Re: Changing Sound
Originally Posted by
allenhopkins
So many variables: different strings, picks, changes in your technique, changes in the way you hear the instrument, physical environment (humidity, temperature, room size/shape/materials, etc., etc.), that it's hard to pick out what part of the change is "opening up," and what part is attributable to other differences.
Even your memory of what that Kentucky sounded like five years ago -- remember, your ears get used to the way your regular instrument sounds, and whatever changes occur are probably incremental -- affects your perception of whether the mandolin sounds better, worse, or different in any way over time.
I've heard people say something like "My mandolin was sorta quiet the first three years I played it, and then all of a sudden it seemed to 'wake up' sounding much better." I've experienced none of that type of change, either in new instruments I've purchased, or in used instruments I've acquired. Others have, to hear them tell it.
My overall "take" is that a mandolin pretty much sounds like itself over the course of its life. Not arguing with those who've heard a dramatic change, or even a modest one; just saying I can't say the same.
I've been trying to work out if any of my mandolins have opened up. I have 2 epiphones, a washburn and a gretsch. The oldest instrument is about 4 years old. (An epiphone MM 50 e.)
I love the sound of all of them, but I don't think they have. The other epiphone and the washburn are oval holes - the other 2 are f-holes... Mostly spruce, but the Gretsch is mahogany...
I'm with you, Allen - I'm NOT suggesting that it doesn't happen or it hasn't happened. Just not to me.
JBovier ELS; Epiphone MM-50 VN; Epiphone MM-40L; Gretsch New Yorker G9310; Washburn M1SDLB;
Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster; Squier Modified Vintage Cabronita Telecaster; Gretsch 5420T; Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat: Washburn Banjo B9; Ibanez RB 5string; Ibanez RB 4 string bass
Pedalboard for ELS: Morley Cry baby Miniwah - Tuner - EHX Soul Food Overdrive - EHX Memory Toy analog Delay
Fender Blues Jr Tweed; Fender Greta;
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