Acoustic Vs. Semi-Acoustic Guitar – Everything you need to Know!
Guitars stem from the lute instrument. Over time the guitar has evolved a great deal from his ancestors. In modern times there has been a shift from acoustic to electric guitars. But there is also a third variety that still exists, known as the semi-acoustic guitar.
However, most people confuse acoustic and semi-acoustic guitars for the same thing. In reality, this is not the case, and there are many differences between the two. Let us look at some of the differences to better understand each variety.
1. Pickups
You can add pickups to an acoustic guitar in order to amplify the sound, but for that, you will have to drill holes in the back and front of the guitar and place the pickups on the inside or just outside the soundbox.
This activity can greatly reduce the quality of the sound and will probably produce feedback through the amplifier.
On the other hand, a semi acoustic guitar comes fitted with pickups to ensure optimum sound production. You can combine the pickups with a microphone to create a very authentic and beautiful acoustic guitar sound.
2. Difference in sound
Both semi-acoustic and acoustic guitars do not need the aid of electronics and amplification to be played. However, semi-acoustic guitars are not as loud as their acoustic counterpart.
The semi-acoustic guitar offers a much warmer tone than that of an electric guitar. It will also offer a much more natural tone than a fully electric guitar.
3. Volume
If you want to perform in front of a small crowd in a medium-sized room, then the sound from an acoustic guitar will be sufficient.
However, the sound from a semi-acoustic guitar will be too low or quiet, which is why you will need an amplifier. A semi-acoustic guitar can be connected to an electronic system, and the volume is improved by using pickups.
4. Strings
Large acoustic guitars usually use steel strings as they have to withstand a lot of tension. However, some are manufactured using nylon strings. Semi-acoustic guitars, on the other hand, will produce no sound if nylon strings are installed.
5. Cost
Acoustic guitars can cost thousands of dollars, but you can find decent acoustic guitars for less than $150. If you are a beginner and still learning, we suggest you buy a cheap one. A semi-acoustic guitar can be found for under $100, but there will be added costs for the cables and amplifiers.
In a Nutshell
The major difference between a semi-acoustic and acoustic guitar is that an acoustic guitar does not require the need for a speaker.
The semi-acoustic guitar lies between an acoustic and electric guitar and can be played with or without amplification. As you have read above, other differences include volume, sound, pickups installed, and strings used. Another major difference is that of cost.
Semi-acoustic guitars end up costing more than acoustic guitars as they need to be purchased with additional things such as cables and amplifiers.
Now that you know the basic differences between the two, you can decide which one is best for you, depending on where you want to play the guitar, how you wish to use your instrument and your budget.
