Hearing and appreciating your own guitar's sound, after some years ...

[stormin1155]

Any chance I get I hand my guitar(s) to other players who play better than me (they are quite plentiful) so I can hear what they really sound like.

 

[davismanLV]

Any chance I get I hand my guitar(s) to other players who play better than me (they are quite plentiful) so I can hear what they really sound like.

Well, of course... but you have to say where you are and .... then??? We have many accommodating members who'll help... give us a try.

 

[jeffcoop]

The beauty of an open mic is that everyone is tolerated regardless of ability. It is usually a place you can go and not be the suckiest player in the room. I do remember one memorable night when a folk festival was in town and those touring pros showed up. I was stuck between two of them. I got up, announced how screwed I knew I was, and sang three originals, all written that week. It was my second or third solo performance. I'd always played in a band. I finished and slunk to the back of the room. Later, when she was leaving, one of the performers said she liked my songs. How kind was that.

As far as guitars, after eight years, I liked my 70 D 35 better than when I got it back from my luthier. Of course it sounds even better when someone better plays it. You should always have someone good play your guitar before buying another one. It will tell you a hard truth, it's never the guitar.

I used to play at an open mic that had a group of excellent regulars, including one professional (he toured nationally in a band) who came by because he liked to play solo, he liked to get up and play with other people, and he liked the open mic host. He was (and I assume still is) a spectacular player, and he got amazing sounds from his 1964 D50. Over the time that open mic was still going, as a Guild guy he showed an interest in what I was playing, so I got to hear him play, over time, my 2012 D50, my 2003 D50, my 1964 F20, and my mahogany Orpheum. I've apologized to those guitars for my fumble-fingered playing ever since. Unfortunately, the experience has rarely stopped me from buying another guitar (although I did turn down an offer to buy his D100crv--a transition from him to me would simply be too much to ask from any guitar).

 

[Br1ck]

There is usually a core of talented regulars at most open mics. They are almost universally accepting of everyone. It is rewarding for most to see someone make progress at any level.

 

[F30]

Here's something not everyone will have access to.
I made a Big walk-in shower in my basement and tiled the whole thing including the ceiling.
If I want to hear my acoustic close to what others hear in front of it - this is a good alternative.
A buddy of mine and I did a couple tests of this idea.
But, even just pointing guitar toward a standard tiled tub or
shower enclosure gives you the same effect.
Sound of the guitar bounces off the tile and right back at you.

 

[RBSinTo]

Here's something not everyone will have access to.
I made a Big walk-in shower in my basement and tiled the whole thing including the ceiling.
If I want to hear my acoustic close to what others hear in front of it - this is a good alternative.
A buddy of mine and I did a couple tests of this idea.
But, even just pointing guitar toward a standard tiled tub or
shower enclosure gives you the same effect.
Sound of the guitar bounces off the tile and right back at you.

F30,
Funny you should mention that.
My wife suggested that I kill two birds with one stone by playing my guitar in the shower, making music that she won't be able to hear, while I get clean at the same time. In her opinion, a win-win.
Just to prove that she cares, she forbids me to do this with my electric guitars.
And if that isn't love, I don't know what is.
RBSinTo

 

[Br1ck]

True love is a detached building from your house. Mine is half utility room for the washer and drier, sink and extra refrigerator, plus paper goods storage and garden stuff. The other half was a Model A Ford sized garage converted to half man cave, half workshop. So what if there is no AC or heat, it's California after all. A little plug in heater works fine and it stays cool in the summer. If there ever was a relationship preserver, this is it. Want to record until 2AM? No problem.

 

[plaidseason]

I used to play at an open mic that had a group of excellent regulars, including one professional (he toured nationally in a band) who came by because he liked to play solo, he liked to get up and play with other people, and he liked the open mic host. He was (and I assume still is) a spectacular player, and he got amazing sounds from his 1964 D50. Over the time that open mic was still going, as a Guild guy he showed an interest in what I was playing, so I got to hear him play, over time, my 2012 D50, my 2003 D50, my 1964 F20, and my mahogany Orpheum. I've apologized to those guitars for my fumble-fingered playing ever since. Unfortunately, the experience has rarely stopped me from buying another guitar (although I did turn down an offer to buy his D100crv--a transition from him to me would simply be too much to ask from any guitar).

I have similar story with my F44. I played in support of Nathanial Rateliff and the Nightsweats. And Nathanial played and loved the F44 and half-jokingly offered to buy it. So when I'd see him on a late night show, or the NHL Winter Classic or whatever, I'd kind of apologize to that guitar. "Sorry pal, you could made it in the business!"

 

[Westerly Wood]

I think the BR has finally opened up. I noticed this a week ago, after changing the strings, as it just hangs on a wall, I rarely play it unless I am plugging a guitar in and that is like once a year nowadays. I tuned it up, left it for a few days, then retuned one final time before hanging it back up for another several months, and was like, ah, well, it finally has opened up.

 

[Br1ck]

With the feeling of smug self satisfaction, I've come to the conclusion that all the work I've done trying to get my picking as tuneful and exact, thank you mandolin, as I can, is reflected in what I perceive as my guitars sounding better over time. How much they do is bound to be a combination of those factors. The really good pickers, besides hitting all the notes, have pick control that brings out the best in any guitar they play. Alas, so much farther to go.