Les Paul guitars are known for their solid body construction, which gives them a distinctive sound that is both clear and powerful. However, some Les Paul models also feature an acoustic body, which gives them a warmer, more resonant sound.
Editor’s Note: Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies are a great choice for players who want the best of both worlds. They offer the classic Les Paul sound with the added warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar.
To help you make the right decision about whether a Les Paul guitar with an acoustic body is right for you, we’ve put together this guide. We’ll discuss the key differences between solid body and acoustic body Les Paul guitars, and we’ll provide some tips on how to choose the right guitar for your needs.
Key Differences Between Solid Body and Acoustic Body Les Paul Guitars
| Solid Body | Acoustic Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid wood body with a carved top | Hollow body with a soundhole |
| Sound | Clear and powerful | Warm and resonant |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
How to Choose the Right Les Paul Guitar for You
The best way to choose the right Les Paul guitar for you is to try out different models and see which one feels the best and sounds the best to you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re making your decision:
- Your playing style: If you play mostly lead guitar, you’ll probably want a guitar with a solid body. If you play mostly rhythm guitar, you might prefer a guitar with an acoustic body.
- Your budget: Solid body Les Paul guitars are typically more expensive than acoustic body models.
- Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the best way to choose a Les Paul guitar is to go with the one that you like the best.
1. Construction
The hollow body of a Les Paul guitar with an acoustic body is one of the key factors that gives it its unique sound. The hollow body allows the guitar to resonate more freely, which results in a warmer, more resonant sound than a solid body guitar. The soundhole also plays an important role in the sound of the guitar, as it allows the sound to project more clearly.
The combination of the hollow body and the soundhole gives Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies a sound that is both clear and powerful, making them a great choice for a variety of genres, from blues to rock to country.
Here are some of the practical advantages of a hollow body with a soundhole:
- Warmer, more resonant sound: The hollow body allows the guitar to resonate more freely, which results in a warmer, more resonant sound than a solid body guitar.
- Clearer sound projection: The soundhole allows the sound to project more clearly, making it easier to hear the guitar in a live setting.
- Lighter weight: Hollow body guitars are typically lighter than solid body guitars, making them more comfortable to play for long periods of time.
If you’re looking for a guitar that offers the best of both worlds, a Les Paul with an acoustic body is a great option. It offers the classic Les Paul sound with the added warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar.
| Solid Body | Acoustic Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid wood body with a carved top | Hollow body with a soundhole |
| Sound | Clear and powerful | Warm and resonant |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
2. Sound
The warm and resonant sound of a Les Paul guitar with an acoustic body is one of its most distinctive features. This sound is due to the combination of the guitar’s hollow body and its soundhole. The hollow body allows the guitar to resonate more freely, which results in a warmer, more resonant sound than a solid body guitar. The soundhole also plays an important role in the sound of the guitar, as it allows the sound to project more clearly.
This warm and resonant sound is ideal for a variety of genres, from blues to rock to country. It is also a popular choice for jazz guitarists, as it can provide a rich, mellow sound that is perfect for accompanying vocals.
Here are some of the practical advantages of a warm and resonant sound:
- Increased expressiveness: The warm and resonant sound of a Les Paul with an acoustic body allows for a greater range of expression. This makes it a great choice for players who want to be able to play a variety of genres and styles.
- Improved projection: The soundhole on a Les Paul with an acoustic body helps to project the sound more clearly. This makes it easier to hear the guitar in a live setting, making it a great choice for players who perform regularly.
- Enhanced sustain: The hollow body of a Les Paul with an acoustic body allows for increased sustain. This means that notes will ring out for longer, giving the guitar a more full and rich sound.
If you’re looking for a guitar with a warm and resonant sound, a Les Paul with an acoustic body is a great option. It offers the classic Les Paul sound with the added warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar.
| Solid Body | Acoustic Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid wood body with a carved top | Hollow body with a soundhole |
| Sound | Clear and powerful | Warm and resonant |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
3. Weight
The lighter weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies is a significant advantage, especially for players who perform regularly or who play for long periods of time. The reduced weight makes the guitar more comfortable to play, reducing fatigue and making it easier to play for extended periods.
- Improved comfort: The lighter weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies makes them more comfortable to play, especially for players who perform regularly or who play for long periods of time.
