August 15, 2010
How do Acoustic-Electric guitars work?
Voleva comprare una chitarra acustica-elettrica, ma non capisco come funzionano. Devo una presa amplificatore e se sì come, perché non ho mai visto prima, da qualche parte su un connettore di ingresso del cavo.
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Comments on How do Acoustic-Electric guitars work?
An acoustic-electric can be played without amplification (just like a regular acoustic guitar) or plugged into an amp or PA. Acoustic-electrics use the same sort of guitar cables as electric guitars, but the input jack is often part of the strap button at the bottom end of the guitar. Basically, the cable jack plugs right into the center of the strap button. On other acoustic-electrics, there’s an input jack somewhere on the side of the guitar near the bottom, where you’ll find the input jacks for Les Paul-style guitars.
If you get an acoustic-electric, you’ll still be able to use it the same way you would a standard acoustic guitar. But having the built-in pickup gives you the option of plugging it in when you play at venues large enough to require amplification.
The term acoustic /electric is somewhat of a misnomer that has become the standard term. They are more correctly described as an “amplified acoustic” guitar.
There is a thin piezo electric pickup that sits underneath the saddle in the bridge of the guitar. (the saddle is the white thing that the strings sit on) This pickup connects to a small preamp on the guitar that allows you to control the volume, tone, etc. on the guitar. It then sends the signal to an output jack that is often built into the strap button. From there it goes to an amp or P.A. or a recorder depending on the situation.
This type of system works very well for amplifying the acoustic guitar sound. However, it is not a great way of getting electric guitar type of distortion because the piezo pickup will feed back horribly.
Some people think that they can get an acoustic/electric guitar to play rock music and are very disappointed when they find out that you cant use distortion effectively with an acoustic electric. Be aware of this fact when buying a good “amplified acoustic” guitar.