Acoustic electric guitars?

[beats me]

Are they worth a shit or does the fact that they have a pickup built in take away from the "purity" of the sound as opposed to recording with a mike or throwing a third party pickup under the strings? In other words, is it just a gimmick?

And good lord, I never knew there was such a thing as a $2,000+ acoustic guitar until yesterday. And they aren't even made by Apple.

[ark]

It is not easy to put a pickup in a guitar that will make it sound like the same guitar with a good microphone near it. Probably the best solution to this particular problem so far is the Fishman Aura, which basically takes a recording of a similar guitar and uses the data from that recording to reconstruct what the guitar would sound like if it were playing the particular notes coming from the pickup.

From a guitarist's perspective, the main advantages of a pickup over a microphone are (1) Less risk of feedback on stage, and (2) ability to move around while playing.

[beats me]

It is not easy to put a pickup in a guitar that will make it sound like the same guitar with a good microphone near it. Probably the best solution to this particular problem so far is the Fishman Aura, which basically takes a recording of a similar guitar and uses the data from that recording to reconstruct what the guitar would sound like if it were playing the particular notes coming from the pickup.

From a guitarist's perspective, the main advantages of a pickup over a microphone are (1) Less risk of feedback on stage, and (2) ability to move around while playing.

But is the sound vastly different? I wouldn't be looking to release sonically perfect acoustic album of the year.

[ark]

But is the sound vastly different?

It really depends a lot on the pickup. You can hear some examples here of the signal processing that the Aura does, and also what an acoustic guitar sounds like when played with a pretty good pickup and no processing.

[beats me]

But is the sound vastly different?

It really depends a lot on the pickup. You can hear some examples here of the signal processing that the Aura does, and also what an acoustic guitar sounds like when played with a pretty good pickup and no processing.

I can't listen to audio on my computer at work.

My main concern is I wouldn't want to get something that sounds only slightly different from an electric guitar.

[chaibuka]

Here's a review of a $3000 Martin GPCPA1 with Fishman Aura. They say it's really close to miked. There's a video demo when you get a chance.

Martin GPCPA1 Guitar Review
http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/d ... leid=25572

[beats me]

Here's a review of a $3000 Martin GPCPA1 with Fishman Aura. They say it's really close to miked. There's a video demo when you get a chance.

Martin GPCPA1 Guitar Review
http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/d ... leid=25572

Ah, I was thinking in the under $500 range and even that's pushing it.

[ark]

Ah, I was thinking in the under $500 range and even that's pushing it.

The Aura model shown on the website I cited is no longer available. Current models cost between about $200 and $350 depending on options.

Acoustic guitar prices vary dramatically, depending in part on whether they are made in the USA by skilled woodworkers or made in Asia by robots.

It is possible to buy a completely playable, fine-sounding acoustic guitar with a pickup for less than $500. Here is one example. You can always add an Aura or other signal processor later if you decide you need it.

[Tarekith]

My Ovation cost less than $500, the pick up in it is only ok. Works very well for when you want "that" sound, but I wouldn't say it compares to a really ncie mic on an expensive guitar. Never found it an issue myself though, works for my needs.

[ark]

My Ovation cost less than $500, the pick up in it is only ok. Works very well for when you want "that" sound, but I wouldn't say it compares to a really ncie mic on an expensive guitar. Never found it an issue myself though, works for my needs.

Try it with an Aura or a Mama Bear -- you might be pleasantly surprised.

[beats me]

Back in the day I remember Ovation being The acoustic electric guitar. Not that they were the best, but the most common. Oddly last night when I was checking some retail sites Ovation wasn't even displayed in the list of manufacturers.

I was strumming on my electric last night to some Alice in Chains tracks and they’ve got an insane amount of acoustic tracks for a band that is known for hard rock, but I think for my purposes acoustic guitar would be used more as a background layer as opposed to the focus of the track.

That would be hilarious if they made a 3 neck acoustic guitar, 1 six string, 1 12 string, and 1 nylon. Please don't post a picture if one exists because I'll probably pee my pants.

[chaibuka]

Here's a review of a $3000 Martin GPCPA1 with Fishman Aura. They say it's really close to miked. There's a video demo when you get a chance.

Martin GPCPA1 Guitar Review
http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/d ... leid=25572

Ah, I was thinking in the under $500 range and even that's pushing it.

Not in my budget. Just posted for educational purposes or high rollers that might be tempted.

[razorblade]

Acoustic pickups are piezo, not magnetic, so they won't sound like an electric guitar. My Taylor has one and it's pretty decent. A good external preamp helps, but isn't necessary.

I think they are most useful in live band situations, or recording in bad acoustic spaces, or playing with effects. For recording it works okay and it will sound "acoustic", but it's not going to be the same as a nice mic and preamp. In a electronic mix you'll probably never notice.

You can find a used Taylor 110 for around 500 bucks if you look. Nicest under $1000 acoustic I've tried.

[beats me]

Acoustic pickups are piezo, not magnetic, so they won't sound like an electric guitar. My Taylor has one and it's pretty decent. A good external preamp helps, but isn't necessary.

I think they are most useful in live band situations, or recording in bad acoustic spaces, or playing with effects. For recording it works okay and it will sound "acoustic", but it's not going to be the same as a nice mic and preamp. In a electronic mix you'll probably never notice.

You can find a used Taylor 110 for around 500 bucks if you look. Nicest under $1000 acoustic I've tried.

Cool. I'll have to look into Taylor. I didn't really know what good manufacturers there are right now. I know Martin is pimp, but waaaaaay expensive.

[ud dude]

General rule of thumb is that the pick ups are for stage and you use a mic for recording.

That being said lots of guys with high end guitars with high end pick ups will just plug in. It will sound different from a miced guitar. Not nessisarliy worse just different.

it if s going to be part of a mix and not a up front featured sound then a good pick up will be fine.

I have many guitars and by far my favorite of this sort is the Multi-ACs by the Godin guitar co.

especially for nylon string

http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultseriesp.htm