Reduced fatigue: The reduced weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies helps to reduce fatigue, making it easier to play for extended periods without experiencing discomfort. - Increased mobility: The lighter weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies makes them easier to move around, making them a great choice for players who travel or who play in multiple locations.
- Easier to handle: The lighter weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies makes them easier to handle, making them a great choice for players of all ages and abilities.
The lighter weight of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies is a significant advantage that makes them a great choice for a variety of players. Whether you’re a professional musician who plays multiple shows a week or a hobbyist who enjoys playing at home, the lighter weight of a Les Paul with an acoustic body will make your playing experience more enjoyable.
4. Price
The lower price of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies is a significant advantage for many players. Solid body Les Pauls are typically more expensive than acoustic body models, due to the increased cost of materials and labor required to build them. Acoustic body Les Pauls, on the other hand, are typically made with less expensive materials and require less labor to build, which results in a lower price point.
This lower price point makes Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies a more accessible option for many players, especially those who are on a budget. It also makes them a great choice for players who are new to the guitar and are not sure how much they will play. If you’re not sure whether a Les Paul is the right guitar for you, an acoustic body model is a great way to get started without breaking the bank.
Of course, there are some trade-offs that come with the lower price point of Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies. These guitars typically have a less powerful sound than solid body Les Pauls, and they may not be as well-suited for heavy rock or metal music. However, for many players, the lower price point and the warmer, more resonant sound of an acoustic body Les Paul is a worthwhile trade-off.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between solid body and acoustic body Les Paul guitars:
| Solid Body | Acoustic Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid wood body with a carved top | Hollow body with a soundhole |
| Sound | Clear and powerful | Warm and resonant |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
5. Playing style
The versatility of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic makes it suitable for both lead and rhythm guitarists. The warm and resonant sound of the acoustic body provides a rich foundation for rhythm playing, while the clear and powerful sound of the solid body allows for soaring lead lines.
- Lead guitar: The clear and powerful sound of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic makes it an excellent choice for lead guitarists. The guitar’s sustain and projection allow for long, soaring lead lines that cut through the mix.
- Rhythm guitar: The warm and resonant sound of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic also makes it a great choice for rhythm guitarists. The guitar’s rich tone provides a solid foundation for rhythm playing, and the clear and articulate sound allows for complex chord voicings to be heard clearly.
The versatility of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic makes it a great choice for guitarists of all levels and styles. Whether you’re a lead guitarist looking for a guitar that can handle soaring solos or a rhythm guitarist looking for a guitar with a warm and resonant sound, the Les Paul guitar body acoustic is a great option.
6. Body shape
The body shape of a Les Paul guitar, whether single-cutaway or double-cutaway, can have a significant impact on the guitar’s sound, playability, and overall aesthetic. Single-cutaway Les Pauls have a more traditional look and feel, while double-cutaway Les Pauls offer improved access to the higher frets and a more modern appearance.
- Single-cutaway: Les Pauls with a single-cutaway body have a more traditional look and feel. The single cutaway provides access to the higher frets, but it is not as deep as the cutaway on a double-cutaway Les Paul. This can make it more difficult to reach the very highest frets, but it also gives the guitar a more classic look.
- Double-cutaway: Les Pauls with a double-cutaway body offer improved access to the higher frets. The double cutaway provides a deeper cut into the body, making it easier to reach the very highest frets. This can be an advantage for lead guitarists who need to be able to reach the highest notes on the guitar. It also gives the guitar a more modern look and feel.
Ultimately, the best body shape for a Les Paul guitar is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to be aware of the different body shapes available and how they can affect the guitar’s sound, playability, and overall aesthetic.
7. Top wood
The type of wood used for the top of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic can have a significant impact on the sound of the guitar. The three most common types of wood used for Les Paul tops are spruce, cedar, and mahogany.
- Spruce: Spruce is a lightweight wood with a bright, clear sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in a variety of genres, from country to rock to blues. Spruce is also a relatively affordable wood, which makes it a good choice for guitars that are on a budget.
- Cedar: Cedar is a warm, mellow wood with a rich, resonant sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in folk, jazz, and classical genres. Cedar is a relatively soft wood, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and dents than other types of wood. However, this softness also contributes to the warm, mellow sound of the guitar.
- Mahogany: Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in rock, blues, and jazz genres. Mahogany is a relatively expensive wood, but it is known for its durability and longevity.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of wood for the top of your Les Paul guitar body acoustic is to try out different guitars and see which one sounds and feels the best to you. However, the information provided above can give you a good starting point for your search.
