Author Topic: Tonal Aging (Read 438 times)

growlypants · « **on:** June 26, 2014, 11:38:59 AM »

I've recently noticed something regarding the tone of my bass - an Alembic Mark King Sig. Deluxe 5-string, built in '09 which I bought new in '11. Briefly, the tone has gotten awesome! Why? Is there some aging going on with the glue joints in the neck? Is it simply my technique has gotten more consistent... or am I dreaming?? (By the way, original Alembic string sets are all this bass has had.)

hifiguy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2014, 11:57:05 AM »

Wood continues changing over time. When dealing with a neck warp caused by humidity change here in Minnesota - something not an issue in Northern CA - Mica told me the wood isn't used to being a bass yet. It takes some time for the wood to get used to being a bass. There's some additional drying that goes on too, and the wood gets marginally lighter but that also changes tone. At least that is what some Les Paul aficionados have told me.

pauldo · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2014, 11:58:15 AM »

I recall a theory that as an instrument is played more and more; that on a molecular level the resonance of the wood (glues, finish, etc.) begin to become more 'in tune' with each other in a harmonious fashion - thus increasing the tonality of the instrument.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2014, 12:45:18 PM »

Well according to Scott Henderson this is Voodoo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4MOVvDJxBSU&list=RD4MOVvDJxBSU#t=1009

Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2014, 02:13:17 PM »

Jazzyvee; it's 34 minutes long. How far in is the relevant quote?

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2014, 04:17:59 PM »

Hey Dave, the link should be on the spot but it's at 16:50mins.

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2014, 04:40:05 PM »

Thanks! I have a plug-in that does a lot of good things, but unfortunately also resets the video to the beginning.

growlypants · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2014, 06:23:12 AM »

I do appreciate everybody's thoughts on this, and I certainly understand that for most folks who have bought their basses used, this change after a few short years, would be all but inaudible. And with changing brands of strings, or type of winding, that makes what I'm talking about very difficult to pin down, also. In other words, I guess... never mind!!

lbpesq · « **Reply #8 on:** June 27, 2014, 07:47:31 AM »

I still believe that age and playing (vibrations) do act to mature the tone of a fine acoustic guitar.

Bill, tgo

jazzyvee · « **Reply #9 on:** June 27, 2014, 07:52:57 AM »

I recall a few year ago the subject of tonal ageing and whether instruments can be artificially tonally aged mechanically was a hot subject. I seem to remember posting something on here regarding this also. I have had a quick look around and found this.
http://www.newscientist.com/blog/invention/2007/09/ageing-instruments-with-sound.html

I personally think, although I'm no scientist, there are far to many variables surrounding the way that we play an instrument, the strings, amplifiers, acoustics of the room, electronics, our ears and our perception of what we are hearing, that it would be hard to isolate the age component of the tone of an instrument changing over time. Even if it were possible to measure, then i would presume it could be measured under laboratory conditions where everything can be controlled but on a gig or at home I don't think I could determine that process on my own instruments. Someone with better ears than me possibly.

I think the Jury will be out a long time on that one.

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #10 on:** June 27, 2014, 09:29:02 AM »

I'm sure age does affect tone - both positively and negatively.

And I agree that this difference is more subtle than tonal differences due to age of strings, type of strings, room acoustics, playing technique, amplifier choice and settings, speaker size and cab dimensions, hollow stage vs. concrete floor, etc.

growlypants · « **Reply #11 on:** June 27, 2014, 11:50:08 AM »

Well, there you go, 5a!!!!! How did you know I always play in the same place?!!!!!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #12 on:** June 27, 2014, 12:08:33 PM »

Hey growly -

In addition, I should also mention that age has affected MY tone...PAH-rump!

But that's a borderline thread hijack...

bob2 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 27, 2014, 11:52:57 PM »

there's an old story among banjo players that their instruments sound better after years of playing.

and if you have a banjo that's been in its case for a few months or more, you're supposed to set it on a stand in front of a stereo speaker and have your records playing at it for a day or two. then it sounds good again.

bigredbass · « **Reply #14 on:** June 28, 2014, 09:48:23 AM »

Taken seriously by a large R+D arm of a global manufacturer, and applied to production instruments:

http://www.yamaha.com/about_yamaha/research/are/

J o e y