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Started By
Message
Has Anyone Played A Fender Acoustasonic?
Posted on 10/4/23 at 9:12 am
Posted on 10/4/23 at 9:12 am
I'm looking for an acoustic that plays with the action and string tension of an electric which led me to the Acoustasonic. If you've played one what's your opinion of it, particulary unplugged. I know the acoustic sound is considered excellent plugged in, but how is it unplgged? Is it at least a semi-reasonable tone?
I've been dissatisfied with all of the acoustics I've tried, but would be open to any suggestions. TIA
I've been dissatisfied with all of the acoustics I've tried, but would be open to any suggestions. TIA
3
Posted on 10/4/23 at 10:46 am to Mizz-SEC
Yep. I've Played the U.S. made Telecaster version and I loved it. Have not tried the Mexican version, and supposedly there is a difference in the tone selections.
Unplugged, it's not real loud, but good enough to play alone and has a good tone. I really want one, but can't afford it right now.
I traded for one of these
LINK
It's not as good as the Acoustasonic, but it's pretty dang good for 1/10th of the price.
My biggest complaint about this guitar is the flat (13.8")fretboard radius. It took some getting used to. The fretwork is really good on mine too.
Unplugged, it's not real loud, but good enough to play alone and has a good tone. I really want one, but can't afford it right now.
I traded for one of these
LINK
It's not as good as the Acoustasonic, but it's pretty dang good for 1/10th of the price.
My biggest complaint about this guitar is the flat (13.8")fretboard radius. It took some getting used to. The fretwork is really good on mine too.
This post was edited on 10/4/23 at 10:56 am
Posted on 10/4/23 at 6:18 pm to auggie
They are cool as heck until the electronics go kaput. At that point, you can't fix or retrofit because its built and designed around and to fit only FMIC proprietary components.
If your repair guy is not a FMIC service/warranty center and/or at least a SPA (strings/parts/accessories) dealer, he cannot directly source the specific FMIC parts needed to fix the guitar.
FMIC denied my shop service, warranty and SPA designations because our market already has a FMIC service hub, they told me. I tried every approach I could think of, I even encouraged FMIC to call their local hub and ask to whom do they refer repairs beyond their skill set (knowing their referrals are to me). But FMIC wouldn't budge, policy is policy.
I had a kaput one cross my bench recently and I called my buddy whose shop is a FMIC warranty center to see about him backdooring me the parts I needed. He had four Acoustasonics in his repair bay awaiting FMIC parts, with no definitive answer from FMIC as to when he would get the parts.
My advice if you really love them ... get two so you have a backup readily available if and when the first one sh!ts the bed.
If your repair guy is not a FMIC service/warranty center and/or at least a SPA (strings/parts/accessories) dealer, he cannot directly source the specific FMIC parts needed to fix the guitar.
FMIC denied my shop service, warranty and SPA designations because our market already has a FMIC service hub, they told me. I tried every approach I could think of, I even encouraged FMIC to call their local hub and ask to whom do they refer repairs beyond their skill set (knowing their referrals are to me). But FMIC wouldn't budge, policy is policy.
I had a kaput one cross my bench recently and I called my buddy whose shop is a FMIC warranty center to see about him backdooring me the parts I needed. He had four Acoustasonics in his repair bay awaiting FMIC parts, with no definitive answer from FMIC as to when he would get the parts.
My advice if you really love them ... get two so you have a backup readily available if and when the first one sh!ts the bed.
Posted on 10/4/23 at 6:21 pm to TheFretShack
And as for the sound unplugged, the acoustic chamber is very small. The instrument acoustically sounds more like a really high-end nice tonewood ukulele than a guitar IMHO.
Posted on 10/4/23 at 6:41 pm to TheFretShack
I don't see my situation changing enough, to where I can afford one.
This Michael Kelly hybrid is probably going to have to do, and it's pretty good, especially plugged in.
As I told you before, I've got this Thinline Telly that I'm working on. If I put a fishman VT powerbridge on it and maybe a set of the right pickups.. Maybe I can figure out how to put together a good hybrid with off the shelf parts.
This Michael Kelly hybrid is probably going to have to do, and it's pretty good, especially plugged in.
As I told you before, I've got this Thinline Telly that I'm working on. If I put a fishman VT powerbridge on it and maybe a set of the right pickups.. Maybe I can figure out how to put together a good hybrid with off the shelf parts.
