Make Your Acoustic Guitar Sound Instantly Better With This Simple Mod! (With Audio Proof)
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2023
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no doubt, the sustain improves, as do the mid tones. So good to see real musicians, real craftsmen, giving us ways to improve tone and not a dime to be made. Just giving help. You guys ROCK!
Exactly. You can definitely hear the difference, and I bet it's even better playing it in person.
Almost sounds tinny. I prefer the more mellow, woody sound of the slotted pins.
Yes, I noticed a slight increase in the sustain as well. But my Yammy A3R has a good sustain anyway, with old strings (which very soon need to be replaced), and will have a factory sustain properly when I do change them. I won't bother changing bridgewise just yet. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Bought my A3R in 2014, and it's sounding better as it gets older. I use Elixirs 11's sets.
@@johnperkins2174 Buddy, you've got the two mixed up. Go back and listen very carefully with GOOD headphones: The slotted bridge with solid pins is the one that has sweeter, richer, deeper mids especially, while the slotted pins on a flat bridge sounds tighter & tinnier. Seriously Bro, check it out again.
@@brianmorris8045 To each his own, and no disrespect meant, but for me, I absolutely hate the Elixir's. The only thing they're good for is quieting string squeek when sliding fingers up or down the fingerboard. The "nano webbing" of Elixir's also traps & holds too much oil & dirt, causing them to go dead about as quickly as any cheap string. And when performing a song that requires a heavier attack, even the heavier gauges of Elixir's play like rubber bands, and break too easily. Have you ever tried Martin Marquis acoustic strings? They are available in regular bronze and phosphor bronze. ( Some acoustic guitars sound better with the mellower phosphor bronze strings. ) I'm going on 62 yrs old, and gigged professionally for decades. Retired from the music scene in '02. I've owned more than several killer acoustic guitars over the years, amps, PA's, etc, and I've tried every acoustic string under the sun. At any given time, I used 3 acoustic guitars with each tuned differently for each show. When the Elixir's first came out in the early 90's & were all the rage, I was lucky if I could go a full show on my main guitar without breaking a string, and I used new strings for EVERY show, I kid you not. Of course I would give them a decent "break-in" before each show, because brand new strings are too bright. They start sounding better after they soak up the oils from your hands. This is true for ALL strings. The Martin Marquis ended my search for the best tone, resonance, playability, and durability.......hands down. I used .12's on all of my acoustics. They're priced a little higher than the average string sets, but not as much as the Elixir's. At least they were back in my gigging days. If ya haven't tried them yet, give em a shot. I'm confident you'll be surprised. Every acoustic guitarist I ever turned on to them, loved them......just as someone turned me on to them. They're NOT the regular "Martin strings".......make sure the label says Martin MARQUIS. I also recall reading about quite a few big time artists loving them as well. It stands to reason. Take care Brother.
Its amazing how the unslotted pins add riffs to the tune.
It's a complex interaction. Yep.
That's why no one wants to hang out with you at recess
It opens up the tone a lot! Warmer, more sustain, more defined. Hadn't though of this at all, great demo.
This makes total sense. I’ve been slotting the bridges on my guitars and using the slotted pins on the Low E and A and then turn the other pins around, slot facing the bottom of the guitar. Thanks for the great videos!
I started slotting bridges and using unslotted bridge pins after seeing your video about a year ago. The improvement across all brands is remarkable and has brought great reactions from my customers. Thanks, and keep making your great videos.
I consider myself a novice and relatively new at learning guitar and even I could hear a difference. Sounded crisper, livelier and with distinctively more sustain. I’d be terrified to modify my guitar but then again, haven’t seen your “How to” video yet. Awesome video.
There is a muted tone in the factory version that I don't like, and I think I would not have noticed it were it not for the comparison. The slotted bridge breathes and has and openness not to mention sustain. It's a sound I have attempted to find by using certain types of strings. Thank you for this!
Have you tried modding a bridge yet?
I've done this to two guitars - inspired by your original video - a 1999 Larrivee Parlor and a recent Martin DSS-17. The difference is subtle, but noticeable. Both guitars sound a little fuller, more resonant, just a little more focused and together, with more sustain. They were both great guitars before, but this is absolutely an improvement.
No. We must dismissed your claims as unfounded, you have no metrics.
That's awesome to hear. I have a Martin DSS-17 I'm about to do this too tonight and what you are describing in the difference of tone and sustain is exactly what I'm hoping to accomplish by doing this to mine.
