Electro-Acoustic Guitars

An electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic instrument with a built-in pickup, so you can connect it to an amplifier, mixing console or audio interface without a microphone. It retains the natural sound of a wooden soundbox while giving you the option to play in a band, on stage or when recording. When choosing, consider the body shape and size, the type of electronics and where you plan to use the guitar.

Which body shape suits you?

What to consider about the electronics

Check which controls the model offers—volume, equaliser and possibly a tuner—how it is powered and which output connector it uses. Resistance to feedback and preamp quality are also important for stage use. Simpler electronics are sufficient for playing at home.

Your first instrument and accessories

If you are just starting, explore guitars for beginners, which are often adapted for learning. You can amplify the guitar through guitar combos or a mixing console and protect it with a suitable bag or case.

What to check before choosing

1. The body shape and size.
2. The electronics type and power supply.
3. Whether it has a tuner or equaliser.
4. A cutaway for access to the upper frets.
5. A bag or case matching its dimensions.

How the guitar sounds unplugged

An electro-acoustic guitar remains a fully functional acoustic guitar, so consider its unplugged sound when choosing. The top wood, body shape and cutaway affect both tone and playing comfort. Also check the string height above the fingerboard and the neck width if you have smaller hands.

Connections and the stage

You can connect the guitar directly to a mixing console through a DI box or plug it into an acoustic combo. Feedback can occur at higher volume. Reducing the bass, using a suitable filter and positioning the instrument appropriately in relation to the stage monitors can help.

Before choosing, compare the body shape, electronics and accessories, and bear in mind that some models are intended primarily for home use while others are designed for the stage.