Welcome, guitar enthusiasts! Here’s your ultimate guide to the best acoustic guitars with built-in pickups.
When it comes to playing the guitar, nothing beats the warmth and clarity of an acoustic sound. However, if you’re looking to amplify your music or play in larger venues, having a built-in pickup becomes essential. A built-in pickup allows you to connect your guitar to an amplifier or sound system, enhancing the volume and projection of your instrument. In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 acoustic guitars with built-in pickups, their features, advantages, and disadvantages, helping you make an informed decision before making a purchase.
1. 🎸 Gibson Montana Hummingbird
The Gibson Montana Hummingbird is an iconic acoustic guitar known for its rich tone and beautiful design. With a built-in pickup, this guitar ensures a seamless transition from unplugged to amplified performances. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides deliver exceptional sound quality and responsiveness. However, the Gibson Montana Hummingbird comes with a hefty price tag, making it more suitable for professional musicians or serious enthusiasts.
2. 🎸 Taylor 214ce
The Taylor 214ce is a versatile acoustic guitar that offers excellent playability and a well-balanced tone. Equipped with Taylor’s own Expression System 2 pickup, this guitar delivers a natural and dynamic amplified sound. The layered rosewood back and sides provide durability and stability, while the solid Sitka spruce top adds resonance and clarity to your playing. The Taylor 214ce is a great option for both beginners and seasoned players.
3. 🎸 Martin D-28
The Martin D-28 is a legendary acoustic guitar known for its deep bass response and projection. With its built-in pickup system, the Martin D-28 offers exceptional plugged-in performance without compromising its renowned acoustic sound. The guitar’s solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to its rich and balanced tone. However, the Martin D-28 might be quite expensive for those on a tighter budget.
4. 🎸 Yamaha LL-TA
The Yamaha LL-TA features Yamaha’s TransAcoustic technology, which allows the guitar to produce reverb and chorus effects without the need for external amplification. With a built-in pickup, you can also connect the Yamaha LL-TA to an amplifier for amplified performances. This guitar offers a warm and balanced tone, thanks to its solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. The Yamaha LL-TA is an excellent choice for those seeking versatility and unique sound possibilities.
5. 🎸 Seagull Artist Mosaic
The Seagull Artist Mosaic is a handcrafted acoustic guitar that offers exceptional build quality and tonal excellence. With its built-in pickup system, this guitar ensures a natural reproduction of its warm and resonant sound. The Seagull Artist Mosaic features a solid cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, delivering a rich and expressive tonal palette. This guitar is a go-to option for serious musicians who appreciate craftsmanship and superb sound.
6. 🎸 Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster
The Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster is a trailblazing hybrid guitar that seamlessly blends acoustic and electric tones. With its built-in pickup system, this guitar offers a wide range of acoustic and electric sounds, making it ideal for versatile players. The Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced and resonant tone. However, its unique design and functionality come at a higher price point.
7. 🎸 Ibanez AW54CEOPN
The Ibanez AW54CEOPN is an affordable yet reliable acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup. This guitar offers a clear and bright tone, thanks to its solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides. The Ibanez AW54CEOPN’s versatile electronics allow for easy amplification and adjustment, making it suitable for various playing styles. If you’re on a budget but still crave quality and functionality, the Ibanez AW54CEOPN is a great choice.
Advantages of Acoustic Guitars with Built-In Pickups
1. Enhanced Amplification: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups allow you to amplify your sound without compromising the natural acoustic tone.
2. Convenient Live Performances: With a built-in pickup, you can easily connect your guitar to an amplifier or sound system for live gigs or performances.
3. Versatility: Built-in pickups offer the flexibility to experiment with different sound effects and tones, expanding your creative possibilities.
4. Portability: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups eliminate the need for extra equipment, making them more convenient for travel and on-the-go musicians.
5. Consistent Sound Quality: Built-in pickups ensure a consistent sound quality, regardless of the venue or environment, providing a reliable performance experience.
6. Seamless Transition: Switching between acoustic and amplified performances becomes effortless with a built-in pickup, offering a smooth transition between unplugged and plugged-in playing.
7. Recording Capabilities: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups allow for direct recording, saving time and effort in the studio and ensuring accurate sound capture.
Disadvantages of Acoustic Guitars with Built-In Pickups
1. Additional Cost: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups generally come at a higher price compared to their non-electrified counterparts.
2. Potential Sound Alterations: Some built-in pickup systems may slightly alter the natural acoustic sound of the guitar, requiring adjustments to maintain the desired tone.
