A '''silent guitar''' is a type of [[guitar]] with a [[solid body guitar|solid]] or [[chambered body]] that converts the vibration of the strings into [[Electric current|electricalelectric current]] using a [[piezoelectric pickup]]. The body of the guitar does not amplify the vibration of the strings into audible sound,. soThanks musiciansto arethis, ablemusicians tocan playpractice with headphones without disturbing people around them while they practice. Alternatively, they can be used toor obtain an acoustic tone under heavy amplification without feedback.
==FullsizeTypes bodies==
=== 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.
=== Small bodies ===
Reducing the body size of a silent guitar has little effect on the sound. The portability of a small bodied guitar, as well as the ability to practice silently, is an advantage to travelers.
guitar is an advantage to travellers as well as the ability to practice silently.
=== Skeleton guitars ===
Some silent guitars are small-bodied instruments with a knee-rest of outer frame in the dimensions of an acoustic guitar so that they can be played sitting. These can be detachable to allow conversion into a [[travel guitar]].
