Why Acoustics are the Best Guitars

[Jimbo00]

Crazy coincidence today. So the past week or so I've been on an acoustic electric guitar as unplugged phase. This AM the power went out for 1:20 hours and I had nothing to do for the restoration of electricity period. I was fortunate to have made my coffee before the outage. Anyway, I sat on the couch and strummed away until the power was restored. This old Ovation Applause is the best guitar I've ever bought. And one of the main reasons was exactly this situation as for why I bought it. The electric feature was always a bonus, and the guitar at that Applause level was intended to be a campfire guitar. Originally it was my FL hurricane storm power outage option, the sun was shining for this power outage. Time to go make waffles.

[Rudy4]

All good logic!

I often play one of my other "electric" guitars and I have to say that I enjoy the tremendous ease of playing and the low volume, which allows me to play any time I want, even with a sleeping spouse in the next room. I have both nylon strung and steel strung lightweight solid bodies and they have set me on a further quest for the ultimate couch guitar.

As much as I love my true acoustic guitars I do like to plug in, and seeing John Smith's latest new guitar, a Fylde "Smithcaster" built by Roger Bucknell has me designing my next project!

[CharlieBman]

I never fully realize my dependence on electricity until the power goes out. But when it does happen, the realization is always softened by my family of acoustic guitars.

[mercy]

I love the clash of sounds in the box and an acoustic just seems like a real guitar. I also love the sound of Fender guitars, but they dont seem like guitars. You know, more like Guitar Hero.

[Birdbrain]

Yes, electric guitars have an element of remote control about them. You pluck a string here and the sound comes out over there at the amp. I miss the tactile feed back of body vibrations from the guitar body.

[Pickcity]

No cords needed, no power needed. They can be taken anywhere and played anywhere. This is why they are also better than pianos, or most other instruments. Perfect for accompanying vocals, whether sitting in the couch, by the campfire, in the park, wherever. Very few instruments are as versatile as acoustic guitar.

[tinnitus]

Finally stopped playing in electric bands about 10 years ago.

Today, as half of an acoustic duo I can walk into an open mic with everything I need in one guitar case (including my own mic and cable because that's how some venues still roll). And that 'blues harp neck holder thing' in my other hand.

Simple feels good.

[Jeff D]

I agree. I love playing electric guitar but I always want to have an even better acoustic so I can play if the electricity goes out. Though right now, my electric blows away my acoustics. Saving up for a piano, then a nice acoustic in the future.

I'm actually undergoing this conundrum with pianos too. I can either buy a keyboard or I can buy an acoustic upright. If I buy the upright it's more maintenance and costs more up front, but at least I'll be able to play it regardless of electricity.

[abn556]

I have only one comment - get a whole house generator. I realize they are expensive, but if you live anywhere near hurricane or tornado alley, they are a must have. After Hurricane Ike we were without power for 13 days in 100+ degree heat. That was it for me. Long term power outages are common in south Texas. We have violent weather and a power grid that is not in good shape.

[raysachs]

Alternate thread title:

Why Horses are the Best Cars

[fantex]

Originally Posted by Pickcity

No cords needed, no power needed. They can be taken anywhere and played anywhere. This is why they are also better than pianos, or most other instruments. Perfect for accompanying vocals, whether sitting in the couch, by the campfire, in the park, wherever. Very few instruments are as versatile as acoustic guitar.

Don't forget - no amp, no pedals, no pedalboard.

[p^h]

About a month ago the power went out around 730 pm for almost 2 hours. Out came the little parlor. Not only did I get in a couple hours practice/noodling, it was in near darkness. Even better!

[jschmitz54]

I only play acoustic even if they have a pickup installed I remove the battery so it doesn't leak and damage the guitar.
In a power outage, we have a small portable generator for necessities. To my wife, that's the modem and router so she can use her iPad.
I'm happy with the guitar.

[rmp]

I have a generator to run the house when the power goes out.

...just sayin

[Murphy Slaw]

I haven't played my Tele or Les Paul in years. Many years. The strings on them are older than a decade. I do fire the Boogie and the Prosonic and the Champ up a few times a year, so the caps don't dry up.

I just don't care about electric guitars anymore.