Acoustic vs. Electric

[Wally]

Do you play primarily electric, primarily acoustic, or a mix? I should play acoustic most of the time, based on my style and abilities, but the Telecaster has ruined me. I find I don't enjoy playing the acoustic much anymore.

[Teleguy]

Electric only, at this stage of my life.
I don't even own an acoustic.
It just seems that I need to be heard!

I've had some nice acoustics, and like to fingerpick and all, it's just that I haven't found one that really stratches my itch since I sold my '61 J-45 about 25 years ago to finance a two week fling with trombone with my middle boy. :banghead

I do like Larrivee's however, and my birthday is in April. :mrgreen:

[Wally]

Electric only, at this stage of my life.
I don't even own an acoustic.
It just seems that I need to be heard!

I have several nice acoustics, but none have pickups and I need to hear myself - this is one of the main reasons I don't play them much anymore. I have gotten used to hearing myself on electric, and micing the acoustic through the PA I just don't feel like I can hear myself well enough (I think others can hear it fine).

I do a little fingerpicking too, but I tend to like the way it sounds on electric as well or better (and volume isn't the issue it is with acoustic). I think the main thing for me, however, is that the electric is just so much easier on the hands/fingers that I have gotten spoiled. When I played acoustic only I was used to it, and would play for hours, but now after a few minutes on the acoustic my hands and fingers start hurting.

I am curious how those that switch back and forth deal with these issues - bigger guage strings on their electrics maybe? I realize the volume issue could be remedied by buying an acoustic with a pickup (or installing one of the ones I already own), but then there is the whole issue of acoustic amps....

[Ascension]

I have a Carvin DC400 with the Fishman accoustic bridge built into the Wilkerson. I run the Fishman through a LRBaggs Paracoustic direct and the electric signal to an amp and mix them REALLY versitile rig!! I don't use it that much as the soundman never gives me enough accoustic signal in the monitor but REALLY sounds GREAT and there are NO feed back issues at ANY volumes. Here is a pic of her with my matching MTS combo both in DeepPurple http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v27/rutledri/IM000204.jpg

[jazzrat]

I have a nice Takemine Classical cutaway but I really prefer electric. My roles at church and as a jazz guy do not call for an acoustic.
Plus my 50 year old hands rebel big time if the action is stiff at all.

[Teleguy]

...When I played acoustic only I was used to it, and would play for hours, but now after a few minutes on the acoustic my hands and fingers start hurting.

I am curious how those that switch back and forth deal with these issues - bigger guage strings on their electrics maybe?....


It's been a while since I've seen an acoustic Flat-top that had action that would rival an electric's. I have had them, though.
It's not the string gauge issue. I use heavier strings on my archtop and do not get tired.
It's so-called "bar chords" that would kill me, up the neck, so I've learned partial chords or other forms that don't overload my fretting hand so much.
Jazz books are full of optional chord forms.
I sure don't bend strings so much on heavy strings either!

[seagullplayer]

Flat top only for me. I do have one with a pickup, I don't count that as an electric.

[reverbbb]

I like to play both acoustic and electric. But these days, I have been about 90% electric at church. We have a great player that uses his Seagull acoustic nearly every Sunday. I only play acoustic when he is not available.

But, that is about to change soon. He also plays for the college age ministry. That group will soon split off and form their own "on campus" church. That ministry is growing like crazy.

I can do more tricks and licks on an electric. However, I have always felt that the acoustic is a more expressive instrument in the dynamics department. I always marveled over the fact that some of my favorite rock tunes always had an acoustic (think Who, Led Zepplin, Boston, Allman Bros, etc.). With the acoustic guitar in my hand, I have a much easier time of driving the dynamics of P&W up or down.

The only acoustic that I have, is my D44-BLD Guild that my parents gave me for a high school graduation present back in 1977. I put a Fishman "under-saddle" pup in about 5 years ago. There is no pre-amp, thus no volume control or EQ. My maple back and side guitar is a little bit boomy. So, I have been jonezing for a Martin 00-something. I played an excellent 00-12V (apparently no longer made and rare) last week at the Texas Guitar Festival, but it sold and was outside my financial means.

I like the tone of a good Rosewood back. The Martins are mostly Mahagony and have a "bluegrass" flatness to them. I don't care for that flatness in a live setting, but they sure mic up and record nicely.

[kewlpack]

Electric Only lately. I miss my Ovation... :roll:

If/when I get another acoustic, I think I'll try another brand. Maybe one of those Seagulls or something. It needs to have EQ, pickup, etc.

[still4given]

Nashville Power Tele. I guess that makes me a cheater.

:-)

Blessings, Terry

[Ascension]

Hey reverbb check out the LRBaggs Paracoustic , it will give you controll over the EQ and does WONDERS to take out the pizo QUACK and make it sound more natural out front. It's an amazing little tool \:D/ :cool: !!

