Playing Acoustic Guitars Through Regular Electric Guitar Amps: Tips and Tricks
Sure, you can play an acoustic guitar through a regular electric guitar amp, and it can produce a wide range of sounds. While it may not be as authentic as playing through an acoustic guitar amp or a PA system, you can make it sound similar to an acoustic, electric, or even a hybrid sound. Experimenting with your amp settings and using effects pedals can bring unique tones and textures to your performance.
Experimenting with Your Amp Settings
When using an electric guitar amp for an acoustic guitar, start by connecting your acoustic guitar to the amp. You might be surprised to find that it sounds remarkably similar to an acoustic, especially through a basic PA system.
Most modern amplifiers come with clean and distorted channels. For the best acoustic sound, use the clean channel. This setting typically provides a more neutral and transparent sound, allowing your acoustic tone to shine through. If your amp lacks separate channels, keep the gain knob as low as possible to avoid overdriving the amp and distorting the sound.
Using Effects Pedals to Enhance Your Sound
To add character to your acoustic sound, consider using effects pedals. Chorus, flanger, and other modulation effects can give your acoustic guitar a funkier, richer tone. These pedals can help you achieve a variety of sounds, from warm and natural to more experimental and jazzy.
It's also worth noting that connecting an electroacoustic guitar to an electric guitar amp can yield a more satisfactory sound. Electroacoustic guitars often have pickups designed to work well with both electric and acoustic settings, and some may even have built-in pre-amps, eliminating the need for a powered D.I. (direct input) device.
Using Microphones with Electric Guitar Amps
While using mics with an electric guitar amp is technically possible, it's not practical and the sound quality will likely be disappointing. However, if you're set on using a mic, try placing it near the speaker grille and adjusting the mic position for the best results. Experiment with different mics to see which ones work best with your amp.
Connecting Electroacoustic Guitars to Electric Guitar Amps
Connecting an electroacoustic guitar to an electric guitar amp generally poses no risk to the equipment. Sound will be produced, although it might not be as full or rich as when using an acoustic guitar amp or a PA system.
A few electroacoustic guitars are designed with pickup systems similar to those of electric guitars. These can offer a better sound than active pickup systems used with regular acoustic guitars. If you have an electroacoustic guitar with an active battery-operated piezo pickup, you can easily plug it into an acoustic guitar amp, a small portable PA, or a mixer console. Some digital audio interfaces also provide a boost for passive pickup signals, making them a versatile addition to your setup.
Considering Quality Portable PA Systems or Acoustic Guitar Amps
For the best amplification of an acoustic guitar, consider purchasing a quality portable PA system or an acoustic guitar amp. These setups are designed specifically for amplifying acoustic instruments and can provide a more natural and balanced sound.
When choosing an amplifier, look for one that offers a range of settings to cater to different acoustic tones. Some amps come with onboard effects and can be used for both clean and distorted tones, giving you more flexibility in your sound choices.