What is an acoustic electric parlor guitar? It is a smaller-bodied acoustic guitar that is designed to be played plugged into an amplifier, making it ideal for live performances or recording.
Editor’s Notes:“acoustic electric parlor guitars” is a versatile and convenient option for guitarists who want the sound of an acoustic guitar with the ability to plug in and play amplified. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, an acoustic electric parlor guitar is a great choice for a variety of playing styles.
After analyzing various sources and digging into the details, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision about choosing the right acoustic electric parlor guitar for your needs.
Key Differences:
Feature | Acoustic Guitar | Acoustic-Electric Parlor Guitar |
---|---|---|
Body Size | Larger | Smaller |
Cutaway | May or may not have a cutaway | Typically has a cutaway |
Electronics | No electronics | Has a pickup and preamp |
Sound | More resonant, louder | Less resonant, quieter |
Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
Main Article Topics:
- Benefits of an acoustic electric parlor guitar
- Things to consider when choosing an acoustic electric parlor guitar
- Reviews of the best acoustic electric parlor guitars on the market
1. Body size
The smaller body size of parlor guitars is one of their key advantages. This makes them more comfortable to play, especially for players with smaller hands or a shorter reach. Parlor guitars are also easier to transport, making them a good choice for gigging musicians or anyone who travels with their guitar.
The smaller body size of parlor guitars also affects their sound. Parlor guitars have a brighter, more focused sound than traditional acoustic guitars, making them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming. They are also less prone to feedback, making them a good choice for playing in live settings.
Overall, the smaller body size of parlor guitars makes them a versatile and option for a variety of players. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a comfortable and easy-to-play guitar, or an experienced player looking for a guitar with a unique sound, a parlor guitar is a great choice.
Real-life examples:
- Ed Sheeran is a well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar.
- Parlor guitars are also popular with blues and folk musicians.
Practical significance:
- The smaller body size of parlor guitars makes them a good choice for players with smaller hands or a shorter reach.
- Parlor guitars are also easier to transport, making them a good choice for gigging musicians or anyone who travels with their guitar.
- The brighter, more focused sound of parlor guitars makes them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming.
2. Cutaway
A cutaway in the body of an acoustic electric parlor guitar allows you to reach the higher frets more easily, making it ideal for lead playing. This is a key feature for guitarists who want to be able to play solos and melodies in the upper register of the guitar. A cutaway also makes it easier to play chords in the higher positions on the neck.
Acoustic electric parlor guitars with cutaways are particularly well-suited for lead playing because they have a brighter, more focused sound than traditional acoustic guitars. This makes them ideal for cutting through the mix in a live setting. Additionally, the smaller body size of parlor guitars makes them more comfortable to play for extended periods of time, which is important for lead guitarists who often play long solos.
Some of the most famous lead guitarists in the world, such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, have used parlor guitars with cutaways to create some of their most iconic solos. This is a testament to the versatility and playability of these guitars.
Real-life examples:
- Eric Clapton used a Gibson L-00 parlor guitar with a cutaway on his classic album “Unplugged.”
- Jimmy Page used a Fender Telecaster Thinline parlor guitar with a cutaway on Led Zeppelin’s album “Physical Graffiti.”
Practical significance:
- A cutaway in the body of an acoustic electric parlor guitar allows you to reach the higher frets more easily, making it ideal for lead playing.
- Parlor guitars with cutaways are particularly well-suited for lead playing because they have a brighter, more focused sound than traditional acoustic guitars.
- The smaller body size of parlor guitars makes them more comfortable to play for extended periods of time, which is important for lead guitarists who often play long solos.
Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Cutaways on Acoustic Electric Parlor Guitars
Advantages | Disadvantages | |
---|---|---|
Easier to reach the higher frets | Can weaken the guitar’s body | Can make the guitar more expensive |
3. Electronics
The electronics in an acoustic electric parlor guitar are what allow you to plug the guitar into an amplifier, making it suitable for live performances or recording. These electronics typically consist of a pickup, a preamp, and a volume control. The pickup converts the vibrations of the guitar strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified by the preamp. The volume control allows you to adjust the output level of the guitar.
- Versatility: Acoustic electric parlor guitars are versatile instruments that can be used for a variety of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and country. The electronics allow you to plug the guitar into an amplifier, which gives you the ability to play in a variety of settings, from intimate acoustic performances to large-scale concerts.