@@NeverTalkToCops1By the way, I'm ill now, but indeed, I'm not sure untill I have metrics (like vomitting or measuring if I have fever) ;)
Hmmm....while the bridge angle makes some sense, maybe I'd have to listen to this with full studio headphones instead of just earbuds (if so i will update) but for now I'd have to say I only hear a very subtle difference (and differences vary low thru high). Some tones I found slightly better, some I found worse. Overall, I can't say it sounds better. To be fair, some of the tonal difference could just as easily be attributed to a slightly different string strike. If anything, I'd give a slight preference to pre-mod. As for sustain, I'm not hearing better sustain on this recording (maybe real ambient is different?).
Thanks for sharing.
@@smcgx4Your inability to hear the improved sustain is…well…. Let’s just say, if I were you I would be concerned.
In my opinion, it brightens the tone noticeably. It sounds more lively.
I noticed it on the high end most immediately as well.
And a lot more sustain
I agree but don’t you think the bass drops off just a little too? This could be ok for a dreadnought but not so much for the brighter body shapes. I’d be very cautious of doing this to my guitar… 😬
not a great sounding martin…
@@ravusursi893 Yeah, I thought the low end became kinda muddy, but the mid and high end improves. It becomes a better strumming guitar, but not a better single note guitar. So if you play fingerstyle like I do, you may not want to do this. (Especially if you don't use fingerpicks, because I can only imagine the top strings becoming even more muddy)
Something I never knew. This video was so well-done that I subscribed, and I have now become interested in your work and the construction side of guitars. Great work!
I appreciate the added over& undertones when using the slotted bridge mod. The little daddy at the end walking up& down the G& Dm really made the difference pop out. Subbed! Keep it up!
After your first video about this, I also applied this to my guitar with an astonishing result in an improvement in the sound. I'm now forwarding your videos to my friends to convince them to do it too. Thnx
The most obvious improvement to me is the richness of the cords. The factory guitar sounded flat and lifeless…after the modification again rich and full NOT dull like in need of a string change. Loved it!! Great video.😊
Thank God for a new Driftwood vid...I've been going through withdrawals for a couple months. Love everything you guys do, and thank you so much for doing it.
This is remarkable. I had no idea! A notable improvement made - really got me thinking, now... Thank you!
I’m sold! Will be ordering the tools asap! Thanks for sharing!
Much more animated sound on a whole level, strings sounding in unison with solid pins and slotted bridge is an advanced bold sounding melodious beautiful sound!
It's funny, just last night I was thinking that I hadn't seen a new vid from you guys in a while. And here you are! Amazing how much fuller and more resonant the guitar sounded after slotting the bridge! StewMac here I come! 🤣 Thanks guys!
Wow! It is such a brighter and rounder tone/sound.......what a great tip! Thank you!
I could definitely hear the difference in the low to mid tones, a lot.
Overall, it sounded much richer and fuller, better!
Thanks for sharing!
I go one step further and slip a ball end from an old string over each string before they go in the bridge. This gives a flat contact point on the bridge plate for better sound and also helps preserve the plate from gouges resulting from round ball ends.
I’ve been saving ball ends these days and now wonder if stacking as you mentioned would also increase direct contact with the pins? I’m putting a flat bevel on the unslotted side to keep the ball ends perpendicular. If the slot in plate and bridge is wide enough (tightly fitting with pin) the string will pull everything up tight.
Really like this idea. I'll try it with my next string change. It should also better protect the bridge plate from being torn up.
A bit like a washer?
@@johnmitchell1614 I have a Mitchell’s Plate Mate installed on my D28 and it pleasantly brightens the wound strings , but I’m ambivalent about the higher plain strings,sometimes switching to a cut version, savoring the sweetness of the rosewood bridge plate.
@@johnmitchell1614 - yes
Thanks for the excellent video. I can hear the difference in the before and after in your video. A definite improvement. I'm no luthier but I do my own set-ups and some repair work. Sometimes I have settled for higher action on my guitars for a taller saddle that increases the break angle because I know it improves the sound. I wasn't sure is was a good idea to make those cuts in the saddle, but you have opened my eyes and I will be using this approach on my guitars going forward. Stewmac can thank your for the purchases I will make in the near future to get the saws, files, and so on that I will need.
WOW. I can hear a considerable difference just listening to this with the external speaker of my cell phone (i usually put my earbuds in to listen to these comparisons). Going to do this to my jumbo flattop when i do the setup on it. Awesome!!!
Thanks for sharing. This is really helpful! The difference can be clearly heard.
The sound is definitely improved - seems to be more depth in the bass and a more mellow sustain. Thanks for the advice - and make MORE VIDEOS!
The guitar tilt/angle to the microphone with the before is different (down more) than the before (up more). Observe the light reflection on the guitar. This subtle change in the guitar angle could be the difference in the sound we are hearing... I'm only playing the devils advocate here because it makes for a faulty/inaccurate test.
