Hassleshooting an Acoustic-Electrical Guitar

Acoustic guitars come in all styles and sizes with a number of options. Probably the most common options is the addition of a pickup system that permits the guitar to be plugged into amplification.

When a pickup system is added to an acoustic guitar it becomes an "acoustic/ electric" guitar because it may be performed by itself, acoustically, or related to an amp or PA system like an electric guitar.

And as with something mechanical, the more items you add to the puzzle, the more that can go wrong. If in case you have an acoustic/ electrical guitar it is just a matter of time before you experience a break down in the signal chain, and it's vital to know how to diagnose the problem.

Issues that can arise when plugging an acoustic/ electric guitar into an amp or PA system typically fall into two categories. Distorted or static sounds - or complete lack of signal.

Distorted or Static Sounds

When the sound that the guitar produces is distorted or filled with static, there are a couple of culprits.

The first thing to check is the guitar cable you're using. Gently shake the cable and hear for a "crackling" sound. If you happen to hear one then the cable might have a short someplace down its length. Also, apply some pressure back and forth on the ends. If you hear a crackling sound then that's usually an indicator of a short in the cable connectors.

Both way, try a new cable and see if that alleviates the problem.

If not, strive gently shifting the top of the cable that is plugged into the guitar luthier back and forth. If this produces a crackling noise then you might have a short within the enter jack of the guitar itself.

If you have tried all the above and not positioned a problem, then the next thing to check is the battery for the pre-amp of the guitar's pickup system.

Most acoustic guitar pickups have a pre-amp in-built that boosts the signal out of the guitar earlier than it goes to an amp or PA. One of the most widespread issues with these guitars is that the battery (usually a 9 volt) loses power, or dies out altogether. Put a new battery in and try the guitar. This, quite often, will remedy the problem.

Full Lack of Signal

Diagnosing this drawback is similar to the above issues, but since there isn't a signal at all you'll want to check the opposite elements of the signal chain.

First check the amp. I do know this sounds apparent, but be sure that it's on! If that's the case, check quantity level settings. Use one other guitar that you already know is working and ensure the amp is functioning properly.

If the guitar is plugged right into a D.I. (Direct Box), check the box for defects and correct cable routing. Also check the XLR cable that goes from the D.I. box, to the blending board or snake.

As soon as these prospects are eradicated, then proceed to diagnose points as with a distorted or static sound.

In Conclusion

The above hassleshooting ideas could sound like a whole lot of steps to undergo to discover the problem, however after getting a grip on the concept of what can go flawed, one can find that tracing down the problem can be accomplished fairly quickly.

It is really just a matter of knowing the signal path of the guitar, and eliminating the whole lot that "is" working, until you find the factor that "isn't" working.

And remember, the number one perpetrator of signal loss, or distorted signal in an acoustic/ electric guitar is a faulty battery - and you can resolve that problem by altering the battery often!