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when the low E sounds dull

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marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-12 11:58 AM (#465232)
Subject: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

have you ever experienced that situation ?
On some guitars the low E sometime sound dull. No matter if you replace the string. Controlling the nut and saddle doesn't help.
All in the guitar seems in good order but how hard you try to isolate the problem, nothing happens.
So what to do (change the guitar is not the answer

) ?

DanSavage

Posted 2013-02-12 1:37 PM (#465235 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2333

Location: Pueblo West, CO

Probably a loose brace. I had a boomy low-E and a dull/dead A. Both went away when I glued the loose brace(s).

You might also check to make sure the nuts on the back side of the bridge haven't come loose.

Edited by DanSavage 2013-02-12 1:41 PM

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-12 1:42 PM (#465236 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

I'll check........

OMC

Posted 2013-02-12 4:13 PM (#465240 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 19

Location: NH

If there is nothing obvious wrong then it might be the overall "Stiffness" of the top. Try changing to a different diameter string. Larger diameter (I believe) requires higher tension to get up to pitch. Higher tension will move the top more and maybe help with the sound.

Ken

Darkbar

Posted 2013-02-12 4:17 PM (#465241 - in reply to #465240)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw

Are you talking about plugged in, or all the time?

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-13 9:30 AM (#465264 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

Bob, only straight acoustic.

bburg

Posted 2013-02-13 10:41 AM (#465268 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)

Riccardo, what guitar is it?

Bernie

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-13 1:32 PM (#465274 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

Bernie, it is the Folkore.
I've checked inside the guitar and, for what I can feel, all braces seems perfectly glued in place.
Normally I use extralight strings on it (10-50).
At the next strings change I will try a heavier gauge as suggested by Ken.
Will see.

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-13 1:37 PM (#465275 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

I have a similar problem, with a less extent, with one of my legend. The low E tend to sound a bit dull......

guitarwannabee

Posted 2013-02-13 11:22 PM (#465292 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: RE: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1483

Location: Michigan

riccardo you might want to take the guitars out once in a while and get them around some people who party and socialize a bit and maybe some of that dullness will go away . they probably don't need manual adjustments but just a good night out . ovations and adamas guitars do like to get played out once in a while GWB

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-14 11:37 AM (#465298 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

GWB thanks for the tip, but I need some technical advice (if any).......

muzza

Posted 2013-02-14 6:35 PM (#465331 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736

Location: Sunshine State, Australia

0.10's are too light for a Folklore. You're missing out on so much aural pleasure with such guttless strings.

BTW, that was good advice GWB. I think Riccardo's too stressed to appreciate the humor.

I think you've now done your pennance and are now [tentatively] allowed to use upper case occasionally.

Edited by muzza 2013-02-14 6:41 PM

bburg

Posted 2013-02-15 9:34 AM (#465353 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)

Riccardo, I have used Thomastik-Infeld SB-111 on it and I was happy. On my 1114 currently I use Elixir Polyweb 11er and I'm also happy.

Bernie

Damon67

Posted 2013-02-15 11:14 AM (#465358 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6996

Location: Jet City

If it's just the low E you're unhappy with, just change it to a heavier gauge and keep the other 5 as is. It'll cost the price of an extra string every time you restring, but your fingers will be happy with the lighter ones on top.

I actually use a custom light set for electrics where they come light at the high strings, and get thicker the lower you go. There's probably acoustic sets that do it too.

marenostrum

Posted 2013-02-15 12:10 PM (#465359 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy

Damon good idea, I'll give that a try.
I have a friend that in spare time builds guitars. I'll let him check my Folklore, just in case. Thanks all...

rick endres

Posted 2013-02-15 4:25 PM (#465365 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 616

Location: cincinnati, ohio

Ken mentioned changing the diameter of the strings. Martin used to make what they called "Bluegrass" strings. Strings 1, 2, 3 and 4 were regular light gauge strings, and 5 and 6 were medium gauge. They were especially nice for fingerpicking, and boosted the bass when you strummed. I don't believe they make these anymore, however. D'addario might have a mixed set. Worst case you could buy a couple of loose bulk strings for 5 and 6 and try it out, just to see.

stonebobbo

Posted 2013-02-15 7:51 PM (#465376 - in reply to #465232)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee

D'addario EJ19. Still make them and I use them for some of my guitars.

rick endres

Posted 2013-02-16 9:38 AM (#465391 - in reply to #465365)
Subject: Re: when the low E sounds dull

Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 616

Location: cincinnati, ohio

rick endres - 2013-02-15 4:25 PM

Ken mentioned changing the diameter of the strings. Martin used to make what they called "Bluegrass" strings. Strings 1, 2, 3 and 4 were regular light gauge strings, and 5 and 6 were medium gauge. They were especially nice for fingerpicking, and boosted the bass when you strummed. I don't believe they make these anymore, however. D'addario might have a mixed set. Worst case you could buy a couple of loose bulk strings for 5 and 6 and try it out, just to see.

Actually several people mentioned changing bass strings - want to give credit where it's due.

Edited by rick endres 2013-02-16 9:39 AM

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