[seagullplayer]

Hey reverbb check out the LRBaggs Paracoustic , it will give you controll over the EQ and does WONDERS to take out the pizo QUACK and make it sound more natural out front. It's an amazing little tool \:D/ :cool: !!

With a "direct box", if your going direct into the Church PA. There's magic in that there box!

And don't overlook a Seagull for yourself, great guitar at any price.

[Ravindave_3600]

I usually play a Washburn AE10. It's got a nice full sound, and looks good, too. I run it through a Boss CH-1 into the PA, and I'm able to get a wide range of sounds, from acoustic rock to very gentle ballads. I don't use the tele in church too much, only when we're doing something very rocky or twangin' country.

And that doesn't happen too much.

[Wally]

Nashville Power Tele. I guess that makes me a cheater.

:-)

Blessings, Terry

I would like to hear one of those. I have a "regular" Nashville Tele that is my "#1". When I think a song would sound better on acoustic, I have been using the bridge/middle position for a little more "jangle" instead of fighting with the mic and struggling to hear myself on the acoustic...

[Micter]

I have quite a few acoustics but I haven't played any of them for a long time. I've been thing about it though. :lol:

[RainCaster]

I use my acoustics mostly, and electrics rarely. I wish I could use the tele more, and I have developed a profound GAS for a Gretsch Nashville Special... I digress-

The acoustics win right now. I love the dynamics, but I grouse at what happens to my sound once it goes into the church's sound system. My acoustic amp does not have the power to fill our sanctuary, but my Vox stack is waay overkill. :mrgreen: So I am stuck using the sound board & attendant people. :banghead

[Teleguy]

Bummer!

I would be glad to use acoustic, if it sounded like an acoustic after the sound man got a hold of the signal, instead of sounding like I phoned in my parts. :soapbox

[RainCaster]

The real decision is about $$. Do I just go buy a nice clean amp for my acoustics, (and thereby avoid the sound system butchery) or use that money to buy a new hollow body & mando... Sigh.

Of course my other hobby (sailing) has managed to vacuum all those funds away for now anyhow. :-({|=

[leecow]

Most of the year I'm on electric but the acoustic comes out when needed. I'll do a handful of solo preludes through the year on my Taylors and over the holidays the classical chops, along with the LoPrinzi M1000, get dusted off for a little 'high brow' music.

[MrMike]

This is my newest baby- a gift from my brother, who is quite possibly the coolest human on the planet.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/PraiseCaster/dsc001023aj.jpg




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/PraiseCaster/dsc001042pp.jpg


Edit webmaster: I had to resize the photo's. PLEASE remember to have photo's that you post, no bigger than 400 x 400 pix. If you dont, its really grim to scroll back and forth on the page! Thanks, stephen.

[allthegoodnamesweregone]

hmmm i mostly play acoustic namly because there is already an electic player in our church band.. but dont get me wrong i can rip a solo a long fast solo...

[Teleguy]

hmmm i mostly play acoustic namly because there is already an electic player in our church band.. but dont get me wrong i can rip a solo a long fast solo...


Wait'll your fingers get old and slow!
I gotta have power steering on my guitar (10's)!
;)

[SAguitar]

I own an acoustic, a nice one really, but I haven't played it yet this year. I'm just hooked on all the colors you can wring out of electrics. When I do play the acoustic, I just sound like an electric player on an acoustic guitar anyway.

[TheViking]

This is my newest baby- a gift from my brother, who is quite possibly the coolest human on the planet.

Hmm I am not your brother am I heheheh

[gracejames]

I played that 30th Anniversary Taylor. I really really liked it. Congratulations. I've been using an Ovation Elite and i think its a great bang/buck guitar. Especially in recording because the sound is really in your face in a simular way that I hear in the Taylors but not exactly the same tone. I think i'm about 75% Electric 25% Accoustic. blessings, j

[TheBigKevDogg]

You'd think that since my acoustic is worth more than both of my electrics combined I should play more acoustic (I have a Taylor 710ce), but I just can't keep my hands off of my telecasters! I guess my whole signal path is more expensive than my acoustic though (guitars > effects > amps). I do still love acoustic, and playing electric makes me appreciate it more, but to me electric is just more "fun" and "dynamic"

[MDK2323]

I have a Carvin DC400 with the Fishman accoustic bridge built into the Wilkerson. I run the Fishman through a LRBaggs Paracoustic direct and the electric signal to an amp and mix them REALLY versitile rig!! I don't use it that much as the soundman never gives me enough accoustic signal in the monitor but REALLY sounds GREAT and there are NO feed back issues at ANY volumes. Here is a pic of her with my matching MTS combo both in DeepPurple http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v27/rutledri/IM000204.jpg

Holy cow dude! I thought that I was a Carvin lover, you are truelly the company rep!! They are great though! They don't get the respect as luthiers that they so rightly deserve.