Posted on 10/4/23 at 7:00 pm to TheFretShack
Thanks FretShack (and Auggie too).
So what would you be looking at for an acoustic that plays like and electric? My freind is a luthier and had an early model Baden which had a crack from the sound hole to the pin on the face. It had been a display model which had been forgotten about.
He fixed, refinished it and sold it to me for $200, but it's unpleasant to play, is so wide it cuts into my arm and sounds dull. If it wasn't such a bitch to fret I'd roll with it for a while, but there's nothing redeeming to me.
If you have a reccommendation (acoustic or acoustic-electric) I'd be interested since I need one.
Is the Taylor version of the Acoustasonic worth looking at and have reliable components? TIA
Posted on 10/5/23 at 7:22 am to TheFretShack
quote:
The instrument acoustically sounds more like a really high-end nice tonewood ukulele than a guitar IMHO.
Yeah, that's accurate. It's kind of a cool sound though for certain types of songs.
Posted on 10/5/23 at 9:34 am to auggie
quote:
Ibanez has a new Model that they call the Talman, that they claim fits this description, but I haven't checked one out. They look pretty cool.
Thanks auggie. This one looks like it hits all the marks.
I'll see if my buddy has one in his shop or I'll try to hit GC soon and check one out. Thanks again.
Posted on 10/5/23 at 11:13 am to Mizz-SEC
Don't look over that Michael Kelly Hybrid either. It aint bad.
Posted on 10/5/23 at 11:32 am to Mizz-SEC
So what would you be looking at for an acoustic that plays like and electric?
I wouldn't be looking for a particular brand of acoustic, I'd be looking instead for a luthier or tech who understands the results you seek and hand him the instrument.
Your responsibility is to hand the luthier or tech the best instrument you can in regard to proper neck angle in relation to the body and the height of the bridge and saddle assembly. He can handle the fretwork, neck relief and nut and saddle work to complete the puzzle.
If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to your tech of choice, he or she is not the best choice for the job. If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to you, do your research and/or get someone more knowledgeable that you in on the search.
I wouldn't be looking for a particular brand of acoustic, I'd be looking instead for a luthier or tech who understands the results you seek and hand him the instrument.
Your responsibility is to hand the luthier or tech the best instrument you can in regard to proper neck angle in relation to the body and the height of the bridge and saddle assembly. He can handle the fretwork, neck relief and nut and saddle work to complete the puzzle.
If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to your tech of choice, he or she is not the best choice for the job. If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to you, do your research and/or get someone more knowledgeable that you in on the search.
Posted on 10/6/23 at 7:57 am to TheFretShack
quote:
Your responsibility is to hand the luthier or tech the best instrument you can in regard to proper neck angle in relation to the body and the height of the bridge and saddle assembly. He can handle the fretwork, neck relief and nut and saddle work to complete the puzzle.
If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to your tech of choice, he or she is not the best choice for the job. If the preceding paragraph doesn't make sense to you, do your research and/or get someone more knowledgeable that you in on the search.
Thanks. I've read up enough to know the terminology you used.
That said, are you saying any acoustic guitar should be able to be adjusted to play with the string tension of an electric? I'm sure I could build my left hand strength up to play one, but I'd rather not. Fatigue sets in after a couple of songs and I'm not enjoying it.
Also, when reading up on Acoustasonics I saw where some onwers replaced the acoustic strings with electric to general satisfaction. Is that unique to that model or could it be done on any acoustic to reduce string tension? TIA
Posted on 10/6/23 at 8:02 am to auggie
quote:
Don't look over that Michael Kelly Hybrid either. It aint bad.
Hmmm... The price just dropped to $229 with the link you provided.
Time to do some homework and video watching to do a deep dive on it.
Posted on 10/6/23 at 8:26 am to Mizz-SEC
Have you ever tried out a Hummingbird? I highly recommend the Epiphone inspired by Gibson model
Those are a shortened scale (24.75")guitar, this reduces string tension a little bit and they are beautiful. Also, you can tune down a half or whole step, if the guitar is set up right.
I didn't know that this was the problem, I thought you just wanted something that felt like an electric guitar in general.
My acoustics play just as easy as my electrics, because I put serious effort into getting the action just right. It pays off.
I realize now, that I never read the entire OP. I initially just answered the question in the title.
You might not need to buy another guitar at all. You might just need to find the right guy to work on the one you have.
