Ways to Convert Your Acoustic Guitar into an Electric One?
Do you have an acoustic guitar but wish it had a little more oomph? Well, we’ve got some good news for you! This blog post will discuss 5 easy ways to convert your acoustic guitar into an electric one. You’ll be surprised at how easy and affordable it can be – and the results are amazing!
How To Make An Acoustic Guitar Electric
The way to make your acoustic guitar electric is by adding an electric pickup. This can be done in a variety of ways, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
You can install…
- An under-saddle pickup
- A bridge plate transducer
- A magnetic soundhole pickup
- An internal microphone pickup
- A mounted external micropone
5 Ways To Convert Your Acoustic Guitar To An Electric One.
Under Saddle Pickups
This is the most common type of electric pickup and it’s also the easiest to install. It simply attaches to the bottom of the saddle on your acoustic guitar. Under saddle, pickups are known for their clarity and brightness, which makes them a popular choice for acoustic-electric guitars.
I personally recommend the Fishman VT. It’s a high-quality, well-reviewed under-saddle pickup that is easy to install.
Bridge Plate Transducer
Bridge plate transducers are another popular type of electric pickup. They attach to the bridge plate of your acoustic guitar and use vibration to create an electrical signal. This type of pickup is known for its warmth and richness, making it a good choice for those who want an acoustic sound with a bit more punch.
I recommend the K&K Pure Mini. It’s a high-quality bridge plate transducer that is affordable and easy to install.
Magnetic Soundhole Pickups
This type of electric pickup is placed in your soundhole and slides into place. It’s a little more expensive than under-saddle pickups, but it uses magnetic properties to create an electrical signal. Magnetic soundhole pickups are known for their sensitive response and affordability.
I personally recommend the Fishman Blackstack. It’s a high-quality pickup that is the easiest to install of all the options listed here.
Internal Microphone Pickups
This type of electric pickup is installed inside your acoustic guitar. It uses a small microphone to capture the sound of your guitar. Internal microphone pickups are known for their accurate reproduction of the natural tone of your acoustic guitar.
I recommend the LR Baggs Lyric. It’s a high-quality, well-reviewed internal microphone pickup but it does take a little bit to install.
Mounted External Microphone Pickups
This is the most expensive type of electric pickup, but it also offers the highest quality tone. It’s mounted externally and uses a small microphone at its end to capture your sound. Like internal microphone pickups, this one captures every nuance of your guitar without changing or altering anything about how it sounds.
I recommend the DPA 4099. It’s a high-quality, well-reviewed external microphone pickup that is easy to install.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making An Acoustic Guitar Electric
Can an acoustic guitar be amplified?
Yes! The best way to amplify an acoustic guitar is by using a pickup. Any one of the pickups listed above will give your instrument more power and volume without changing its tone or sound in any other way. Just make sure you choose something small, simple, and easy to install – like those I suggested here!
Will adding a pickup change the sound of my guitar?
It depends. Some will, especially if they are cheap. The best electric pickups will not change or alter your acoustic guitar’s natural tone. They simply amplify it, giving you the opportunity to play on stage with an unplugged instrument that sounds like you’re plugged in.
Can I use any acoustic guitar with a pickup?
Yes, you can install a pickup on an acoustic guitar. However, some pickups are better suited for certain guitars than others. I recommend choosing a pickup that is specifically designed for acoustic-electric guitars if you want the best tone and sound quality.
Do all acoustic guitars come ready-made with pickups installed?
No, most acoustic guitars do not come with pickups installed. You will need to purchase and install a pickup if you want your guitar to be electric.
How do I amplify my acoustic guitar?
There are a few different ways to amplify your acoustic guitar. Once you have a pickup installed you can then plug it into either an acoustic guitar amp or a PA system.
Can I use my electric guitar amp with my acoustic guitar?
The best way to amplify an acoustic guitar is by using a pickup and plugging it into an acoustic guitar amp or PA system. This will give you the most power and volume without changing the tone or sound of your instrument in any other way. Just make sure you choose something small, simple, and easy to install!
Conclusion – Ways to Convert Your Acoustic Guitar into an Electric One
So there you have it! Five ways to convert your acoustic guitar into an electric one. I hope this post has helped you in making your decision – and happy playing!