@@troybabsYou're right ! It makes a big difference !☝️😏
@@troybabs Good observation.
I didn't notice that but I know that small changes in mic position etc make very big differences. Even the sound of a room changes at different times, weather etc. Great spot!@@troybabs
I have done this slotting for players without much height on their saddle left and re-used the slotted bridge pins backwards as you said. Definitely improves the tone on aging neck angles!
Blast! Saw your post just afterf I posted!
Hmm , I have a nice ibanez with very low bridge saddle, may e I should try this? Seems to make more sense with a low saddle.
woooow.... very evident! i am amazed how the tone even changed. I expected a bit of brightness and volume (really, more volume that makes the bright tones more clear) but the added sustain and tone.... holy crap. I need do this immediately.
FINALLY!!! 😄 I've been wondering about this since you first posted this as an option. Wasn't too keen on screwing up a guitar without hearing the difference first. Now I have no problem screwing up the guitar. Miss you guys!! ♥
I did this recently on my Maple jumbo after watching your other video, it absolutely works and has added so much resonance, especially in the mid to bass, I just reinstalled the bone pins I already had with the slot facing backwards as suggested, works a treat....imagine a Maple Jumbo with cavernous bass and actual midrange overtone, I'd been reasonably disappointed with the sound of it for so long and was going to sell it, no way would I sell it now 😅, thanks so much for these uploads 👍👍👍.
I just found your content and, so far, really like it. I am not a player but I love guitar music. I was hoping you would do a comparison video of slotted vs. unslotted. I was blown away by the difference in sound quality and from a simple modification. I have a mechanical mind and when I watched the first video on this subject it really made sense. Thank you.
I could definately hear the difference.
Factory- more twangy when strings were initially struck
After mod- more warm and even blend of strings when strumming chords.
I like it! Thank you.
I did basically the same thing to my dull sounding Squier mini. Made it a string through and gave it an awesome break angle. my Favorite little guitar now with amazing sustain and resonance.
Of the several ( more than that, actually ) killer acoustic guitars I've owned & performed with over many years, one of my absolute favorites was a high-end Takamine with a pinless bridge. And looking back & remembering how the strings were routed across slots in the bridge, it definitely caused more downward force on the strings across the saddle. No wonder that guitar sounded so good. Of course I didn't realize back then, the advantage that pinless bridge afforded........I thought it was simply "more convenient when installing strings: no pins to fuss over". You're never too old to learn new things..........or even facts that have existed all along..........THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!!
Slotted mine. Impressed. Thanks for the tip.
I've known about slotted and non-slotted bridge pins for a long time. both my acoustics do not have slotted pins. I definitely heard a significant difference between the two. Thanks for the video as it reinforced my opinion. :)
Hey Chris, I can definitely tell the difference and I have recorded enough guitars to be able to tell reasonably what it sounds and feels like in the room. The slotted is definitely superior. Great video and thanks.
I think it improved sustain and volume, but I notice a scoop in the high mids (around 4khz maybe) that is not so pleasant to me. It made it sound “cheap” (just a little bit, of course). But on the other hand the upper highs (8khz and above) are more audible, so I can hear the clarity getting better, which is nice. Thank you for the video, I'll check out more of them!
I heard it like that as well , pre mod has midrange honk that works , the modded sounds a little like a compressed nd eqd scoop .
Im pretty sure that had more
to do with variance in mic placement. A few mm can make a huge difference in proximity effect on a single mic, let alone an x/y stereo mic on a consumer grade recorder in an untreated room.
@@jcabanawSo you reckon the guy goes to all the effort of doing an A/B comparison on a guitar mod, only to mistakenly put the mic in a different place?
@@MisterWade74 You can see in the video that the guitar not quite exact relative spot as in the previous sample. Darn close and I wouldn't blame anyone for the difference. As an audio engineer, the mic placement definitely crossed my mind.
@@MisterWade74 Yep and he also played one of the chords differently. He struck the bass string a bit more when he did the modded version. Go back and listen. Humans have inherent error, so the only way to test this accurately would be to use a machine to strike the strings exactly the same each time
the change adds resonant richness. Very cool.
Yes, it's crisper for sure.
The initial sound is much the same, but the notes sustain much longer. My guitar has had this mod done to it. My guitar tech also put in a slightly taller saddle to increase the break angle. He also lengthened the saddle, converting it to a "through" saddle, which increased the footprint. All this made a noticeable improvement. After wearing the frets down, I took it to him for a re-fret. He put in huge frets, but didn't widen the fret slots. To do this, each fret had to be forced into place. This incrementally increased the neck tension, resulting in the biggest increase in volume of all the mods performed on the guitar.