- Convenience: Acoustic electric parlor guitars are convenient to use, especially for live performances. You don’t have to worry about mic’ing the guitar, which can be a hassle and can lead to feedback. Simply plug the guitar into an amplifier and you’re ready to go.
- Sound quality: The electronics in an acoustic electric parlor guitar can help to improve the sound quality of the
guitar. The preamp can boost the signal from the pickup, which can make the guitar sound louder and fuller. The volume control allows you to adjust the output level of the guitar, which can be helpful for balancing the guitar with other instruments in a band setting.
Overall, the electronics in an acoustic electric parlor guitar are a valuable asset for any guitarist. They provide versatility, convenience, and sound quality, making them a great choice for live performances and recording.
4. Sound
The unique sound of parlor guitars is one of their defining characteristics. Their smaller body size and shorter scale length give them a brighter, more focused sound than traditional acoustic guitars. This makes them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming, as the individual notes are more distinct and clear.
- Clarity: The brighter, more focused sound of parlor guitars makes them ideal for fingerpicking, as each note is clear and distinct. This clarity also makes them a good choice for strumming, as the individual strings can be heard more easily.
- Responsiveness: The smaller body size of parlor guitars makes them more responsive to the player’s touch. This makes them a good choice for players who want to be able to control the dynamics of their playing.
- Projection: Despite their smaller size, parlor guitars can project their sound well. This makes them a good choice for playing in small to medium-sized venues.
- Versatility: The bright, focused sound of parlor guitars makes them suitable for a variety of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and country.
Overall, the sound of parlor guitars is one of their key strengths. Their bright, focused sound makes them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming, and their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of musical styles.
5. Price
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are generally more expensive than traditional acoustic guitars due to the added cost of the electronics. However, they offer a number of advantages that make them worth the investment for many guitarists.
- Versatility: Acoustic electric parlor guitars can be used for a wider variety of musical styles than traditional acoustic guitars. They can be plugged into an amplifier for a louder, more powerful sound, making them ideal for live performances or recording. They can also be played unplugged, making them a good choice for practicing or playing in smaller settings.
- Convenience: Acoustic electric parlor guitars are more convenient to play than traditional acoustic guitars in a number of ways. They are typically lighter and smaller, making them easier to transport and play for long periods of time. They also have a shorter scale length, which makes them easier to play for players with smaller hands.
- Sound quality: Acoustic electric parlor guitars typically have a brighter, more focused sound than traditional acoustic guitars. This makes them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming, as the individual notes are more distinct and clear.
Overall, acoustic electric parlor guitars offer a number of advantages over traditional acoustic guitars, making them a worthwhile investment for many guitarists.
6. Playability
The excellent playability of parlor guitars is one of their key advantages. The smaller body size and shorter scale length make them more comfortable to play, especially for players with smaller hands or a shorter reach. The neck is also typically narrower and thinner than on a traditional acoustic guitar, making it easier to fret the notes. Additionally, the strings on a parlor guitar are typically lighter gauge, which makes them easier to press down.
The excellent playability of parlor guitars makes them a good choice for beginners. They are easier to learn to play than traditional acoustic guitars, and they are also more comfortable to play for extended periods of time. Experienced players also appreciate the playability of parlor guitars, as they allow for fast and intricate fingerpicking and strumming.
Here are some real-life examples of how the excellent playability of parlor guitars benefits players:
- Ed Sheeran is a well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Sheeran is known for his intricate fingerpicking style, and he has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they are easier to play than traditional acoustic guitars.
- Tommy Emmanuel is another well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Emmanuel is a master of fingerstyle guitar, and he has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they allow him to play faster and more accurately.
The excellent playability of parlor guitars is a key reason why they are so popular with both beginners and experienced players. They are easy to learn to play, comfortable to play for extended periods of time, and they allow for fast and intricate playing.
Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Playability of Parlor Guitars
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Easier to play than traditional acoustic guitars | May not have as much volume as traditional acoustic guitars |
More comfortable to play for extended periods of time | May not be as versatile as traditional acoustic guitars |
Allows for fast and intricate playing | May not be as suitable for strumming as traditional acoustic guitars |
7. Portability
The portability of parlor guitars is one of their key advantages, especially for musicians who travel or play live. The smaller body size and lighter weight make them easy to transport and store, which is a major consideration for musicians who have to carry their guitar around to gigs or rehearsals.
The portability of parlor guitars also makes them a good choice for players who have limited space at home. They can be easily stored in a closet or under a bed, which is not always possible with a larger acoustic guitar.
