Update here... and sorry to disappoint. :/ Spoiler alert.
I went to Guitar Center today to try some of the archtops, and I wasn't fond of the sound unplugged at all.
I plugged in and started playing it the way I would normally play an acoustic, strumming and singing along, and found that in my hands, at my current novice level playing, it was not the best guitar for that application. However... no trip to the guitar store is ever a total loss because there's always something new to learn and try out.
I realized what all the fuss is about with acoustic electrics and having a pickup installed and using an amplifier. The amp was so great! I loved the volume control, and I didn't even get into fiddling around with all the other knobs, controls and dials. The amp does so much of the work for you. I took my newly acquired knowledge back into the acoustic room and immediately plugged in an Epiphone Hummingbird Pro. It was a
serious epiphany. I felt like Thomas Edison discovering the light bulb. It sounded so good. Way better than I sound in real life. So I'm in a bit of a guitar quandary now, as my Martin does not have electronics, and clearly I *need* some electronics. :0)
So, while you're all reading this, what can you tell me about the "Acoustic" brand of acoustic guitar amps? That is the one they had available to try. It was a big one. It sounded great. And the acoustics in that room are really nice, because I was singing and I don't sound that good in real life either:
Shop for the Acoustic A1000 Acoustic Instrument Amp in and receive free shipping and guaranteed lowest price.
www.guitarcenter.com
In the fancy electric guitar room, I used a very nice looking and $$$ Fender. Even with my lack of experience in this area, I thought the Fender might be overkill for just home use and practice.
And then there's always the Wall of Sound, for anyone who love the Grateful Dead. But that might be overkill for home use as well. :0)
The guitar journey never ends...