You didn’t mean “through saddle”, you meant “through bridge.”
Jumbo frets on the acoustic is so nice. You can have high action, and playability too.
@@mikegaurnier No, he meant "through saddle", short for "cut-through saddle". It's a common term that's been used for almost a century now. There are "drop " saddles - short for "drop in", and "through" saddles, short for "cut through".
Don't try to pedantically "correct" people and insist what they did or did not mean, especially when you don't even understand the terminology you're trying to "correct". It's rude, arrogant, and uncouth.
@@NautilusGuitars Oh, I didn't know about the "through saddle". But there is such a thing as a "through bridge" also, isn't there?
@@NautilusGuitars🤡
Wow! I've watched a lot of guitar tone videos and often, I can barely detect the supposed differences between various setups. But the difference here is unmistakable.
The guitar is far more resonant with the slotted bridge. There are new layers throughout the whole frequency range. The overall sound of the guitar isn't brighter or darker - just fuller.
It's amazing that such a simple mod can make such a significant improvement. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Wow man, I'm at around the 6 minute mark with earbuds in with you doing the before and after A/B examples...you transformed that Martin into...well, I don't really know how to accurately quantify how much better that guitar sounds in my earbuds, but it is causing me to want to do that to one of my acoustics...maybe both of them...thanks for this one, and hope you and yours at Driftwood Guitars are doing great!
Wow. Have headphones on. Wasn’t ready for that. So much richer. Thanks. Great playing too. Cheers.
Your comments were spot on about the sustain and the energy you feel when you play a guitar setup with a slotted bridge. That is why many of the boutique guitar builders use a slotted bridge in their guitars.
From what I hear, the mids are much more scooped (down), which is what acoustic guitarists seem to favor based on amplification scenarios, but the tuning stability seems also ever so slightly more delicate. It's a tough one, for sure.
On your first demo chord, my first thought was "this Martin suddenly became a Collings." But after more samples, the difference seems to be much more nuanced.
For me it’s too bright and scooped with the solid pins compared to factory. I prefer factory pins in this scenario weirdly enough! Each guitar is different though.
The improvement is unmistakable. 100% on the money. Been doing this to my guitars for years with great results
Definitely a worthwhile improvement, no shortage of break angle, very positive string engagement too, very nice.
BTW, sounds great as well...
✌️❤️😁
I do agree, there is a slight change in tonality and increased sustain for the unslotted pin, but again I have to wonder to what degree that change is due to placement to recording. , but two things I quickly notice in the video comparison between factory vs unslotted pin. First might not be so obvious, but nonetheless will produce a variation in sound to the listener - the guitar is tilted back for the unslotted, and straight up and down for factory. The second is the placement of the sound hole in relation to the recording device. I understand the two are videoed at different times (before and after new slotting), however still nonetheless, the sound and placement of guitar in relation to the recording device might be minimal, yet does not represent a true controlled sound test. I would suggest a better test where the instrument is flat on the table and a microphone placed above it. Each time there is an exact placement and distance from recording device.
Totally agree. Nothing scientific about the testing method, at all. From here, sounds like the type of nuanced change in sound you get by changing pick or just playing differently.
Also makes me cringe to see the bridge being "abused" like that :D
They should have at least used a stand for the guitar. However, he said he could definitely feel it. The feel of a guitar is important, even if it doesn't sound much different in a recording, because it could mean all the difference in inspiring you to play.
Well while I do agree on the angle of the guitar the mic placement is pretty much if not exactly the same. Only reason why it looks as if its not is because of the camera angle. If you look closely the "after" shot the camera was slightly more to the right hence it looks like the mic is placed different. The angle while it would change the sound slightly it would not have made that much of a difference
There was a qualitative difference! It was very clearly more than Mike placement... Like the resonance is themselves were married in the fundamental and didn't have to converge but were there from the start. That did not sound like technical differences to me. Not the main thing I was feeling/hearing anyway
Interesting comparison, thank you!. In such a good guitar it seems to improve just a little or make the guitar sound like other, i.e. in individual chords sounds better, but in a song sounds just different to me, like another good sounding guitar. I think it would interesting to hear that modification on a cheap and bad sounding guitar.
My humble Yamaha FG needed this like I need a cold beer after cutting the grass in August. Thank you!
The whole process took about an hour of fiddling with a couple of files and brought out a whole new voice the instrument was missing! I am using the stock plastic pins turned around for now.
Finding solid pins isn't very easy! Stew Macs Waverly bone pins are all I can find right now.