Those are a shortened scale (24.75")guitar, this reduces string tension a little bit and they are beautiful. Also, you can tune down a half or whole step, if the guitar is set up right.
I didn't know that this was the problem, I thought you just wanted something that felt like an electric guitar in general.
My acoustics play just as easy as my electrics, because I put serious effort into getting the action just right. It pays off.
I realize now, that I never read the entire OP. I initially just answered the question in the title.
You might not need to buy another guitar at all. You might just need to find the right guy to work on the one you have.
This post was edited on 10/6/23 at 9:28 am
Posted on 10/6/23 at 8:45 am to auggie
That said, are you saying any acoustic guitar should be able to be adjusted to play with the string tension of an electric?
Somewhat. Yes, thinner strings will have less pounds of tension at tuned pitch. But clean low action contributes as well. And to get clean low action, you need an acoustic that passes the neck alignment muster to which I referred in the post regarding proper neck angle and adequate bridge and saddle height for a tech to work with ... then, it is a prime candidate when mixed with other factors a luthier or tech oversees. See if this makes sense ...
REMEMBER, most acoustics have glued-in set necks and without a costly, intrusive neck reset ... you are limited in potential string action to whichever of the four states above said guitar mimics.
I saw where some onwers replaced the acoustic strings with electric to general satisfaction. Is that unique to that model or could it be done on any acoustic to reduce string tension? TIA
Electric guitar strings (nickel plated steel, steel and/or pure nickel alloys) sound like sh!t on an acoustic, too spiky and bright. You want acoustic guitar strings (phosphor or 80/20 bronze alloys) in a thin gauge similar to electrics. But if you go too thin, even acoustic alloys sound thin.
I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze 11-52s. That alloy and gauge is the best balance between tone and playability to my ear and hundreds of my clients. String makers make 10-47 that are easier to play but they are a little too thin acoustic-tone-wise for my ears. I'm sure someone makes 9s but I have zero inclination to even try them.
Somewhat. Yes, thinner strings will have less pounds of tension at tuned pitch. But clean low action contributes as well. And to get clean low action, you need an acoustic that passes the neck alignment muster to which I referred in the post regarding proper neck angle and adequate bridge and saddle height for a tech to work with ... then, it is a prime candidate when mixed with other factors a luthier or tech oversees. See if this makes sense ...
REMEMBER, most acoustics have glued-in set necks and without a costly, intrusive neck reset ... you are limited in potential string action to whichever of the four states above said guitar mimics.
I saw where some onwers replaced the acoustic strings with electric to general satisfaction. Is that unique to that model or could it be done on any acoustic to reduce string tension? TIA
Electric guitar strings (nickel plated steel, steel and/or pure nickel alloys) sound like sh!t on an acoustic, too spiky and bright. You want acoustic guitar strings (phosphor or 80/20 bronze alloys) in a thin gauge similar to electrics. But if you go too thin, even acoustic alloys sound thin.
I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze 11-52s. That alloy and gauge is the best balance between tone and playability to my ear and hundreds of my clients. String makers make 10-47 that are easier to play but they are a little too thin acoustic-tone-wise for my ears. I'm sure someone makes 9s but I have zero inclination to even try them.
Posted on 10/7/23 at 6:10 am to Mizz-SEC
Played many times in the store. Very awesome, I went in to get one then realized for the price I could walk out with with that 60s' Japanese Strat. So I did not get it but they all feel awesome. I have wondered about their electronics, I cant speak to longevity, I would play it like an acoustic personally more than plugged in. Still worth having if you have the money.
I personally like the telecaster one the best but they are all nice.
I personally like the telecaster one the best but they are all nice.
Posted on 10/11/23 at 7:22 am to Mizz-SEC
Any new developments?
Posted on 10/11/23 at 9:17 am to auggie
No, but I appreciate all the feedback in this thread.
I'm going to go to GC when I can and check these and the Highway series out and then decide what I think I'm willing to pay and then wait.
This thread was prompted by Adorama running their MIA Acoustasonics for $1199, but now I'll be looking for the Highway's. Thanks man.
I'm going to go to GC when I can and check these and the Highway series out and then decide what I think I'm willing to pay and then wait.
This thread was prompted by Adorama running their MIA Acoustasonics for $1199, but now I'll be looking for the Highway's. Thanks man.
Posted on 10/13/23 at 8:56 am to Mizz-SEC
Just replied to you on Reverb and sent my email.
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