help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

BluesGuyJ

New member
Alrighty, I am back in a band and am looking at possibly getting an acoustic electric so that I can head out with the singer/acoustic player in my band for open mics/acoustic sets. I would really like to get my hands on something that has great playability and feels similar to an electric. Action and the dimensions of the neck. I do lead work and harmony on electric while the singer focuses more on the main progression. Any thoughts? I play rock, funk, pop, blues, and some other types of music.
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

Yamaha apx500. Or some similarly shaped offering by some premium brand. Also a gypsy jazz acoustic might take you there. Go to some store and try a few.
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

Ovation makes some very nice playing guitars that also sound great. The neck is pretty fast (for an acoustic) and their pre-amp is really good. My "Holly" will always be one of my favorites to play!
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

Anything from Yamaha is a winner. Someone mentioned the APX500III. It is a very good choice.

I may also suggest any of there concert-sized acoustic-electrics. The 730 models of their F Series are some of the most underrated guitars on the market. The model that would suit your needs best is the FSX730SC.
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

Yamaha apx500. Or some similarly shaped offering by some premium brand. Also a gypsy jazz acoustic might take you there. Go to some store and try a few.

Anything from Yamaha is a winner. Someone mentioned the APX500III. It is a very good choice.

I may also suggest any of there concert-sized acoustic-electrics. The 730 models of their F Series are some of the most underrated guitars on the market. The model that would suit your needs best is the FSX730SC.

I have the Yamaha APX500III in black
with a soundhole cover to prevent feedback

this is what an electric guitar player needs for an acoustic

I bought my Martin 000CE1 for exactly the same reason
smaller body, and the thin electric style neck with low action

the Martin is also a good choice but at five times the price
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

i like the acoustic sounds of my guilds and martin better but nothing plays as easy as a decent taylor
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

If it's mostly for stage work, I'd recommend the Michael Kelly-Rick Turner S6. It has an accurate acoustic guitar sound, an electric feel, and it's very feedback resistant, even at stage volume; and it's not too pricey. (Disclaimer--I was involved in the development of the Michael Kelly-Rick Turner series as well as the electronics in these instruments).
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

Thanks for all of the ideas everyone. I also restrung my girlfriends mothers acoustic with 10 gauge strings and that made a huge difference with playability. I've never put anything on my acoustic that went below a 12. I'll try looking for some of the models you all mentioned in the local area.
 
Re: help an electric nerd/nut learn about what kind of acoustic electric to look for

For a pure acoustic, nothing beats a great Martin. I've owned a Martin since 1973, and now have several. I have a new HD-28E Retro, and it is AMAZING. And plugged in, the F1+ AURA is simply the best and by far the most natural sounding pickup I've heard. Ever. But, it's a $3K guitar, and it should be fantastic...and it delivers.

I also have a 2002 Taylor 710-CE. Mine has the Fishman preamp, and I prefer this over their ES. ES is fine for fingerpicking, but I find that it breaks up with hard strumming. And acoustically, the guitar is no match for any of my Martin dreads.

I also have a Takamine EF381 12-string, and it is a fine mid-priced guitar. Totally exceeded my expectations. The CTB-4 preamp is really great. Tak builds some really terrific acoustic electrics...don't count them out. There's a reason why so many touring groups use Takamine.

I recently tried one of the new Yamahas; I didn't play it plugged in, but it was very good acoustically. Not giving up my Martins, but it was a great value. Sorry, don't remember the model. Another brand to look at is Breedlove. I've had good luck with Ibanez instruments too, I have an Artwood acoustic-electric, and to be honest, it sounds as good as my Taylor. Tremendous bang for the buck.

The thing to do is to play a lot of guitars, and find the one that speaks to you. And be sure to budget for a good setup from a luthier.

Good luck!

Bill
 
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