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Acoustic Guitars Overview

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There is nothing like the warm sound of a deep-bodied acoustic guitar. Whether around the fire, or in a dorm room, the sound invokes a rustic nostalgia that is unmistakable. A highly versatile instrument, the acoustic guitar can be used for different events and venues and is highly portable.

Acoustic guitars differ from electric guitars in that they have deep hollow bodies constructed of wood. Some electric guitars have similar body styles, however the electronic hardware differentiates the acoustic from the electric guitar. Acoustic guitars also use thicker gauged strings than electric guitars. This helps give the acoustic guitar its unique warm sound. There are acoustic guitars that are capable of being plugged in and used through a sound system. These types of guitars are called ‘acoustic/electric’ guitars. However, ‘acoustic/electric’ guitars, though they are capable of being plugged in, they still do not have as many electric pick-ups as the electric guitar.

The acoustic guitar has its origins in ancient history. Dating back all the way to 1850 B.C. there are wall paints that reveal men playing some kind of necked instrument. There is also evidence from ancient Rome of a necked instrument with a five-holed wooden soundboard. The Moors brought the Guitarra Morisca to Spain around the fifteenth century. This version of the acoustic guitar had many oval sound holes on the soundboard. During the 15th century composers wrote in tablature notation and most of the guitars had four and five double strings. In the 17th century Italy became the guitar center of the world. It was not until the 18th century that guitar schools in Spain became to flourish. It was also during this time that the sixth string was added.

With the advent of the transportation and communication explosion of the 19th century the traveling musician came into vogue. The highly portable acoustic guitar was the favorite instrument of traveling musicians and the popularity of the instrument became global.

It was the Spaniard Antonio De Torres who perfect the modern form of the acoustic guitar; “broadened body, increased waist curve, thinned belly, improved internal bracing, single string courses replacing double courses, and a machined replacing wooden tuning pegs.” Over the years the acoustic guitar has become the central piece in many different types of music; bluegrass, rock, jazz, and classical.

Next Page: Can I get a good acoustic guitar for under $150?

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