Acoustic guitar with humbucker pickup sounds like an electric guitar, not acoustic
Acoustic Guitars with Humbucker Pickups: Exploring the Electric-Guitar-Like Sound
Acoustic guitars are known for their distinct and resonant sound, which is characterized by rich harmonics and natural acoustic tones. However, some acoustic guitars equipped with humbucker pickups can produce a sound that resembles an electric guitar rather than a traditional acoustic sound. In this article, we will delve into the factors that contribute to this unique sound and explore how it can be achieved.
Understanding Humbucker Pickups and their Characteristics
The pickup used in acoustic guitars with a humbucker configuration is typically a high-impedance humbucker. When combined with cable capacitance, this type of pickup creates a 2nd order lowpass filter that contributes to the electric guitar-like sound. The humbucker design, consisting of two coils wound in opposite directions, helps to cancel out hum and noise, resulting in a cleaner signal.
Challenges in Achieving an Acoustic Sound
To achieve a more authentic acoustic sound, many guitarists opt for using a microphone to capture the guitar’s natural resonance. However, using a microphone presents challenges in live settings, as it is prone to feedback and can be affected by the surrounding environment.
The Role of Magnetic Pickups in Acoustic Guitars
Magnetic pickups, such as humbuckers, are often preferred for their feedback resistance and the ability to amplify the guitar’s signal without the need for external microphones. While they may not perfectly replicate the acoustic sound, properly designed modern acoustic pickups can still provide a decent acoustic tone.
Advancements in Acoustic Pickup Design
To achieve a more acoustic sound with humbucker pickups, manufacturers have developed innovative designs and technologies. These advancements involve using a low-impedance specification, which includes using thicker wire with fewer windings in the coil. This approach helps to capture a broader frequency range and enhance the guitar’s natural acoustic resonance.
Controlling the Lowpass-Filter Effect
One challenge in achieving an acoustic sound with humbucker pickups is the resonant lowpass-filter effect caused by cable capacitance. Lowering the capacitance, primarily through the use of a decoupling circuit right after the pickup, can help control this effect and improve the frequency response. This allows for a more balanced and natural acoustic sound.
Optimizing Amplification and Signal Routing
When using an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup, it is crucial to connect it to an acoustic amplifier or go directly into the PA system via a DI (Direct Injection) box, preferably one optimized for acoustic instruments. This ensures that the guitar’s unique sound characteristics are accurately reproduced and amplified.
In conclusion, acoustic guitars with humbucker pickups can produce a sound that resembles an electric guitar rather than a traditional acoustic sound. While using a microphone is often recommended for achieving an authentic acoustic sound, advancements in pickup design have allowed for improved acoustic tones with humbucker configurations. By optimizing amplification and signal routing, guitarists can harness the unique sound of these instruments and explore new sonic possibilities.
Sources:
- Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. “Acoustic guitar with humbucker pickup sounds like an electric guitar, not acoustic.” Available at: https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/61311/acoustic-guitar-with-humbucker-pickup-sounds-like-an-electric-guitar-not-acoust
- Guitar Chalk. “5 of our Favorite Acoustic Guitars with a Pickup and Preamp.” Available at: https://www.guitarchalk.com/acoustic-guitars-with-pickup/
- Dean Markley. “ProMag™ Acoustic Soundhole Pickups (Humbucker).” Available at: https://deanmarkley.com/products/acousticpickups-humbucker
FAQs
Why does an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup sound more like an electric guitar?
Acoustic guitars with humbucker pickups produce a sound reminiscent of electric guitars due to the pickup’s design and the interaction with cable capacitance. The high-impedance humbucker pickup, combined with cable capacitance, creates a 2nd order lowpass filter that contributes to the electric guitar-like sound.
Can an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup produce an authentic acoustic sound?
While acoustic guitars with humbucker pickups may not perfectly replicate the traditional acoustic sound, advancements in pickup design have allowed for improved acoustic tones. Properly designed modern acoustic pickups with low-impedance specifications and optimized coil winding can provide a decent acoustic sound.
How does using a microphone compare to a humbucker pickup for achieving an acoustic sound?
Using a microphone is often recommended for capturing the natural resonance and tone of an acoustic guitar. However, it can present challenges in live settings due to feedback and environmental factors. Humbucker pickups offer a feedback-resistant alternative that allows for amplification without the need for external microphones, although the sound may have some electric guitar-like characteristics.
Are there any techniques to enhance the acoustic sound of an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup?
To enhance the acoustic sound of an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup, manufacturers have developed techniques such as using a low-impedance specification, thicker wire with fewer windings in the coil, and decoupling circuits to control the resonant lowpass-filter effect caused by cable capacitance. These techniques help achieve a more balanced and natural acoustic sound.
How should an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup be amplified?
When amplifying an acoustic guitar with a humbucker pickup, it is important to connect it to an acoustic amplifier or go directly into the PA system via a DI (Direct Injection) box. These options ensure that the guitar’s unique sound characteristics are accurately reproduced and amplified, allowing for optimal control and sound quality.