How do I choose the right electric-acoustic guitar?

Question

I'm going to buy an electric-acoustic guitar in the coming weeks, but I really don't know how to judge them. I feel I've made good choices with my other guitars (acoustic and electric), but I haven't had much experience with the hybrid. Do I hold them to the same standards of feel and sound as an acoustic? Should an electric-acoustic sound just as good unplugged as an acoustic does? Should I go for a straight pickup system, or a mic-and-pickup?

Any answers at all would be very appreciated.

Answer 1

It depends - are you going to use it mainly plugged in or acoustic? If you already have a good acoustic then it's plugged in sound is the most important, right? Takamine makes some laminate top guitars with their premium pick-up system (Nt4, I think) - they sound weak acoustically but sound perfect plugged in. If you want the best of both worlds, try the Alvarez Artist Series - you get a choice of body styles and woods and a great pick-up system (Sys 600). You can plug a mic into the system. Going up the $$$ scale, Taylor's expression system sounds great, as does the Fishman Aura system that Martin uses on some guitars. I would avoid the standard systems on Epiphones and Ibanez etc - they sound too electric. Make sure you try them out with the type of amplifier or PA you are going to use - it makes a big difference, some pick-up systems have an "exciter" to make guitar amps sound more acoustic.
In a band situation, mic systems always seem to feed back - I would use one only if you play solo - or maybe a duo with low volume monitors. Good Luck

Answer 2

Here's a list: Alvarez; Cort; Dean; Epiphone; Ibanez; Jasmine; Johnson; Seagull; Walden; Washburn and Yamaha. ALL these brands will have something to offer in what you might be looking for. Nice sounding and good quality... depends upon a personal approach, experience, ones own playing comfort, ability and particular hearing (tone and clarity) appreciations of the guitar. Certainly get what you pay for, when it comes to most guitars. Good luck in finding a solid top 'acoustic-electric' (a guitar that appears as a standard acoustic guitar with the electronics hidden) that will meet your 'standards' and not take advantage of the knowledge all of us here would try and tell you. Electric-acoustics, are those with visible electronics (pups and controls) on the top side and surface of the guitar, usually the hollow body (jazz), semi-hollow and thin line or hybrid styles. You will find an acoustic-electric for this price. But by not having to try one out, on your own and buy one before that, can be a risk. Trying to cover all the sides.

Answer 3

Yes, standards of feel and sound apply to any guitar. go to ur local music shop and try out as many as U can, both plugged & unplugged.Pick the 1 that a) gives the sound U want b) is good to play c) U can afford. I've ben playing for over 45 years - electric and acoustic. For most stage work I use Ovation (Bowl back) electro-acoustics, except for rock'n'roll when I use a solid electric. The final choice is the sound U want.U have an amp?if not, Crafter do a very nice acoustic amp. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

If you're only going to be using it plugged in then I wouldn't be concerned with how it sounds when it isn't plugged in. But if you're going to be using it as an all-around guitar, then you want to hear how it sounds plugged and unplugged.
Playing it and seeing how it feels and sounds to you is going to be your best bet when making your final jugdement.
I know a guy that has a $3000 Gibson acoustic-electric and he hated the built-in pick-up system. He ripped it out and now just mics it.
Some people like the pick-up systems and some don't. It just depends on the person's particular playing style and the sound they're trying to achieve.

Answer 5

I personally have a Kramer hollow body strat style. It is thin, so I think easier to play. I like the sound too, but it is not the best. What I would like is an Applause Ovation. The sound is great, it projects because of the rounded back, and it is fun to play. It has really nice pickups too. I really want the 12 string electric/ acoustic. mmmm in black. Wanna see a picture?

http://www.music123.com/Applause-by-Ovation-AE128-----Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-(Closeout)-i271114.music

Answer 6

The types of woods of an acoustic determines its volume and projection. Mahogany sides and back will give a crisp and bright projection than a guitar having rosewood back and sides. Built-in electronics may have an effect on projection, but it may be minimal.

If the guitar does not have its built-in pickup system I would suggest the thin-line under-the-saddle pickup.

Have a guitar playing friend or a guitar technician at the music store play several for you as you listen to the volume and projection.