My guitars never sound the same way twice

[hamburg325]

One day: that acoustic sings like a Stradivarius. The next day: it's a dull and flabby cardboard box.

I know physical conditions (temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, etc.) are factors.

And, of course, psychological/emotional factors are hugely at play.

I have not encountered this variability with electric guitars.

I guess it just supports something we all know: acoustic guitars are deeply mysterious and complex things. And that's part of their powerful and enduring magnetism.

[jim1960]

The only time I hear wild swings in the way any of my acoustic sound is if I go to a different set of strings (different brand and/or different gauge, not just a new set) or if the humidity swings 10+ points in some direction.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

That's why we have more than one. If one isn't ringing your bell on a particular day you just go grab another one.

[runamuck]

A guitar will not sound totally different each time you play it unless there have been significant humidity swings, unless the strings have gone dead (my son will deaden normal strings in about 15-20 minutes because of the amount of oil in his hands) unless you've changed picks or unless you're changing places in a room or playing in a different room. Room acoustics are a BIG deal.

[RussellHawaii]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

That's why we have more than one. If one isn't ringing your bell on a particular day you just go grab another one.

Good logic! But some days, like today, every guitar I tried sounds a bit deadened.
Usually I blame it on climate conditions, temperature and humidity, but sometimes this does not explain it. I realize psychological factors are at play as well.
Often playing a guitar for 1/2 hour brings it back to life, a concept I’ve read about but rarely seen discussed. An article by a well known luthier mentions this daily ‘opening up’. Any one else observe this?

***correction***
After further research, I’ll say that my SCGC ‘1934 OM’ never has a bad day, even when most of the others sound disappointing.

[hamburg325]

Originally Posted by runamuck

A guitar will not sound totally different each time you play it unless there have been significant humidity swings, unless the strings have gone dead (my son will deaden normal strings in about 15-20 minutes because of the amount of oil in his hands) unless you've changed picks or unless you're changing places in a room or playing in a different room. Room acoustics are a BIG deal.

You're thinking too rationally, my friend! There's more to this than science can describe.

Plus, I play in exactly in the same spot and the same room every time.

You never step in the same river twice!

[jpd]

Same experience at my place. The factor that I find dominant is the humidity change with the various tone-woods and finishes. Plus...I keep most of mine hanging on the walls- really like the look of the acoustic as a work of art

[rollypolly]

I haven't really noticed this on my Martins. They are usually at least good sounding and some days better than good. I recently tuned down my OM-15 to D and that's where it sounds the sweetest, especially for old times blues stuff. Maybe check your humidity levels?

[Bob from Brooklyn]

I've had days where none of them sound good. Once I come to that realization I'll walk away and pick up a book or something. Nothing makes your guitars sound better than being away from them for a couple of days.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by hamburg325

.......acoustic guitars are deeply mysterious and complex things.

Some days, I marvel that anyone can get a decent sound out of these things.

[runamuck]

Originally Posted by hamburg325

You're thinking too rationally, my friend! There's more to this than science can describe.

Plus, I play in exactly in the same spot and the same room every time.

You never step in the same river twice!

Then record it at different times playing exactly the same thing with a mic the exact same distance away in the exact same relation to your guitar.. I'll bet it's psychoacoustics.

PS - No one can ever think "too rationally".

[hamburg325]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Then record it at different times playing exactly the same thing with a mic the exact same distance away in the exact same relation to your guitar.. I'll bet it's psychoacoustics.



PS - No one can ever think "too rationally".

Of course it’s psychological, to some degree. Yet, if one were able to measure every physical variable, it would be clear that nothing ever stays the same. Even very small changes in the guitar or environment can be perceived psychoacoustically.

[Rick Shepherd]

I don't know what you all are talking about. All my guitars sound amazing all the time

[Glennwillow]

My guitars never sound the same way twice...

Mine always sound pretty much the same unless the strings need to be changed. If my guitars are not sounding good, it's because I am not playing enough, which is happening to me more as I get older.

I do play in the same location, so the room effects for me are not going to be changing from day to day.

- Glenn

[zplay]

I agree with the OP to the extent that there will be days when my guitars don't seem to sound as good. I assume humidity plays a role but so does my hearing - I wear hearing aids with short-life batteries that keep my hearing in constant flux.