Omg.
Thank you for the history and advice.
I'm definitely going to do this to my guitars.
I don't have the best ears, but if I heard any differences, they were very minor. I would have liked a blind test with the factory and slotted examples mixed up from one comparison to the next. It has been fairly well demonstrated that people listen with their eyes.
I'm sorry, but I am 73 years old and have punished my hearing for years playing loud music, but I don't hear any difference at all. Maybe my hearing is so shot I can't hear it. I don't know.
I can hear a ton of difference through headphones and with my eyes closed
Sounds better
Honestly I listened without watching and felt the unslotted setup sounded brighter and had longer sustain.
Sorry, no disrespect meant, but either your using poor audio/speakers/headphones, or your hearing is suffering. I approached this audio with a healthy dose of skepticism. I'm the type of musician, that "I have to truly hear the difference to believe it". Using headphones plugged into my laptop, I was truly amazed. The slotted bridge made this instrument's tone PROFOUNDLY more full & robust. Furthermore: it doesn't matter if "which was which" was revealed on the screen, I would've still picked out each time the instrument's tone sounded so much more full. Particularly with the mids, they have a much sweeter, deeper tone...........much like a fine, old acoustic guitar that has "opened up" over the decades. And yes, it's true: the really fine instruments do sound better with age. Me: a 62 yr old, lifelong guitarist and former stage performer ( now retired ) with decades of professional gigs all over east/central Florida, singing lead vocals/backing vocals, guitar (acoustic and electric ), and blues harp. I was also Blessed with having what is known as "perfect pitch". Personally, I always figured just about any singer or musician could strive to acquire perfect pitch......but evidently not. Not bragging at all, merely giving my credentials.......and I truly do hear the difference. Made a total believer out of me. This video also reminded me of how I have indeed seen old acoustic guitars with slotted bridges........but I never really paid them any mind, and no one ever mentioned the advantage. I once owned an absolutely killer Takamine guitar with a pinless bridge, and that bridge did have it's own style of slots where the strings did have more downward pressure on the saddles. Makes perfect sense now. It's one of only 3 guitars that I wish I never sold after retiring. And that was only due to that horrible recession of '08. I had to sell everything to save our home.
Actually makes such a big difference! Far more than switching the plastic nut for a bone which I have done many times.
I think having the solid pins also means the resonances aren't broken down compared to the split pins.
Something I shall definitely try in future!
I hear the difference too, but I don't think it's that big, we all have opinions right? Also you have a trained ear, the average "Joe" couldn't tell the difference if his life depended on it. Now that being said, there was not much brake angle, so slotting the bridge makes for more volume big time, the saddle was so short for a new guitar, I guess someone may have set it up. I'm sure they wanted the action real low. That makes for a different discussion, but same idea. Not as much down pressure on the saddle, so I guess it's finding the happy medium.
Wow! Sounds much more clear. Love it!
Yes, remarkable sound and good improvement. Really thanks for your video.
I’m 69 and I could hear the difference and I believe it definitely improved the sound so I will be trying this on my guitars. Thank you for taking the time to share this.
My old D-28 has a "slotted" bridge not by intent but by age. Therefore it stands to reason that all I will need to do is turn the bridge pins around. I intend to try it at the next string change. Thanks for the tip. I do detect a richer, fuller tone in the mid and low tones in your demo. Again thanks.
Funny. I guess I can say the same for my old Harmony. A couple of my pins broke and I replaced them all with wood. Huge difference in tone! They are slightly slotted; took a while to get the technique down for when to pull up on the ball without having the pin pop out.
Gives you a much more crisp sound. Great content dude. Blessings.
Sounds way richer and fuller with the slotted bridge/unslotted pins. Amazing
Great video! I actually learned something! I have been playing guitar 61+ years, and you might consider also looking into Martin's RETRO Monel acoustic strings (I prefer MEDIUMS) ... I resisted for years, but was instantly knocked out when I finally tried them.
I've been picking 'bout long as you, don't think I'll be carving on one of my Martins to see what it'll sound like but I very much agree about the Martin Retros. The first day you think you've ripped off then they settle in and still sound great months later.
I've been doing this for the last fifteen years because it made sense to me to increase the break angle on the strings. Another little improvement you can make for free is to bevel the ends of the bridge pins so the string ball locks in better, pushing it tighter to the bridge plate for better contact to the soundboard. Waxing the top a couple times a year will also brighten your sound.
Do your strings seem to last longer or less? Break more often or less?
