6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitars: Timberline's Complete Electric-Acoustic Solution
The 6 string acoustic-electric guitars from Timberline Guitars combine traditional acoustic guitar construction with professional K&K Pure Mini pickup systems that provide natural amplified tone for contemporary performance requirements. Available across the T20, T60, and T70 Series, these instruments feature dual pickup systems that capture both string vibration and body resonance, creating balanced amplified sound that maintains acoustic character. This electronic integration serves musicians who perform in multiple contexts requiring both acoustic and amplified capabilities.
Electronic System Integration
Dual Pickup Architecture
Timberline installs dual K&K Pure Mini pickup systems in all 6 string acoustic-electric guitars, using one pickup under the bridge saddle to capture string vibrations and a second pickup mounted inside the guitar to capture body resonance. This combination provides more natural amplified tone than single pickup systems.
The dual system approach captures the complete acoustic signature of the instrument rather than focusing solely on string output, resulting in amplified sound that closely matches the acoustic characteristics of the instrument.
Passive Electronics Design
The K&K system uses passive electronics that maintain the guitar's natural dynamics without requiring battery power. This approach eliminates concerns about battery failure during performances while preserving the acoustic character that defines quality acoustic guitar tone.
The passive design provides consistent impedance and output characteristics that work effectively with various amplification systems, from small practice amplifiers to large concert sound reinforcement equipment.
Construction & Acoustic Foundation
Solid Wood Base Construction
All Timberline 6 string acoustic-electric guitars use solid wood construction throughout, providing the acoustic foundation necessary for quality amplified tone. The T20 Series features solid mahogany construction, while premium series incorporate exotic woods like tropical acacia and silkwood.
Solid wood construction ensures that the pickup systems capture genuine acoustic resonance rather than the compressed sound characteristics associated with plywood construction. The natural wood aging process continues to improve the amplified tone over time.
Traditional Bracing Integration
The pickup installation integrates with traditional X-bracing patterns without compromising structural integrity or acoustic response. The internal pickup mounts securely within the bracing system while maintaining optimal contact with the soundboard for effective signal capture.
This integration approach ensures that the electronic system doesn't interfere with the natural acoustic properties that define each instrument's voice and projection characteristics.
Performance Applications
Live Performance Versatility
The 6 string acoustic-electric guitars serve musicians who perform across various contexts requiring different amplification approaches. Coffee house performances may use minimal amplification, while festival stages require higher output levels and feedback resistance.
The dual pickup system provides a balanced tone that works effectively in both intimate acoustic settings and high-volume amplified contexts, allowing musicians to use the same instrument across various performance requirements.
Recording Studio Applications
Recording facilities often prefer acoustic-electric guitars that provide both direct signal capture and microphone recording options. The pickup system delivers consistent direct signals while the acoustic properties remain suitable for traditional microphone techniques.
Many recording engineers mix direct pickup signals with microphone captures to achieve sounds that combine the immediacy of direct recording with the ambient qualities of acoustic recording.
Sound System Integration
Professional sound reinforcement systems accommodate 6 string acoustic-electric guitars through direct connection or microphone/pickup mixing techniques. The consistent output characteristics simplify sound system integration and mixing procedures.
Sound engineers prefer instruments with reliable pickup systems because they provide predictable signal characteristics that require less processing to achieve optimal results in various acoustic environments.
Amplification Equipment Compatibility
Acoustic Amplifier Integration
Acoustic guitar amplifiers designed for natural tone reproduction provide optimal compatibility with Timberline's pickup systems. These amplifiers include frequency response curves and feedback control circuits optimized for acoustic instrument characteristics.
The pickup system output levels and impedance characteristics interface well with most acoustic amplifiers, providing natural amplified tone without requiring extensive equalization or signal processing.
PA System Connection
The pickup system provides line-level output suitable for direct connection to mixing consoles and sound reinforcement systems. Professional venues often prefer direct connection approaches that eliminate microphone feedback issues while maintaining signal quality.
Monitor systems and in-ear monitoring applications benefit from the consistent signal levels and frequency response that pickup systems provide, allowing performers to hear themselves clearly in various acoustic environments.
Effects Processing Compatibility
The 6 string acoustic-electric guitars respond well to effects processing designed specifically for acoustic instruments. Reverb, chorus, and compression effects can increase the natural pickup tone without creating artificial sound characteristics.
However, the acoustic nature of the pickup signal works best with effects that complement rather than drastically alter the fundamental acoustic character of the instrument.
Setup & Maintenance Requirements
Electronic System Care
The K&K pickup system requires minimal maintenance due to its passive design and quality construction. Periodic cleaning of output jacks and proper cable handling maintain optimal signal quality over the instrument's lifetime.
String changes require attention to pickup contact, particularly for the bridge saddle pickup that must maintain proper alignment with all strings for balanced output.
