Who's Online Now
7 members (Gary E. Andrews, Everett Adams, VNORTH2, couchgrouch, Fdemetrio, Perry Neal Crawford, Sunset Poet), 4,248 guests, and 261 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Register Today!
Welcome to the Just Plain Folks forums! You are currently viewing our forums as a Guest which gives you limited access to most of our discussions and to other features.

By joining our free community you will have access to post and respond to topics, communicate privately with our users (PM), respond to polls, upload content, and access many other features. Registration is fast, simple, and absolutely free; so please join our community today!
ShoutChat
Comment Guidelines: Do post respectful and insightful comments. Don't flame, hate, spam.
What's Going On
Backhand Blue
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/29/24 07:48 AM
Does Billy Joel belong in top 10?
by Fdemetrio - 03/28/24 11:10 PM
It Is Done
by Sunset Poet - 03/28/24 07:44 PM
Music Industry Summit, Athens Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/28/24 06:14 PM
Can you save me from me
by VNORTH2 - 03/28/24 03:11 PM
As human as yo
by ckiphen - 03/28/24 09:55 AM
Fox News Reports Stunning Archeological Discovery.
by couchgrouch - 03/27/24 08:02 PM
Wasting My Time
by David Gill - 03/27/24 07:42 AM
Song available
by JAPOV - 03/26/24 03:38 PM
YELLIN AT CLOUDS
by David Gill - 03/26/24 03:20 PM
"Reliving" the great Lou Rawls!
by Brian Austin Whitney - 03/26/24 01:49 PM
::: The Best In My Life :::
by Bill Draper - 03/26/24 01:32 PM
The show must go on
by ckiphen - 03/26/24 09:06 AM
NYC Motel 1972
by rpirone - 03/26/24 12:43 AM
usic Industry Summitt
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 11:32 PM
The Rant Arena
by JAPOV - 03/25/24 07:39 PM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Song available
by Raymond Byabazaire - 03/25/24 11:55 AM
Lancaster Festival, Lancaster, Ohio
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/25/24 10:51 AM
Wasting my time
by Rob B. - 03/25/24 03:45 AM
Tom Waits.. What's he building
by Fdemetrio - 03/25/24 12:09 AM
Rick Beato, bad lyrics
by Fdemetrio - 03/24/24 11:23 PM
Inspirational Videos Post Them Here
by Sunset Poet - 03/24/24 11:27 AM
Used to take a Genius to Mix
by Fdemetrio - 03/23/24 11:00 AM
She’s missing but she ain’t missing him
by ckiphen - 03/23/24 08:44 AM
"Broken Places"
by Gary E. Andrews - 03/22/24 07:45 PM
All You Are Is A Lie
by Sunset Poet - 03/22/24 06:55 PM
Pour Choices
by Gavin Sinclair - 03/22/24 05:29 PM
Billy's 30 year overdue song.
by Fdemetrio - 03/22/24 01:30 PM
Top Posters
Calvin 19,857
Travis david 12,264
Kevin Emmrich 10,941
Jean Bullock 10,330
Kaley Willow 10,240
Two Singers 9,649
Joice Marie 9,186
Mackie H. 9,003
glynda 8,683
Mike Dunbar 8,574
Tricia Baker 8,318
couchgrouch 8,160
Colin Ward 7,911
Corey 7,357
Vicarn 6,916
Mark Kaufman 6,589
ben willis 6,114
Lynn Orloff 5,788
Louis 5,725
Linda Sings 5,608
KimberlyinNC 5,210
Fdemetrio 4,990
Neil Cotton 4,909
Derek Hines 4,893
DonnaMarilyn 4,670
Blake Hill 4,528
Bob Cushing 4,389
Roy Cooper 4,271
Bill Osofsky 4,199
Tom Shea 4,195
Cindy Miller 4,178
TamsNumber4 4,171
MFB III 4,143
Sunset Poet 4,126
nightengale 4,096
E Swartz 3,985
JAPOV 3,973
beechnut79 3,878
Caroline 3,865
