Guild D-240E sustain problem

[laocmo]

Just bought a new Guild D-240E. Beautiful striped maple back and sides. Put a new set of my favorite guitar strings on it, GHS Bright Bronze mediums. I'm disappointed in the lack of sustain. A typical G-string pluck lasts no more than 2 seconds. I'm used to my Martin's sustain lasting way longer. All the ads for this guitar say it has lots of sustain. I'm thinking it must be my choice of strings. What are some recognized medium gauge strings with the longest sustain. I will try some others.

[warfrat73]

Maple guitars in general are not really known for sustain, more for quick note decay.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Maple guitars in general are not really known for sustain, more for quick note decay.

The D240 is an entry level guitar with laminate body, so there will be a lot less resonance than with a solid wood Martin. On the other hand, sustain is also controlled by the depth of the body so the arched back should help with that. It may also be the use of medium strings, as those guitars are spec'd for light which may vibrate a bit longer.

[warfrat73]

Originally Posted by laocmo

All the ads for this guitar say it has lots of sustain.

Advertising is, well, advertising.

[Fishermike]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Maple guitars in general are not really known for sustain, more for quick note decay.

Pretty sure that was a typo by the OP. This guitar should have laminated mahogany (or flamed mahogany) back and sides. AFAIK, the only maple B&S guitars in the Westerly series are 12-strings.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by Fishermike

Pretty sure that was a typo by the OP. This guitar should have laminated mahogany (or flamed mahogany) back and sides. AFAIK, the only maple B&S guitars in the Westerly series are 12-strings.

Right, and the "jumbo junor", but with laminate it's just a matter of appearance anyway.