Exploring How Electric Acoustic Guitars Work

Electric acoustic guitars have captivated musicians and enthusiasts alike. They seamlessly blend the rich tonal qualities of an acoustic instrument with the amplified power of an electric guitar. This unique hybrid design has revolutionized the way we play and perform, making it an indispensable tool for many musicians. For me, they are indispensable for live performing outside of the solo classical environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the intrigue of how electric acoustic guitars work, shedding light on their construction, sound production, and the technology that drives them.

Table of Contents

Anatomy of an Electric Acoustic Guitar:

To understand how electric acoustic guitars work, it’s essential to familiarize ourselves with their anatomy. While sharing many similarities with traditional acoustic guitars, electric acoustics incorporate additional components to enable electric amplification. Key components include:

a) Body: Typically made of tonewoods such as spruce, mahogany, or maple, the body resonates and amplifies the sound produced by the strings.

b) Soundhole: Just like in a regular acoustic guitar, the soundhole allows the sound to escape from the body, contributing to the instrument’s acoustic projection.

c) Pickups: These specialized transducers, usually installed under the saddle or inside the soundhole, convert the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals.

d) Preamp: The preamp serves as the control center of an electric acoustic guitar, allowing adjustments to volume, tone, and other audio parameters. It also amplifies the signals from the pickups before sending them to an external amplifier or PA system.

The Pickup System:

Pickups are the heart of an electric acoustic guitar, responsible for converting the string vibrations into electrical signals. There are two primary types of pickups used in electric acoustics along with the preamp:

1. Piezo Pickups:

A piezo pickup is a type of pickup that uses the piezoelectric effect to convert the mechanical energy of a vibrating string into an electrical signal. Piezo pickups are often used in acoustic guitars, but they can also be found in electric guitars.

The piezoelectric effect is the property of certain materials to generate an electric charge when they are deformed. In the case of a piezo pickup, the material is a small crystal that is attached to the bridge of the guitar. When the strings vibrate, the crystal deforms and generates an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified and sent to an amplifier or PA system.

Piezo pickups have a number of advantages over other types of pickups. They are very sensitive, so they can pick up even the subtlest nuances of a guitar’s sound. They are also very versatile and can be used to produce a wide range of tones.

However, piezo pickups also have some disadvantages. They can be more expensive than other types of pickups, and they can be susceptible to feedback. Additionally, they can sometimes produce a harsh or brittle sound.

Overall, piezo pickups are a great option for guitarists who are looking for a pickup that can produce a wide range of tones. They are particularly well-suited for acoustic guitars, but they can also be used in electric guitars.

Here are some of the reasons why people like piezo pickups:

They produce a bright, clear sound that is similar to an acoustic guitar.
They are very sensitive, so they can pick up even the subtlest nuances of a guitar’s sound.
They can be used to produce a wide range of tones, from bright and crisp to warm and mellow.
They are relatively versatile and can be used in a variety of musical settings.

Here are some of the reasons why people might not like piezo pickups:

They can be more expensive than other types of pickups.
They can be susceptible to feedback.
They can sometimes produce a harsh or brittle sound.

2. Magnetic Pickups:

Magnetic pickups are a type of pickup that can be used to amplify the sound of an electric acoustic guitar. They are more commonly found on electric guitars. They work by converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to an amplifier or PA system.

Magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars are similar to the pickups found in electric guitars, but they are typically smaller and more sensitive. They are usually attached to the soundhole of the guitar, and they can be either passive or active.

magnetic electric acoustic guitars image

Passive magnetic pickups do not require any external power source. They work by simply converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. Active magnetic pickups, on the other hand, do require an external power source. They typically have a built-in preamp that amplifies the signal before it is sent to the amplifier.

Magnetic pickups can offer a number of advantages over other types of pickups for acoustic guitars. They are relatively inexpensive, and they are easy to install and maintain. They can also produce a wide range of tones, from bright and clear to warm and mellow.

However, magnetic pickups also have some disadvantages. They can be susceptible to noise, and they can sometimes produce a harsh or brittle sound. Additionally, they can interfere with the natural sound of the acoustic guitar.

Overall, magnetic pickups can be a good option for acoustic guitarists who are looking for a versatile pickup that can produce a wide range of tones. However, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages before you decide to install one.

Here are some of the reasons why people like magnetic pickups on acoustic guitars:

They are versatile and can produce a wide range of tones.
They are relatively inexpensive.
They are easy to install and maintain.

Here are some of the reasons why people might not like magnetic pickups on acoustic guitars:

They can be susceptible to noise.
They can produce a harsh or brittle sound.
They can interfere with the natural sound of the acoustic guitar.

Preamp and Controls:

A preamp is a device that amplifies and shapes the signal from an acoustic guitar pickup. It is typically located in the soundhole of the guitar, and it can have a number of controls, including:

Volume: This control adjusts the overall output level of the signal.
Tone: This control adjusts the tonal balance of the signal, typically by boosting or cutting the high frequencies.
Blend: This control adjusts the balance between the pickup signal and the natural sound of the acoustic guitar.
Notch filter: This control can be used to remove feedback frequencies.
Phase: This control can be used to reverse the phase of the pickup signal, which can help to reduce feedback.

Some acoustic guitars also have additional controls, such as:

EQ: This control allows you to adjust the frequency response of the preamp.
Compression: This control can be used to even out the dynamics of the signal.
Tuner: This control allows you to tune your guitar.

The preamp and controls on an acoustic guitar can be used to shape the sound of the guitar and to improve its overall performance. They can also be used to correct any problems with the sound of the guitar, such as feedback or a muddy sound.

Amplification and Connectivity:

Once the electrical signals are processed by the preamp, they are ready for amplification. Electric acoustic guitars connect to various audio devices such as:

a) Guitar Amplifiers: By connecting the guitar to a dedicated guitar amplifier, players can further shape their sound and achieve higher volume levels suitable for live performances.

b) PA Systems: Electric acoustics can connect directly to a PA (Public Address) system, commonly used in larger venues or during professional audio recordings.

c) Audio Interfaces: For studio recording purposes, electric acoustic guitars can be connected to audio interfaces, allowing direct input into recording software on a computer.

How Electric Acoustic Guitars Work Conclusion:

Electric acoustic guitars have carved a niche for themselves in the music world. They merge the organic beauty of acoustic instruments with the versatility and amplification potential of electric guitars. Understanding the inner workings of these instruments provides insight into the technologies that enable their unique sounds and sonic possibilities. Electric acoustic guitars blend the traditions of acoustic guitar craftsmanship with modern electronic innovations. They will continue to inspire musicians to explore new musical horizons.

We have a few of these guitars featured in our 10 of the Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar post. One of our favorites is the Epiphone Hummingbird Studio.

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. You can read my affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.