Re: General guitar questions

Doc wrote:

Have a few questions related to general acoustic guitar issues.

How much if any difference can the strings make in the character/quality of
the sound? Any particular brand that's recommended?

They can make a difference, not a huge one but a noticeable one. Different gauge strings will make a bigger difference than different brands in the way the guitar plays and sounds.

I always use Martin SP phosphor bronze light gauge because they settle in quickly, stay in tune and sound good for a long time. If they're not available I go with D'Addario.


Along those same lines, any relatively simple tweaks that can be made to a
modest guitar to improve its sound? In this particular case, a Carlo Robelli
(Sam Ash) dreadnaught. Sounds decent, wonder if there are any tricks to make
it sound better. By "better", I guess I mean an even fatter, more ringing
sound.


I'll leave this to others.



I'm familiar with the "standard" tuning i.e.  low E-string, A, D, G, B, high
E string, but I understand there are various tunings used for different
purposes. What would be the lowest note to which you would ever normally
tune a standard 6-string acoustic?

The tning I have seen with the lowest bottom note ahs the 6th string tuned to C (two full tones or four semitones below standard pitch).


How is the "harmonics" effect achieved? Referring to that
ringing/pinging/plinking almost indefinite high pitched tone. I've heard it
called harmonics. Which strings would you use for it?

It's a technique that takes a little practice. It works on any string, and is easiest at the 12th fret. Touch the string lightly there, wihtou pressing it don onto the fret, and pluck it as you would normally. As soon as it starts vibrating remove your finger form the 12th fret.

There are harmonics at the 5th and 7th frets on any string but they're a little harder to play.


What's the highest range/note a typical studio fingerstyle session player
would likely play? How often would they realistically use the highest
portions of the fretboard?


Lumpy will enlighten.

--
Stephen
Lennox Head, Australia
.

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