Tips on how to make your acoustic guitar tone sound its absolute best

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  • Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
  • I've covered this stuff before but a lot of questions about "sound and tone" have came up from my "Upgrading your acoustic guitar" videos, so heres some things you can do yourself on the go to get the best sounds/tones your guitars are capable of producing. As always thanx for watching!
    / pretorious
    CLICK IT! and WIN A GUITAR!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 543

  • @williambonney4699
    @williambonney4699 6 років тому +160

    lotta dickheads thumbing down,, miserable bastards, if y'all know it all already, move on.....😎

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  6 років тому +23

      William Bonney always seem to be a bunch of gutless Pricks like that! They don't have the nuts to say what they didn't like, thanks for checking it out brother!

    • @redlinemando
      @redlinemando 5 років тому +1

      @William Bonney 100% agreed

    • @ZosoHacker
      @ZosoHacker 5 років тому +7

      I often wonder why they have a thumb down button. Just gives dick heads a platform for their talentless input.

    • @CTSully1
      @CTSully1 5 років тому +3

      ZosoHacker probably upset about “bone nut or tusk”

    • @redlinemando
      @redlinemando 5 років тому +5

      @@ZosoHacker Here's another way to look at it. Even a thumbs down is a response & another view added to the video. Therefore, it's a positive in that regard. Also, you'll notice that ppl who give Randy a thumbs down, never have the cojones enough to leave him a comment. Randy apparently stated this exactly in the comment just above mine. Sorry for repeating. lol

  • @cecilmaney5153
    @cecilmaney5153 7 років тому +46

    Took your advice , changed bridge,nut and pins all to bone and love the sound now...bought blank nut and bridge and carved them myself and they turned out great . I had a intonation problem and taking your advice on how to create proper distance between nut and bridge managed to clear that problem up...Enjoy your shows ,thanks for the advice.

  • @billanthony7651
    @billanthony7651 3 роки тому +6

    Yes! Nobody mentions the core tone of your guitar.
    Keep the crap off of your headstock!
    Simply Genius!

  • @starttherebellion9146
    @starttherebellion9146 7 років тому +9

    OMG... dude, you are my hero with this video!!! - You just brought the quality of my guitar sound and recordings back to what made me choose this guitar over the field of the hundreds of other guitars I plucked this one from!!! - Thank you sooo much! It has truly made all the difference in the world!

  • @joynthis
    @joynthis 7 років тому +101

    I drilled holes in mine to let more sound out, and I hold it at arm's length when I play, which really works the shoulders. I also wash it regularly with a mild pickle juice solution (for the electrolytes).

    • @anthonymaloney6838
      @anthonymaloney6838 7 років тому +13

      This comment is criminally underrated. Well done sir, or ma'm. Whatever you are, well done.

    • @tubemonks
      @tubemonks 7 років тому +1

      joynthis Great info. I'll try that on my Buddie Holly J45 Limited Edition..

    • @tombryan1
      @tombryan1 7 років тому +1

      Not funny, but you are an idiot, that's irritating though

    • @repeatoffender9902
      @repeatoffender9902 6 років тому +2

      joynthis I’ve been using your methods and my guitar sounds great thx man the pickle juice really mellowed the tone woods too just kidding proper humidity 45 to 50% and good nut and saddle and strings are key to different tones but your guitar make body size woods is its sound start with something that u really like then it’s easy to tweak a little hi mids n lows in

    • @eurabio
      @eurabio 6 років тому +3

      damian veldt they would deserve it

  • @tossedpenny
    @tossedpenny 7 років тому +11

    Great video, especially pointing out the tip not too hold the back of the guitfiddle against your chest while playing. I've seen experienced players using very expensive high end guitars holding them mashed up against their chest and it kills the tone, essentially turning their $4,000 guitar into a cheap sounding $100 laminate instrument. The least amount of body contact definitely lets the wood vibrate to its full potential. I even have dedicated guitar shirts I wear for playing my D28 that don't smother the back and top. Little tweaks and changes yield big results on these high end beauties.

  • @jimiguitar100
    @jimiguitar100 5 років тому +5

    This is great video, all very useful. I will contribute with saying that I clean my strings with alcohol when they get dirty and muted. And the beauty of the sound comes back instantly. I take old cotton shirt, put alcohol on it, squeeze it and I go from saddle to nut maybe 20 to 30 times. It works great for me, I dont have to change the strings so often and the sound is always there.

