Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

[eschoendorff]

Acoustics just beat the sheit out of my hands. I know, I'm a wuss. I have a nice Ibanez acoustic that has a cutaway, preamp and a nice neck. I put Thomastik-Infeld strings on it and it sounds like heaven.

I don't play it often enough to really build the requisite strength though. I spend most of my time with my electrics and am concentrating my technique on controlling high-gain sounds right now (and, boy do I need to do a lot of work!).

That, however, doesn't help much when I need to play with a local church group.

If I had a decent, cheap acoustic that played like an electric (same slinky feeling) - that would be great. Something where I could keep a more relaxed approach with my left hand, especially with barre chords. Would the Fender Stratacoustic do this? Anyone familiar with it?

Any ideas?

 

[Aceman]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Ovation. Some decent Celebrity models out there.
If you can stand the V neck - there's your guitar. Honestly, the V is pretty cool IMO. steep down by the nut, slightens as you go higher.

This IS the acoustic guitar designed for electric guys. You might also try a Kramer ferrington, Fender Stratocoustic, Ibanez Talman or any other of those thin electric neck boxes. I find those things too thin sounding though.

However - my cheap acoustic electric trick is to use a Zoom acoustic pedal. really does wonders for the tone.

 

[wolf5150]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Ovation Viper

Had mine for almost 10 years and still love it.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Check out Godin guitars. They are interesting, and amazing sounding.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

The Ovation Viper! Wolf5150 is right- I love mine. Great acoustic sound- even though it is actually a chambered solidbody- about as thick as a Les Paul.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

just string one up with 9's

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Possibly an Ovation

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Play the one ya got. It'll improve your overall playing, even on electric. Seriously.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Remove the nut and saddle of the one you have and grind a little off the bottom of each one until you've achieved the action you desire.

I did that to my Takamine and now it frets like an electric.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Play the one ya got. It'll improve your overall playing, even on electric. Seriously.

yea toughen up

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Yes, by all means, develop 2 separate playing techniques where you need to have a stronger grip on the acoustic, if you can. If you can't, then I guess you'll simply have to live with the carpal tunnel, or the kung-fu grip you'll have on the electric which will inhibit your speed and comfort.

Seriously, people?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Having stronger hands always makes you have a stronger grip? I thought that's what motor control was for. I suppose people that lift weights can't hold glass drinking containers for fear of breaking them, right?

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

+1 on the Ovations.
Dig around til you find something that you like.
If you can find one with a "bare" or nearly bare neck, get it.
If not, sand down the finish.

MM

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

string the one you've got with lighter strings

OR

put heavier strings on all of your guitars and toughen the **** up

OR

don't play in church

 

[Baltar]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Ovation.

yep. i love my black textured elite.
cheap alternative (but ofcourse a completely different guitar) would be a fender sonoran

 

[lex666]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

I'm suprised nobody recommend Taylor.

I was told that Taylors feel close to electrics in terms of playability... Try it out.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

That'd be a Washburn.

I have had two of the same model, got rid of both because the action was so low and slinky.

If that's what you want, they are awesome, cheap, and sweet.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

I've taken two approaches this, as I have the same problem with acoustics:

- I picked up a thin-bodied Wechter acoustic. They plek all their guitars, so the frets are very level and the action is low. Put on a set of acoustic 10's, and it's very manageable.

- I have have a few hollowbody electrics (Epi Casino, Ibanez AF75, Washburn J3). You get a fairly loud acoustic sound, with the playability of an electric. An electric that sounds like an acoustic!

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

If you need a guitar that sounds acoustic but plays like an electric for live situations give these a try: http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultspectrump.htm

Reasonable prices . . . at least around here.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Need an acoustic that plays like an electric

Get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Fender®-Acoustasonic-Telecaster-Acoustic-Electric/dp/B003CTD81O