A Change Is Coming On

[DennisMiller]

No, this isn't going to be a thread about a guitar opening up, though someday maybe it could be.

I changed 3 things to my GAD25 and it's made a huge positive difference in how it sounds, even as a very young guitar. I'm wondering what other people may have tried.

I changed the strings to Ernie Ball Silk & Steel 13-56's. The slightly larger gauge seems to bring out a bit more bottom end that appeals to my ear.

I changed the saddle from whatever the bone was in it to a Bob Colosi bone saddle I had shaped for it. It brought on a perceptible increase in volume with no change in the great clarity the guitar had before.

Lastly, I added a John Pearce armrest, thus keeping my big forearm off the top. This, more than anything else, let the guitar sing the way I think it was intended. Believe me, as an aggressive strummer, this guitar has become my favorite now. It has me entertaining thoughts of getting rid of a few guitars that I simply know will remain unplayed, then hopefully affording my next Guild.

 

[Dr Izza Plumber]

Is that the all mahogany GAD?

I bought an all mahogany Guild GAD for My son, and that dred has beautiful tone.
We also changed the bridge pins, but not the saddle....yet.

He was very pleased with His year 2009 birthday present.

 

[twocorgis]

No, this isn't going to be a thread about a guitar opening up, though someday maybe it could be.

I changed 3 things to my GAD25 and it's made a huge positive difference in how it sounds, even as a very young guitar. I'm wondering what other people may have tried.

I changed the strings to Ernie Ball Silk & Steel 13-56's. The slightly larger gauge seems to bring out a bit more bottom end that appeals to my ear.

I changed the saddle from whatever the bone was in it to a Bob Colosi bone saddle I had shaped for it. It brought on a perceptible increase in volume with no change in the great clarity the guitar had before.

Lastly, I added a John Pearce armrest, thus keeping my big forearm off the top. This, more than anything else, let the guitar sing the way I think it was intended. Believe me, as an aggressive strummer, this guitar has become my favorite now. It has me entertaining thoughts of getting rid of a few guitars that I simply know will remain unplayed, then hopefully affording my next Guild.

I've always liked the look of the GAD25s; the few that I've seen had nice figuring in the mahogany, and a good looking finish too. Best of luck with your new setup!

 

[DennisMiller]

Is that the all mahogany GAD?

Yes, that's the one. I got it as a "very good" condition return from Musician's Friend for under $400, with case. It's without question the best buy I've gotten in at least 10 years. Needless to say, as is usually the case, I can't figure out what the difference was supposed to be between it being new, like new or very good.

 

[12stringer]

That's encouraging to hear about the Colossi saddle....That will be my next move for my Gad25.
Did you send Bob your existing saddle in order for him to provide a good fit?
Thanks,
Randy

 

[Siwash]

Those GAD 25s are really nice!

I'm planning to try 13s on my GAD 50. My theory is that the heavy string will make the soundboard move more.

 

[DennisMiller]

Hi 12stringer...

I had some saddle blanks I got from Bob a few years ago and as I get guitars that deserve some work, I shape one to fit. It's not really hard to do. You just need a few grits of sandpaper, maybe a mill bastard file and a lot of patience. A pair of rubber gloves to help you grip the saddle while you move it back and forth on the sandpaper is a big help. If you want to try it, let me know. I can talk you through it.

When or if I sell a guitar, I usually put the original saddle back in it. Since there's not a lot of difference in the width of a saddle and the intonation doesn't change on a pretty common 25.5" scale, sometimes I even find a saddle can be used over again on a different guitar.

 

[12stringer]

Hi 12stringer...

I had some saddle blanks I got from Bob a few years ago and as I get guitars that deserve some work, I shape one to fit. It's not really hard to do. You just need a few grits of sandpaper, maybe a mill bastard file and a lot of patience. A pair of rubber gloves to help you grip the saddle while you move it back and forth on the sandpaper is a big help. If you want to try it, let me know. I can talk you through it.

When or if I sell a guitar, I usually put the original saddle back in it. Since there's not a lot of difference in the width of a saddle and the intonation doesn't change on a pretty common 25.5" scale, sometimes I even find a saddle can be used over again on a different guitar.

Hi Dennis
I will take you up on that when the time comes. Thank you kindly for your offer to help. It will be an interesting project for me. Very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Randy