  • @jondoh3418
    @jondoh3418 5 років тому +3

    This guys is a straight-up dude... common sense no bullshit. I appreciate his taking his time to share his knowledge. He is an intelligent guy. Proll'y not just CV about guitars either... either way Anyone who who beats down on his videos needs to just get on to lookin' stupid somewhere else. Thanks man...!

  • @chezlerq4478
    @chezlerq4478 6 років тому +11

    Great video Randy. Ignore the idiots who chime in just to show their stupid. (and before anyone says it, that was not a typo. The way it is written, is the way it is meant. They are showing the stupid they have within themselves.)
    I have watched several of your vids, and enjoy them much.
    Good point about the arm-on-the-guitar. I always wear short sleeve shirts when I play and use my arm (just above the wrist) on the bridge as a mute. Lift off to let it ring. Back my arm way off to gain volume and tone every where.
    Thanks man.

  • @allstopblue5717
    @allstopblue5717 7 років тому +1

    I've used Tusq saddle, nut, and pins on acoustic. It absolutely changed the tone. Became brighter and more clarity. I have put black tusq nuts in several of my electrics as well. Quality product. night and day to plastic. Just do the table drop test and you clearly hear the resonance in higher quality pins,nuts,or saddles vs plastic. I subscribed also! Lot of knowledge you have and simply explained.

  • @richardadkins1427
    @richardadkins1427 6 років тому +3

    I really enjoy watching and listening to what you do Randy. not only is it entertaining but I learn something with every video. thanks.

  • @MrBillsexton82
    @MrBillsexton82 4 роки тому +5

    As a beginner, I'd highly recommend this video. I learned quite a bit.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  4 роки тому +1

      thanks my friend for checking it out!

    • @thomaschin3841
      @thomaschin3841 4 роки тому

      Not only this video, this channel 🤙🏻🤙🏻

  • @RayLawrenceJrMUSIC
    @RayLawrenceJrMUSIC 3 роки тому

    I did these upgrades to a brand new guitar. I installed a Tusq saddle, ebony bridge pins and I angled the tips of those. I installed a Mitchell's plate mate then added a Zero Glide nut. The guitar is an AMI DM-1ST. Yes, it is a low dollar guitar that is built well and all these add ons along with an enlarged sound hole that I did woke this guitar up. I use a Paige capo that stays on the guitar and stows by the nut when not in use. Thank you Randy for showin us how to make a guitar play and sound better because this all works great.

  • @sussezq
    @sussezq 8 років тому +2

    I am new to the guitar. Just wanted to say thank you for the tips! The arm lying on the guitar demonstration was SO effective!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому +2

      You're welcome my friend, thank you for your support! I'm glad the videos help! :)

  • @kpmurphy62
    @kpmurphy62 6 років тому +17

    never thought about the capo clamped at the top would rob sound OMG I will never do that again

    • @JohnJano
      @JohnJano 4 роки тому

      Me neither! I had a capo and tuner on there!

  • @cckdorm119
    @cckdorm119 4 роки тому +9

    Well I learned I’m holding my guitar too tight! Thanks for the tips!

  • @DanielTPeace
    @DanielTPeace 6 років тому +1

    Enjoy your love and passion for the guitar and music in general, one of the major reasons I stay subscribed and keep coming back to your videos. Thanks for your contributions to the community.

  • @davidplatt8915
    @davidplatt8915 5 років тому +2

    Major props to you, Randy. Just inherited my first guitars from my recently deceased brother. Know virtually nothing about 'em but anxious to learn to play. Really appreciated this video. This is good stuff that I hadn't heard or been aware of. Thank you. Subscribed!

  • @jocuppa4564
    @jocuppa4564 4 роки тому +3

    I can hear your wisdom and puttin it to use. Very very Much respect, peace, joe

  • @theBUBBAMANcan
    @theBUBBAMANcan 7 років тому +5

    I'm so glad I came across this video. You are a great teacher and I see now that I'm gonna need to watch a lot more of your videos! Thanks, man!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  7 років тому +1

      Welcome aboard my friend and many thanks for checking out my videos!

  • @thefunkytoaster
    @thefunkytoaster 6 років тому +115

    Practice. That'll improve the sound of any guitar.

