Electric Acoustic Guitar vs Acoustic – The Complete Guide

In the world of guitars, one of the most common dilemmas for beginners and experienced players alike is choosing between an electric acoustic guitar vs acoustic guitar. These two instruments may seem similar, but they have key differences that affect their sound, playability, and uses. Understanding the nuances between an acoustic guitar and an electric acoustic guitar is essential for selecting the right guitar for your musical journey.

We will explore the differences between acoustic vs electric guitars and provide insights on which might be better suited for your needs. We’ll also dive into their structure, sound, pricing, and more to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

Understanding Each Instrument

What is an Acoustic Guitar?

An acoustic guitar produces sound purely through vibrating strings and the resonance of the guitar’s body. It’s the classic option that most beginners start with, and it doesn’t rely on any external electronics for sound amplification. Acoustic guitars come in various shapes and sizes, with the dreadnought, concert, and parlor being popular choices.

Acoustic guitars are made of different woods, like mahogany, spruce, and rosewood, which affect the sound and tone. Steel strings are commonly used on these guitars, giving them a bright and rich sound, ideal for finger picking, strumming, and more traditional styles. The sound hole at the center of the body is where the natural sound of the guitar projects outward, creating those warm, rich tones that acoustic players love.

What is an Acoustic Electric Guitar?

An electric acoustic guitar combines the best of both worlds. It has the same structure as a standard acoustic guitar but comes with built-in electronic components such as piezo pickups and preamps, which allow the guitar to be amplified through an external sound system. This makes it an excellent choice for live performances and studio recordings where amplified sound is necessary.

Compared to a traditional acoustic, the electric acoustic guitar is slightly heavier due to the added electronic components. However, when unplugged, it sounds nearly identical to a regular acoustic guitar, making it versatile for different playing situations. The key difference between an acoustic guitar vs acoustic electric guitar is this ability to amplify the sound without compromising the instrument’s natural tone.

Note that there are other types of acoustic guitars, categorized based on shape, size, and strings used

Instrument Structure

Body and Shape

Both acoustic and electric guitars come in various shapes and sizes, but the body structure can affect the sound and playability of each. Acoustic guitars often feature larger bodies to produce a louder, fuller sound, while electric acoustic guitars may have cutaway designs to allow for easier access to higher frets.

When comparing the acoustic guitar vs electric acoustic guitar, the addition of internal electronics in the latter adds weight, though the difference is usually minimal. Both types of guitars use similar materials like spruce or mahogany for the body, but the sound will differ depending on the type of wood and the guitar’s size.

Internal Electronics (Electric Acoustic)

The biggest distinction in the electric acoustic guitar vs acoustic debate is the inclusion of electronics. Electric acoustic guitars are equipped with piezo pickups, which capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals for amplification. A built-in preamp allows you to adjust the volume and tone settings on the guitar itself, making it easier to perform in live settings.

This is a major advantage when comparing acoustic vs electro acoustic guitars since electric acoustics give you the option to play either unplugged or plugged into an amplifier. For those who need flexibility in sound settings, this feature makes the electric acoustic a great choice. Having pickups right out of the box also ups the value of your guitar.

Construction Quality

In terms of construction, both acoustic and electric guitars can range from entry-level models to professional, high-end instruments. Acoustic electric guitars may have slightly more complex builds due to the need for internal electronics. However, many manufacturers ensure that the sound and durability of the guitar aren’t compromised. Brands like Taylor, Martin, and Yamaha offer excellent models that blend craftsmanship with electronic functionality. If you’re wondering what is a good acoustic electric guitar, then go for these big name brands.

Sound Characteristics

Natural Sound of Acoustic Guitars

The natural sound of an acoustic guitar is one of the reasons it’s so popular. When you play it, the vibrating strings resonate through the guitar’s body, producing a warm and organic sound. The type of wood used, the size of the body, and the steel strings all influence the sound. Larger bodies, like the dreadnought, often produce more bass, while smaller models like the concert shape offer more clarity in the mid and high frequencies.

Amplified Sound of Electric Acoustic Guitars

In comparing the acoustic electric guitar vs acoustic, the electric acoustic shines when amplified. The piezo pickups and preamps allow you to amplify the guitar without the need for a separate microphone. This is particularly useful for live performances, where controlling feedback and ensuring the guitar cuts through a mix are crucial. The amplified sound is more versatile, as you can adjust the tone and volume settings directly on the guitar. This is why preamp control is an important consideration when looking for the best budget acoustic electric guitar.

Sound Versatility

One of the key differences between acoustic vs electric guitars is sound versatility. While an acoustic guitar has a natural, unamplified tone, the electric acoustic guitar can be used in a wide range of genres due to its ability to amplify and manipulate the sound. Electric guitars tend to focus more on power chords and lead playing, whereas acoustic guitars excel in fingerstyle and open chords, providing a broader range of musical expression.

