Instruments - A New Phenomena?

Subject: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Dee45
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 08:13 PM

I was just corresponding with a friend and he mentioned recently acquiring a new guitar. Thing is, when he got it home it didn't sound nearly as good or full in his living room as it did in the store, so he's returning it and exchanging it for another, and the store is being nice and accommodating him on this.

I know I have had similar experiences. Why is it that they sound one way in a store (even in a quiet room in the store) and then when you get them home they sound entirely different, sometimes better, sometimes not. (Surely the acoustics can't make that much of a huge difference.)

Seems there should be yet a new term to describe this phenomena. Have others experienced this too?

Probably the same "phenomena" at work here, as to why a beer or a mixed drink tastes better in a bar, then at home?

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 08:45 PM

Guitars get lonely when separated from their family and friends in the shop. They have to be nurtured.

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:15 AM

I don't think it is a new phenomena. Probably has to do with room size, wall coverings, furniture, temp and humidity differences. I know my fiddle sounds way different in my kitchen that it does anywhere else. Other people report that the bathroom is truly the place to play.

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:23 AM

Acoustics do make a difference. He ought to take his old guitar down to the store and play it there. He may not want a new one.

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 23 Jul 00 - 03:09 AM

Could it be that "phenomenon" is singular, and "phenomena" is plural? Jeez, am I cranky tonight? Seamus

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 01:30 AM

Actually it has to do with the instruments on the walls. At Elderly Instruments they will send you downstairs to a practice room to try out new instruments. As it was explained to me by Frog (a legend at Elderly and a great blues player), most instruments tried out in the showroom sound much better than they will at home due to the sympathetic vibration of all the instruments that are around them. If you are in a shop with lots of stringed instruments around, ask to use a practice room.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 08:14 AM

Big Mick beat me to it. I've experienced the same thing, lots of times. The acoustics of the room can make a profound difference in and of themselves; add in the effect of all those stringed instruments hanging around you, and the resonance in the shop can be delightful. Then you go home, sit on your overstuffed couch that rests on the deep-pile carpet next to the closed drapes, with the relative humidity up around 100 per cent, and the noise from the neighbors intruding -- it can be pretty disappointing at first blush. I agree with the guest who suggested bringing the same guitar back to the shop and playing it there again before trading it for another.

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: GUEST,Banjo Johnny
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 11:36 AM

(Right you are, Seamus)

Although it may be a techo-acoustic phenomenon, I suspect this has a bit more to do with "buyer's remorse". Gradually the realization sinks in that you have just spent (or credited) a month's wages on something you didn't really NEED. I know, because I do it all the time. Take a couple of aspirins, a couple of beers, and a nap, and you will wake up feeling better. And your new guitar will sound great! == Johnny

Subject: RE: Instruments - A New Phenomena?
From: Gypsy
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 12:27 AM

If you are on good terms with the local store, you can request a 10 day trial period, makes a huge difference in selection.