    • @cruz.c
      @cruz.c 5 років тому +2

      Jesse Schafer yeah but my giotar sounds way to harsh... idk if its cos its steel string but other guitars just sound a lot warmer on the high strings

    • @jfrphoto01
      @jfrphoto01 5 років тому

      @@cruz.c ... Could be the strings themselves! Some are brighter than others (think D'Addario EJ's {bright sound} vs EXP's {warmer sound}). I like Stringjoy brand strings, about the same price range, made in Nashville, Tennessee and you can, for the same price as their prepackaged sets, make a custom set of your personal preferences in string gauge for each string. I use them on both my Washburn 6 string and my Oscar Schmidt 12 string. (www.stringjoy.com) No I don't work for them, I just use them!

    • @penfold7800
      @penfold7800 5 років тому +2

      Clorox; try thicker guage high strings. They're harder to push down (more tension) but the sound is not so tinny as finer guage strings

    • @davidcarpenter9232
      @davidcarpenter9232 3 роки тому

      Stevie Ray Vaughan set his action high and played #13,,, so you get out what you put in it ... physically ... D

    • @davidcarpenter9232
      @davidcarpenter9232 3 роки тому +1

      I'm real heavy-handed ,,, so I've got to play a heavy gauge or it's always out of tune ...

  • @johnp.5882
    @johnp.5882 4 роки тому +1

    Mr. Randy nice video and great advice that made a huge difference for me. I'm a beginner, been playing for about 2 months after ukulele for a 5 years. As I learned guitar I was slowly getting frustrated with my tone, so after watching your video I changed my arm position and my cheapo FD01S is back to life. Looks like I picked up some bad habits the more I practiced. Thanks for the help

  • @charlestehuia9263
    @charlestehuia9263 5 років тому +2

    And your Martin sounds beautiful and really crisp

  • @ufos22
    @ufos22 4 роки тому +3

    I watched Randy’s battery restoration video and thought I’d check out his guitar videos. I bought a Taylor 114ce not covered in plastic, raw wood. I thought the lacquer or polyurethane would change the sound. Bad idea. Now it still sounds great, but irreversibly stained dirty. The only way to really improve the sound of an acoustic guitar is new strings. 10 gauge is easier to play, but 12 gauge turns up the volume. The only other thing is humidity. In S Florida it’s 80% in the summer time. Now in January it’s 64% and what a difference. Taylor recommends 45%, but if you’re not living in the desert.....Nice video though, except for the moist box !

  • @mauricecardinal6352
    @mauricecardinal6352 7 років тому +13

    Great tips about the tuner clamped on the headstock muting the vibrations. I just took mine off there and I will remember this! Thanks again.

    • @travbatts
      @travbatts 4 роки тому

      Taking your tuner off will improve the sound by 1%

    • @mauricecardinal6352
      @mauricecardinal6352 4 роки тому

      @@travbatts Yes. I need that 1%.

  • @TonyWhitaker1954
    @TonyWhitaker1954 7 років тому

    Wow, impressed! Played horns from '67 to '71. Started playing my Gibson 335 in '73. Just farted around for 30 years and finally learned to love the art. Your "common sense" videos are spot on! I also love your selection of songs for demos. I am 62. I would guess you are 57 from your music choices!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  7 років тому

      lol you guessed it! My music choices get a little broad sometimes, I've been in so many bands I can't remember them all, played country, southern rock, medal, jazz and now bluegrass, so sometimes I wonder if my choices are the best ones or not lol Anyways thanks for your comment and for watching! Cheers!

  • @Punki001
    @Punki001 5 років тому +1

    The best sound for me comes from my old western guitar, for which you need pliers to tune cos the tuning knobs fell apart many years ago, there are holes in the body and i changed strings maybe 4 times in over 30 years. And it rattles when you shake it. Oh and of course the strings are high as the empire state building. I love this thing and would never change anything. To me it sounds like angels singing. But other people don't seem to hear what i hear when playing her. So in general you are right. Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful and i like to watch them. I subscribed after watching only one of your videos and didn't regret so far. Greetings from Germany.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  5 років тому +1

      very cool! thanks for subscribing and checking out my videos. that sounds like a keeper you have, I always said an acoustic sounds its best when it literally about to come apart!

  • @gunsofsteele
    @gunsofsteele 6 місяців тому +2

    A great guitar player knows how to give you the bird and you won't even know it.

