I've realized that I enjoy playing classical guitar pieces only but I have an electric guitar and I don't plan on changing to an acoustic one. What is the best way to set up my guitar to be able to switch between classical guitar sound and overdrive sound?(Not really keen on distortion)

I have a Squier Strat with two single pickups and one humbucker. I haven't bought an amplifier yet, been using the one they have in college.

So now I'm thinking of getting a practice amp.
What kind of pickups should I get?
Is an acoustic stimulator a good buy?

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Dec 4 2007, 02:03 PM

An acoustic simulator or effect would never (eeeeeeeeeeeeever) sound as good as the real thing. The only thing that comes CLOSE if it's a piezo equipped guitar, but that's a whole 'nother topic best left for another time.

Practice amp? We all here can recommend either the Roland Microcube or the Vox DA15........

Pickups, don't bother upgrading unless you know the right tone you want.

Also, Overdrive/Distortion is the same thing...... I think maybe you meant a blues overdrive (think of Clapton's new tone) and a full blown overdrive (Metal stuff)....... and for that, IMHO, the Vox DA5 handles that better then the Microcube.

You got a fat strat right there I think. A good combo compared to my SSS squier.

Anyways, my microcube can simulate acoustic but like someone said, won't sound the same.

Yes, I think the microcube is the best option available without having to buy separate effects for the acoustic sound.


But still I recommend you invest in a classical guitar eventually because the fretboard is wider.

If you move from an electric to a classical guitar, you might find it difficult because your fingers have not been conditioned to reach further out.

Usually people go from fat fret to the thin ones which would eventually feel like a piece of cake since their fingers have already been trained/conditioned to reach hard to reach frets.

Or, at the very least, buy a kapok under 100 ringgit (their fretboard usually are modelled after the typical classical guitar fretboard's size) and restring it with nylon strings.


The kapok option restringed is still cheaper than getting a microcube amp.

I think you should seriously consider it.

I got mine for rm 85 only, and it's modelled exactly like a classical guitar, except it's loaded with steel strings.

but kapok sounds horrible!!!!!

Agreed. I would be more inclined to give up guitar if I started off with a Kapok.

I know buying an acoustic guitar is probably cheaper and easier than buying an acoustic simulator and getting the right pickups. But I don't really fancy playing an acoustic guitar since as you've said it, the fretboard is very wide and the strings big and much harder to press, especially when playing classical stuff when you've to use your pinky finger to fret those giant strings. Plus seeing the electric guitar makes me wanna play and seeing an acoustic one doesn't have the same effect.

If you want an example of classical guitar playing on killer heavy metal, get Children of Bodom....... too many good pieces to mention.

yeah, bodom ftw!
but not the new stuff though. until Follow The Reaper album. newer albums has less and less neo classical elements in it; moreso in the next album, blooddrunk. the title says it all. look at the songs titles. tie my rope? wtf? soap on the rope??

or you can check out solo artists like the almighty yngwie malmsteen, jason becker etc

maybe all u need is an acoustic which design is like electric?
got ah? i donno.. noob here

^ hollowbody lol. Get the B.B. King 80th birthday Lucille copy from Gibson. It sounds heavenly.

I think if he can afford that, he can afford to get a Piezo equipped guitar!

Yeah I agree with Blacktrix... He could get a JP or something


Anyway, you should try whatever options you have within your budget and choose the one you feel its best

I use my Vox ad30vt set to the Tweed 4x10 amp model to play songs such as Dee (ozzy/rhoads) on my washburn n2. Doesnt sound much like a classical guitar but... it'll have to do for the moment

Get a classical if you like classical. Period. Believe me you WON'T regret it ^^ Theres more what you can do with a classical guitar than you think lol

forget about those simulators...Steel strings guitar never sounds like nylon strings at the moment....if you r really serious about it, get a roland V-guitar system on your e-guitar, im sure u will get a very decent classical tones!

Here are some vids of a piezo-equipped guitar which name escapes me at the moment