Kolstad 3,845
Dan Sullivan 3,710
Dottie 3,427
joewatt 3,411
Bill Cooper 3,279
John Hoffman 3,199
Skip Johnson 3,027
Pam Hurley 3,007
Terry G 3,005
Nigel Quin 2,891
PopTodd 2,890
Harriet Ames 2,870
MidniteBob 2,761
Nelson 2,616
Tom Tracy 2,558
Jerry Jakala 2,524
Al Alvarez 2,499
Eric Thome 2,448
Hummingbird 2,401
Stan Loh 2,263
Sam Wilson 2,246
Wendy D 2,235
Judy Hollier 2,232
Erica Ellis 2,202
maccharles 2,134
TrumanCoyote 2,096
Marty Helly 2,041
DukeWill 2,002
floyd jane 1,985
Clint Anglin 1,904
cindyrella 1,888
David Wright 1,866
Clairejeanne 1,851
Cindy LaRosa 1,824
Ronald Boyt 1,675
Iggy 1,652
Noel Downs 1,633
Rick Heenan 1,608
Cal 1,574
GocartMoz 1,559
Jack Swain 1,554
Pete Larsen 1,537
Ann Tygart 1,529
Tom Breshers 1,487
RogerS 1,481
Tom Franz 1,473
Chuck Crowe 1,441
Ralph Blight 1,440
Rick Norton 1,429
Kenneth Cade 1,429
bholt 1,411
Letha Allen 1,409
in2piano 1,404
Stan Simons 1,402
Deej56 1,385
mattbanx 1,384
Jen Shaner 1,373
Charlie Wong 1,347
KevinP 1,324
Vondelle 1,316
Tom W. 1,313
Jan Petter 1,301
scottandrew 1,294
lane1777 1,280
Gerry 1,280
DakLander 1,265
IronKnee 1,262
PeteG 1,242
Ian Ferrin 1,235
Glen King 1,214
VNORTH2 1,212
IdeaGuy 1,209
AaronAuthier 1,177
summeoyo 1,174
Diane Ewing 1,162
ckiphen 1,120
joro 1,082
BobbyJoe 1,075
S.DEE 1,040
yann 1,037
9ne 1,035
David Gill 1,032
Tony A 1,016
argo 986
peaden 984
90 dB 964
Wolvman 960
Jak Kelly 912
krtinberg 890
Drifter 886
Petra 883
RJC 845
Brenda152 840
Nadia 829
ant 798
Juan 797
TKO 784
Dayson 781
frahmes 781
bennash 763
teletwang 762
Andy K 750
Andy Kemp 749
tbryson 737
Jackie444 731
Irwin 720
3daveyO3 704
Dixie 701
Joy Boy 695
Pat Hardy 692
Knute 686
Lee Arten 678
Moosesong 668
Katziis 652
R.T.MOORE 638
quality 637
CG King 622
douglas 621
R&M 614
Mel 614
NaomiSue 601
Shandy 590
Ria 587
TAMERA64 583
qbaum 570
nitepiano 566
pRISCILLA 556
Tink2 553
musica 539
deanbell 528
RobertK 527
BonzaiWag 523
Roderic 522
BB Wilbur 513
goodfolks 499
Zeek 487
Stu 486
Steve P. 481
KathyW 462
allenb 459
MaxG 458
Philjo 454
fanito 448
trush48 448
dmk 442
Rob L 439
arealrush 437
DGR 436
avweek 435
Stephen D 433
Emmy 431
marquez 422
kit 419
Softkrome 417
kyrksongs 415
RRon 408
Laura G. 407
VNORTH 407
Debra 407
eb 406
cuebald 399
EdPerrone 399
Dannyk1 395
Hobart 395
Davyboy49 393
Smile 389
GJShades 387
Alek 386
Ezt 384
tone 380
Marla 380
Ann_F 379
iggyiggy 378
coalminer 377
java 374
ddreuter 371
spidey 371
sweetsong 370
danny 367
Rob B. 364
Jim Ryan 360
papaG 353
Z - man 350
JamesDF5 348
John K 348
Jaden 344
TheBaz 340
Steggy 339
leif 339
tonedeaf 336
rickwork 334
Eddie Ray 332
Johnboy 328
Bob Lever 328
Helicon1 327
lucian 326
Muskie 321
kc 319
Z. Mulls 318
ptondreau 313
ONOFFON 312
Chris B. 310
trush 304
ed323 297
Ellen M 294
markus-ky 293
lizzorn 291
nicnac49 290
Char 286
ktunes 285
Top Likes Received
JAPOV 86
VNORTH2 45
bennash 38
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
1) Sometime ago I was wondering to myself, (wondering, not talking) what an acoustic guitar with a soundhole pick-up would sound like with electric strings. (You can adjust for tension)
2) If the guitar had a piezo pup under the saddle, how, (if at all) would the sound/tone be altered.
3) Same scenario with a 12 string acoustic: Alternate between acoustic and electric strings? LOL!

