New strings on my acoustic

[werewolf831]

I just put new strings on my acoustic guitar and now it sounds funny, especially the G, B, and E strings. The kinda have a twangy sitar sound. This is only the second time I've restrung my acoustic. Is this normal? do they just need time time to break themselves in? i'm also using a lighter gauge this time around, I wonder if that is making a difference.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[badgas]

It's hard to say, werewolf.

A lot of variables.

If you switch from a heavy gauge to a light gauge, possibly the tension on the neck is less causing fret buzz.

Are you tuned to standard tuning or have you drop tuned?

What kind of guitar do you have? Age? Condition?

The more info you post, the better idea someone will have to offer you advice.
Hang loose, there's help on the way.

Welcome to the board.

 

[werewolf831]

Thanks for the advice badgas.
Heres the lowdown on the guitar. It's a Takamine GSeries (pretty much bottom of the line) I bought it new about six months ago and put brand new strings on right away. I just changed the strings again about 2 weeks ago. Both times I used Elixir Nano Web strings, but I know the previous set were heavier than what I just put on now, which are lights (.012-.053). No drop tuning, just standard. I figured the guitar was acting funny trying to adapt to a lighter gauge, is that possible? Also, I know it didn't make this funny sitar sound the first time I put on new strings.
Thanks in advance.
werewolf

 

[Fangar]

Hey Wolfey,

Most manufaturers set their acoustics up stock with .012-.053. There are however, subtle tension differences between different companies, etc. Also, if you switch from a Phospher Bronze to a Bright Bronze, you will note a tonal difference. Tempearture can also wack things out a bit. You can do a simple truss rod tenstion check by doing the following:

(While Tuned to standard tuning)
Holding the guitar, place your first (index) finger of your left hand on the first string (Smallest string), first fret.

Place your index finger of your right hand on the first string, on the fret right where the neck joins the body (Not the one before the body, the first fret that is actually on top of the body). (Usually the 15th fret)

Keeping your left index finger in place, gently tap the string up and down with the pinky on your left hand.

There should be a very very very small amount of play. It the string is lying flat along the frets, then the truss is too tight for the tension of the string. Try backing it off about 1/4 turn and repeat. I would check all strings this way prior to any adjustment. Also remember, righty, tighty...lefty loosey.

P.S. Do you hang the guitar from its neck on a wall hanger by chance?

Fangar

 

[dtb]

If you have not changed strings for 6 months it could be your ears. depending on how much you play, you HAVE been listening to a more flat, dull sounding tone for that amount of time and then all of a sudden you are hearing bright, clean tone from your box. Let'em fly for a while and see if they balance out. I don't know how much you play but new strings will make decent boxes give you a very different tone if you are used to hearing the dull tone of old strings. IMO.
dtb

 

[TexRoadkill]

Are wall hangers bad?

 

[Fangar]

Are wall hangers bad?

Hey Tex,

They are not great for the guitars neck. Beacuse a guitar is most happy when it is being played, they do not fair well when hung from their necks all of the time. Tends to put weird turns in the neck.

However, I have all of my recording guitars on the wall in my home studio. But I have the Quik Lok stands. They support the guitar at the base of the body as well as the neck. It holds the guitar in the same position that it is in when you are playing it.

The GS410 is for Acoustic
The GS413 is for Electric Guitar or Bass

Lemme see if I can find you a photo.... Ok here's one. They are great. I have three.

Fangar

 

[foo]

At the risk of sounding really pedantic:

Are you sure you're tuned to correct pitch?
The 'sitar' sound you describe is exactly what you get when you are about 3 points too low.

Just a thought.

foo

 

[heylow]

At the risk of sounding really pedantic: Are you sure you're tuned to correct pitch?
The 'sitar' sound you describe is exactly what you get when you are about 3 points too low.

Dude....

That's just plain PEDANTIC!

C'MON




heylow

 

[Fangar]

At the risk of sounding really pedantic:

Are you sure you're tuned to correct pitch?
The 'sitar' sound you describe is exactly what you get when you are about 3 points too low.

Just a thought.

foo

On the contrary. That is a point that any dilettante could fall prey to.

P.S. C'mon. We are all musicians here Nit-Picky would have been easier. =)

Fangar

 

[P Hallin]

Another thought... I found that new strings sound much more cold and metallic than older ones. A bit more sitar like. Its not the whole problem but it could come in play.
I change strings very seldom, When I must (when one of my hardhitting friends have played them to pieces).
I love the used warmer sound.

 

[Fangar]

Not me, but my father would have to agree with you.

Fangar

 

[dtb]

last nite

back to my reply,
last nite a couple of my buds and I were playing some tunes and I broke my 4th string on my acoustic. I put a new string on(same gauge, same brand). the set on the guitar was maybe 2 weeks old and I do play a LOT. after putting on the new string I could hear what you seem to be discribing. evey chord or note that I used where that new string was involved(especially when the string was open) had that sitar sound. I use a Martin HD28 and with it's ringing properties this was very annoying. I could also here this different "tone" in the recordings we did. I WILL be changing the rest today for sure.
dtb

 

[Daddy-O]

Acoustics guitars and strings are eternaly linked together like ledsleds and wide white-wall tires. You might have a way gone ride but it won't get there and back with the wrong slicks on the wheel.


New strings compared to old string will be VERY bright and if you only change one or two you will here a BIG diference in tone. Also the type strings you buy make difference in tone as well. Are you using electric strings on you acoustic? They will sound just plain r-o-n-g wrong if you are. Also consider string gage. Smaller gages will sound close to the twangy side on an acoustic. Here is a good rule: Tele=twang good, Martin=twang bad. What the strings are made play a role too. Nickle strings will be bright aand metalic sounding and bronze, and phosphur/bronze will be more subduded, warm and woody.

If you like the duller sound of six month old strings and only change a string when it breaks, try a large gauge bronze set and take store them out of the package so when you have to part ways with that rough feeling, tarnished, finger oil stained, tired, rusty G string, the extra one in your case won't sound as much like an imported sitar string from India.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Thanks for the info Fangar.


Werewolf - Just to cover all the bases, you dont by any chance have nylon strings do you? There will be a big difference between the nylon lows and steel highs.