What Is an Electro-Acoustic Classical Guitar?

Acoustic instruments can produce sound without electronics and can be amplified with a microphone placed nearby. In classical performance, preserving the instrument’s natural resonance is often a priority. Changes to the body or unnecessary extra paint and varnish can affect that response, so the instrument’s acoustic sound is carefully considered.

For stage use, many acoustic instruments are fitted with pickups, preamps or equaliser controls so they can connect directly to a mixing desk through a jack socket. This can make amplification easier and help manage feedback, depending on the setup. Such instruments are commonly described as electro-acoustic. Their unamplified volume depends on their body design; the electronics alone do not determine it.

An acoustic guitar fitted for direct amplification is called electro-acoustic; the nylon-string equivalent is an electro-acoustic classical guitar. Its amplified sound is captured by a pickup or another transducer and may differ from the natural sound heard in the room. Electro-acoustic classical guitars can have a standard body, a thinner body or a cutaway design.

Onur Severgün
Rekor Sanat – Guitar Teacher