that it has an onboard preamp and volume and tone controls, useful for adjusting your sound without having to tweak your amp every time you need to adjust your sound. There are acoustic- electrics without preamps, but most do have them.

You should check out musiciansfriend.com, they carry many classical acoustic-electric guitars, all with a 45 day guarantee. Ebay can be a crap shoot if you have trouble with your purchase.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitar/navigation?q=classical+acoustic-electric

Check out this Ibanez, it has a narrow neck (easier to play chords) like a steel string guitar. They also have some others like that.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AEG10NEBKF-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=512214

Finally, if you are just starting out, I strongly recommend an electric tuner. The one I recommend is tha Korg CA30. It is the auto-chromatic type, very easy to use and will tune just about any instrument to any tuning.

Good luck