    • @Mo11y666
      @Mo11y666 2 місяці тому

      Middle school in the early 90s i saw a kid doing that and it was that day i knew i wanted to play guitar and be able to unknowingly give the bird to everyone 😂

  • @rolandmartel2496
    @rolandmartel2496 3 роки тому +3

    Outstanding video. I can only imagine through my phone earphones how gorgeous it sounds in that room you are in! I was just wondering about the guitar’s sound hole. To me it appears a bit larger than the standard sound hole. Like Clarence White. Very distinctive Martin you have there. Great stuff and thank you.

  • @stackedhippiechick
    @stackedhippiechick 2 роки тому +1

    I did switch to bone bridge pins on my 72 Martin D28 and it did help.

  • @StevenParente
    @StevenParente 4 роки тому +1

    This was a very informative video Randy. Thanks! I hadn't heard of many of your techniques before. I'm going to try several of them out with my acoustic.

  • @archtopp1
    @archtopp1 5 років тому +1

    The last time I spent a few grand on a Martin guitar, it came with plastic bridge pins. That wasn't the first Martin I bought. The plastic pins have to go, and the reason you need the bridge plate fix is because the plastic pins bend and allow the ball end to creep into the hole, where it doesn't belong and wallow out the holes.

  • @davidwilliams7552
    @davidwilliams7552 Місяць тому

    James Taylor tuning allows for good intonation up neck and with capo. He tunes (in cents from standard) E -12, A -10, D-8, G -4, B -6 and top E -3. I use this and tuning is great everywhere.

  • @2011Noud
    @2011Noud 3 роки тому

    Why thumbing down any of these video's with useful information? Simply great to have
    almost anything that contributes to the sound presented here. I missed the choice of picks
    while strumming or playing solo. For strumming you get a nice velvet like tone by using
    medium picks. Heavy picks appear to be more suitable for solo work but that's only my
    opinion. A great difference even is how you hold the pick. Holding it firmly while strumming
    makes the tone a bit harsh to my believe. And then we haven't even talked about the different
    materials picks can be made of. As that influences the sound as well. A dry or a moisturous
    environment not only can be dangerous for the condition of the guitar: It also has influence
    on how it sounds. But probably too much to tell in one video! Thanks anyway.

  • @superelectic45
    @superelectic45 7 років тому +2

    Good info as always. I've noticed gauge of string also makes a big difference, some guitars like light some heavy.

  • @qd4192
    @qd4192 6 років тому +1

    I noticed a big difference when I don't hug my Taylor. Don't know why I never thought of that, but I appreciate the tip. Thanks.

  • @alanmizell
    @alanmizell 3 роки тому

    Great video. Some things I should’ve known I need a reminder. And some great tips that I had just never heard of, things that were new to me. Looking forward to trying them all out.

  • @Orieus
    @Orieus 6 років тому +1

    Some excellent tips brother! i learned a few things that i wasnt aware of, after al these years of playing!!!! some nice chords u were playing as well man!!!!!

  • @erics7766
    @erics7766 5 років тому

    I would never do to this to one of my vintage Martins (cause they dont need it) but I live in Chile and bought a releatively cheap guitar to play here on the street and in clubs. It has scalloped X bracing but it still had way too much wood near the X. So i went in there with a very small wood chisel and carved out a bunch of the wood (about 3/4" in each direction of the X). It made a HUGE difference in how "live" the guitar top vibrated. Probably most people might think thats a crazy idea, but Im very happy with the improvement in tone I get now

  • @markdovell24
    @markdovell24 6 років тому +3

    thanks for the tips man very helpful!!! 😎🎸🎵

  • @StONed-mb1iv
    @StONed-mb1iv 7 років тому

    your vids are truly better than a LOT out there! thx and keep going!

  • @jackoshaw
    @jackoshaw 5 років тому

    Watched your video....took my tuner/capo off the headstrock! you are right, sir.... It makes a world of difference....

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  5 років тому

      thanks for giving it a try! and thanks for watching! yep it does make a difference, some guitars more than others.

  • @jonsanderson2886
    @jonsanderson2886 5 років тому +1

    “Don’t go sticking shit on your gui-tar.” Yet has a pick holder attached to the guitar.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  5 років тому

      the sides doesn't vibrate like the top and back does, they basically just help hole the guitar together. thanks for checking out my video.

  • @CreativeSauce
    @CreativeSauce 5 років тому +3

    Nice video. I've also been getting Ebony pins real cheap of eBay, and they make a pretty big difference to my ear!

