I do the same with my Hollow Body II SE , switch between acoustic and electric and use an Ibanez Trubador for acoustic and Sonzera 20 for electricThat is an interesting question. I have a 2012 P22 (P for piezo). I bought it so that in my band I could switch pups between piezo and mag pups in order to cover more songs without switching guitars.
It did its job, but I found myself futzing with two cables, or two wireless bugs, more batteries, an additional DI box etc.
A piezo is worthwhile in a live setting methinks, but it will never replace a well mic'd acoustic in recording.
So yes, it's versatile but your needs and desires are what's important.
What is your use case?
I didn't acquire a dedicated acoustic amp. I got a DI and went into the PA. Sounded very good.I'm just now exploring the depth of the capabilities of my HBII-P and constantly discovering more of what it's made of...and me of course. I still think there's room for a dedicated acoustic amp, and I'm not a professional player by any means. However, I'm dangerously close to getting totally swamped with that unquenchable "GAS" problem...the amp would be a definite asset over my Katana. But now that I have the Blackstar, it will have to suffice. And I seriously need to upgrade my PA before another amp.
I'm just a smalltime amateur but I love performing and the HBII-P is such a brilliant instrument for my purposes. I recently spoke with another musician at a local venue he played (we do tend to gravitate to each other neh?) and we spoke at length about his gear, my gear, wanted gear, all that stuff we just love to go on about. Of course that certainly didn't help my desires/wants haha. Age old problem: how much is too much, or how much is enough?
IMHO, no... THe top doesn't move THAT much...
It's not an acoustic guitar...
Do you know if there is one that I could install on my McCarty 594 HBII? I am thinking no need for a switch on guitar as I can happily manage the two signals via footswitches. Also, can the aftermarket ones you are aware of be routed through a stereo cable rather than two cables (yes, I know current jack would need to be replaced if that is the case)? I have zero interest in drilling any holes into my HBII but would love to have the Piezo option ;~))If you don't have one installed there are piezo bridges available on the market. I installed one in a clients bass for his new grass band.
Top and back are quite thick. Not even in the ballpark of an acoustic.I assumed as much, just wasn’t sure the thickness of the top and back, I know they’re machined down from a solid billet of maple.
I'm still experimenting with hookups and features on my POD. There is as yet a lot of undiscovered tones and sounds in front of me. But yeah, a DI would be an option to look into as well. But first the PA upgrade is in order. I'm delving into that first. Fortunately I have a friend that is a professional DJ and has a couple solid options for me. Very soon I will see that come to pass.I didn't acquire a dedicated acoustic amp. I got a DI and went into the PA. Sounded very good.
Top and back are quite thick. Not even in the ballpark of an acoustic.
Hollowbody's "impart" some characteristics of an acoustic, but still rely on the electronics to produce their amazing tones and sound projection, Acoustics rely on the resonance of the wood (thinner to be sure) vibrating and the internal reflection to and through their sound holes for their wonderous voice. sure, various electronic amplification devices (Baggs, Fishman etc) make them louder and alter their tonal character somewhat, but not at all like a hollowbody electric. Still undeniably an acoustic instrument. I know, basic guitar 101 that we all know and have known for most of our lives.Top and back are quite thick. Not even in the ballpark of an acoustic.