Unbalanced?

[personatech]

I've come across a Yamaha FG3 I may like to buy but the volumes of the strings seem to vary - the low E is a noticeably boomy while the high strings (GBE) seem a bit shrill.

1) Is this what is generally called "unbalanced"?
2) Would this be an easy fix? How would that be done?

The dealer also has an FG5 and an FGX3 - these don't exhibit this sonic anomaly (and I would much prefer them were it not for the additional cost). They do, however, suggest that the FG3 is not quite right.

[foxo]

I wouldn’t buy a guitar if I found it at all “shrill”. I suspect this one is just not for you.

[L20A]

Have the store replace the strings with what they think could help tame the sound for you.
Perhaps light bass strings and medium high strings. 80/20rather than Phosphor Bronze strings.

[cc132]

Originally Posted by personatech

1) Is this what is generally called "unbalanced"?

Not to me, no. A guitar is balanced when the there is a sonically pleasant mix of lows, mids, and highs, without too much emphasis on any part of the frequency spectrum.

"Balanced" is also not the be-all and end-all. A bluegrass rhythm player might want an over-emphasized bass. A blues/ragtime player might want a prominent midrange. People who play Taylors might want a really forward high-end.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by cc132

Not to me, no. A guitar is balanced when the there is a sonically pleasant mix of lows, mids, and highs, without too much emphasis on any part of the frequency spectrum.

"Balanced" is also not the be-all and end-all. A bluegrass rhythm player might want an over-emphasized bass. A blues/ragtime player might want a prominent midrange. People who play Taylors might want a really forward high-end.

Good post.

[Dru Edwards]

I wonder if the FG3 has something wrong with the nut or saddle at the high E string... or perhaps if there's a high fret that is causing that shrill.

Perhaps the ball end of the string isn't seated properly on the high E string?

[Rick Jones]

Honestly, if it's not right 'out of the box' the way you describe, don't buy it. Hold on a while and get something you like and makes you want to play it.

[E-OM]

"UNbalanced"????

Yes I am and have been all my life...

Sorry, couldn't resist...

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by foxo

I wouldn’t buy a guitar if I found it at all “shrill”. I suspect this one is just not for you.

Agreeing with Neil here!

[personatech]

Thanks, all! As it turns out, I went back to the dealer and my lovely wife of 40 years encouraged me to go for the FGX3, not the wonky FG3, which I hurriedly did. NGD post will come most probably early next week!

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by personatech

Thanks, all! As it turns out, I went back to the dealer and my lovely wife of 40 years encouraged me to go for the FGX3, not the wonky FG3, which I hurriedly did. NGD post will come most probably early next week!

I like a happy ending.

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by personatech

Thanks, all! As it turns out, I went back to the dealer and my lovely wife of 40 years encouraged me to go for the FGX3, not the wonky FG3, which I hurriedly did. NGD post will come most probably early next week!

Congrats! Enjoy you new guitar!

Is the difference in price between the FG5 and the FGX3 not worth considering? Just saying. I'm guessing you may be needing the electronics in the guitars.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by personatech

Thanks, all! As it turns out, I went back to the dealer and my lovely wife of 40 years encouraged me to go for the FGX3, not the wonky FG3, which I hurriedly did. NGD post will come most probably early next week!

Congrats! Looking forward to your NGD thread.

[jaymarsch]

Ah, good advice for anyone guitar shopping.
- If there is lingering doubt, sleep on it
- Return with a trusted spouse or friend
- Trust your ears and stay open to other options
Well done!
Best,
Jayne