Guitar is an instrument that is no stranger to us. Every guitar player has a different playing style. This difference is reflected in the type of guitar they use.
There are many different types of guitars from construction to sound output. In the article, we’ll help you distinguish resonant guitar and acoustic guitar.
What is a resonator guitar?
Resonant guitars are also a type of acoustic guitar. It has conical aluminum discs mounted inside the body.
These aluminum discs are capable of amplifying sound. This instrument sounds loud enough in concerts without the need for an amplifier.
The first resonant guitar appeared in the 1930s. People used this instrument in dance, jazz and blue bands.
This instrument belongs to the string set with a wide range of 3 octaves. Body made of wood, plastic or metal. The length of this instrument ranges from 1.02 meters to 1.07 meters.
What is an acoustic guitar?
Acoustic guitar is also known as vocal accompaniment guitar. The musical instrument is extremely suitable for vocal accompaniment. And the sound of the acoustic guitar when played is even and resonant.
The type of string that provides a resonant sound suitable for singing and chord accompaniment. Acoustic guitar strings are wound on a small upright iron core shaft of the neck.
In the musical instrument market, acoustic guitars are diverse with many different brands. We can mention some famous brands such as Yamaha, Fender, Martin, Gibson, Ovation, Taylor, etc.
Acoustic guitars of these brands are guaranteed in terms of quality as well as requirements. These brands always receive the trust of music lovers.
What are the differences between resonator guitar vs acoustic?
#1. Resonant guitars produce a louder sound than acoustic guitars
These two types of guitars have different ways of making sounds. Acoustic guitars create sound by magnifying the vibrations of the strings. Amplification occurs through the contact of the strings with the body.
Whereas a resonant guitar produces a much more distinct timbre. When you pluck the strings, that force causes the strings to vibrate.
The body will resonate with the frequency of vibrations of the strings. It causes the air around the top of the body to vibrate with the same frequency.
#2. The playing location of the resonant guitar is different from the acoustic
The sound of a guitar resonates much louder than an acoustic. That’s reason larger venues or larger bands often opt for resonant guitars.
Meanwhile, when accompaniment, people often use acoustic guitar. Professional musicians often perform acoustically in small bands or tea rooms. Acoustic guitars can also perform in many genres of music from classical to flamenco.
#3. The playing posture of the resonant guitar is as comfortable as that of an acoustic guitar
Like regular acoustic guitars, the neck of a resonator guitar is round. It’s like a soft D or C form. When plucking, the player usually stands with the neck facing away from the player.
You can also play with the spanish pose. You sit down and put the belly of the guitar on your feet then pluck the guitar. With this similarity in gameplay, you can play with the style you like and feel comfortable.
The round neck version is equally capable in place of the acoustic guitar. It can integrate with many different action heights. It allows the use of the bottleneck on the top wire. But also use the keys as with the guitar in the usual position.
Over time, resonant guitars have variations. Resonance guitars also have a square neck in a hybrid steel style.
Square neck version is more popular. But it is more difficult in the playing position. Square neck instruments are always suitable for high action. Steel guitarists love it and tune in to the open-tuned fit.
#4. The material of the resonant guitar is different from the acoustic guitar
Manufacturers often make acoustic guitars using only one wood. Meanwhile, thin metal is the material of the resonant guitar. Aluminum, steel or brass are usually common metals used to make resonant guitars.
Metal helps support the resonance in the body better than wood. The manufacturer may paint, plated or polished to make this guitar more beautiful.
Should I choose a resonance guitar or an acoustic guitar?
The choice of resonance guitar or acoustic guitar depends on the style and music of each person. Resonant guitars are popular in bluegrass and blues music.
Traditionally, bluegrass players use square-necked instruments like a steel guitar. While blues players prefer round neck National style guitars.
However, some contemporary players ignore these stereotypes. They use resonant guitars in many different musical contexts.
Acoustic guitars sound very different from resonance guitars. So it is suitable for Pop and Rock music. In addition, it is also the ideal instrument for accompanists to sing for strong music.
Should a beginner choose a resonant guitar or an acoustic guitar?
For a beginner, it is very difficult for them to play resonant guitar. Players with resonant guitars require great flexibility in their fingers. They have to use three-finger steering and reverse direction continuously.
When adjusting the gate box, the player must raise the pitch from the lowest to the highest. Only professional players can master this complex technique.
Meanwhile, the technique of playing acoustic guitar is much simpler. It can be easier for beginners to get used to acoustic guitars than resonant guitars. Because acoustic guitars are also for amateurs. They are music lovers and love to sing.
Final Words
Above is the difference between guitar vs acoustic resonator. We hope that this information will help you distinguish between the two. Please consider carefully and make the best choice for you.
