Is an Acoustic Electric Guitar the same as an Acoustic Guitar only with a Mic?

Question

I want to start playing the guitar, and I would like to get an acoustic electric guitar as long as it can do more than just acting as a mic. Is it just an acoustic guitar that sounds louder or does it do more?

Answer 1

No, it's different.  Although there are several kinds of acoustic pickups, typically when you buy a new acoustic electric guitar you're getting an acoustic guitar with a piezoelectric pickup under the saddle attached to electronics usually routed into the bass side of the lower bout.  Those electronics frequently have a small equalizer and a tuner.  

Piezoelectric pickups do not operate the same way as a microphone.

Answer 2

No an accoustic electric guitar can be plugged into an amp and has all the features of an electric guitar.

An acoustic guitar has a naturally loud sounding but an acoustic electric can be played without an amp as well.

Get the acoustic electric. Guitar is amazing....  

Answer 3

To me an electric acoustic guitar is better than an acoustic with a microphone. As long as the electronics in it are working correctly it will have a cleaner sound and it doesn't pick up as many accidental sounds such as the clicking of the pick.

Answer 4

it kinda has its own sound its like an acoustic but not as "natural sounding" and the feel it different

start with a good old fashion acoustic guitar