Author Topic: Acoustic guitar question (Read 3821 times)

Shag101 · « **on:** May 05, 2006, 01:17:53 PM »

I don't have much background in acoustic guitars. I do know how to tell a good one from a bad one by intonation tests but that
is about it. I acquired an all handmade in usa acoustic guitar for free "I can never turn down a free guitar..lol". I did some tests and like 2-3 of the strings are sharp.
I can basically learn to live with that issue no problem. The other issue is that the guitar sounds lifeless. Mind you the strings
are like 5 years old, but it still have a lifeless sound to it. The guitar itself is built with expensive woods but not a really good
resonating kind. Kind of like an Ovation. To me no matter what Ovation you have it sounds like cr@p acoustically, but the
difference is that when amp'd the Ovations have a superb sound.
I don't want to buy an acoustic amp and pickup to see if this one can sound good amp'd, but was wondering if there is anything
else I can do or try to make it sound better. Are there strings out there that are just naturally brighter "hopefully too bright" that
could help a little. thanks!!! chris

froglord · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2006, 01:29:04 PM »

If the strings are that old, then _any_ new set should be a big improvement. You may also find the intonation improves - I find it goes a bit funny with older strings.

38thBeatle · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2006, 01:44:17 PM »

Ditto what Froglord has said. New strings should make a huge difference to the tone and to the intonation.It is the cheapest way of improving the tone. Thereafter, if it does have an intonation problem you could see a luthier bearing in mind the guitar was free. Some acoustics seem to react more to the "newness" strings than others. I have one that sounds great almost all the time whether strings are old or new- the other sounds awful unless the strings are new.

mikeluke · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2006, 02:11:17 PM »

Cost a few bucks but try some Elixir strings - they are pretty good. Acoustics can be pretty variable between the same guitar from the same manufacturer. I have a late 1970's Ovation which sounds great even when it is not amp'ed up. My mate had a brand spanking new 2000 model which was cr@p!

Shag101 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2006, 03:02:59 PM »

Thanks Guys,

My friend that gave it to me said that new strings will help the sound a little but the intonation was off the day he got it as a gift.
What else could be done to brighten up the sound, if any?
I'm guessing nothing really...lol

Searcher · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2006, 04:58:33 PM »

I like phosphour-bronze strings. They're fairly bright. A lighter set will be brighter/thinner than a heavier set.

Personally, I hate Elixer strings. I just don't like the sound, although they do last longer. Martin make pretty good acoustic strings and so do DR. www.webstrings.com has seriously cheap strings. I just ordered a few sets, but I haven't strung any of my guitars with them yet.

What kinda guitar is it? Post a pic?

Shag101 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2006, 05:10:23 PM »

Great.

I'll post a pic over the weekend. I forgot the name.

I also dont like Elixer. I feel they dead the sound somewhat. Their made so no dirt gets in the strings, but to me its like they put clear dirt in them....lol

Bob Johnson · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2006, 06:14:41 PM »

I'd recommend DR Rare Bronze phosphore bronze strings. They a bit "edgey" for the first hour or so but then settle down to a nice bright sound that lasts for ages. If the new strings don't completely cure the intonation issue you probably need a compensated bridge saddle made to fix your specific problems. Most decent luthiers can do this.

Shag101 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2006, 06:17:21 PM »

Quote from: Bob Johnson

I'd recommend DR Rare Bronze phosphore bronze strings. They a bit "edgey" for the first hour or so but then settle down to a nice bright sound that lasts for ages. If the new strings don't completely cure the intonation issue you probably need a compensated bridge saddle made to fix your specific problems. Most decent luthiers can do this.

Good to hear about the DR Rare Bronze. I just bought a pack before I read your post... :lol:

Jp. · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2006, 02:30:12 PM »

D'ddario EJ26's, Phospher Bronze custom lights

I got addicted to trying different brands and types of strings for a while and really couldnt go past 'em.

The amazing Phil · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2006, 02:31:03 AM »

Another thing is that accoustics can take a while to "break in", but apparently the solid wood accoustics age well, though I've not owned one long enough to really tell you how well it works or whatever.

With regards to the intonation, can buzz feiten be applied to accoustics? I know it supposedly makes electrics that are considered to intonate actually intonate perfectly. I nut, a saddle and a luthiers time sound pretty worth it for a good guitar to me.

Shag101 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2006, 01:49:17 PM »

Thanks All,

I put the new strings on I bought and it did brighten it up a little. I guess the wood the guy used is just not a good resonating wood. I have another acoustic, an '81 Hondo that sounds amazing. If I lay both guitars down and knock on the body the Hondo give a nice echo sound whereas the other handmade one does not. They are very different sounding so I guess that is a good thing....thanks for all the help!!