I worked out the absolute worst, most offending problem is the G string. When played G open string for example the plucked note - the basic or fundamental note...is accompanied by this sympathetic/ harmonic/ overtone-like ghost tone that will join in on the fundamental milliseconds after the string is struck. Naturally this causes all manner of problem when playing open chords especially. But the problem is not restricted to only open string G. It's the G string in general. So if you play an open Am chord...the G string is now playing an A note and the problems remain.
Playing open C you get the open G string, open G chord...open G string...you get the idea. Whatever chord you care to play the G string is dogged by what I describe...this sympathetic/ harmonic/ overtone-like ghost tone. To my ears, and because I've been playing for long enough to know, it's extremely distracting...insufferable. I can't last more than a couple of minutes hearing the mess. And of course...trying to record this cluster truck is an exercise in insanity because the cold ears of the microphone just say..."oh...you want that sympathetic/ harmonic/ overtone-like ghost tone all over the track? Can do boss, easy." It gets recorded in all its horrible glory. Acoustic guitars being such complex combinations of sound, any rogue ghost tone absolutely ruins everything.
Since the guitar feels structurally sound (Martin D28 2008)...nothing broken or lose or warped etc...that leaves the setup...issues with the nut, the saddle etc. It's been 14 years since I had it pro checked and set up. Which is probably why it sounds no good. But anyway, it's been a long time since I tried to really record it and recently decided to narrow down on where the problem is. And that's it...it's the G string.
HAVING SAID ALL THAT...get a load of this:
1. My Taylor GC5 has very similar problems but here's the icing on the cake:
2. What this video of this guy playing a
Yamaha...he's showcasing it for the planet. Check it any time you want but I just heard from 6:25 minute mark. He throws in some open C chords...and listen to that massive overtone/ ghost tone/ harmonic thing he's getting there.
I don't care what planet you're from or what music you care to name...acoustic guitars are not recorded with that ridiculous overtone thing going on. None of the records I like have acoustics on them recorded like that, with guitars that sound like that. But my million dollar martin has it....my expensive slotted headstock Taylor has it...and this random video with this random youtube guy trying to sell a random
yamaha acoustic guitar has it too.
I don't get it.