I should lie down, I'm getting a headache....



Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
I saw your post yesterday, started to reply... and decided my limited knowledge about such things would only take up space. Thank goodness Les Paul had the courage to experiment with guitars. Keep us posted when you have time... if you "take the plunge" and make alterations to your acoustic. I hope it isn't your only one... 'cause a man without a guitar is worse than being up a creek without a paddle. LOL!

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
I have a 12 and a 6 string acoustic Dave. They have no electronics and I was thinking of getting a soundhole pup. I wondered if anybody here had experimented.

You could never take up space Dave: you're like a well loved fixture! smile



Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
I'm down to only one six-string acoustic and my ancient fingers cannot even imagine hitting all those wrong notes! LOL!

Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
I have put electric strings on an acoustic guitar before. It was mostly an economical decision back in the day...."hey, i have a set of electric strings right here, let me try that"

It worked but did not really do a good job. It gave you a little more flexibility since the strings were easily bended, and a bit easier to do solos on an acoustic. But the overall affect left me saying "this is why they make acoustic guitar strings for acoustic guitars". It affects your strumming, picking, and it affects the sound. It gives the acoustic a very thin outlook, and it goes out of tune very easily. The acoustic pick up will just amplify that mess.

Not recommended...unless you are learning the guitar and find the electric strings easier to press.

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/04/19 12:57 PM.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
Interesting. Thanks for the input!
-Mike



Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
R
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
R
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
Well,
I assume you are talking about Flat wound strings versus Round Wound Strings. Most likely Round Wound Strings will give you a bit more volume than Flat Wound Strings. Strings come in more than one gage so it's something you will try for yourself.


Ray E. Strode
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2

That's a whole other line of inquiry Ray, (Yikes!)
Actually I was most concerned with the amplified sound/tone Ray, as the electric strings are meant to perform with a pick-up...
Thanks for dropping in!



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by 9ne

That's a whole other line of inquiry Ray, (Yikes!)
Actually I was most concerned with the amplified sound/tone Ray, as the electric strings are meant to perform with a pick-up...
Thanks for dropping in!



I would gather the same effect could be had by putting acoustic strings on an electric and playing it through the amp.

But the sound is one thing, the feel is way different. Electric and acoustic guitar are very different, even though very similar.

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/04/19 03:42 PM.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
It's an idea but apparently phosphor or bronze does not engage with the magnetic field generated by pick-ups in the same manner as electric strings. Still, it would be an interesting comparison experiment....



Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911
Likes: 1
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911
Likes: 1
If you ignore nylon strings, all guitar strings are made of steel. The various designations you hear such as nickel, phosphor bronze, etc. refer to the plating on the windings. So an electric guitar string on an acoustic or vice versa would work, although the tone might be affected a bit. The gauge of the string is often lighter on an electric guitar, but you can buy almost any gauge you might want. A piezo pickup responds to vibration so it doesn't care what the string is made of. A magnetic pickup responds to the iron in the steel and will respond to both acoustic and electric strings. Nylon of course does not contain any iron so a magnetic pickup will not respond but a piezo will.

Don't be afraid to experiment. You can buy a decent set of strings for under $5.

Last edited by Colin Ward; 01/05/19 07:30 AM.

Colin

I try to critique as if you mean business.....

http://colinwardmusic.com/

http://rosewoodcreekband.com/


Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
Offline
Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Great to hear from you Colin:

This is not my thread... and I bring little to the "Dance"... other than a deep appreciation for good guitar music... and all the things associated with it. Your input is invaluable because you perform with a group that uses the guitar in various forms as the primary method of conveying your songs. Thanks for "chiming-in!"

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
Online Content
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
By comparison...and depending on the gage....electric strings will sound thin and tend to rattle on an acoustic.

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
Thanks guys! Martin, do you think they would still sound thinner amplified?



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by 9ne
Thanks guys! Martin, do you think they would still sound thinner amplified?


Having done this i can answer. I did it myself and just recalled when a guy in one of my bands did it on his 12 string, so that he could hook it to a distortion pedal, and press distortion on parts that needed it.

First, you have to remember that an acoustic pickup that goes in the hole, is not the same type of pickups you get on electric guitars. It's more like a microphone. Your voice doesnt sound much different just because its louder when in front of a mic, although you can add special effects like reverb and eq, delay etc

Id say it depends on your purpose. I wouldnt use it on your next album, but you could certainly use it for hackin around in your room.

