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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 347
Location: Reno, NV | What is more important to you?
Playability or Tone?
As we know, the attributes that give great tone aren't really the same attributes that give good playability. I.E.. Strong break angle (high action), and larger strings.
As a guitar player, do you sacrifice one for the other?... or do you go for maximum playability or do you go for maximum tone?
If you go for a blend of both, do you have a bias towards either side?
Im kinda in a pickle here. I love the sound of 12's at maximum action height (7/64)= strong break angle. But, my fingers tell me that they like 11's at minimum action = shallower break angle.
I just need the opinion of this board as to what we are willing to sacrifice in tone for that great playability. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | A blend of both.
Great playability means nothing if the guitar sounds like crap. Great tone is nice, but it's a drag to have to take breaks to wipe the blood off the fretboard. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Get a solid body electric. That would "unpickle" you :)
Seriously: What is not to like about these tones? (2 links)
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gh1 |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I won't play a guitar if the tone doesn't appeal to me...
but, then again... I've sold a couple of truly great sounding guitars because I prefer the playability of a wider neck |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Both have to be there but playability has the edge. |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| A C-standard Baritone with mediums, best of both worlds.. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | I like woman with big breasts AND a nice personality.
Dave |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Originally posted by Tupperware:
I like woman with big breasts AND a nice personality.
Dave ......and playability?? |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | . . . Easy Action. |
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October 2005
Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | ...and no strings attached. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | made in Thailand |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
made in Thailand ding ...ding .. ding ....We have a winner!!! |
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October 2005
Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | I don't typically correct others spelling errors, John, but I believe you meant "weiner", no? |
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January 2004
Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | Either is acceptable in this case. :) |
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November 2004
Posts: 382
Location: USA | thats like the term caught between a rock and hard place...or you cant get blood from a stone...lol
if i really really really had to...i would pick the tone...if the tone is there...hopefully the playability will be in your hands.
What good is a guitar that plays good but sounds like...crapola |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Playability. Since I am 99.5% amped, tone is usually not a problem, and can be manipulated should there be a problem. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by The Wabbit Formerly Known As Waskel:
A blend of both.
Great playability means nothing if the guitar sounds like crap. Great tone is nice, but it's a drag to have to take breaks to wipe the blood off the fretboard. I usually am attracted to the tone of a guitar first but playability is a factor.
Sort of like the old days, "Paper or Plastic?". |
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December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | I haven't found an Ovation that I couldn't adjust to get both. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | Although I agree with Dave, I think what originally drew me to Ovation was the tone. I had a handmade dreadnaught that sounded great, but was a finger buster. The Ovation sound was different, not necessarily better or worse, but the playability was worlds better.
This is one of those areas that a little compromise is necessary. I played a used shallow bowl Custom Legend last night that had really high action. It was not worth paying for a neck reset, so it had no value to me. If it had a deep bowl, I might have considered it. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Playability; if I can't play it, it doesn't matter how good the tone is.
--Karen
Gertrude, Jewel, Jazzie, Blanca, Gilda, Ivory, Sugar, Plink, Twang, and Shriek |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581
Location: NJ | I have owned a ton of instruments. I don't care what name is on the headstock or how it looks. it has to sound and play well. Without that why own it? |
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June 2005
Posts: 1320
Location: Round Rock, TX | originally posted by alpep:
it has to sound and play well [emphasis mine] I agree with Al. Both or nothin'. |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | I prefer playability first and foremost. And then, I would make (or take it to a professional to make) the necessary adjustments to improve the tone, somewhat, once the certain level of playability that I'm comfortable with has been achieved.
One thing I like about Ovations is that they come alive when they're plugged in. That holds true to my one and only shallow bowl balladeer. I don't mind its weak sound unplugged, for it's perfect for practice purposes. When I'm gigging with it, however, it's plugged in and I can really appreciate the sound that this guitar gives out. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I'm just a 50-year-old beginner. (I will be learning until I Die!) I go for lighter strings, low action, and playablity. I play for myself anyway. I can always plug-in, and between the on-board EQ on two of my O's (and the 12) I can make 'em sound pretty much like I know what I'm doing.
Couldn't you comprimise? Light and Low for your own head. Heavy and High, if you are gigging?
And if you are not playing for some-one else's money... Do what makes you happy! |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | sound and playabilty come first. most of my guitars aint the best looking but thats how i like them(with the exception of the adamas)
the set up i like is med strings low action and a fat neck....jason |
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What is more important to you?