@@dragonflash09 I hadn't really thought about it, but my strings seem to last an inordinate amount of time, and until Covid hit, I was performing at least two 3-4 hour shows per week. In terms of breakage, it's been over 10-12 years since I broke a string, and I play lights or custom lights, usually Martin phosphor-bronze, because I usually buy them in bulk. I don't use a heavy gauge pick, which might be one reason I don't break strings,
Thank you for solving my problem. My Martin DCPA5K action was horrible, in the process of lowering it the open string buzz was the last issue to solve. I didn't know what to do. I did some research and found that the break angle was low and the buzz occurred from the lowered bridge. Thanks.
WOW!!! Huge difference!!! Thanks so much for this video.
Wow, that's a big improvement! It gets a way more warmer and deeper sound! I definitely can hear the difference but maybe it's because I have an extremely sensitive and absolute hearing. I'll definitely will use this on my future guitars.
Deeper, more resonance and sustain. Really nice mod, you can kinda tell it's the way it's meant to be, I've played both types and always found I liked the solid peg solution more but each to their own and it also depends on what you want you guitar to do and sound like I suppose. Also it could be an expensive mistake if you 'f it up eh
That what scares me... Thinking of trying it out a guitar that isn't too precious to me, before trying out on something that would be devastating to mess up.
After the modification the guitar sound is more pleasing to the ear--thank you !!
It sounds much more full with the unslotted pins,... great job and I appreciated the history behind the slotted pins!
Great video and thanks!. I'm a long time believer. This is a seriously beneficial mod/upgrade. Undeniable tonal improvement. I started slotting my acoustic bridges 40 years ago because it just seemed to make sense to me for all the reasons explained here. More downward pressure on the saddle means more sonic energy gets transferred to the top obviously resulting in more depth and resonance from the body. I thought I came up with an innovative idea, but soon learned otherwise, lol.. There is a particular word that defines this process, but it escapes me. Next obvious question is how different pin materials will affect the tone... wood vs plastic vs brass... bone perhaps? My guess is that brass pins will dampen vibrations. I guess it's time to find out! Cheers!
BS
I swapped my plastic pins for brass ones and there's definitely a bit more zing in the top end. 👍
“Undeniable” lmao
Wooden pins might be better though, as sometimes the brass pins do come loose
My wooden pins have much better resonance than plastic. I'd like to know if you have noticed an increase or decrease in string longevity? Do they break more or less often?
As a old machineist make total sense, I will do to my Martin.😊
My Art & Lutherie Americana Bourbon Burst came from the factory with a slotted rosewood bridge. I had no idea until this video! It is an excellent example of Canadian craftsmanship by the way.😊
Wow! Never heard of this before. No doubt it has more sustain and even sounded a bit louder. Very Cool! Thanks a bunch!
So first of all, that was impressive! I felt like the factory version showed off great music and an excellent musician and even a great sounding guitar, but the before and after was surprising. Before it sounded like a great guitar. After, it sounded like a great guitar that also had a soul! The way that the middle and upper bass notes took on more presence in the overall tone without becoming boomy was so enjoyable!
Now, my other reaction is... I could not be MORE confused right now. Please tell me if I am missing something. These results seem to fly in the face of another video I saw that Justin Johnson posted, which featured a South African guitar that - if I am following this all correctly - attempted to do the exact opposite of applying more downward pressure.
The guitar is called the "Smoothtalker" and rather than applying extra down pressure onto the saddle, it "pinches off" the string length by having what is basically a clamp on top of the strings so that the strings are clamped between the clamp and the bridge.
Additionally, the strings are not secured at the bridge, but rather down by the tailpiece in order to put the least amount of angle on the strings and therefore, even less downward pressure on the guitar top.
I'm sure I'm not describing this well enough, but I would be in your debt if you would watch that video and let us all know what you think. The essential premise of the design is to put the least amount of pressure possible on the top surface so that it can resonate as freely as possible and function like a true sound board.
The video is entitled "The “Smoothtalker” REINVENTS the Acoustic Guitar! | UNBOXING" and was posted by Justin on his UA-cam channel "Justin Johnson". The manufacturer is Mervyn Davis Guitars and this particular guitar belongs to a series called "Smoothtalker". The exact model played is the SSJ1. Thanks so much in advance for your time and thoughts on this!
The Smoothtalker is a very different design of guitar. And what it does with the break angle is not the opposite.
As you mentioned, the steeper angle of the strings from the bridge to the top contributes to more energy being transferred into the guitar's top, enhancing its sound. Considering this, could we selectively adjust the angle of each string as an effective method for balancing the sound produced by each individual string?
That's a very interesting comment on steeper angle, because 1 luther I visit Doesn't believe that at all & he has several Acoustic's to prove it, both have Very thin saddles but have amazing full/ bodied sound from both?