Here are some real-life examples of how the portability of parlor guitars benefits players:
- Ed Sheeran is a well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Sheeran is known for his extensive touring schedule, and he has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they are easy to transport and store.
- Tommy Emmanuel is another well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Emmanuel is a master of fingerstyle guitar, and he has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they are easy to play and transport.
The portability of parlor guitars is a key reason why they are so popular with both beginners and experienced players. They are easy to transport and store, which makes them a great choice for musicians who travel or have limited space at home.
Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Portability of
Parlor Guitars
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Easy to transport and store | May not have as much volume as traditional acoustic guitars |
Good choice for musicians who travel or have limited space at home | May not be as versatile as traditional acoustic guitars |
8. Versatility
The versatility of acoustic electric parlor guitars is one of their key advantages. They can be used for a wide variety of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and country. This is due to their unique combination of portability, playability, and sound quality.
The portability of parlor guitars makes them a good choice for musicians who travel or play live. They are also a good choice for players who have limited space at home. The playability of parlor guitars makes them a good choice for beginners and experienced players alike. They are easy to learn to play and comfortable to play for extended periods of time. The sound quality of parlor guitars is bright and focused, making them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming.
Here are some real-life examples of how the versatility of parlor guitars benefits players:
- Ed Sheeran is a well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Sheeran is known for his diverse musical style, which includes elements of folk, pop, and hip hop. He has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they are versatile and easy to play.
- Tommy Emmanuel is another well-known musician who often plays a parlor guitar. Emmanuel is a master of fingerstyle guitar, and he has said that he prefers parlor guitars because they allow him to play a wide variety of musical styles.
The versatility of acoustic electric parlor guitars is a key reason why they are so popular with both beginners and experienced players. They are a good choice for musicians who want a guitar that can be used for a variety of musical styles.
Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Versatility of Parlor Guitars
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Can be used for a variety of musical styles | May not have as much volume as traditional acoustic guitars |
Good choice for musicians who travel or have limited space at home | May not be as versatile as traditional acoustic guitars |
9. Value
Acoustic electric parlor guitars offer a great value for the money because they combine the versatility and convenience of an electric guitar with the sound of an acoustic guitar. This makes them a great choice for musicians who want the best of both worlds.
- Versatility: Acoustic electric parlor guitars can be used for a wide variety of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and country. This is due to their unique combination of portability, playability, and sound quality.
- Convenience: Acoustic electric parlor guitars are easy to transport and store, making them a good choice for musicians who travel or play live. They are also a good choice for players who have limited space at home.
- Sound quality: Acoustic electric parlor guitars have a bright and focused sound, making them ideal for fingerpicking and strumming. They also sound great when plugged into an amplifier, making them a good choice for live performances or recording.
Overall, acoustic electric parlor guitars offer a great value for the money because they provide the versatility, convenience, and sound quality that musicians need. They are a good choice for both beginners and experienced players alike.
10. Durability
The durability of parlor guitars is one of their key advantages, especially for musicians who play regularly or travel with their guitar. The solid construction and high-quality materials used in parlor guitars make them able to withstand the rigors of the road and the wear and tear of regular use.
- Solid construction: Parlor guitars are typically made with solid wood construction, which makes them more durable than guitars made with laminated wood. Solid wood is less likely to crack or warp over time, and it also produces a better sound quality.
- High-quality materials: Parlor guitars are also made with high-quality materials, such as mahogany, rosewood, and spruce. These materials are known for their strength and durability, and they also contribute to the guitar’s sound quality.
The durability of parlor guitars is a key reason why they are so popular with both beginners and experienced players. They are a good choice for musicians who want a guitar that will last for many years to come.
FAQs on Acoustic Electric Parlor Guitars
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are a versatile and convenient choice for musicians who want the sound of an acoustic guitar with the ability to plug in and play amplified. Here are some frequently asked questions about acoustic electric parlor guitars:
Question 1: What are the benefits of an acoustic electric parlor guitar?
Answer: Acoustic electric parlor guitars offer a number of benefits, including versatility, convenience, and sound quality. They can be used for a wide variety of musical styles, they are easy to transport and store, and they sound great when plugged into an amplifier.
Question 2: What should I consider when choosing an acoustic electric parlor guitar?
Answer: When choosing an acoustic electric parlor guitar, you should consider your playing style, your budget, and your personal preferences. Some of the key factors to consider include the body size, the cutaway, the electronics, the sound, and the price.