God Bless!

[MrMike]

MDK2323, where in Iowa are you? My wife is from the Cherokee area (about 30 minutes east of Sioux City). I lived there for about 13 years.

[Brian]

I play primarily electric for our 2nd and 3rd service P&W as there are 3 acoustic guitarists on the team besides me. But I play my Taylor Dan Crary Signature Model dreadnaught through my Rivera Sedona for a simple solo fingerstyle rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" when there are baby dedications, and (can you believe this?) almost everybody on the team has gone home for the closing worship song at the end of 3rd service... no drums, sometimes no bass and I feel self concious playing electric without them. My son and I also play Bluegrass guitar and mandolin with a group of (Christian) Bluegrass players every other week, and the DCSM is an IDEAL Bluegrass instrument.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/DCSM400.jpg

Additionally, I play Jazz in a big band. The archtop guitar was designed for big band and I use my late Mom's Mom's Regal archtop often for rehearsal. It provides the CLASSIC Freddie Green chunk, with good power. I'm 52 and it was around ever since I can remember. It's old enough to have no truss rod; it could be a 40s model. I discovered that it has a SOLID (carved) spruce top, maple sides and back. Even though I have an L5, it is my main practice guitar for pounding out jazz technique/theory and charts. I kid you not, just recently this guitar compared very favorably to a new $5000 17" hand carved archtop at a luthier's convention. Fuller tone, more power and resonance! I was absolutely amazed! And I am absolutely Blessed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/Regal400.jpg

[LesStrat]

I play both instruments.

[OlsonAcoustic]

My vote is for acoustic. No matter how you shake electric guitar, there is twice the expressiveness from an acoustic discipline than an electric discipline. The same holds true with tone. Even the vast differences between single coil and humbee configurations, amp and effect combinations, the tonal qualities between one style of acoustic to another is twice the joy. I recently have suffered a bad case of CT syndrome in my left hand, so while electric is easier to play, it really cannot express me like a hollow box of wood and heavier gauge strings.

IMHO! :-)

[Crunchyriff]

My vote is for acoustic. No matter how you shake electric guitar, there is twice the expressiveness from an acoustic discipline than an electric discipline.

HAR!! Nay I say!! :mrgreen:

IMHO, I find the opposite to be true. That being said, my opinion depends upon three basic (and key) factors:

1. The pickups

2. The particular amplifier

3. The capability of the player.

So what I'm saying is, though an acoustic with a great, responsive top is quite expressive; IMHO, the right electric rig, coupled with the right player is FAR more expressive. Due to the factors of picking dynamics and getting more break-up as you increase attack, ( ie: "playing the amp") I find the electric can be far more, for lack of a better word, "verbose".

No matter how you attack an acoustic, you get varying degrees of the same result- you can only go so far; whereas with electric you can go from very very clean, to fat, raunchy and aggressive; and all points in between.

Of course, beauty is indeed in the ear of the beholder, and my opinion takes nothing away from what a great acoustic CAN do; nor does it mean I'm the authority on these matters.

YMMV. 8-[

[phisherman1997]

Depends on the event. Currently we seem to be splitting time between smaller 'acoustic' sets and bigger 'full-band' .

For the acoustic stiff I play a Taylor 110 with a Fishman Acoustic Matrix pickup. On the elecric side it's my Fender 72 Custom Tele RI (MIM body & electronics, MIJ neck; but that's a story for another thread), pedalboard, & Ampeg Gemini I.

I play totally differently depending on the guitar, but I love 'em both.

[seagullplayer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/DCSM400.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/Regal400.jpg

Nice pictures! How did I miss your getting here? Welcome from,(markm2553)

[DJanzen]

For some years I've been playing primarily acoustic 12-string. It was the only guitar (acoustic or electric) that I owned at the time. It was a fairly old Conn dread (band instrument people) that was an OK guitar. Then I bought a Taylor 655ce... overnight I became a much better player! Amazing guitar! I've had it now just over 2 years, and until recently it has been my main P&W guitar.

But I wanted to get out of the '12-string for everything' habit, so a couple of months ago a bought a Taylor Koa T5. Much different guitar for Taylor... and for me. I am gettting used to it now, but without going in to a long-winded description of what it can do (check out the Taylor website) I will just say that it has opened up a whole new level of acoustic AND electric options. Still playing the 12-string 80% of the time at church... but between my T5 and my EC Strat, this is changing.

I enjoy both acoustic and electric a lot, so I'm fine with either, as needed.

DJanzen

[Larry Wallwart]

I prefer electric