Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: alex s
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 02:50 PM

Thanks, Mark Clark, I appreciate your info.

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 02:36 PM

Reggie, People used to do just what you suggest, set their instruments by their speakers. There are some problems that the ToneRite solves compared to speakers. Speakers have to be very loud to produce the same vibration that the ToneRite does. Most people don't want to be around music that loud. The ToneRite is quiet so you don't have to be aware that it's working. The ToneRite doesn't require a person to make sure there's a constant music stream coming from a speaker.

I know as traditionalists we tend to be suspicious of new, seemingly unnecessary solutions to unknown problems but this is one case where technology has produced a good product. Of course if your guitar isn't a top quality instrument or you've never quite understood what people mean when they say an instrument has “opened up” then a ToneRite won't do much for you. Also an older top quality instrument that has already opened up may not benefit much. But if your older instrument has sat unplayed in a closet for a long time and you suddenly need it for a performance, a ToneRite might be just the thing.

You may not think you need one but the ToneRite isn't a rip-off.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: reggie miles
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 02:16 PM

It sounds like new age voodoo to me. If vibration can help to increase tonal properties in wood products, then why not just keep your instruments exposed to vibration by setting them next to your stereo speakers, television, radio... turn up the volume and let the vibrations do their thing. No need to spend $$$ for an electronic gizmo to do the same thing that you can do with a few of your favorite Cds, Lps, cassettes, 8 tracks, 45s, 78s, Edison cylinders, DVDs, VHS tapes, television shows like re-runs of Dick Clark's American Bandstand...

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 01:31 PM

Some attempts to discuss here - http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163754
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191901

Stew-Mac users seem to like it too http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Accessories/ToneRite/ToneRite.html?&offset=20&read=reviews#reviews

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 01:25 PM

I should have added that a ToneRite won't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. It's only going to bring out the tonal properties that were built into the instrument in the first place. Many people own instruments that didn't cost appreciably more than the ToneRite. Those instruments aren't going to benefit much. But for a high quality instrument, they're great.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 01:15 PM

I have a guitar ToneRite and I'm very happy with it. I had a wonderful new archtop guitar made for me and discovered that the luthier, Terry Kennedy, used a ToneRite on all his new guitars before delivery. He said a lot of luthiers use them. My new guitar sounded great but a little stiff so I decided to get one too. It has really hastened the opening up process and my new archtop now sounds like the older high-end archtops do.

I'm very pleased with the results and put the ToneRight on once or twice a month. We're thinking of getting a violin model for Joy's fiddles. The ones that aren't used constantly.

This isn't a gimmick. it really help the instrument open up. Of course lots of playing is important too but the ToneRight sure speeds things up.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: alex s
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 01:02 PM

Thank you for that helpful advice. So useful.

Subject: RE: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: RichM
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 12:48 PM

Sell your guitar.

Get a better one.

Don't waste your money on gimmicks.

Subject: Tech: Tonerite for guitars - does it work?
From: alex s
Date: 24 Sep 12 - 10:19 AM

Has anyone tried this device for improving guitar tone quickly?
Is it worth the considerable outlay?