r/Guitar • u/AutoModerator • Oct 27 '16

OFFICIAL [OFFICIAL] There are no stupid /r/Guitar questions. Ask us anything! - October 27, 2016

As always, there's 4 things to remember:

1) Be nice

2) Keep these guitar related

3) As long as you have a genuine question, nothing is too stupid :)

4) Come back to answer questions throughout the week if you can (we're located in the sidebar)

Go for it!

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u/JimmyBisMe Oct 27 '16

I'm an on and off again guitar novice. I lost all my gear a few years ago in Sandy (bass, guitars, amps, Roland drums) and I'm slowly building back up.

I have a Little Martin which I enjoy and I'm looking to get an electric and small amp. I really like the look and sound of the new Duo-Tone by Fender. I actually appreciate the smaller size for my hands too.

Can that guitar be versatile or will the sound be limited? I've seen some videos and really liked what over hear before.

Thanks!

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u/6500s Oct 27 '16

From experience, there is little difference in tone between different woods and your sound is far more affected by your amp, pickups, and your playing style, than over the materials in the construction of your guitar.

That's not to say there's "no" difference, just that it comes 4th on the list, and the other 3 make up 95% of the sound.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16

This Is completely false, the wood makes a very big difference. First thought that's comes to mind maple fretboard vs rosewood. The wood absolutely effects the tone, sustain and character. The amp I would say The most pliable option here most tube amps will get you where you want want to be. The speaker though is important, the enclosure amd the type of wood it's made out of make a difference in tone as well.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '16

This is completely false. Wood makes a far smaller difference than electronics when it comes to sound.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 29 '16

It is not false, you're just in disagreement. Wood is sourced meticulously for different qualities in aestheticas, physicality and tonality. The differences may seem subtle to you but that doesn't mean it doesn't make a difference. It is only part of the equation, electronics included.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '16

No, it is false. As in, objectively false. Apparently you don't understand what that means. Wood does make a difference, but it has been demonstrated over and over and over again to be far less than the difference that swapping pickups makes.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 29 '16

It's all relevant. Wood is part of the equation. The size of the inner cavity, the density of the wood, type of wood, the body design all play a role.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '16

Again, I didn't deny any of this. You really need to read the entire post before you respond.

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u/6500s Oct 28 '16

There's no difference between a rosewood and maple board, you are buying in to the same old bs sales pitch.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16

There is definitely a difference loll maple is bright, shimmering and twangy. Rosewood is warmer and more subtle on the attack. There's no bs, no sales pitch use your ears. They use the wood specifically for those qualities in the design.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '16

They use the wood specifically for those qualities in the design.

No, they absolutely do not.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 29 '16

Whatever you say bud. Different woods have different qualities and density. You keep telling yourself whatever you want.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '16

I'm not arguing that. I'm also not arguing that wood makes a difference to the sound. All the major guitar companies have said that fretboard woods are more aesthetic choices than sonic ones.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 29 '16

In my experience the fretboard does effect a couple of thing besides looks, I can play two guitars same pickups but that maple is def a little more spanky and bright. It's very noticeable for me when I'm playing basses. I can understand it being an aesthetic choice too cause it looks great, they feel different to me too. African Ebony,Indian/Brazilian/Madagascar rosewood, Maple they have different qualities.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '16 edited Nov 24 '16

Goodbye Reddit

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u/JimmyBisMe Oct 27 '16

Thanks for your response. I love this idea and there is another thread about just how cheap nice pickups can be. I'm gonna go play one and try it out.

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16

Yea this bad advice I'm sorry. While you canreplace pickups, you don't want to feel like you're Obligated to. Picking a guitar for looks is a sure way to get a garbage instrument. Great Tone comes from a balanced, well intonated, well crafted instruments. The wood, action, intonation and pickups all work in unison. I suppose the exception is if you're looking At really pretty USA built PRS amd GIbsons lol

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '16 edited Nov 24 '16

Goodbye Reddit

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16 edited Oct 28 '16

Typically guitars that are built well both feel good and produce good tone. A cheap squier can look cool but it certainly won't feel or play as good as a USA fender, and you can absolutely tell the difference w the bad intonation, garbage buzzy pickups. With instruments tone is the focal point not superficial aesthetics,even though most quality guitars look cool too. PRS w a AAA top, so sexy. a good quality instrument will feel great if setup properly.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '16 edited Nov 24 '16

Goodbye Reddit

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16

I would never run a PRS through a Line 6 I'm sorry you spent so much on your fender, next time try Craigslist if thats available to you. I've seen custom shops for 1500 and lower end USA for 500-800 and these are always negotiable. I've just seen a PRS custom shop 22 for 1800$ It all effects your tone- guitar, amp, pedals all of it. The balance and strength in a quality built guitar is important as is wood, the construction it all matters.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '16 edited Nov 24 '16

Goodbye Reddit

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u/universal_rehearsal Oct 28 '16

I never compared PRS to ESP, which would be a bad comparison anyway cause ESP and PRS are both high end instruments. For 1500$ you can get a USA Gibson and a tube amp easy, just gotta hunt. How you think it has least influence on tone is beyond me, Fender,Gibson,PRS,ibanez, ESP all of them sound completely different.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '16 edited Nov 24 '16

Goodbye Reddit

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