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A Ultimate Buying Guide for Electro-Acoustic Guitar
About Electro Acoustic Guitar
Guitars are one of the most popular musical instruments, and they come in a variety of styles and types. One such type is the electro-acoustic guitar. An electro-acoustic guitar is a hybrid of the traditional acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. It has a similar body shape to a traditional acoustic guitar, but it also has built-in electronics, which allow it to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system.
In this buying guide, we'll explore the various factors that you should keep in mind when shopping for an electro-acoustic guitar.
How is an Electro-Acoustic Guitar Different from Traditional Acoustic and Electric Guitars?
A traditional acoustic guitar relies solely on its hollow body to produce sound, and it does not have any built-in electronics. On the other hand, an electric guitar relies on its pickups and electronics to produce sound and requires an amplifier to amplify the sound. An electro-acoustic guitar combines the best of both worlds, as it can be played acoustically without the need for an amplifier, or it can be plugged in and amplified to produce electric guitar-like sounds.
Important Factors to Consider
There are several factors to consider before buying an electro-acoustic guitar to ensure that you get the best guitar for your needs. The importance of considering these factors is that they can affect the sound quality, playability, and overall experience of playing the guitar. Some of the factors to consider include budget, body style, tonewoods, electronics, playability, brand and reputation, and accessories.
Body Style
There are several body styles for electro-acoustic guitars, and each style offers its own unique sound and feel. Here are some of the most common electro-acoustic guitar body styles:
Dreadnought
Dreadnought electro-acoustic guitars are renowned for their robust body shape and timeless style, offering a bold and commanding presence on stage. With a large, square-shouldered body design, the dreadnought model delivers powerful projection, deep bass response, and ample volume. Its wide soundboard allows for rich and resonant tones, making it ideal for strumming and flatpicking styles. The dreadnought's versatile sound lends itself well to various genres, from folk and country to rock and blues. With its iconic appearance and sturdy construction, the dreadnought electro-acoustic guitar exudes a sense of confidence and delivers a bold, unmistakable sound that captivates audiences.
Concert
Concert electro-acoustic guitars showcase a refined body shape and elegant style, making them a preferred choice for discerning musicians. With a body size larger than a parlor guitar but smaller than a dreadnought, the concert model offers a comfortable playing experience and balanced tonal response. Its well-proportioned body shape delivers a harmonious blend of clear articulation, warm mid-range, and controlled bass. This balance makes it versatile for various musical genres and playing styles. The concert electro-acoustic guitar's sleek design and tasteful aesthetics contribute to its sophisticated appearance, making it a visually appealing instrument that complements both intimate performances and larger venues.
Jumbo
Jumbo electro-acoustic guitars are renowned for their bold body shape and powerful style, delivering a commanding presence and resonant sound. With an oversized body, wider waist, and pronounced curves, the jumbo model offers increased volume, deep bass response, and rich tonal projection. This makes it an excellent choice for players seeking a guitar that can fill a room with its robust sound. Whether strummed or fingerpicked, the jumbo electro-acoustic guitar produces a full-bodied tone with emphasis on the low end, balanced mid-range, and shimmering highs. Its visually striking appearance and commanding sound make the jumbo guitar a standout instrument for expressive and dynamic performances.
Orchestra Model
Orchestra electro-acoustic guitars, renowned for their stylish design and comfortable body shape, are highly versatile instruments suitable for various musical styles. With a body shape that falls between the larger dreadnought and the smaller parlor guitar, the orchestra model strikes a perfect balance. It offers a deep and rich tone in the lower end, clear and articulate mid-range frequencies, and sparkling treble notes. This well-rounded tonal profile makes it an ideal choice for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. With its elegant appearance and ergonomic design, the orchestra electro-acoustic guitar provides a visually appealing and comfortable instrument for versatile performances.
Parlor
The body shape of a parlor electro-acoustic guitar is characterized by its compactness, offering both comfort and a distinctive tonal character. With a smaller size compared to larger guitar styles, it provides easy playability and a focused sound, often emphasizing the mid-range frequencies. This makes it particularly suitable for fingerstyle playing and intricate melodies. Additionally, the portability of the parlor electro-acoustic guitar is a significant advantage, allowing musicians to easily travel with their instrument. Whether you're a traveling performer or someone seeking a comfortable and unique playing experience, the parlor electro-acoustic guitar combines convenience and its own musical charm in a compact package.
Ultimately, the best body style for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.
Choosing the Right Tonewood
Some of the commonly used tonewoods in electro-acoustic guitars include spruce, mahogany, maple, rosewood, and koa. Spruce is a popular choice for the top of the guitar, as it offers excellent projection and clarity. Mahogany is known for its warm, rich sound and is often used in the back and sides of a guitar. Maple offers a bright, focused sound, making it an ideal choice for the neck and body of the guitar. Rosewood provides a balanced tone with excellent sustain, while koa offers a warm, mellow sound.
When choosing a tonewood for an electro-acoustic guitar, factors such as the type of music being played, playing style, and personal preference should be considered. Additionally, the guitar's electronics and amplification system can also impact the tone and sound of the instrument, so it's essential to consider these factors as well. Ultimately, the right tonewood choice for an electro-acoustic guitar will depend on the player's individual needs and preferences.
