Do you want your electric guitar to sound like an acoustic? If so, then you’re in luck! There are a few simple steps that can help bring out the natural tones of your instrment and make it sound more like a traditional acoustic.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or something more drastic, this guide will help you get the most out of your electric guitar and make it sound as close to an acoustic as possible. Read on to learn how to achieve that perfect tone!
Step-By-Step Guide
Making an electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar can be done by using an acoustic guitar simulator pedal or by making physical modifications to the guitar itself. In this guide, we will outline the steps for both methods in more detail.
Method 1: Using An Acoustic Guitar Simulator Pedal
Research different acoustic guitar simulator pedals. There are a variety of options available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and budget. Consider factors such as the brand, features, and customer reviews.
Connect the pedal to your electric guitar and amplifier. The setup process will vary depending on the specific pedal you have, , so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Turn on the pedal and adjust the settings. Most acoustic guitar simulator pedals come with knobs or buttons that control various aspects of the sound, such as body type, string type, and resonance.
Take the time to experiment with different settings to find the right combination for your guitar, where you can experiment with whether you can use acoustic strings in electric guitars.
Play your electric guitar through the pedal and listen to the sound. Keep adjusting the settings until you are satisfied with the acoustic tone you are hearing.
Method 2: Physical Modifications To The Guitar
Research different piezo pickup systems. A piezo pickup system consists of sensors that are placed under the guitars saddle and bridge. You will need to choose one that is compatible with your guitar and fits your budget.
Have a professional guitar technician install the piezo pickup system in your electric guitar. This proces may require modifications to the guitar itself, so it’s important to trust this job to a skilled professional.
Connect the piezo pickup system to an amplifier such as the Orange Crush Pro CR60C or preamp. The setup process will vary depending on the specific system you have, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Adjust the setings on the amplifier or preamp to achieve the desired acoustic tone. Some amplifiers or preamps may have dedicated settings for piezo pickup systems, while others may require you to use EQ or tone controls to finetune the sound.
Play your electric guitar through the piezo pickup system and amplifier. Experiment with different settings and playing techniques to achieve the desired acoustic tone.
Note: Keep in mind that making physical modifications to your guitar may affect its resale value and may not be possible for all guitars. Its always best to consult a professional guitar technician if you’re unsure about making these changes.
Why Do People Make Electric Guitars Sound Acoustic?
There are several reasons why guitarists may want to make their electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar. These reasons can range from versatility and convenience to personal preference and cost-effectiveness.
Versatility: One of the primary reasons why people may want to make their electric guitar sound like an acoustic is to have a more versatile instrument. By being able to switch between an electric and acoustic sound, a guitarist can expand their musical options and play a wider range of styles and genres.
For example, an electric guitar with an acoustic sound can be used to play fingerpicking styles, strumming patterns, and percussive techniques that are typicaly associated with acoustic guitars.
This versatility can be especially useful for musicians who play in multiple diferent styles and want a single instrument that can handle multiple sounds.
Live Performance: In live performance situations, having an electric guitar with an acoustic sound can be incredibly convenient for guitarists. This is because it alows them to play both electric and acoustic parts without having to switch guitars.
For example, a guitarist can play an electric solo, and then switch to an acoustic sound for a song that requires a more mellow, unpluged tone. This eleminates the need for multiple guitars, cables, and amplifiers, which can simplify the setup and reduce the amount of equipment needed for a performance.
Recording: In the recording studio, having the option of an acoustic sound from an electric guitar can save time and simplify the recording process.
With an electric guitar that can produce an acoustic tone, a guitarist can record both electric and acoustic parts with a single instrument, which can save time and reduce the need for multiple guitar setups.
Aditionally, an electric guitar with an acoustic sound can be a useful tool for creating a layered, multi-guitar sound in a recording, as it can provide different textures and sounds that can complement other guitars.
Personal Preference: Some guitarists simply prefer the sound of an acoustic guitar, but may not want to switch to a completely different instrument. For these musicians, making an electric guitar sound like an acoustic is a great way to achieve their prefered sound while still being able to play their favorite electric guitar.
Cost-Effectiveness: For some musicians, making an electric guitar sound like an acoustic may be a cost-efective solution. This is because it can be more affordable than purchasing an entirely new acoustic guitar like the Martin D-18, especially if they already have an electric guitar they enjoy playing.
Additionally, making an electric guitar sound like an acoustic may be more afordable than purchasing a high-end acoustic guitar, which can be a significant investment for many musicians.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making an electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar can be done by using an acoustic guitar simulator pedal or by making physical modifications to the guitar.
Both methods require some experimentation and patience, but the end result can be a convincing acoustic tone from your electric guitar.