    • @redlinemando
      @redlinemando 5 років тому +1

      If you have a brighter guitar, ebony pins seem to help mellow one out a little. They also are good for balancing out some of the higher frequencies from a bone nut & saddle. If your guitar is bass heavy, Bone pins will usually do the trick. I'm not usually a fan of Tusq. I like to use organic materials as the guitar is made up of organic materials, but as Randy says, all guitars are different & have different voices & or personalities.

  • @alann5003
    @alann5003 2 роки тому

    I love playing Melissa. Such a beautiful song.

  • @soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342
    @soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342 5 років тому +1

    always been a electric guy for the most part but damn boss. Didn't realize how sensitive acoustics were when it came to stuff like capos, picks, and stickers being on it. Great tips.
    Also was that a zeppelin lick? It totally was lol. Awesome.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  5 років тому +1

      it seems like the higher end an acoustic is the more these things I mention in the video affects the sound and tone. thanks for checking out my videos!
      and yes yes it is a zepplin lick! :D

  • @kobra42
    @kobra42 8 років тому

    Very good tips Randy. The one about smothering your guitar....is so true. You can defiantly notice a difference if you strum a chord and mute it out by touching the top. Great comment Looney Larry !

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +Archie Bunker It's amazing how many players are soo good but ruin their sound by smothering their guitar from spending so many hours practicing they slouch over it and kill the true sounds and tones of their instrument! +Looney Larry TV makes some great points, I wish more people thought this way. :)

  • @becomeaudible1
    @becomeaudible1 3 місяці тому

    The best players that I’ve seen their guitar looks like it’s floating. It looks like the only thing that’s touching the guitar is the pic and the fingers on their fret hand. That’s it. And of course their guitars always sound amazing.

  • @therealjulez7886
    @therealjulez7886 4 роки тому

    Great explanation brother, and ur playing is really mint! luv how u started doin the intro for "we have got to get it together"

  • @timjohnston56
    @timjohnston56 2 роки тому

    Nice video…..I worked with Larry Rice for years , Tony’s brother. He was talented ……never got to meet Tony but heard a lot of his stuff. Thanks for the info

  • @calebproductions5970
    @calebproductions5970 5 років тому +1

    I'm glad you made this video thanks I learned a lot

  • @bobd4605
    @bobd4605 4 роки тому

    Just ran across your site even thought this video is old it's new to me! Very well done so y'all keep up the great work.

  • @chuckgillespie1
    @chuckgillespie1 Рік тому

    Thanks man - Love the videos!

  • @irishwanderer4206
    @irishwanderer4206 6 років тому

    I agree with what you said about the clip on tuners and stuff each wood has a different sound which undisturbed can be cool.

  • @jakojenhh5002
    @jakojenhh5002 3 роки тому

    Man I could listen to you for days!

  • @robertjohnson3855
    @robertjohnson3855 4 роки тому +1

    Enjoy uo ur posts Randy. Thanks for your advice. You obviously are a great Luthier but also a player yourself and able to give great experience. What type of music do you play in your band?

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  4 роки тому +1

      we just call it acoustic music, we play pink floyd, zepplin, acdc to flatt and scruggs, no boundaries lol

  • @Chris-SS
    @Chris-SS 4 роки тому

    Excellent video Randy, it made me look at my playing again. Thanks 😊

  • @boyonaplane
    @boyonaplane 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the Info Randy!!!
    Always Good Stuff!!!

  • @markthompsoncpa
    @markthompsoncpa 7 років тому

    You are right on the capo, etc. I am not going to leave my tuner on headstock when playing anymore.

  • @chipfilmstv
    @chipfilmstv 8 років тому

    Glad I found this channel. Watched 3 of your vids so far. Love it

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      Thank you man and welcome aboard! I'm glad you found me too! :) Cheers!

  • @jerrywalaszek2473
    @jerrywalaszek2473 5 років тому +1

    Hey Randy hope your well.Thanks brother for what you do!😉loving " Melissa" that was the first song my son and I learned to play together.

  • @nickintaiwan
    @nickintaiwan 7 років тому +1

    Thanks for the tips! Good to see down to earth people just trying to help here on UA-cam! Subscribed.

