Acoustic Guitar Suggestion for Rhythm Strumming

[Scinx]

What acoustic guitar do you recommend for heavy strumming. I have a Taylor 310 but its got way to much brightness when strumming (not to mention the rattle of the A string which I cant get rid of for the life of me). I am not very impressed with my Taylor when it comes to chords. Where it does shine is when playing one or two notes at a time. What acoustic would you recommend? Or did I just get a bum 310?

[Light]

There are basically no bum Taylors. Of course, there are also no great Taylors, but that is the trade off you get for having consistency that high.

The trick is to try a bunch of guitars, and see which ones appeal to your ear. There are few things I can think of which are more fun then spending your afternoon in a guitar store, trying new guitars. So go to a good guitar store and try them all. Even the ones you can't afford. It will give you an idea of what is out there, and of what you like.

The other thing I would suggest is getting your guitar setup by an experienced repair person before you write it off. It may well be that it just needs to be setup differently than it is right now and it will be your dream guitar. Take it to someone good, and tell them how you play, and what your problems with your guitar are. It should cost you no more than $45-$70 to find out if that is the issue, and it will make it easier to sell, if it should come to that.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

[c7sus]

Martin HD-28V. Bluegrass standard with plenty of bottom end.

For less boom try a D-35.

[juststartingout]

Actually, just try heaver strings. I use 13's on my 815 and I play very hard. That's the one thing I actually like my Taylor for. You could also try a thinner pick.

For a duller sound try a classical. The really record well although you won't be able to pound heavy on it.

[Scinx]

I used to use a classical. I posted on this thread and was promptly told to "use a real guitar". I still use the classical..My pick is a .6 - I can go lighter I suppose and see what happens. Probably a good thing to try. I will also try heavier strings (I use 10-52s on electric so it wont be anything new to me).
Thanks for the suggestions

[Aaron Cheney]

Originally posted by juststartingout
Actually, just try heaver strings.

That's my first thought as well. Different pick thickness can change the sound too.

A
www.aaroncheney.com

[Scinx]

The only thing I dislike about really light picks are you get the
'chick a chicka' sound of the pick (almost like a playing card in a bike wheel)...Does anyone have any idea what the rattle on the A string could be? Ive made sure the strings ball end is seated properly with the pin and adjusted the truss rod. It happens most around the 3rd to 6th fret from my memory. But it will come up as Im playing. Ive called Taylor on this several times and the suggestions dont help. What could it be if the QC is impeccable?

[Light]

Originally posted by Scinx
Does anyone have any idea what the rattle on the A string could be?

This is from frets.com, Frank Fords website.
Possible causes of buzz:
1. Low action at nut
2. Low action at saddle
3. Action too high, can’t fret cleanly
4. String too light
5. Nut low, not enough relief, buzz behind fret
6. Backbow neck
7. String interference above nut (tuner posts, etc.)
8. String rattles against sides of nut slot
9. Flat saddle top
10. Poor break angle over saddle
11. Uneven frets
12. Flat frets
13. Frets too low
14. Loose truss rod
15. Loose string ball
16. Loose brace
17. Loose top or back
18. Loose plies on laminated instrument
19. Loose pickguard
20. Loose bridge
21. Loose truss rod cover
22. Loose string winding
23. Loose gear part
24. Operator error = poor technique
25. It just does = string’s natural “noise”
26. They all do = other similar instruments make the same noise

Dull Sound:
24. Operator error = poor technique
27. Loose fret
28. Loose gear mounting
29. Fuzz winding touching saddle
30. Soft material for saddle
31. Foreign matter, unevenness in nut slot
32. Deep notches in saddle



Take your guitar to a professional. You are not going to be able to figure this out for yourself, and it is impossible for me to diagnose a problem without seeing the guitar. Find the best local repair shop you can, and take it in. They will tell you what you need, and how much it will cost to fix. At the very least, you need a professional setup.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

[Scinx]

Thanks Light. I wish I were in your area then Id know exactly where to go. Problem is - Ive been to guitar shops where Ive seen the repair guy in back slam a guitar down because he got pissed off that whatever he was doing wasnt quite working or guys who act like dishonest auto mechanics. As a result - Im a little gunshy when it comes to bringing my guitars to someone whom I dont know much of.
Is there any listing Light of certified guitar repairmen or is it all word of mouth..

[Light]

Where are you at?


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi