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550 played unamplified


Guest HRB853370

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Guest HRB853370
Posted

I happened to strum my 550 in acoustic mode the other day, and was shocked that it is no louder than my 555 played unamplified, even though it is a full hollowbody electric!

 

Wonder why?

Posted

Two things come to mind. First, archtops project forward, not to the player. Second, you need heavy strings to create volume.

 

The H550, like the ES175, was designed as an electric instrument. The top is weighted down with electronics and it is a laminate. You shouldn't expect it to have the volume or spectrum of a carved guitar when used acoustically.

 

The H550 is a wonderful instrument, especially amplified.

Posted

Hmmm, maybe it's the inverse? Your H555 is just as loud acoustically as your H550 :icon_thumright: How awesome is that?

 

 

Posted

Hmmm, maybe it's the inverse? Your H555 is just as loud acoustically as your H550 :icon_thumright: How awesome is that?

 

Polly Anna

Posted
First, archtops project forward, not to the player.

 

Yes, I've found this to be true.. You'd hear it differently if you were in front of it, I'd think.

Posted

I happened to strum my 550 in acoustic mode the other day, and was shocked that it is no louder than my 555 played unamplified, even though it is a full hollowbody electric!

 

Wonder why?

I buy .015's single for the first string on my H-550, .018's or .019's for the 2nd, and .052-56's for the 6th, and use flatwounds for the others. This gives me a stronger acoustic sound. Am thinking about putting in a condenser mic or something else that brings up the natural sound of this guitar when I play passages that I don't want amplified through my Charlie Christian pickup.It'd be great if Heritage would make an H-550 with a solid top and laminate sides and back. You'd get more of an acoustic sound, but a little more integrity on the sides. Recently had to cover a cracked side at the jack hole with a Les Paul jack because I leaned down too hard on the top side while reaching for a sheet of music on the floor, causing the cord plug to tear sideways. Now have an "L"- shaped cord plug to eliminate this from happening again.

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