  • @guitarstruggles3140
    @guitarstruggles3140 8 років тому +1

    Sounds good brother! I've been trying to keep my fingers closed on my picking hand too, I feel like it gives my wrist a better angle for smaller movements. It feels awkward though, might give up on it soon.Rock on!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +guitarstruggles I started watching players that really do a lot with the pick and it seems like most of them play with their hand more closed than open. It does feel weird! After I practice several hours it starts feeling normal until I pick up the guitar the next day. Hopefully it'll start feeling normal soon. Thanks for checking it out brother! :)

    • @guitarstruggles3140
      @guitarstruggles3140 8 років тому

      +Randy Schartiger I know exactly what you mean brother!

  • @Dr.guy.
    @Dr.guy. 3 роки тому

    16:30 hey that's The Needle and the Damage done! Such a beautiful song

  • @mickeblue
    @mickeblue 6 років тому +1

    Appreciate this. Always just changed the strings or sent it to the local luthier... he ain't gonna love any of this, but I'm going to get a better sound just from changing plastic.
    Thank you so much for pointing out the bloody obvious.
    I can't believe I continued to pay for BS

  • @tommyabernathy9880
    @tommyabernathy9880 2 роки тому

    Thank you Mr. Randy! Awesome helpful video.
    🍻

  • @nigelrathbone237
    @nigelrathbone237 7 років тому

    Enjoyed your video man. Great playing with some solid advice. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  7 років тому

      Thank you much my friend! And Merry Christmas to you as well!

  • @Gingerjake2
    @Gingerjake2 8 років тому

    That is the prettiest sounding guitar! My D18's sleeping right now so I can say that about your guitar & he'll never know, but it is just so pretty! And wow! That was valuable about the arm on the guitar. I am so guilty of draping myself over my guitar. I found that interesting about stuff clamped above the nut too. I use Keyser capo's & I just clamp them to the guitar strap if I'm out...they lay on the table if I'm home. But I gotta tell you about this guy who used to play in the other room from us at the pub! He had a pencil that he wrapped with electrical tape & he would shove that *under* the strings on the headstock right above the nut. He swore it made the guitar sound differently & honest to goodness, it must have been like a dog whistle to him 'cuz I could not hear any difference at all...lol! I guess he could hear a difference tho'... It might have been one of those tone things?
    Anyway, I thought I'd pass that along to you too.
    Thanks for the little tunes at the end....I love when you get carried off like that & do a little picking!
    TTYS
    ~G~ ♪

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому +1

      +Gingerjake2 For the price of the thing it should play itself! LOL! I seriously need to work the frets over and get rid of that buzzing, when it's set up right it's pretty amazing the power and sound it has. My favorite of all I own. It's often referred to as "a banjo killer" lol I forgot to mention how much difference a pick makes in the sound too.
      I do that too when I've been practicing a lot or for a long while I catch myself laying on the guitar lol which is something I need to practice NOT doing and be more conscious of it.
      I bet that guy knew his guitar well, if you KNOW how your guitars sounds and change anything that alters it's sound you'll know it and recognize it right away! Whereas others may not so much, like my guitar here in this video sounds pretty nice, but I know this guitar with the frets fixed and set up properly sounds a lot better than it does in this video. Thanks for checking it out Ginger! :D

    • @Gingerjake2
      @Gingerjake2 8 років тому

      +Randy Schartiger That's a very good point!!! I didn't think of that, but I'm sure he did! He had it for a long time too, I *think* he got it from his Dad, so he would have known the sound even before playing it himself. It was a really pretty guitar from the 40's I think...I'll have to check that to be sure. An f-hole arch top Gretch Synchromatic guitar? All I remember about it was how shiny it was. The finish was perfect & he'd never had anything done with it.
      The banjo killer...oops! Bad Martin! But gawd it is pretty sweet sounding so I guess some things are worth the money. Do you ever pick up the banjo at all anymore? You're probably like me with the mandolin. I don't even own one anymore.
      I think I told you before I'm weird with picks. I generally hated them & would play with a small piece of cardboard folded in half. I'd get a few songs out of a piece & then toss it & grab a new piece...I just wasn't masterful with a pick...until now. I use a really thin gauge .38 mm Dunlop pick, but I do use a medium Herco thumb pick *when* I use one, which isn't often.
      Off to do housework...I need a maid! =p
      TTYS
      ~G~ ♪

  • @suzannacrawford6447
    @suzannacrawford6447 8 років тому

    Great pick'in and great advice. Sometimes I forget to remove that stuff while I'm playing. It does make a difference. Some of my guitars have bone pins, some have ebony pins, I like the ebony on my Hogs. They all have bone saddles and nuts, which do make a difference.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +Suzanna Crawford It does make a huge difference, it's fun to play around and experiment with them to see how it changes your guitar, sometimes I go back, and other times discover something new that I really like even better! :) Thanks for watching and for your comment Suzanna.

