Electro-acoustic classical guitars can be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier or PA system, handing performing musicians full control over their on-stage sound.
Electro-Acoustic Classical & Spanish Guitars
The Spanish guitar (AKA the classical guitar) is used to play an array of different genres, from traditional folk to classical music. Instead of steel strings, like the acoustic guitar, classical guitars have nylon strings, giving the instrument a warmer and rounder sound. Classical guitars aren't as loud as acoustic guitars either, so if you're stepping on stage, being able to amplify your guitar can be essential. You could get the job done by placing a microphone near the soundhole; you can use an acoustic pickup that can be clipped on and removed; or you could just opt for an electro-acoustic classical guitar that can be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier without any extra faff. Electro-Acoustic models are simply normal classical guitars with some form of built-in pickup system (and maybe even a preamp and integrated tuner) so they can be played both unplugged or amplified.
Semi-Acoustic or Electro-Acoustic?
It's easy to mistake the term semi-acoustic guitar for electro-acoustic guitar, so when some people say one thing, they might mean the other. While both sit somewhere between an electric guitar and acoustic guitar, they're actually very different instruments. A semi-acoustic guitar is essentially an electric guitar but with a few acoustic style characteristics like a hollow body, while an electro-acoustic guitar is essentially an acoustic guitar that can be plugged in and amplified, whether it's a steel-string acoustic model or an electro-acoustic classical guitar.
Feedback-Free Amplification
It's worth knowing that it's usually a bad idea to plug a electro-acoustic classical guitar into a normal guitar amplifier that's designed for electric guitars. It's a bad idea, because all you'll hear is a lot of horrible feedback and noise, so what you need to plug into is a specially design acoustic guitar amplifier. These amplifiers have been calibrated for the frequency range of electro-acoustic guitars and electro-acoustic classical guitars so the sound will be far better since it's actually been tuned up to match your instrument. You can find more tips in our blog, Amplifying an Acoustic Guitar: How to Prevent Feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electro-Acoustic Classical Guitars
Are electro-acoustic classical guitars expensive?
For around £100 you can pick up a decent electro-acoustic classical guitar. Intermediate models start at around £300 to £500 while professional models can run into the thousands.
Can I plug an electro-acoustic classical guitar into any guitar amplifier?
You can certainly plug an electro-acoustic classical guitar into any amplifier, but if it's an amplifier designed for electric guitars, you're going to hear a lot of feedback and noise. As such, it's always recommended to use a dedicated acoustic guitar amplifier.
