Acoustic Electric Guitars are an attempt to bridge the gap between the rich sounds made by the original soundbox version and the modified electric signals of the modern type. They were first manufactured for country singer Glen Campbell by Ovation in the 1960's. This special type of instrument blends the initial tone developed in the top into a usable format that can be amplified and then played through a loudspeaker.

They are constructed with the same basic materials that all models use: wood, steel and composite materials. It depends on the manufacturer and brand, but the same basic shape and production methods are used to put these finely crafted pieces together. All makes of this special guitar variety make use of the same tonal features used to produce the signature music. By fitting an acoustic unit with the electronics of the day, producer were then able to craft the basic hybrid that is still used today.

There are two main types of guitar tops that are used to create these special blends. The first is a laminate-top, which is constructed by gluing several wood pieces together. This effect is able to produce a most basic tone. It has the effect of putting together different tree species into a top with the resulting effects as varied as the materials itself. The other style -- the solid-top, is manufactured by matching two pieces of a high-quality hardwood glued together. This process is able to create a richer sound and a more rigid frame. Again, employing the same species can lead to more predictable results and that is what is achieved here by this type of construction.

Acoustic Electric Guitars also have 2 main body types. Large bodies produce a full tone, while it's smaller body counterpart typically has a pickup which is used with an amplifier. This is because of the diminished mass and volume of this particular instrument makes it necessary to add some help to produce the sounds. Each of these can also be further classified according the the shape. Both the top and body are used to clarify the further segment these types into different categories. Archtop guitars have a hollow body with a curved top that is ideal for jazz and country music musicians. The flat-top styles are similar in shape to the classical model. This brand is favored by rock, blues and folk music players.

This type of guitar typically is fitted with six strings, but some employ 12. It all depends on the They are customarily composed of nylon or steel material. The former is just right for classical, folk and flamenco music, because of the more mellow tones that is create, while the latter is the preferred choice of rock, country, blues and jazz players, because of the rich, clear sound produced by this substance. While most musicians are able to play be ear, the strings are still an important part of the process because they can be individually tuned according the player's liking. Most prefer the original ones supplied by the maker because they last longer and are designed to produce the optimal tones.

The electric acoustic guitar (or sometimes known as elecoustic), is simply an acoustic model that is fitted with pickups, a microphone or transducers, and is capable of capturing the signal for processing by the amplifier. Many times, these units also make use of special piezoelectric devices, used to enhance the vibrations in the pre-amp built into the body. This gives the signal a boost before is is transmitted to the main amp. This is necessary because the pickups themselves are not sensitive enough to pick up the string vibrations in a nonmetallic body and top. By making use of the right technology advances, producers of this special model are able to create the perfect sound for the concert hall.

While these guitars are not overwhelmingly popular at this time, some of the artists that currently make use of these hybrids include R.E.M. and Tim Hiller. This is not to say that there are deficiencies with this type, but it just hasn't caught on as completely as the more traditional methods. There are probably a variety of reasons

for this, but most musicians are only comfortable with a specific model.

There are however, several benefits that can be gained when employing this hybrid music maker. But they were the product of difficulties unforeseen when this union was first put together. The earliest models used a magnetic pick up in the soundhole or at the neck joint of an acoustic guitar. This lead to feedback problems and diminished sound quality because the complex overtones produced could not be adequately handled by such a simple device. Then, in the late 1960's, a company called Ovation design the first pizoelectric bridge pickup. These small, sensitive devices actually amplified the actual vibrations, rather than depending on a microphone to increase the volume. This has been demonstrated at concert halls across the country, with a more natural blend of acoustic guitar tone. Each manufacturer has their own variation of this effect, unique to the model that they produce.

Now performers are able to produce the warm, richness of an acoustic model by using modern day technology. This is all accomplished without the normal feedback that is typical at high volume levels. A further positive is the straight connection into the console, which eliminates the need for a noise free studio or expensive microphone in which to pick up the signals clearly. Often called "plug-in acoustic guitars" for this specific feature, they are favored by concert musicians for use in a large hall.

Acoustic Electric Guitars have come a long way since their introduction almost 50 years ago. Their major benefits are being able to play the natural acoustical tones of the original version without the feedback created at the increased volume necessary for concert halls. This feature alone should make this model carry into the next 60 years. Musicians undoubtedly will see to that little detail.