In Search of Tone
A senior guitarist I respect called me up the other day and said “I see you brother; you are searching for “tone” aren’t you?” I was flattered. I quickly said yes. He has been watching my amateur YouTube videos. He made the offhand comment too that I ignored noting that I had purchased more than one guitar recently in doing so. I am a little ashamed that I have purchased a handful of guitars recently in search of “my tone.” But I will be selling them soon if you are looking.
According to Bing.com,
Guitarists search for tone because it's a fundamental way to express their unique musical voice. Tone is the characteristic sound produced by a guitar, influenced by factors like amplifier settings, effects pedals, and playing technique. It's not just a technical aspect of music; it's a powerful tool that can influence emotions, evoke memories, and shape personalities. Each guitarist's quest for the perfect tone is deeply personal, as it allows them to convey their individuality and add depth, warmth, richness, or aggression to their music.
In this brief time, I have learned a lot. Color and finish don’t matter when it come to guitars. That part is a matter of preference. I have learned that I like the shape of double cut guitars. The ones like the DC Gibson, Epiphones, SG’s and PRS guitars. I don’t like them heavy like a Les Paul studio nor not wafer thin like a Dean Zelinsky, LaVoce, with Piezo that I had once.
PRS Santana Signature MD -10 Top 2009
MD stands for multi-Dimensional: there's an extra switch that enables the 'Multidimensional Voice Control' circuit, allowing a range of new tones. In the 'off' position, the controls work as standard master volume and tone controls. Uses two nine-volt batteries $4500
Like the Gibson/Epiphone SGs they are a little light. I am still figuring out the need for actively powered pickups but I am going to keep the G&L that I acquired as I grow into it. The scale of guitar matters to me. That is the length of the fret board. The Stratocaster is sexy, comes in a lot of flavors, and a work horse but I need the humbuckers.
My guitar buddy suggested I needed some air, as in a hollow body. He asked if I had at least one “F” hole in a guitar which made me think. I didn’t except for one. I did like the warmer sound with the hollow body’s. So that is my tone. Warm, not too twangy, short scale, different but pretty, with a double cut.
I think the vintage 2001 Gibson DC I have might be my tone, for right now, but it’s tied with a custom Dean Zelinsky Strettavita. Which just looks better on stage. I like my custom PRS SE for looks and feel.
What a place to be in. Blessed to even have more than one guitar. That point is not lost on me.