Budget
When purchasing an electro-acoustic guitar in India, it's important to set a budget to avoid overspending or being swayed by unnecessary features. Several factors can affect the price of the guitar, such as the quality of materials used, the brand, the size and design, and the electronics and amplification system. Higher-priced guitars often feature premium tonewoods, intricate design details, and advanced electronics.
The price of an electro-acoustic guitar in India can vary depending on the level of the guitar. Here are some price ranges for different levels of electro-acoustic guitars in India:
Buy Best Electro Acoustic Guitars for Beginner Players
Fender Squier SA-105CE Electro Acoustic Guitar
Vault EA40CE Electro Acoustic Guitar
Cort AD810E Electro Acoustic Guitar
These Beginner level guitars are perfect for those who are just starting to learn how to play the guitar. They typically cost between INR 5,000 to INR 15,000.
Buy Best Electro Acoustic Guitars for Intermediate Players
Fender CD-60SCE Electro-Acoustic Guitar
PRS SE AX20E Electro Acoustic Guitar
Vault Performer Pro Electro Acoustic Guitar
These Intermediate level guitars are suitable for those who have some experience playing the guitar and are looking for a better quality instrument. They typically cost between INR 15,000 to INR 50,000.
Buy Best Electro Acoustic Guitars for Professional Players
Martin DX2E Semi Acoustic Guitar
PRS SE A50E Electro Acoustic Guitar
Seagull S6 Original Slim Acoustic Guitar
These Professional level guitars are for serious players who require high-quality instruments for live performances or recording. They typically cost between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 or more.
It's important to keep in mind that the price of an electro-acoustic guitar can vary depending on the brand, materials used, and other factors. It's always a good idea to do research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.The recommended price ranges for different levels of players can help you make a successful purchase that fits your budget and requirements.
Check the Electronics
When purchasing an electro-acoustic guitar, it's important to consider the electronics, which include pickups, preamps, tuners, and EQ controls.
Pickups are responsible for capturing the vibrations of the strings and converting them into an electrical signal. There are different types of pickups, including piezo, magnetic, and microphone-based. Quality pickups can significantly enhance the sound of the guitar.
Preamps are the circuitry that amplifies the signal from the pickups. A quality preamp can shape and boost the signal, producing a clear and balanced sound.
Built-in tuners are convenient and allow you to tune your guitar quickly and easily. EQ controls allow you to fine-tune the tone to suit your playing style and the venue you're performing in.
When shopping for an electro-acoustic guitar, consider the quality of the pickups and preamp, as well as the convenience and functionality of the built-in tuners and EQ controls. By choosing an instrument with high-quality electronics, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible sound from your guitar.
Playability
Playability is a crucial consideration when purchasing an electro-acoustic guitar. It refers to how comfortable and easy the guitar is to play, which greatly affects the playing experience.
Two significant factors to consider for playability are neck shape and string action. Neck shape can affect how the guitar feels in your hands, and different shapes suit different hand sizes and playing styles. String action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard and is critical for a comfortable playing experience. The right string action can make it easier to press down on the strings, while too high or too low can cause discomfort or fret buzz.
Testing the sound and sustain of the guitar is also crucial. You should assess the guitar's tone, resonance, and sustain while playing to ensure it produces the sound you desire. With the right playability factors, you can find an electro-acoustic guitar that is easy and comfortable to play, enhancing your overall playing experience.
Consider the Brand & Reputation
When purchasing an electro-acoustic guitar, it's essential to consider the brand and reputation of the manufacturer. Established brands often have a reputation for producing high-quality instruments that are durable, reliable, and well-crafted. In contrast, lesser-known brands may produce guitars of varying quality, making it difficult to assess the instrument's longevity and reliability.
Shop from Most Popular Electro Acoustic Guitar Brands
Researching online reviews and recommendations from other guitarists is a great way to assess the brand and reputation of the manufacturer. Reading reviews from people who have purchased and used the guitar can give you a better idea of the instrument's quality, sound, and overall performance. You can also ask for recommendations from other guitarists or music store professionals who have experience with different brands and models.
Accessories
Accessories can help protect and maintain the guitar, and make playing and transporting the instrument easier.
Some of the most common accessories include cases, straps, picks, and capos. Cases are available in both hard and soft varieties, and can help protect the guitar from damage during transport. Straps are essential for playing the guitar while standing up, and come in a variety of materials and styles. Picks are important for picking the strings, and can be made of materials such as plastic, nylon, or metal. Capos can be used to change the pitch of the strings, and are especially helpful when playing in different keys.
Overall, choosing the right accessories for your electro-acoustic guitar can enhance your playing experience and protect your investment. Be sure to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting accessories for your guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electro Acoustic Guitars
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several important factors to consider when buying an electro-acoustic guitar. These include budget, body style, tonewoods, electronics, playability, brand, reputation, and accessories.
To find the perfect instrument for your individual preferences and playing style, it's important to do research and testing. This can involve trying out different guitars in person, as well as reading reviews and getting recommendations from other guitarists and music gear experts.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality electro-acoustic guitar can enhance your playing experience and open up new possibilities for your music. So take the time to carefully consider your options, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced musicians and gear experts along the way.
