Joined:
September 2007
Posts: 153
Location: New Jersey, USA | FOLLOW UP...
I don't know if anyone is interested, but I wanted to post a "what happened next" regarding the trouble I was having with amplifying my Koala. It's good news!
It comes down to the importance of strings and setup. Not just importance - criticality. With some guitars it's all the difference. I guess this is one of them.
I filed down the nut because it was too damn high, especially at the bass side. I reset it because it was also shifted to the treble side, and the high 'E' slipped off the board too easily. Next, I experimented with shims. One full size and one thin shim and the action is great. Previously, I had one full and a piece of a thin shim only on the treble side. Maybe (??) that was an issue.
Finally, and this is the major improvement: La Bella Criterion Golden Alloy strings, set C500S (.012"-.052"). These replaced a set of Martin SP Phosphor Bronzes that are my normal standard. Well, the Criterions are smooth and slinky as can be, and they sound amazing on the guitar! I can't believe the difference. It is manifested both acoustically and when plugged in.
I can now have bass and mid flat with the treble a little attenuated, and it sounds controllable. I can mellow it even more if I like of course, but this setting was totally harsh and gritty with everything set up the way it was previously.
A damn fine guitar she is now! Not for sale... was thinking about it, but time to get to know her for real now. |
KOALA plugged in sound (VIP)
