Silent guitar

Silent guitar
Mattias Eklundh playing on a Yamaha Silent Guitar Clinic
Manufacturer	Yamaha Traveler Guitar Warr Guitars Koopal
Construction
Body type	Hollow

A silent guitar is a type of guitar with a solid or chambered body that converts the vibration of the strings into electrical current using a piezoelectric pickup. The body of the guitar does not amplify the vibration of the strings into audible sound, so musicians are able to play with headphones without disturbing people around them while they practice. Alternatively, they can be used to obtain an acoustic tone under heavy amplification without feedback.

Full size bodies

A successful early silent guitar with a full sized body was the Gibson Chet Atkins SST. It appeared to have a soundhole, but it was in fact a dummy. It was employed by Mark Knopfler among others.

Skeleton guitars

Skeleton guitars have an outer frame in the dimensions of an acoustic guitar so that they can be played sitting. The skeleton may be detachable to allow conversion into a travel guitar.

Small bodies

Reducing the body size of a silent guitar has little effect on the sound. The portability of a small bodied guitar is an advantage to travellers as well as the ability to practice silently.

Strings and tuning

Silent guitars are tuned in the same manner as traditional guitars, from low to high: E - A - D - G - B - E. Various models are available with seven, eight, and even 14-string configurations, although those are rare.

Manufacturers

Several guitar manufacturers offer silent guitars, including Yamaha, Traveler Guitar, Warr Guitars, and Koopal.

See also

• Electro-acoustic guitar
• Semi-acoustic guitar
• Hybrid guitar