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Can Acoustic Guitars Be Plugged Into Amplifiers?

Published on
7 min read
Can Acoustic Guitars Be Plugged Into Amplifiers? image

Best Acoustic Guitars with Amplifier Capability to Buy in October 2025

1 Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Sunburst

Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Sunburst

  • IDEAL STARTER GUITAR WITH BEGINNER-FRIENDLY FEATURES AND DESIGN.
  • INCLUDES FENDER PLAY SUBSCRIPTION FOR THOUSANDS OF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS.
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$146.99
Fender FA-25CE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Built-in Tuner and On-Board Volume and Tone Controls, Comes with Free Lessons, Sunburst
2 Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Oriental Blue Burst

Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Oriental Blue Burst

  • EXCEPTIONAL PLAYABILITY WITH THIN-LINE CUTAWAY BODY DESIGN.
  • ENHANCED COMFORT FROM 25 SCALE LENGTH AND NARROW STRING SPACING.
  • STAGE-FOCUSED PICKUP SYSTEM FOR PERFECT SOUND SHAPING IN MIXES.
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$339.99
Yamaha APX600 OBB Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Oriental Blue Burst
3 Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package - Premium Tonewoods - Black

Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package - Premium Tonewoods - Black

  • EXCEPTIONAL SOUND QUALITY FOR MUSICIANS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS.

  • PREMIUM HARDWOOD CONSTRUCTION ENSURES DURABILITY AND RICH TONE.

  • COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START PLAYING!

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$113.99 $119.99
Save 5%
Ashthorpe Full-Size Cutaway Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Package - Premium Tonewoods - Black
4 Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings Strap - 41 Inch

Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings Strap - 41 Inch

  • VERSATILE SOUND CONTROL: ADJUST VOLUME AND TONE FOR CUSTOMIZED PLAY.

  • PORTABLE ELEGANCE: SLIM DESIGN WITH RICH SOUND FOR EASY PLAYABILITY.

  • COMPLETE STARTER KIT: EFFORTLESS SETUP WITH ALL ESSENTIALS INCLUDED.

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$199.99
Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings Strap - 41 Inch
5 Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

  • PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: EASY-TO-PLAY DESIGN FOR A SMOOTH START.
  • WARM, RICH TONE: LAMINATE SPRUCE TOP ENHANCES YOUR MUSIC EXPERIENCE.
  • COMPLETE BUNDLE: INCLUDES ACCESSORIES AND LESSONS FOR INSTANT PLAY.
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$269.99
Fender FA-125CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Strings, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
6 Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video

  • BOLD BASS TONE: PERFECT FOR COUNTRY, FOLK, OR BLUEGRASS MUSIC LOVERS.

  • 75-YEAR LEGACY: ENJOY QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP AND A 2-YEAR WARRANTY.

  • COMPLETE BUNDLE: COMES WITH ACCESSORIES FOR A SEAMLESS PLAYING EXPERIENCE.

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$219.99
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural Bundle with Hard Case, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional Video
7 Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB)

Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB)

  • 130 YEARS OF LEGACY: TRUSTED BY MUSIC LEGENDS FOR QUALITY SOUND.
  • VERSATILE PERFORMANCE: PERFECT FOR LIVING ROOMS, CAMPFIRES, AND STAGES.
  • BUILT-IN TUNER & CONTROLS: PLAY ANYTIME WITH BARCUS BERRY ELECTRONICS.
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$149.99
Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB)
8 Ibanez AEG50 Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Indigo Blue Burst High Gloss

Ibanez AEG50 Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Indigo Blue Burst High Gloss

  • RICH SOUND WITH SPRUCE TOP AND SAPELE SIDES FOR VIBRANT TONE.
  • STUNNING INDIGO BLUE BURST FINISH FOR EYE-CATCHING APPEAL.
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$349.99
Ibanez AEG50 Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Indigo Blue Burst High Gloss
9 Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set 41in w/All Wood Cutaway Design, Carrying Case, Strap, Picks, Cable - Black

Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set 41in w/All Wood Cutaway Design, Carrying Case, Strap, Picks, Cable - Black

  • COMPLETE SET: NO EXTRA PURCHASES NEEDED FOR ALL ESSENTIALS!

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Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set 41in w/All Wood Cutaway Design, Carrying Case, Strap, Picks, Cable - Black
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ONE MORE?

Yes, acoustic guitars can be plugged into amplifiers. By using a pickup or a microphone, the sound of the acoustic guitar can be amplified through an amplifier. This allows the player to achieve a louder sound and potentially add effects such as reverb or distortion. Plugging an acoustic guitar into an amplifier can be particularly useful for live performances or recording in a studio where a higher volume and clarity are needed. Additionally, some amplifiers are specifically designed for acoustic guitars, offering a more natural and balanced sound reproduction.

The recommended wattage for an amplifier for an acoustic guitar typically ranges from 15-50 watts. This range is suitable for most acoustic guitars as it provides enough power to amplify the sound without overwhelming the natural tone of the instrument. It is important to consider the size of the venue you will be performing in when choosing the wattage of your amplifier. Smaller venues may only require a lower wattage amplifier, while larger venues may need a higher wattage amplifier to project the sound effectively. Ultimately, it is important to test out different wattage options to determine what works best for your specific needs and playing style.