Uses and Applications

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are best suited for unplugged performances and genres like folk, country, and classical. Their rich, natural sound makes them ideal for intimate venues or home practice. Because there are no electronics involved, acoustic guitars are lighter and easier to maintain, making them a go-to choice for many guitarists.

Electric Acoustic Guitars

An electric acoustic guitar offers more flexibility, particularly for live performances or studio recording. The ability to plug into an amplifier makes them perfect for live gigs or even for solo performances where volume control is necessary. Artists who play across multiple genres, such as pop, rock, or jazz, often prefer an electric acoustic because of the tonal variety and versatility it offers.

Pricing

Cost of Acoustic Guitars

The price of an acoustic guitar can range from $100 for beginner models to several thousand dollars for high-end instruments. Factors like the type of wood, construction quality, and brand reputation all influence the cost. The best acoustic electric guitar models made from premium materials will naturally be more expensive.

Cost of Electric Acoustic Guitars

Because of the added electronics, electric acoustic guitars tend to be slightly more expensive than standard acoustic guitars. Prices start at around $200-$300 for entry-level models, while high-end electric acoustics can exceed $2,000. The brand, type of electronics, and materials used will all play a role in determining the price.

Popularity and Market Trends

Acoustic Guitar Popularity

The acoustic guitar has remained popular for decades, especially among beginner guitarists and players who favor more traditional, unplugged styles. Acoustic guitars are often seen in genres like folk, country, and classical, and they are the instrument of choice for many singer-songwriters.

Electric Acoustic Guitar Popularity

In recent years, electric acoustic guitars have gained popularity due to their versatility and adaptability. They are favored by musicians who perform live regularly and want a guitar that can easily transition from unplugged to amplified performances. As more artists experiment with different sounds, the electric acoustic guitar has become a staple in modern music.

Range of Options

Variety in Acoustic Guitars

When it comes to acoustic guitars, there is an endless range of options to choose from. From small-bodied guitars like the parlor to larger dreadnoughts and jumbos, there’s a guitar for every style of player. The variety extends to tonewoods, shapes, and price points, making it easy to find an instrument that fits your personal preferences.

Variety in Electric Acoustic Guitars

The electric acoustic guitar market offers just as much variety, with different models catering to various styles and needs. Brands like Taylor, Yamaha, and Takamine offer electric acoustics with advanced preamps, built-in tuners, and high-quality pickups. Whether you need a basic model for casual playing or a professional instrument for live gigs, there’s an electric acoustic guitar for every musician.

Other Factors for Comparison

Portability

Both acoustic and electric acoustic guitars are fairly portable, though electric acoustic guitars tend to be slightly heavier due to the added electronics. However, they are still easy to transport for gigs or practice sessions.

Maintenance

When comparing acoustic vs electric acoustic guitars, maintenance is an important factor. Acoustic guitars require basic care, such as changing strings and keeping the body clean. Electric acoustic guitars, however, may need additional maintenance, such as battery replacements for the preamp and checking the electronic components to ensure they are functioning properly.

Conclusion

Choosing between an electric acoustic guitar vs acoustic guitar ultimately depends on your playing style, needs, and preferences. Each type has its own strengths. An acoustic guitar offers a traditional, natural sound that works well in unplugged settings, perfect for folk, classical, or country genres. It’s straightforward, low-maintenance, and great for beginners or players who prioritize simplicity. In contrast, an electric acoustic guitar adds flexibility with built-in electronics that allow you to plug in and amplify your sound, making it ideal for live performances or recording sessions where louder volumes or sound modification are required. The inclusion of features like piezo pickups and preamps enables you to shape your sound, bringing versatility to various genres, from rock to pop and jazz.

When comparing acoustic vs electric guitars, it’s clear that both instruments can deliver excellent sound, but the right choice will come down to where and how you plan to use the guitar. If you’re focused on live performances, an electric acoustic guitar may provide the versatility you need, while those who prefer more intimate, unplugged settings may lean toward a pure acoustic guitar.

Making Your Decision

The comparison between an acoustic guitar vs electric acoustic guitar isn’t about one being definitively better than the other. Instead, it comes down to personal choice and what fits your musical style. If you’re a beginner just starting your guitar journey, an acoustic guitar is a solid choice that offers simplicity and ease of learning. For more experienced players who perform live or record music, the added functionality of an electric acoustic guitar provides more versatility without sacrificing the natural sound.

If you’re still undecided, consider visiting your local music store and trying both types of guitars to see which one feels better in your hands. Pay attention to how the guitar’s body resonates when you play and how comfortable the neck feels. Experimenting with different models can also help you determine whether you prefer the unamplified sound of a traditional acoustic guitar or the amplified, flexible tones of an electric acoustic.

In the end, whether you choose an acoustic guitar or an electric acoustic guitar, you’ll have an instrument that can help you create beautiful music and enjoy a fulfilling guitar journey.