"Warming" Up a "Bright" Guitar.

[munkeyfish]

I'm looking for advice on how to make the tone of a Bright, almost brittle, guitar sound warmer? My buddy has a guitar that sounds like it has brand new strings on it almost all the time. I think he is using too small of a gauge or maybe cheap strings.

I assume strings would be the first place to start. A certain type of string and/or gauge?

Maybe change of picks? Gauge or type of pick?

Any other tips that you folks could point out to me?

I have some ideas, but don't want to waste my buddies time by going in the wrong direction.

Guitar in question is a cheaper guitar, a low to mid level Ibanez from 15/20 or so years ago. It looks to be Spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Not sure what if any is solid or ply wood, as most is covered in Black paint and a heavy burst on top. It was a gift from his wife, so he wants to keep it and play it.

Thanks for any info you folks want to share.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

• GHS Silk & Bronze Med Light strings (370 ML)
• Use a heavier pick, I'd recommend trying the Dunlop Primetone Small Sculpted Triangle Plectra with Grip, 1.4 mm

[Looburst]

Short of using a heavier pick, there is no way.

[Von Beerhofen]

If the guitar is using coated strings like Elixirs or treated strings like Martin Lifespans I would first try plain untreated Phosphor Bronze of any brand and see if that's an improvement. If it's an improvement I'd try a few other brands.

Still I can't see much wrong with strings which sound brandnew for a long period of time, most people like that sound.

Ludwig

[Brucebubs]

You're right, strings are the best place to start.
You might find this chart useful.



I haven't tried Silk & Bronze strings yet but I have some on order.
I have used Silk & Steels on a very bright 12-string and on this 6-string guitar pictured.



The La Bella 710M are 12-56 gauge and very good value.
The Thomastik-Infeld Plectrums are much more expensive but beautifully made.
Both have a soft feel and warm tone.

Tuning down a 1/2 step or full step can reduce a little brightness too.

[JeffreyAK]

Could try picking the strings closer to the neck, farther from the saddle. Cost = 0, and if that's the sound you want but you don't like picking in that area, try flatwounds or silk strings.

[Kitkatjoe]

Originally Posted by munkeyfish

I'm looking for advice on how to make the tone of a Bright, almost brittle, guitar sound warmer? My buddy has a guitar that sounds like it has brand new strings on it almost all the time. I think he is using too small of a gauge or maybe cheap strings.

I assume strings would be the first place to start. A certain type of string and/or gauge?

Maybe change of picks? Gauge or type of pick?

Any other tips that you folks could point out to me?

I have some ideas, but don't want to waste my buddies time by going in the wrong direction.

Guitar in question is a cheaper guitar, a low to mid level Ibanez from 15/20 or so years ago. It looks to be Spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Not sure what if any is solid or ply wood, as most is covered in Black paint and a heavy burst on top. It was a gift from his wife, so he wants to keep it and play it.

Thanks for any info you folks want to share.

Much depends on the guitar itself, if it’s made with a bright construction then I guess you may try different strings. If it is electric then you can adjust the amp or eq on the guitar. Each guitar has its own voice your friend needs to learn this.

[vindibona1]

Strings: Elixir POLYWEB mediums 13-56. The polys will warm up the sound overall and the 13's will take away excess shimmer.

[munkeyfish]

Originally Posted by Kitkatjoe

Much depends on the guitar itself, if it’s made with a bright construction then I guess you may try different strings. If it is electric then you can adjust the amp or eq on the guitar. Each guitar has its own voice your friend needs to learn this.

It is an acoustic. Does have a pickup, but he doesn't play plugged in. Just uses the pre-amp for the built in tuner.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by JeffreyAK

Could try picking the strings closer to the neck, farther from the saddle. Cost = 0, and if that's the sound you want but you don't like picking in that area, try flatwounds or silk strings.

And nickel wound strings.

[HHP]

On strings, Martin Monel will give you a very warm tone at a low cost. On the pick, you want to go thicker and you want a more rounded, rather than pointy tip. Softer pick materials, like Acetal (textured delrin), will also add warmth.

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by JeffreyAK

Could try picking the strings closer to the neck, farther from the saddle.

I agree with this. He's probably picking or strumming too close to the bridge. Suggest playing directly over the the sound hole

[ChalkLitIScream]

There have been enough string and pick recommendations. You could try and change the saddle to something softer and lighter like ebony or buffalo horn.
Taking away mass, however you do that, will lower the treble frequencies and tend to boost the bass

[colins]

Lots of good suggestions above. Mine is to use a pick that is more rounded....a pick with a round point can sound much warmer than one with a sharp point.

[bellgamin]

Perhaps...
1,2,3 extra light or light strings
4, 5 medium
6 heavy