8. Back and sides wood
The type of wood used for the back and sides of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic can have a significant impact on the sound of the guitar. The three most common types of wood used for Les Paul backs and sides are mahogany, rosewood, and maple.
- Mahogany: Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in rock, blues, and jazz genres. Mahogany is a relatively expensive wood, but it is known for its durability and longevity.
- Rosewood: Rosewood is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, mellow sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in jazz, classical, and flamenco genres. Rosewood is a relatively expensive wood, but it is known for its beautiful grain and its ability to produce a rich, resonant sound.
- Maple: Maple is a lightweight wood with a bright, clear sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in country, pop, and rock genres. Maple is a relatively affordable wood, which makes it a good choice for guitars that are on a budget.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of wood for the back and sides of your Les Paul guitar body acoustic is to try out different guitars and see which one sounds and feels the best to you. However, the information provided above can give you a good starting point for your search.
9. Neck wood
The type of wood used for the neck of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the guitar. The two most common types of wood used for Les Paul necks are mahogany and maple.
Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in rock, blues, and jazz genres. Mahogany is a relatively expensive wood, but it is known for its durability and longevity.
Maple is a lightweight wood with a bright, clear sound. It is often used for guitars that are played in country, pop, and rock genres. Maple is a relatively affordable wood, which makes it a good choice for guitars that are on a budget.
The choice of neck wood is ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to be aware of the different types of wood available and how they can affect the sound and feel of the guitar.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between mahogany and maple necks:
| Mahogany | Maple | |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Dense, heavy | Lightweight |
| Sound | Warm, rich | Bright, clear |
| Feel | Smooth, comfortable | Fast, responsive |
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable |
10. Fretboard wood
The choice of fretboard wood can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic. The two most common types of wood used for Les Paul fretboards are rosewood and ebony.
- Rosewood: Rosewood is a dense, heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is known for its beautiful grain and its ability to produce a smooth, legato sound. Rosewood is a relatively expensive wood, but it is a popular choice for high-end guitars.
- Ebony: Ebony is a dense, heavy wood with a bright, clear sound. It is known for its durability and its ability to produce a fast, responsive sound. Ebony is a relatively expensive wood, but it is a popular choice for guitars that are played in rock and metal genres.
Ultimately, the choice of fretboard wood is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to be aware of the different types of wood available and how they can affect the sound and feel of the guitar.
11. Pickups
The choice of pickups can have a significant impact on the sound of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic. The two most common types of pickups used in Les Pauls are humbuckers and P-90s.
- Humbuckers: Humbuckers are a type of dual-coil pickup that is known for its warm, full sound. They are often used in guitars that are played in rock, blues, and jazz genres. Humbuckers are also known for their ability to cancel out hum, which is a type of electrical interference that can occur in single-coil pickups.
- P-90s: P-90s are a type of single-coil pickup that is known for its bright, clear sound. They are often used in guitars that are played in country, blues, and rock genres. P-90s are known for their ability to produce a wide range of tones, from clean to overdriven.
Ultimately, the choice of pickups is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to be aware of the different types of pickups available and how they can affect the sound of the guitar.
12. Electronics
The electronics on a Les Paul guitar body acoustic play a vital role in shaping the sound of the guitar. The volume and tone controls allow the player to adjust the output level and tonal characteristics of the guitar, while the pickup selector switch allows the player to choose between different pickup configurations.
The volume control is a simple potentiometer that adjusts the level of the guitar’s output signal. This allows the player to control the overall volume of the guitar, as well as the balance between the guitar and other instruments in a band setting.
The tone control is also a potentiometer, but it adjusts the frequency response of the guitar’s output signal. This allows the player to shape the sound of the guitar, making it brighter or darker, and to compensate for the acoustics of different playing environments.
The pickup selector switch is a three-way switch that allows the player to choose between the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together. The neck pickup produces a warmer, more mellow sound, while the bridge pickup produces a brighter, more aggressive sound. Combining the two pickups produces a sound that is somewhere in between.
The electronics on a Les Paul guitar body acoustic are an important part of the guitar’s overall sound. By understanding how these electronics work, players can get the most out of their guitars and create a wide range of sounds.