Acoustic Setup Integration
Setup procedures for 6 string acoustic-electric guitars include both acoustic playability optimization and electronic system verification. String height, neck relief, and intonation affect both playing comfort and pickup signal quality.
Professional setup ensures that acoustic and electronic performance remain balanced, with particular attention to pickup positioning and contact pressure that affects signal quality and consistency.
Long-term Reliability
The passive pickup design provides reliable operation over extended periods without the component degradation associated with active electronics. Quality installation and materials ensure consistent performance under normal playing conditions.
Regular inspection of connections and pickup positioning maintains optimal performance, though the design typically requires minimal intervention for continued reliable operation.
Model Range & Specifications
T20 Series Acoustic-Electric
The T20 Series 6 string acoustic-electric guitars feature solid mahogany construction with factory-installed dual K&K pickup systems, providing professional acoustic-electric capabilities at entry-level pricing.
Standard features include high-comfort arm bevels, classical Venetian cutaways, and professional-grade tuning machines along with the complete electronic system ready for immediate performance applications.
T60 & T70 Series Premium Models
Premium series acoustic-electric guitars incorporate upgraded wood species and construction details while maintaining the same electronic system architecture. The T70 Series features silkwood construction with Macassar ebony appointments.
These models target professional performers and recording musicians who require both the highest acoustic quality and reliable electronic systems for demanding applications.
Electronic System Specifications
All models include the same dual K&K Pure Mini system regardless of series level, ensuring consistent electronic performance across the price range. Output impedance, frequency response, and signal levels remain standardized.
This approach provides reliable electronic compatibility while allowing acoustic characteristics to vary based on wood selection and construction details specific to each series.
Market Position & Applications
Working Musician Solutions
Timberline positions their 6 string acoustic-electric guitars as practical solutions for working musicians who need instruments that perform effectively in both acoustic and amplified contexts without requiring multiple instruments.
The combination of quality acoustic construction with reliable electronics creates instruments suitable for professional applications while remaining accessible to serious amateur players.
Professional Recording Applications
Recording studios often choose acoustic-electric guitars for projects requiring both acoustic authenticity and signal consistency. The pickup systems provide reliable direct signals while maintaining acoustic recording capabilities.
The solid wood construction ensures that recorded tone quality matches professional standards either using direct pickup signals, microphone techniques, or mixed recording approaches.
Educational & Institutional Applications
Music schools and institutions often prefer acoustic-electric guitars because they provide flexibility for various teaching and performance contexts within educational settings.
The reliability and versatility make these instruments suitable for both individual instruction and ensemble applications where consistent amplification capabilities become important.
Comparison with Purely Acoustic Instruments
Acoustic Performance Equivalence
The 6 string acoustic-electric guitars maintain acoustic performance equivalent to purely acoustic instruments due to the careful integration of pickup systems that do not interfere with natural resonance patterns.
Players often cannot distinguish acoustic performance differences between pickup-equipped and purely acoustic versions of the same instrument models, confirming successful electronic integration.
Added Versatility Benefits
The electronic integration provides performance flexibility that purely acoustic instruments cannot match, allowing musicians to adapt to various performance contexts without changing instruments or compromising sound quality.
This versatility becomes particularly valuable for musicians who perform in multiple contexts or who need consistent sound quality across different venues and acoustic conditions.
Future Development & Innovation
Electronic System Evolution
Timberline continues evaluating pickup system developments that might further improve amplified tone quality while maintaining the reliability and simplicity of passive electronics.
Research focuses on maintaining acoustic authenticity while exploring technologies that might create an amplified experience for both performers and audiences.
Integration Refinement
Ongoing development aims to further refine the integration between acoustic construction and electronic systems, ensuring that future instruments continue improving the acoustic-electric experience.
This development considers both acoustic performance and electronic reliability while maintaining the manufacturing consistency necessary for production instruments.
Quality Control & Standards
Acoustic & Electronic Testing
Each 6 string acoustic-electric guitar receives testing of both acoustic response and electronic system performance before shipping. Quality control procedures verify that both aspects meet professional standards.
The testing process ensures that acoustic and electronic performance remain balanced, with neither aspect compromising the other in the completed instrument.
Installation Standards
Factory installation of pickup systems follows standardized procedures that ensure consistent results across production runs. Professional installation techniques prevent problems that could develop from improper pickup mounting or wiring.
Quality standards maintain reliability while ensuring that each instrument provides the performance characteristics expected from professional acoustic-electric instruments.
Conclusion
The 6 string acoustic-electric guitars from Timberline Guitars successfully combine traditional acoustic guitar construction with professional electronic systems that provide natural amplified tone for contemporary performance requirements.
These instruments serve musicians who need the flexibility to perform effectively in both acoustic and amplified contexts while maintaining the acoustic authenticity and electronic reliability necessary for professional applications across various musical situations.