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Post by Admin on Apr 15, 2013 8:15:24 GMT -5
There are a number of factors that determine the tone (and volume) you get from your acoustic guitar. - Strings - Gauge, Length, tension, and material
- Gauge(Weight)
- Material (Soundboard, Neck, Fretboard)
- Shape (Guitar Volume)
. With all of the issues with endangered wood species, what is happening to retain the natural tones and harmonics you get from great guitars?
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Post by steve on Apr 15, 2013 16:54:05 GMT -5
I suppose the makers will just have to find other sustainable woods to use. It is very hard to see how the current level of manufacture can carry on. The wood has a particular importance on an acoustic and the top especially so. I wonder if there are ways to get more out of the lesser tonewoods- with, for example, new methods of bracing. I have two acoustics that have soolid tops- both have a rich tone. When I've had guitars with laminated tops, they have been good but not great.
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Post by bulldogbill on Apr 26, 2013 6:36:45 GMT -5
In my limited experience, (flat top) guitars with laminated tops should be relegated to the beginner crowd as they just don't have the tonal qualities required. Laminated back and sides seem to produce a fairly good tone, but nothing beats solid wood. My current favorite has solid maple (not the most common wood) back and sides with a spruce top and a mahogany neck. It has an auditorium sized body. I use 12's and love them. I think the sound is slightly better with 13's, but bending is out of the question with my aged and weak hands. I have never liked the tone produced by strings smaller than 12's - they sound 'tinny' to me. This, of course, is only one opinion. To each his own.
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Post by Admin on Apr 26, 2013 14:21:00 GMT -5
Good comments Bill and Steve.
I agree, laminated guitar bodies don't generally make good tonewoods. But, having said that, with today's electronics, I guess the woods have less and less to do with the tones of guitars. I have played some Taylor's (which are fine guitars) and plugged in, the tone is more amp / electronics related that tonewoods.
By the way Bill, I guess I love the "twangy" sound of the lighter gauges - say 11's...but as you so aptly put it, it's a personal thing.
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Post by Admin on Mar 31, 2014 8:39:12 GMT -5
Interesting site: 32 Best Selling Tonewoods Properties Tropical woods are all very dense and have similar tone characteristics. The reason why some are more expensive than others is in relation with the rarity of the wood and the resistance that the wood offers when it is worked by the luthier. It is not the beauty nor the sound that these tonewoods deliver the reasons why some are more expensive than others. Aesthetically, it is a very personal choice that inclines you to have a preference for darker Vs. lighter woods, or highly flamed cuts Vs. more uniform cuts. When it comes to choosing the wood for the back and sides and for the top, you may feel a little lost because you do not know what is more convenient for you. Here, I'll be explaining the factors to be kept in mind when you make your choice. www.mangore.com/tropical-woods-properties.htmlCheck out the Lowden video on the Blackwood:
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