Guitars are believed to be direct descendants of a variety of stringed instruments, primarily the lute. When going back to well before the written word, guitars have evolved a great deal over time. The jump from acoustic to electric guitars is often very noticeable, but given the semi-acoustic guitar’s look, it is not uncommon to confuse the two.
The main difference between an acoustic and a semi-acoustic guitar is the addition of pickups on the latter. The acoustic guitar has a limited volume, while the semi-acoustic can be plugged in to amplify the sound. Visually, they look similar, except for the F-hole over round soundholes.
It might be possible to modify and amplify an acoustic guitar, but they are designed and manufactured to be played without pickups or plug-ins. In contrast, the semi-acoustic is intended to be played both with and without amplification. In this article, we will:
- Compare the differences between the newer semi-acoustic guitars and the classic acoustic style guitar.
- Look at the different acoustic guitar types along with semi-acoustic guitars and how they are made up.
- Explore the history of the guitar and how the modern acoustic guitar came to be.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: Sound
Both the acoustic and the semi-acoustic guitar can be picked up and played without the need for electronics or amplification. Though due to the center block found in most semi-acoustic guitars, it will not be as loud as the acoustic version.
Though the semi-acoustic, semi-hollow body will provide a warmer tone that you would get from an electric guitar, it will not have the same quality as an acoustic guitar. On the other hand, the semi-acoustic guitar will offer a more natural sound than a fully electric guitar.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: Volume
The sound emitted from an acoustic guitar is often enough to accompany a singer in a small to medium-sized room. However, a semi-acoustic guitar sound without amplification would likely be too quiet to hear properly over a singer.
However, they truly shine when plugged into an amplifier. Unlike an acoustic guitar, they can be connected and the volume exponentially improved by a series of pickups.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: Pickups
It is possible to add pickups to an acoustic guitar to amplify the sound (though it would then be known as an electro-acoustic guitar). However, unless you are willing to pull the instrument apart and/or drill holes in the front and back, the pickups will likely have to be placed on the outside or just inside the soundbox. This can reduce the quality of the sound and will often create feedback through the amplifier.
Semi-acoustic guitars are fitted with pickups during manufacturing to allow for the best positioning and optimal sound. These internal pickups can be combined with microphones and other styles of pickups to create the most authentic acoustic guitar sound.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: Strings
Most larger acoustic guitars benefit from the use of steel strings due to their size and the amount of tension required. However, they can be used with nylon strings, provided the gauge is thick enough.
By contrast, due to the need for electromagnetic induction for the pickups to work, a semi-acoustic guitar will make no sound when plugged into an amplifier if nylon strings are installed.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: Cost
Although there are many acoustic guitars worth hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars, you can find decent options for less than $100. As a beginner, an acoustic guitar can be found cheaply while you are still learning.
It is possible to find an electric guitar for under $100, but there are added costs. Playing your guitar will need an amplifier and cables, which can cost another $100 or more.
Which One Is Right for You?
The sound created by an acoustic guitar is very different from that of the electric guitar. The feel of the instrument, the weight, and the style, are all unique with each design. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
An acoustic guitar offers a natural sound and is often inexpensive when compared to an electric guitar. In contrast, the electric guitar has an electric sound and can cost far more, especially when you include the cost of an amplifier.
The beauty of a semi-acoustic guitar is that it sits in the middle of the two. It has many of the acoustic guitar qualities, with many of the advantages of the electric guitar. It will have a warmer tone but can also be amplified to fill a larger room.
For those not looking to play in front of a room of people, an acoustic guitar is more than enough. They are light-weight, readily available, and easy to use. You can use nylon strings, which are often more straightforward for beginners, and there is little need for extra, like cables and speakers.
For those looking to save money but still want the electric and acoustic guitar experience, a semi-acoustic can become a two-in-one option until you can purchase both.
A Note on Electro-Acoustic Guitars
If you are looking more for an acoustic guitar’s sound without the electronic tones, an electro-acoustic guitar might be the better option. This type of guitar is essentially an acoustic guitar fitted with electronics and pickups by the manufacturer. This allows the instrument to be plugged in, and the sound is amplified like an electric guitar.
Although the semi-acoustic will have more of a natural sound than an electric guitar, it will not have the same tone as an acoustic. This option allows for greater volume without losing the natural tone of the instrument.
One drawback of this type of guitar is the need for a battery. Though it will not need to be replaced too often, it would be advised to purchase and carry a spare. Also, the sound can be slightly distorted. However, many musicians use a combination of pickups to get the best sound possible.
At home, modifications are possible, as can be seen in the video below. Here, he is fitting a simple pickup over the soundboard:
For a more permanent option, you would need to drill a hole at the base of the guitar to allow the cord to fit inside the body rather than hang from the front.
Acoustic Vs Semi-Acoustic Guitar: What Is an Acoustic Guitar?
An acoustic guitar is defined as having a hollow chamber over which strings can vibrate. The use of frets allows the sound created by the strings to change, and the sound is able to carry through the air without the need for an amplifier.
The main types of acoustic guitar include but are not limited to:
- Dreadnought
- Dreadnought Variants
- Parlour
- Classical
- Jumbo
- Auditorium
- Grand Auditorium
Typically created with six strings, some do have a 12 string design with pairs of strings that offer identical pitch and a chorus-like effect. The strings can be played with the fingertips or with a pick, depending on the style of the musician and the sound desired.
The Flat Top
The first variety of acoustic guitars is the flat top. It gets its name from the flat surface on the top and bottom of the instrument. These are the most commonly found acoustic guitars and what you would expect to see the most often. Due to their cheaper design, they are used for beginners and are the closest relative to Martin’s work.
Archtop Guitars
Orville H. Gibson, the founder of the Gibson Guitar Company, is credited with the invention of the archtop guitar. Designed to enhance the tone and quality of the instrument, Gibson took his inspiration from the violin. Incorporating a curved (arched) back and front, he discovered that both the sound and quality could be amplified.
Steel String Guitars
The most commonly used steel strings guitars are primarily suited for strumming and fingerpicking. Though due to the tension in the strings, advanced arrangements can be more challenging to achieve. The Dreadnought and the Parlour are two of the most commonly seen types of steel-stringed guitars.
The Dreadnought
Initially launched by CF Martin & Co. in 1916, this is possibly the most famous acoustic guitar style today. It has the most volume and bass frequency with a rich and wide range of tone, making it suited to any number of musical styles, from rock to punk to country music.
Named for the British battleship, the HMS Dreadnought, this body style includes a broad top with a large internal cavity. This allows for extra volume and incredible bass and midrange sounds that are preferable to Bluegrass musicians.
The Martin D might be the most popular choice amongst musicians in the Dreadnought style. Artists like Tony Rice, Joni Mitchel, and The Dave Matthews Band have all made historical records using one of the Martin D range Dreadnought guitars, proving that it can be used in all types of music.
The Parlour
Where the Dreadnought is quite large, the Parlour is known as one of the smallest guitar bodies available. Another CF Martin & Co. design, the Parlour guitar, has a focus on the higher range. The smaller dimensions make it easier for fingerwork, and the slimmer shoulders (where the body meets the neck) make it slightly easier to handle.
The Parlour design and smaller shape include many different acoustic guitars that are far more portable than the larger designs. The lighter design and smaller body were made famous by Ian Anderson (frontman of Jethro Tull), who was known to throw the instrument onto his back during his performances.
Jumbo Guitars
Introduced by Gibson in 1937, as the name suggests, these are