3. Limited Customization: The built-in pickup system is pre-installed, limiting customization options for players who prefer a personalized setup.
4. Battery Dependency: Guitars with built-in pickups require batteries to power the electronics, which may need to be replaced regularly, adding to ongoing costs.
5. Complexity: Some built-in pickup systems can be more complex to understand and adjust compared to external pickups or microphones.
6. Weight and Balance: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups can be slightly heavier due to the added electronics, affecting the overall weight and balance of the instrument.
7. Dependency on Amplification: Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups rely on external amplification to achieve their full potential, limiting their usability in unplugged settings.
A Complete Comparison Table of the Best Acoustic Guitars with Built-In Pickups
| Guitar Model | Built-In Pickup | Top Wood | Back and Sides Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson Montana Hummingbird | Yes | Solid Spruce | Mahogany |
| Taylor 214ce | Yes (Expression System 2) | Solid Sitka Spruce | Layered Rosewood |
| Martin D-28 | Yes | Solid Sitka Spruce | East Indian Rosewood |
| Yamaha LL-TA | Yes (TransAcoustic) | Solid Engelmann Spruce | Solid Rosewood |
| Seagull Artist Mosaic | Yes | Solid Cedar | Solid Mahogany |
| Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster | Yes | Solid Sitka Spruce | Mahogany |
| Ibanez AW54CEOPN | Yes | Solid Mahogany | Mahogany |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are acoustic guitars with built-in pickups suitable for beginners?
Yes, acoustic guitars with built-in pickups are suitable for beginners as they allow for easy amplification and versatility in playing styles.
2. Can I use an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup without an amplifier?
While you can still play an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup without an amplifier, the full potential of the pickup system will not be realized without amplification.
3. How long do the batteries for the built-in pickup system last?
The battery life varies depending on the guitar and pickup system. On average, batteries last between 20 to 30 hours of active playing.
4. Can I replace the built-in pickup system with a different one?
Sometimes, it is possible to replace the built-in pickup system, but it requires professional installation and may void the guitar’s warranty.
5. Do all acoustic guitars with built-in pickups have onboard controls?
No, not all acoustic guitars with built-in pickups have onboard controls. Some models may have the controls placed on the side or require adjustments from an external preamp or amplifier.
6. Can I still play unplugged on an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup?
Yes, you can still play unplugged on an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup. The pickup system does not affect the guitar’s ability to produce sound without amplification.
7. Do acoustic guitars with built-in pickups require professional setup or maintenance?
While professional setup and maintenance are recommended for any guitar, acoustic guitars with built-in pickups may require additional attention to ensure optimal performance of the pickup system.
8. Are there any disadvantages to using an external pickup instead of a built-in pickup?
External pickups offer more customization options and easy portability between different guitars, but they require additional equipment and setup time, which may not be preferable for some players.
9. Can I use an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup for recording?
Yes, acoustic guitars with built-in pickups are commonly used for recording as they provide a direct and consistent sound source for capturing acoustic performances.
10. Are there acoustic guitars with built-in pickups for left-handed players?
Yes, many acoustic guitars with built-in pickups are available in left-handed versions to accommodate the needs of left-handed players.
11. Can the built-in pickup system be adjusted to suit different genres of music?
Yes, the built-in pickup system can be adjusted using onboard controls or external amplification to achieve the desired tone for different genres of music.
12. How do acoustic guitars with built-in pickups compare to electric-acoustic guitars?
Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups and electric-acoustic guitars are quite similar, but electric-acoustic guitars typically have a more electric-oriented design and sound, while acoustic guitars with built-in pickups maintain a traditional acoustic appearance and sound.
13. Can I use effects pedals with an acoustic guitar that has a built-in pickup?
Yes, effects pedals can be used with an acoustic guitar that has a built-in pickup to create various sound effects and enhance your playing experience.
Conclusion
After exploring the top 7 best acoustic guitars with built-in pickups, it’s clear that these instruments offer a perfect blend of convenience, versatility, and phenomenal sound quality. From the legendary Gibson Montana Hummingbird to the affordable yet reliable Ibanez AW54CEOPN, there’s an option to suit every player’s taste and budget. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, investing in an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup will undoubtedly take your musical journey to new heights. So, don’t wait any longer – grab your dream guitar, plug in, and let your melodies resonate!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on extensive research and professional opinions. However, individual preferences and experiences may vary. It is recommended to try out different guitars and consult with experts before making a final purchase decision. Additionally, prices and availability mentioned are subject to change. Always refer to official sources and authorized dealers for accurate and up-to-date information.