Topic: Getting that sound

Hi I have been playing for around two years now but am still no nearer to getting a good sound out of my acoustic, it still sounds and feels very tinny.

Do you think changing the strings would make a difference? at present I am using the strings that came with the guitar (acoustic).

Re: Getting that sound

hey hey!

if ya play every day ( and you should ) you should change strings every 5 or 6 weeks. at least i do...


peace, slim

Re: Getting that sound

Try different brands and gauges. Some brands may sound better on your guitar. Once you played different brands & gauges you can decide what brand and gauge sounds good to you. Also as A.E.H (abbrieviated) said change strings more often.


Bootlegger.

Bootlegger guitars.

Re: Getting that sound

Hi,

A change of strings would certainly improve the sound that your guitar produces. Old strings lose their ring and become dull in tone. I change mine when they sound dull about every 2 months or so with a medium weight set for general use.

Type of acoustic guitar also makes a lot of difference.

Re: Getting that sound

That opens up lots of stuff...try having someone else play your guitar and listen to it...my hearing is not so good and thought my mandolin sounded weak...someone else played it and it really sounded great. On your guitar...string choice, age, and wear can make a big difference...how it's played...ie: soft strumming with fingers or aggressive picking...I would start by listening to someone else play it and also try some other guitars too...<font color="blue"></font>

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.

Re: Getting that sound

Two year old strings are gonna want to be changed.  They're kind of like diapers.  Even if they aren't dirty, they still need changed once in a while.


What kind of guitar is it?  Have you played guitars where you do like the sound or the tone?  Go to the music store and play a couple, then buy the strings that are on that one.  If you still don't like the tone on your instrument, it may just be the way your guitar sounds.


That's a good time to go get another one.  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_smile.gif" border=0 alt="Smile">

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

Re: Getting that sound

Two years old? well theres your problem...if they are just regular strings.  Time to get a new set.  If your guitar is an "Old Clunker" you should get a medium guage Martin String, or if it's a fairly new lower end guitar, you can try light guage Martin strings.  For brand new high end guitars such as Martin, Gretsch, Gallagher, Gibson or Rickenbacker, I Would strongly reccomend Elixir Ultra-Lights.  The best strings I ever had are called "Elixir" and are made by the Martin guitar company.  The have some type of "nanoweb" coating which keeps them going a longgg time. I Put them on my Gibson 2 years or more ago, and they still sound brand new.  They will run you about 32 dollars, but it's well worth it.  Hope this helps  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_biggrin.gif" border=0 alt="Very Happy">

DJ Cormier
[url=http://www.bigdjindustriez.tk]www.bigdjindustriez.tk[/url]
myspace.com/bigdjindustriez

Re: Getting that sound

This may sound crazy, but your guitar will sound different when hearing it from a listeners stand point. You are hearing it from pretty much the back but from out front it will sound different. Change those strings, get someone elso to have a wee go or record yourself. I bet you sound better than you think.

I also find that I sometimes get carried away and start bashing into it instead of being a bit more gentle, and that sound you are looking for gets lost a bit. Told you this would sound crazy. <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_confused.gif" border=0 alt="Confused">

Could even be down to how you are holding your pick.

Is anything really made up of zeros and ones??