  • @chestercopperpot7106
    @chestercopperpot7106 4 роки тому

    Awesome tips Randy! I had never considered some if these.

  • @calebbhawkins
    @calebbhawkins 8 років тому +1

    Interesting stuff here, Randy! I've got three very special guitars right now (I have a ton of guitars actually) but three that really stand out. My D28 is one of the rare guitars I just can't seem to make sound bad, no matter what I do. But the arm on the top really changes the tone, as does the back and my rib cage. My Eastman changes tone with every half an inch variable I place the pick from the bridge. It gets really wild with my Zeiler which a 12 feet parlor. That guitar is so responsive to every little thing I do on it. It's got Walrus Ivory nut and saddle and French polish finish.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +Caleb Hawkins You sound like me, I've got 3 guitars that a love much more than all the rest I own. I think the better a guitar sounds, the more sensitive it is to touch and where you pick the strings, at least that seems to always be the case with me when I pick up a guitar that really sounds good. Thank for tuning in and commenting Caleb it is much appreciated.

  • @davidhullinger3636
    @davidhullinger3636 6 років тому +3

    Hey Randy; Iplay at church every week and in between songs I hold my guitar like I’m hugging it. The other guys kind of rest their arms on theirs and people have asked me why I hold my guitar the way I do and I always tell them that my guitar was made to be held not leaned on. It’s not a crutch it’s a musical instrument. I believe that to be true. I believe you can throw things out of whack by putting undue pressure in places it’s not supposed to be. What are your thoughts on this. I would love to hear what you think about this. BIG FAN HOOLLDD OONN!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  6 років тому

      I agree with you 100% I see a lot of people with their strap anchored at the headstock and rest their arms on the guitar, not realizing they are putting an intense amount of stress in areas there already is a lot of stress, this in time will become major problems for them!

  • @cuntrydude1
    @cuntrydude1 8 років тому

    THx for sharing, Randy, you´re the BEST, man!

  • @louieo.blevinsmusic4197
    @louieo.blevinsmusic4197 Рік тому

    Been laying my arm like that literally since I’ve been playing. I prefer sitting when I play and I’m not a fan of high stools, rather play sitting low ‘n semi slouched. Wonder if that lead to the habit of laying my arm on the guitar. The sound is so much brighter.

  • @johnoffutt898
    @johnoffutt898 Рік тому

    On my Martin O-18 I have persimmon bridge pins and unbleached bone nut and saddle. My Martin 000-16 Streetmaster I have bone bridge pins, unbleached bone nut and saddle.

  • @CesarAllGuitar
    @CesarAllGuitar 8 років тому

    Great vid, tips and playing Randy!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +Cesar Blues Guitar Thank you Cesar! Buddy I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! Very much appreciate you! :)

  • @Edwin-E
    @Edwin-E 4 роки тому +3

    I like bone for saddle and nut, and Ebony for bridge pins.

  • @brucecurrier8725
    @brucecurrier8725 8 років тому

    Randy, I'm in my 60's now and still play I have a seagul and I'm going to try a few things on it, My dream guitar is a Martin I just love them but being disable I still hope and pray. Keep up the good work and thank you for the great info.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      You're welcome Bruce many thanks to you for tuning in! Seagull makes some sweet guitars, I've had several of them come thru here and all of them were good instruments. Thanks again, I hope you get that Martin some day! :)

  • @windowsgeek2256
    @windowsgeek2256 6 років тому +2

    Hey Randy. Greetings from Scotland. Thanks for the really helpful video. I love the tone you get from your guitar and wondered if you could tell me the make and gauge of strings
    you prefer.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  6 років тому +1

      Martin MSP7200, they don't last as long as Elixir but last much longer than regular untreated and uncoated strings.

  • @jessefillmore
    @jessefillmore 8 років тому

    Hey Randy . I own a MMV and a D-35 . I call the D-35 my Church guitar cause I try to keep it in great shape and rarely play it cause I'm afraid of scruffin and dingin it up lol . I play the MMV every day and so much that it feels better than the D-35 . I think not playing a guitar will affect the feel more than the tone but I believe it still affects both . The MMV is really wearing in nice . I'm a skeptic about the "opening up" theory . I believe guitar do change over time , well they have to cause as something ages it changes . I'm going to seeing if you have a vid about guitar tones changing with age . I know they feel better the more you play them and you have to keep up on the wear so it don't wear out . Great videos!

