When will my Cargo open up?!?

tbeltrans · #1 03-15-2009, 08:55 AM

Just kidding...

stratokatsu · #2 03-15-2009, 08:58 AM

Drop it down a long set of stairs. Maybe it'll open up then.

HHP · #3 03-15-2009, 09:02 AM

Don't laugh. I guarantee that at some point, someone will chime in with a theory that allows for carbon fiber to open up.

rosewoodsteel · #4 03-15-2009, 09:09 AM

Apparently around the same time as my 70's Martin.

stratokatsu · #5 03-15-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosewoodsteel

Apparently around the same time as my 70's Martin.

Not meaning to steal the thread, but that raises an interesting question - Does a guitar continue to open up for its life span or does it only open up to a certain point, after which the wood and finish is stabilized and it won't go farther?

tbeltrans · #6 03-15-2009, 10:06 AM

stratokatsu:

When a guitar has opened up as much as it can sonically, it starts to open up physically. Most people tend to freak out when this happens, blaming it on dry air conditions. But science has proven time and again that this is simply the rest of the opening up process, and hurried trips to the guitar repair shop to "fix" this will only result in ultimately lowering the guitar's perceived value in the future.

"I am not a real doctor, I have a master's degree...in SCIENCE!" (from "Ask Dr. Science")

Tony

kramster · #7 03-15-2009, 11:04 AM

As a fellow Cargonian I would estimate based on no information at all and not knowing the actual half life of said Cargo.... in about...mmmm 416 yrs., 2 months and 12 1/2 days give or take a century or two... Hope this helped. Or just use a hacksaw... though not recommended as could change the sound a bit and might cause some blemishes in the finish.

tbeltrans · #8 03-15-2009, 11:15 AM

Studies have shown that the top of a Cargo vibrates FASTER when notes farther up the fretboard are played. Therefore, playing up the neck will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes for the Cargo to open up (i.e. more vibrations - good vibrations - in the same amount of time). You might actually achieve this in three lifetimes if the guitar is played constantly - up the neck.

Tony

vicov · #9 03-15-2009, 01:37 PM

I wouldn't be too cocky. Delamination due to impact damage is a known problem with carbon fibre composite structures. Unlike most other materials there is often no evidence of damage by surface examination.
http://www.ndt.net/article/wcndt00/p...499/idn499.htm

leeasam · #10 03-15-2009, 01:37 PM

you mean open up like THIS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OEZN...e=channel_page

HHP · #11 03-15-2009, 01:44 PM

Seriously,it depends how big and loud the speakers you use are when you play constant loud music at the top.

edman · #12 03-15-2009, 01:49 PM

I hope the composite guitars gain in popularity. That will generate more competition could lead to improved technology to help drive the prices down.

Much like the graphite tennis rackets and golf clubs. They were outrageously expensive until they become popular.

tbeltrans · #13 03-15-2009, 05:23 PM

Regarding the impact damage that vicov provided a link for, that is interesting and it certainly seems plausible. I tend to treat my guitars carefully, and am treating my Cargos with the same "respect" I treat my other guitars with. It will be interesting to observe over time how well these guitars hold up and how any damage might manifest itself (i.e. diminished tone due to structural changes from any delamination, signs of damage becoming visible over time via discoloration or surface cracks, etc.). I do think that treating these guitars with the same care as any other guitar is about the best we can do though.

Thanks for the link...

Tony

12Stringer · #14 03-15-2009, 08:01 PM

I would think a composite guitar would last at least 3 or 4 lifetimes, unless damaged, melted, crushed, blown up, etc. Probably would open up when it reaches half life.