Yes, it will still sound thin, because those strings are like slinkys, acoustic strings are more akin to ropes.... if u can make that analogy.

To me the big miss is the feel, it will seem like your playing electric guitar on a big awkward wooden guitar



Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/05/19 10:31 AM.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
Online Content
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Originally Posted by Fdemetrio
Originally Posted by 9ne
Thanks guys! Martin, do you think they would still sound thinner amplified?


Having done this i can answer. I did it myself and just recalled when a guy in one of my bands did it on his 12 string, so that he could hook it to a distortion pedal, and press distortion on parts that needed it.

First, you have to remember that an acoustic pickup that goes in the hole, is not the same type of pickups you get on electric guitars. It's more like a microphone. Your voice doesnt sound much different just because its louder when in front of a mic, although you can add special effects like reverb and eq, delay etc

Id say it depends on your purpose. I wouldnt use it on your next album, but you could certainly use it for hackin around in your room.

Yes, it will still sound thin, because those strings are like slinkys, acoustic strings are more akin to ropes.... if u can make that analogy.

To me the big miss is the feel, it will seem like your playing electric guitar on a big awkward wooden guitar





In 2019, I think that an audio-tech guy could make a cello sound like Jimmy Hendrix's strat. Electronics seem to be such that there is nothing audial that can't be imagined and done. But that's a lot of time and effort to put into compensating for something like electric guitar strings on an acoustic. I think that it would be easier to get light acoustic strings, or try to make an electric sound acoustic.

My personal approach would be light acoustic strings. I have a Taylor. The action is fairly low and I typically put .012's on it and I get a balance between bending and rattling.

Martin

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
I mailed D'Addario, GHS, and Ernie Ball to get their take. I asked them to get their R&D to try a comparison. I wonder if they will.....



Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
Top 100 Poster
Online Content
Top 100 Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 29
9ne

I just realized that I accidentally quoted you and FD when I responded. Not intentional. I was responding to your question.
My response is very general. I may not fully realize what you want to do and why. Hopefully someone at D'Addario will give you a full answer.

If you don't mind, let me know if you get a satisfactory response. I have some questions that I would like to ask them too. smile

Martin

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
Good stuff Martin!
-Mike



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
I think without the internet, we'd all be dumb people....sarcasm....

here is a you tube video that may help you hear and see the difference. I think the player has alot to do with it too, Clapton on an acoustic with electric strings is still going to sound great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8afq3imnn4

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
Thanks for posting. I actually thought the arpeggiating at about 3:00 sounded good with the electric strings.
I'm still wondering what the electric strings would sound like through a soundhole pick-up.



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by 9ne
Thanks for posting. I actually thought the arpeggiating at about 3:00 sounded good with the electric strings.
I'm still wondering what the electric strings would sound like through a soundhole pick-up.



it would sound exactly like a mic was in front of it. It wont sound like an electric guitar if thats what you mean.

Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
I found this. but this is a pickup that tries to mimick electric pickups. u add distortion it gets distorted, my bandmate used to do this with his 12 string, but i wouldnt say its a good choice...lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51lM0OkzgIM

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/07/19 07:03 PM.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
Thanks for posting!



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by 9ne
Thanks for posting!


My personal feeling is if somebody is going to go through all this trouble, time and expense to make an acoustic sound like an electric....when it still wont play like an electric, why not just buy a cheap electric guitar. Yamaha pacifica makes some decent guitars for under 200

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
9ne Offline OP
Top 500 Poster
OP Offline
Top 500 Poster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 2
My point was that if you always played the acoustic amplified, what type of strings would sound better...



Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
F
Top 50 Poster
Online Content
Top 50 Poster
F
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by 9ne
My point was that if you always played the acoustic amplified, what type of strings would sound better...


The acoustic strings. Because acoustic strings sound better on an acoustic guitar, amplified is just louder

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 01/08/19 12:19 PM.

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support Just Plain Folks

We would like to keep the membership in Just Plain Folks FREE! Your donation helps support the many programs we offer including Road Trips and the Music Awards.


Newest Members
chriscastle, yasir252, cathennashira, Samwise, HappySousa
21,470 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums117
Topics125,718
Posts1,160,951
Members21,470
Most Online37,523
Jan 25th, 2020
Just Plain Quotes
"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
Today's Birthdays
warriorgirl (2024)
Popular Topics(Views)
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5