How to balance the sound levels between an acoustic guitar and other instruments through an amplifier?

Balancing the sound levels between an acoustic guitar and other instruments through an amplifier can be achieved by following these steps:

  1. Start by setting the level of each instrument individually. Begin with the acoustic guitar and adjust the volume on the amplifier until the guitar’s sound is at the desired level.
  2. Have the other instrument(s) play at the same time as the acoustic guitar and adjust their volumes to a level that complements the guitar’s sound without overpowering it. Listen for any clashing frequencies or muddiness in the mix.
  3. Experiment with the EQ controls on the amplifier to fine-tune the sound levels of each instrument. You may need to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies to create a balanced mix where each instrument can be heard clearly.
  4. Pay attention to the overall mix and make adjustments as needed. Ensure that every instrument is audible and balanced with the others to create a cohesive sound.
  5. Consider using effects pedals or processors to further enhance the sound of the acoustic guitar and other instruments. Reverb, chorus, delay, and other effects can help enhance the overall sound and blend the instruments together seamlessly.

By following these steps and paying attention to the individual sound levels, EQ settings, and overall mix, you can achieve a balanced and cohesive sound between an acoustic guitar and other instruments through an amplifier.

How to achieve a natural, acoustic sound when using an amplifier with a guitar?

  1. Use a high-quality amplifier with good sound reproduction capabilities. Cheaper amplifiers may produce a more distorted or artificial sound.
  2. Adjust the EQ settings on your amplifier to create a balanced tone. Start with a flat EQ and then make small adjustments to tailor the sound to your liking.
  3. Use a clean setting on your amplifier rather than an overdrive or distortion setting. This will help maintain the natural sound of the guitar.
  4. Experiment with different microphone placements if you are miking your amplifier. Placing the microphone closer to the center of the speaker cone will result in a brighter sound, while placing it towards the edge will produce a warmer sound.
  5. Consider using a transparent overdrive pedal to add some warmth and depth to your sound without altering the natural tone of the guitar.
  6. Play with dynamics and picking technique to add nuance and expression to your playing. Lighter picking will result in a softer, more delicate sound, while heavier picking will produce a more aggressive tone.
  7. Practice good tone etiquette by keeping the volume at a reasonable level. Cranking up the volume too high can lead to unwanted distortion and a less natural sound.

Overall, achieving a natural, acoustic sound when using an amplifier with a guitar requires careful consideration of equipment, settings, and playing techniques. Experiment with different options to find the perfect balance that suits your style and preferences.

What is the impact of string choice on the tone of an amplified acoustic guitar?

String choice can have a significant impact on the tone of an amplified acoustic guitar. Different strings can produce varying levels of brightness, warmth, sustain, and overall tonal balance. Here are a few ways in which string choice can affect the tone of an amplified acoustic guitar:

  1. Material: Strings can be made from different materials, such as bronze, phosphor bronze, nickel, and stainless steel. Each material has its own unique tonal characteristics, with some producing a brighter and more articulate sound, while others result in a warmer and richer tone.
  2. Gauge: The gauge (thickness) of the strings can also impact the tone of an acoustic guitar. Lighter gauge strings tend to produce a brighter and more responsive sound, while heavier gauge strings can provide more volume and sustain. Finding the right balance between gauge and tone can help achieve the desired sound.
  3. Coating: Some strings come with a coating, such as phosphor bronze or polymer, which can affect the tone by reducing finger squeak and extending the lifespan of the strings. Coated strings tend to have a warmer tone and smoother feel compared to uncoated strings.
  4. Tension: The tension of the strings can influence the overall feel and response of an acoustic guitar. Higher tension strings can provide more clarity and definition in the sound, while lower tension strings may have a softer and more mellow tone.

Overall, selecting the right strings for an amplified acoustic guitar can help enhance its tone and playability, allowing players to achieve their desired sound and musical expression. Experimenting with different string materials, gauges, coatings, and tensions can help find the perfect match for a specific guitar and playing style.

How to properly care for an amplifier when using it with an acoustic guitar?

  1. Keep the amplifier clean by regularly dusting it with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the amplifier.
  2. Use a surge protector to prevent damage from power surges and fluctuations.
  3. When not in use, unplug the amplifier to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the electronics.
  4. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, which can damage the amplifier's components. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  5. Handle the amplifier with care when transporting it to gigs or rehearsals. Use a padded carrying case or bag to protect it from bumps and scratches.
  6. Check the connections and cables regularly to ensure they are securely plugged in and functioning properly.
  7. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for any necessary repairs or servicing.
  8. Be mindful of the volume level when playing through the amplifier to prevent overheating or blowing out the speaker.
  9. Do not overload the amplifier with a signal that is too hot, as this can cause distortion and damage to the circuits.
  10. Finally, enjoy your amplifier and acoustic guitar setup by practicing and playing music that you love!