Why Some Acoustic Guitars Don't Plug into Amplifiers
Acoustic guitars are traditional stringed instruments, with roots going back thousands of years. The six-string version was developed in the late eighteenth century in Spain and grew in popularity as an accompaniment instrument for singers and small groups through the next century. As music in the 1900s brought the guitar into the mainstream, the need for amplification grew, but it was not always desired.
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Luthiery and Electronics
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Guitar makers, called luthiers, design and build acoustic instruments with very specific tonal characteristics. Careful attention is paid to the woods used, paint finish, body style, size, and construction methods.
Luthiers are in the business of building guitars, not electronics. Some feel that the modifications necessary to accommodate amplification will compromise the sound of the instrument and leave the option of aftermarket electronics to the buyer.
Defining a Need
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Since the acoustic guitar is inherently designed to project sound, the need for amplification is necessary only when performing situations warrant. The serious traditional or casual guitarist, playing in a home or to a small group of listeners, does not require amplification. Guitar makers recognize these players and manufacture non-amplified models accordingly.
Student and entry-level acoustic guitars are often not equipped with electronics, as the added cost would put price these instruments out of reach. The owner can always add electronics later or trade up to a guitar with built-in electronics.
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Personal Choice
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Guitar players can be as choosy about their instruments as they are their choice of electronics. While instruments may be offered with manufacturer's electronics, the buyer may prefer those of another company. Many companies specialize only in the development and manufacture of high quality electronics for acoustic amplification, and a number of players choose to go this route.
To the present day, the lines are drawn between guitarist's preference of microphones, pickups, and transducers. All three methods work well in amplifying acoustic guitars, but with different results. The choice is dictated by the player's preference and style of music, and therefore none is considered better than the others. Manufacturers make continuous improvements to all of these methods, with some offering combinations of two or all three.
Types Of Electronics
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Microphones offer the truest sound reproduction, as they pick up many nuances of the instrument. Still a popular choice for purists, they do limit the mobility of the guitarist, who must sit or stand in one spot. A good microphone will start at around $100.
Piezo transducers are built-in or attached to the instrument, working off the wood and string vibrations of the instrument. Although they offer high quality acoustic sound and are the most popular method, there is still a compromise in true acoustic sound. Quality transducers should be installed by a professional and start at $100 plus installation.
Electromagnetic pickups, such as those used on electric guitars, are also popular. Since the pickups work on string vibration alone, the sound is more electric that acoustic. Many electromagnetic pickups can be installed easily by the user, and good quality units cost $75 and up.
Making The Choice
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If you play guitar at backyard barbecues or small coffeehouses, an amplified acoustic guitar may not be worth the extra money. If you do require amplification and find an instrument you like that does not include electronics, the modifications can be made by any qualified guitar technician. Ask other players who play your style of music what amplification method they prefer. Not all electronics are created equal, so it pays to try as many equipped instruments as possible and find the right one for you.
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