Question 3: What are the different types of acoustic electric parlor guitars?
Answer: There are a variety of different types of acoustic electric parlor guitars available, including dreadnought, grand auditorium, and concert. Each type of guitar has its own unique sound and feel, so it is important to try out a few different types before making a decision.
Question 4: How do I care for my acoustic electric parlor guitar?
Answer: To care for your acoustic electric parlor guitar, it is important to keep it clean and dry. You should also avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. When not in use, store your guitar in a case to protect it from dust and damage.
Question 5: What are some good brands of acoustic electric parlor guitars?
Answer: Some good brands of acoustic electric parlor guitars include Taylor, Martin, and Gibson. These brands are known for their high-quality guitars that are built to last.
Question 6: Where can I buy an acoustic electric parlor guitar?
Answer: You can buy an acoustic electr
ic parlor guitar from a variety of different retailers, both online and in-store. Some popular retailers include Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Sweetwater.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about acoustic electric parlor guitars. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a guitar retailer or manufacturer.
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are a great choice for musicians who want a versatile and convenient guitar that sounds great. With so many different types and brands of acoustic electric parlor guitars available, you are sure to find one that is perfect for you.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know more about acoustic electric parlor guitars, you can start shopping for the perfect guitar for your needs. Be sure to consider your playing style, your budget, and your personal preferences when making a decision.
Tips for Choosing an Acoustic Electric Parlor Guitar
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are growing in popularity due to their versatility and convenience. However, with so many different types and brands of acoustic electric parlor guitars on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect guitar for your needs:
Tip 1: Consider your playing style.
The type of music you play will have a big impact on the type of acoustic electric parlor guitar you choose. If you play fingerstyle or folk music, you will want a guitar with a brighter sound. If you play rock or blues, you will want a guitar with a warmer sound.
Tip 2: Consider your budget.
Acoustic electric parlor guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you do not overspend.
Tip 3: Try out different guitars before you buy.
The best way to choose an acoustic electric parlor guitar is to try out different guitars before you buy. This will allow you to get a feel for the different types of guitars and find one that is comfortable to play.
Tip 4: Read reviews from other guitarists.
Once you have tried out a few different guitars, it is a good idea to read reviews from other guitarists. This will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of each guitar.
Tip 5: Consider the guitar’s features.
When you are choosing an acoustic electric parlor guitar, it is important to consider the guitar’s features. Some of the features to consider include the body size, the cutaway, the electronics, and the finish.
Tip 6: Buy from a reputable dealer.
When you are buying an acoustic electric parlor guitar, it is important to buy from a reputable dealer. This will ensure that you are getting a quality guitar that will last for many years to come.
Tip 7: Get the guitar set up by a professional.
Once you have purchased an acoustic electric parlor guitar, it is important to get the guitar set up by a professional. This will ensure that the guitar is playing its best and that it is comfortable to play.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect acoustic electric parlor guitar for your needs.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Consider your playing style, budget, and personal preferences when choosing an acoustic electric parlor guitar.
- Try out different guitars before you buy to get a feel for the different types of guitars and find one that is comfortable to play.
- Read reviews from other guitarists to get a better idea of the pros and cons of each guitar.
- Consider the guitar’s features, such as the body size, the cutaway, the electronics, and the finish.
- Buy from a reputable dealer to ensure that you are getting a quality guitar that will last for many years to come.
- Get the guitar set up by a professional to ensure that the guitar is playing its best and that it is comfortable to play.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are a versatile and convenient choice for musicians of all levels. By following these tips, you can choose the perfect guitar for your needs and start enjoying the many benefits of playing an acoustic electric parlor guitar.
Conclusion
Acoustic electric parlor guitars offer a unique blend of versatility, convenience, and sound quality. They are a great choice for musicians of all levels and playing styles. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first guitar or an experienced player looking for a new addition to your collection, an acoustic electric parlor guitar is a great option.
In this article, we have explored the key features of acoustic electric parlor guitars, including their body size, cutaway, electronics, sound, price, durability, and value. We have also provided tips on how to choose the right acoustic electric parlor guitar for your needs. By following these tips, you can find the perfect guitar to help you reach your musical goals.
Acoustic electric parlor guitars are a great way to enjoy the sound and feel of an acoustic guitar with the convenience of an electric guitar. They are a versatile and affordable option that is perfect for musicians of all levels. If you are looking for a new guitar, be sure to consider an acoustic electric parlor guitar.
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