|
By Daniel Lombardi
First tip I want to share,
is for those of you who play, and or perform with an acoustic guitar. This
posting will be addressing strings. In two weeks, I will be continuing this
subject, talking about the difference between mid priced acoustics, and high
priced acoustics and how it applies to a performance, or simply the quality
in sound .vs woods and materials. These tips,... are obviously based on my
opinion, but through feedback of the listener, and the player alike, I was
able to justify these methods and choices as being applicable and beneficial.
choice of strings
The most important thing to remember
about the choice of strings, are first, and most obvious, the quality
and longevity. It is a known fact that everyones body chemistry is different
as far as perspiration and acidic contect, that affects the strings in
different ways. I have had people tell me that Martin SP's will last
them for weeks, or quite a few gigs. Others cannot get through 1 gig
without the strings going dead. I have found, that although pricy, Elixir's
no matter how much or little you sweat, last the longest and hold tone
longer...yes, in some cases the Poly, or Nano coating on the strings
may separate, but they still seem to be the best overall. THE ABSOLUTE
most important thing to keep in mind is tone.
The woods and materials,
the on board preamp and choice of pick all affects the tone, but the
ONLY true way to pull as much tone out of an acoustic guitar as you can,
is string gauge. (This absolutely applies to solid body and hollow body
electric guitars as well) I understand thay heavy gauge strings, will
affect the action, and most of the time, hurt your fingers after prolonged
playing, but I truly recommend always using 13's to a 54 or 56, if your
acoustic is built strong enough to support the higher tension, and in
reference to how bridge is attached to the soundboard. Most players use
11's or 12's, and never seem to enjoy the tone through an amp or pa on
every gig. |
 |
YES your hands will tire
I see so many players constantly adjusting the on board
preamp, or mixer line channel to achieve a better tone. The simple fix for
that, is what it is. SIMPLE. Put a set of 13's on another acoustic, or your
one and only, and build your chop strength to compensate for the higher tension.
YES, it will hurt...YES your hands will tire, but that passes quickly. You
will be overwhelmed with the result in the tone, from cheaper acoustics to
high end. I constantly receive feedback from other players and listeners
on how much they enjoy my tone, no matter which acoustic I am performing
with. Yes, I do try to pick my instruments carefully, in choice of quality
and durability, as many of my shows are outside, in the salt and damp air,
which affects the tone, tuning, and overall condition of the instrument....(let's
not include the most recent LAG Guitar purchase I made...that was a bad idea
from the start...lol) After putting on the first set of 13's, 90% of the
time, you will need a set up, and truss rod adjustment,. Trust me, IT"S
WORTH IT!! |
