Acoustic sound from electric guitar...

[James Argo]

Guys,
I'm thinking of getting acoustic guitar sound out of my electric guitar (Fender Strat model). I know the best way to get acoustic sound is to play real acoustic guitar, but it's not actualy easy to switch between both acoustic and electric guitars on stage. So, any trick would be appreciated. Like I mentioned, it's not necessary to be great acoustic sound, just as close as possible to acoustic is enough (specialy when struming). I've seen Dream Theatre could do it somehow, so there must be a way. Do I must implant piezo pickup below the bridge or somehing? What brand/model do you recomend? Tricks? Thanks!


Jaymz

 

[Richard Monroe]

Trust me. This is what I do all the time. I have to actually set up a signal chain to make my electric sound like an electric. First, get some D'Addario EXL115W's. Those are .011's with a wound G-string. That will keep the G in full chords from warping out of tune. Then use a modeler. I use Pod 2.0 or a VAMP II. I like the 1a setting on the POD, personally. Adjust reverb to taste. Run this signal into a power amp, and then into a cab, or straight into the PA. You don't want a guitar amp for this application, especially one with character. No Vox's, no Marshalls, no Fenders, no Mesas. A line 6 will work if you find the right model/setting, and an old Roland can be OK. Crate is right out.
Then, put a mic on the guitar, pointed right at the pick hand. If feedback is a problem (big gigs), use a good dynamic, like Sennheiser MD421. For smaller gigs, if your PA produces phantom power, use a condenser. Start with just the amp, and then blend in a little mic until you get that sound. Perfect for "Pinball Wizard"-Richie

 

[WinstonCowboy]

Damn Dick....you took the words right out of my mouth.

Nice J.O.B.B.

 

[Hard2Hear]

ok.............

OR you could go with something like the Fishman Powerbridge which is a piezo tremelo bridge setup for Stratocasters. Has the whole kit and instructions, or you could have a local tech do it for you.

There is also the X-Bridge from Baggs http://www.lrbaggs.com/html/products/pickups_xbridge.shtml

Here's the Fishman:
http://www.fishman.com/products/details.asp?id=63

Something like this is what you want for live performance.

H2H

 

[James Argo]

While I appreciated Richie's great info, I think H2H got me there! Thanks guys! I have Fishman transducer on one of my violin, and it's not bad I can say. Thanks for the links, I'm thinking X-Bridge now!


Jaymz

btw. I am the "local tech"