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Volume | Adjusts the output level of the guitar |
| Tone | Adjusts the frequency response of the guitar’s output signal |
| Pickup selector switch | Selects between the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together |
FAQs about Les Paul Guitar Body Acoustic
Question 1: What are the key differences between a Les Paul guitar body acoustic and a solid body Les Paul?
Answer: The main difference betwee
n a Les Paul guitar body acoustic and a solid body Les Paul is the construction of the body. A Les Paul guitar body acoustic has a hollow body with a soundhole, while a solid body Les Paul has a solid body with a carved top. This difference in construction results in different sound characteristics, with the Les Paul guitar body acoustic producing a warmer, more resonant sound, and the solid body Les Paul producing a clearer, more powerful sound.
Question 2: Which type of Les Paul guitar body acoustic is best for me?
Answer: The best type of Les Paul guitar body acoustic for you depends on your individual playing style and preferences. If you are looking for a guitar with a warm, resonant sound that is suitable for a variety of genres, then a Les Paul guitar body acoustic with a spruce top is a good option. If you are looking for a guitar with a brighter, clearer sound that is well-suited for rock and blues, then a Les Paul guitar body acoustic with a maple top is a good choice.
Question 3: What are the advantages of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic over a solid body Les Paul?
Answer: The advantages of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic over a solid body Les Paul include its lighter weight, warmer, more resonant sound, and lower price point. The lighter weight makes the guitar more comfortable to play for long periods of time, while the warmer, more resonant sound is ideal for a variety of genres. The lower price point makes the Les Paul guitar body acoustic a more accessible option for many players.
Question 4: What are the disadvantages of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic over a solid body Les Paul?
Answer: The main disadvantage of a Les Paul guitar body acoustic over a solid body Les Paul is its reduced sustain and feedback resistance. The hollow body of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic makes it more susceptible to feedback, and the reduced sustain can make it difficult to play long, soaring lead lines. However, these disadvantages are outweighed by the advantages of the Les Paul guitar body acoustic for many players.
Question 5: What are some of the most popular Les Paul guitar body acoustic models?
Answer: Some of the most popular Les Paul guitar body acoustic models include the Gibson Les Paul Studio Acoustic, the Epiphone Les Paul Studio Acoustic, and the Ibanez Artcore AS73.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about Les Paul guitar body acoustics?
Answer: There are a number of resources available online where you can learn more about Les Paul guitar body acoustics. You can find articles, reviews, and videos on websites such as Gibson.com, Epiphone.com, and Ibanez.com.
Summary: Les Paul guitar body acoustics offer a unique blend of the classic Les Paul sound with the warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar. They are a great choice for players who are looking for a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres. If you are considering purchasing a Les Paul guitar body acoustic, be sure to do your research and try out different models to find the one that is right for you.
Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about Les Paul guitars, please see our article on the history of the Les Paul guitar.
Tips for Choosing the Right Les Paul Guitar Body Acoustic
Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies offer a unique blend of the classic Les Paul sound with the warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar. However, with so many different models available, choosing the right guitar can be a daunting task.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right Les Paul guitar body acoustic for your needs:
Tip 1: Consider your playing style. If you play mostly lead guitar, you’ll probably want a guitar with a solid body. If you play mostly rhythm guitar, you might prefer a guitar with an acoustic body.
Tip 2: Set a budget. Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Tip 3: Try out different models. The best way to choose the right Les Paul guitar body acoustic for you is to try out different models and see which one feels the best and sounds the best to you. Be sure to bring your amp with you when you go to the store so that you can hear how the guitar sounds through an amplifier.
Tip 4: Read reviews. Once you’ve tried out a few different models, take some time to read reviews online. This can give you a good idea of what other people think of the guitars you’re considering.
Summary: By following these tips, you can choose the right Les Paul guitar body acoustic for your needs and playing style.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Once you’ve chosen the perfect Les Paul guitar body acoustic for you, you’ll be able to enjoy the unique blend of sound and feel that these guitars offer.
Conclusion
Les Paul guitars with acoustic bodies offer a unique blend of the classic Les Paul sound with the warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar. They are a great choice for players who are looking for a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres. When choosing a Les Paul guitar body acoustic, it is important to consider your playing style, budget, and personal preferences.
Once you have chosen the perfect Les Paul guitar body acoustic for you, you will be able to enjoy the unique sound and feel that these guitars offer. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, a Les Paul guitar body acoustic is a great choice for any player who wants to expand their sonic palette.
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