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      I play my MMV more than I pay my Martin Tyminski model guitar lol you're right about the feel, I've just played this MMV for so long now it feels more natural in my hands. My Tyminski needs a fret job tho so maybe that's why I play the MMV more.Thanks for checking out my videos! :)

  • @jackoshaw
    @jackoshaw 5 років тому +1

    You Sir are a fine guitar picker, for sure....

  • @DeeTee79
    @DeeTee79 3 роки тому

    Great video, thanks for the tips. Crossroads, seem to come and go…….. love it.

  • @BlindTom61
    @BlindTom61 7 років тому

    Thank you for you hard work Randy. Rock on...

  • @davidwilliams7552
    @davidwilliams7552 Місяць тому

    Great practical advice.

  • @henryssurfshowcase
    @henryssurfshowcase 3 роки тому

    Good tips and good playing, thank you!

  • @codehack8981
    @codehack8981 7 років тому

    I love your videos man! Keep it up! Auto subscribe.

  • @guitareck
    @guitareck Рік тому

    Excellent video, very informative!

  • @miguelbarahona6636
    @miguelbarahona6636 6 років тому

    Good tips!. One thing you forgot to mention, if you want the best sound of your guitar, to remove the pick guard.

  • @megacharlieifihealy5327
    @megacharlieifihealy5327 7 років тому +3

    Hi Randy , just came by 'ur videos , rely great imformation there thank's again

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  7 років тому

      Thanks my friend! I hope you subscribe and hang around! Much appreciated! :)

  • @idahodad1
    @idahodad1 8 років тому

    Lot's of good advice. I have an old alvarez Guitar that needs tuners and such. It would be perfect to experiment on and If I break it, I'm not out too much.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +Tim Fergel Especially if you want to tackle something you don't have much experience on, cheaper guitars are excellent for that. Thanks for commenting and watching Tim.

  • @Beachbumartist
    @Beachbumartist 7 років тому

    Thanks man. I also think the better guitar you buy the better it sounds and the brand. Thanks a lot.

  • @ericmason690
    @ericmason690 3 роки тому

    Awesome video man thank you for making it

  • @johnnygeejr500
    @johnnygeejr500 8 років тому

    Great info, Thanks, Keep up the great work.

  • @stevennichols5
    @stevennichols5 5 років тому

    Fantastic Video!! Thanks for the help!!

  • @arifirshad6700
    @arifirshad6700 4 роки тому

    Very hard to find the real good tutorials one, now i hve found here 👌

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  4 роки тому

      Glad I could help! thanks for checking out my videos!

  • @wickedgit
    @wickedgit 8 років тому +2

    does it really makes a differens in the sound when im have my tuner on the headstock? i use the strobo clip.
    i cant really hear the differens in the sound of the guitar.
    im using a tanglewood TW28ST-USA steelstring guitar.

    • @RandySchartiger
      @RandySchartiger  8 років тому

      +wickedgit It does effect how the guitar was designed to vibrate, some guitars you can hear it on more than other but yeah it effects them all to some degree. Some of the big boys such as Tony Rice knew this early on and I don't think there is a pic or any video to be found of him with anything on the headstock.

  • @AB-eg5nn
    @AB-eg5nn 5 років тому

    Another thing!!...I WOULDN'T put an internal mic/preamp into a high-end guitar if were not already installed upon initial manufacturing. The guitar would have already been precisely tap-tuned and intonated to give it the best sound and overtone setup. You could seriously jeopardize all that by adding extra weight under the saddle/bridge and top which will take away from the vibration, impeding the airflow of the soundhole, and worse, fitting it with all kinds of internal wiring that gets in the way of energy transfer to the body. By using even a mid-range external mic for live and studio recording, your guitar will be better and more natural sounding while showcasing it's optimal tone.

  • @JoeWellsCountry
    @JoeWellsCountry 5 років тому +1

    Hey Randy, nice video and very helpful..... can i ask what gauge strings you are using on that martin? thanks and i really enjoy your videos.🎸

  • @ambroseharper8316
    @ambroseharper8316 2 роки тому

    Great, informative video- thanks 😊

  • @hairballshaw6837
    @hairballshaw6837 6 років тому

    Love your workshops