Amazing. Way better unslotted bridge pins! Thank you! Never had any idea.
Definitely sounds brighter and tighter 👌
In online comparisons of instrumental sound I generally detect little to no difference, but I'm definitely noticing a difference in this case. I would say the sound is more focused after the bridge slotting.
I'm noticing more high end in the sustain
FOCUSED ON WHAT COMMONTATER ?
@@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 Who are you trying to impress, Mr. ALL CAPS ?
YOU OF COURSE AND I SEE IT WORKED ! 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂@@commontater8630
Get over it, sometimes the wrong button is on. Do you think your fans (I'm being kind and assuming you are a fabulous and popular muso)and friends will go "Wow dude that sounds better"? Maybe you play in pubs or other similar places where people are legless and think Taylor Swift is the 'bomb" I don't know. BUt I'll absolutely guarantee only you notice the difference. And unless you can display various guitars with the different criteria to your listeners, no one else will care. All this stuff is nice to know (and it IS) technically, especially if you are a luthier AND you can sell the difference to likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Good luck.@@commontater8630
I have been slotting all my bridges. Makes a big difference!
Definitely makes a difference: sustain, and I swear I heard the responsiveness or conductive energy being transferred though I wasn't playing. Much fuller sound. Love the content here and have shared it a few times in the "Check This Out" section of my Acoustic Tunesmith newsletter. Hopefully that has turned some folks on to your channel, it is deserving.
Awesome video !!!
I did not know any of this !!
I want to do this to my guitar as soon as I can….. great tip….keep them coming (:
Some thoughts on the matter:
With the factory bridge, the strings transfer an important part of the energy to the exit of the hole of each pin, approximately 1-1.5cm further back from the saddle. But it continues to transfer that energy to the wood of the bridge (which is many times larger than those 1.5cms). With the modification, more of that pressure is transferred to the saddle, which sits on the same solid piece of wood (which could clearly improve some issues with intonation, but the energy transfer to the whole bridge body shouldn't change much; the wood of the bridge is much much denser and harder than the top, so it transfers those vibrations as a solid/rigid piece (at least the central part, the design of the wings of the bridge is another matter)
And the other point is that consistently the modded guitar is aimed a little more upwards. On each chord and strum of the unmodified guitar, the soundboard is tilted slightly to the viewer's left, at a lower angle. (just look at the reflection of light in the soundboard of each take) And those who have recorded an acoustic guitar know very well the enormous difference that this variation in the position of the instrument can generate. It sounds different, but how to separate that from the different position of the guitar in each take?
Great observation. For me, the difference doesn't justify to saw into an undamaged bridge.
I was very ok with my tone on my D18 GE but after the modification changing the strings became much easier.
The slotted bridge with un-slotted pins absolutely has better sustain, and the tones, particularly the mids, are sweeter. Much like a fine old acoustic guitar that has "opened up" over the years.
I’m glad I came across this video. It makes a lot sense. More contact, more traction. I modified my Yamaha LL-TA and it sounds brighter and more sustain. I can’t wait to do it to my Martin D-18 and OOO-28EC and my other acoustics! Thanks!
Question: do both of your guitars have the modified V neck profile? If not which neck profile do you use and which do you prefer?
It sounds wonderful, I am going to have a go
I’ve been doing this to my guitars for years. I believe it makes a big difference. From my 1941 000-18 to my 2018 D-45 all my guitars have unslotted bridge pins.
Makes sense, the more brake angle and down pressure you get, the more volume and sustain. I will say that anyone that is not experienced should bring the guitar to a tech or luthier to have it done, because you can mess it up real quick.
The unslotted pins sounded better to me. The sustain was noticeably better, and the mid-range was more dynamic. Thanks for the video guys.
OK, I’m convinced. I finally did this on a beater (1980s Fender Redono!) and it’s like night and day. I’ll be doing this to other guitars as I work my way progressively up my finer guitars. I want to thank you for teaching me more about guitars - not just the hows but whys - than anyone else online.
I have this slots in my Martin's guitar factory made. The sustain in incredible. Now I know why. Thanks
I think this is interesting -- the sound doesn't die off linearly, it tends to swells after attack, kinda like a reflection, that adds to touch sensitivity, etc. It caught my ear, personally, because we at Sophia Tremolo discovered the same effect when we integrated the stabilizers into the tremolo where the extra contact pins touching the body under mild-pretension, tends to generate the same swelling or bloom that increase tone, playability and musicality imho -- love back - thank you!.
Significantly better with the slotted bridge, louder by a 1 or 2 dB, fuller, richer tone, and more open sound. With the slotted pins, the guitar sounded compressed, like it was being squeezed and held back from producing a full sound. Good demo, but it would be nice to see this done on more guitars for comparison. Thanks
I came here to say this. It almost seems that the gain was tweaked up for the 'after' clips recordings - but I'm sure the guys were scrupulous in keeping the levels constant. And I agree about that sense of compression you mentioned. Well put.
Not only that but the random twisting of the string ball ends chews up the bridge plate and doesn’t contact the pin directly.
You know ever since I started messing with guitars I've never liked how the slotted pins sit on the strings, but I never gave it much thought until I watched your other video.
I loved how my Mitchell sounded at the store but now that I've owned it for a while I can definitely see some aspects I can improve on with a little patience and good youtube videos like this one.
Mind blowing! Thank you!!!
Only thing is these guys are incredibly skilled at this stuff, I'd be scared of damaging my guitar and getting the angle wrong for what is a relatively minor, albeit noticeable, difference.
Thats luthier work not meant for you to do, you would not do heart surgery on somebody after watching a video.
Completely agree!
@@snorrevonflake I agree it's luthier work, therefore it's slightly misleading to say $16 will allow you to improve the sound of your guitar because it won't. Most would have to pay the luthier which certainly where I live would cost considerably more than $16. That was my whole point.
Exactly!
Yes,I Like IT.I will do the Same Work on my westernguitar fromm Suzuki from 1982.Thank you for this great Job.The Sound with unsloted pins is absolutely great to put money again in this old guitar.greatings rolf
It's hard to tell whether there were any real improvements when playing single chords, although things did seem a bit more dynamic when you played that short piece.
One alternative you may want to look at are 'Power Pins'. These are threaded pins that screw into a steel plate below the bridge; strings are strung up on the bridge surface, so the string doesn't actually make any sharp bends. I've used them for several years, and immediately after installing them, I noticed greater volume and sustain. Individual strings also sound more distinct when playing. Some people don't like them, but I think they're one of the most significant advances in acoustic guitar technology in the last 50 years. No affiliation, BTW.
That’s interesting bc Paul Davids particularly chose a head option on his new Collings that increases the angle over the nut… I know that’s the other end but that break angle is interesting…
Did it to one of my solid wood guitars as well as a laminated back and sides guitar. Noticeably improved the tone of both.
There is a definite difference although more from the working side than from the listening side of the guitar. I did this on a cheaper Yamaha student model and the difference was phenomenal (although a student wouldn’t really notice) I did it to my Taylor 717 and didn’t notice a difference until I shaped the ball end to actually curve around to fit more flatly on the bridge plate. I’m thinking of cutting the slots closer to the saddle and maybe adding a brass ‘plate mate’ (a .032 brass reinforcement from Stewmac - to the bridge plate) to maybe enhance the highs a bit more? - the 717 model carries a bit more lower than most…any feedback would be appreciated..
There is a slight difference. I noticed the mid range sound seemed a little more vibrant on the last tune you did.
I made a bridge pin slot tool out of a wide & thicker scroll saw blade. 😉
Mine is a jigsaw blade in a rubber handle. Been using it for years
Guys, what do you think about the Alvarez company bridge? It's a kind of 2 levels bridge where the slots are considerably lowered so it creates a huge break angle. To me it would be a very nice solution to improve the sound.
I for one, think its amazing. I have a budget alvarez guitar that sounds better than some of my higher end acoustics. And I was already thinking that the sound quality might be coming down to that bridge design. As a added bonus, if the neck angle starts to go bad as the guitar ages, the bridge design leaves plenty of room to make the playing action adjustment at the bridge with some shaving/sanding....instead of having to do a neck re-set! I wish all my acoustics were equipped with a alvarez bi-level bridge lol
Was actually kinda shocked at the difference and it makes sense as well. Most of these kinda video thingys I cannot tell a difference, but this I could definately hear. Great Job
that was great really improves the sound
Not enough difference to make me want to convert.
Like most guitar A B tests it’s so subtle it’s completely negligible. Everyone wants to say it sounds better but nobody wants to admit it’s barely noticeable. It’s like wine tasting. The subtleties of how you actually play make a far greater difference that this mod does.
I noticed a difference.....subtile but it was there, mostly in the middles. I guess the difference will be more noticeable to the player because we can feel the change in vibrations and that makes the palying much more enjoyable.
Haha it's a massive difference
If it's minimal difference to you then that's fine
Sometimes there are negligible and no difference in a/b
But this was massive change
I'm actually thinking he used a different pick and the guitar position relative to the muc changed
Like that can only explain the drastic difference in sound, or the mod just does that
But if you can't hear it then learn to critically listen