graphite neck-block bolt-on neck system

[cjd-player]

That's interesting: the temperature angle never occurred to me, particularly with regard to the strings. But, if they did become warm enough, I guess it makes sense they could become more pliant and easier to oscillate. On the other hand, I'd also expect some stretching and maybe decrease tension, akin to a shorter scale, which should have a quieting effect.

If the strings get warm they will lengthen. Then you need to retune to retain the proper pitch. Once the string is tuned to pitch, it is at the same tension regardless of the temperature (Within reason. I'm not talking about heating it to a couple of hundred degrees.). A string tuned to pitch at say 50°F will have the same tension if tuned to pitch at 100°F. The pitch is a function of the tension. Higher tension equals higher pitch. So tension will not be less at higher temperature, nor will the string oscillate any differently, as long as it is tuned to pitch.

 

[adorshki]

Once the string is tuned to pitch, it is at the same tension regardless of the temperature (Within reason. I'm not talking about heating it to a couple of hundred degrees.). A string tuned to pitch at say 50°F will have the same tension if tuned to pitch at 100°F. The pitch is a function of the tension. Higher tension equals higher pitch. So tension will not be less at higher temperature, nor will the string oscillate any differently, as long as it is tuned to pitch.

Good point, hadn't thought it all the way through. But I'm tellin' ya, the '25 is DEFINITELY louder above about 85 deg. I noticed it when I used to play out in a park a lot, summer vs. spring and fall temps.

 

[devellis]

Humidity definitely affects how guitars sound. Many sound muddy in high humidity. If the ambient humidity isn't too high, warming can drive off some moisture, which may be what you're hearing. For example, taking a guitar out on a sunny day, if it's been well humidified, sunlight might heat the surface and drive off a bit of moisture fairly quickly. I'm not certain this happens, but I suspect it well could.

Also, lots of people have observed the improvement in a guitar after a few minutes of playing, just like you said. As to whether it's a change in the guitar, player, or both, that's anybody's guess. I know I loosen up after a few minutes of playing. I believe my guitars do, too. But who's to say?

 

[adorshki]

Humidity definitely affects how guitars sound. Many sound muddy in high humidity.
I know I loosen up after a few minutes of playing. I believe my guitars do, too. But who's to say?

Not to dismiss your points, but in my area the humidity stays within 45-55% year-round, so I don't think that's a factor for me. Now that you mention it though I remember not having a lot of fun those couple of times it actually WAS muggy due to an inversion. It's pretty rare though.
And I bet they DO loosen up a little after a few minutes of strumming. Never thought to give it specific observation. I'll track it for a while and report back!

 

[zplay]

That's interesting: the temperature angle never occurred to me, particularly with regard to the strings. But, if they did become warm enough, I guess it makes sense they could become more pliant and easier to oscillate. On the other hand, I'd also expect some stretching and maybe decrease tension, akin to a shorter scale, which should have a quieting effect.

If the strings get warm they will lengthen. Then you need to retune to retain the proper pitch. Once the string is tuned to pitch, it is at the same tension regardless of the temperature (Within reason. I'm not talking about heating it to a couple of hundred degrees.). A string tuned to pitch at say 50°F will have the same tension if tuned to pitch at 100°F. The pitch is a function of the tension. Higher tension equals higher pitch. So tension will not be less at higher temperature, nor will the string oscillate any differently, as long as it is tuned to pitch.

Right you are! - I was slapping my forehead about a minute after I posted that.

Also, lots of people have observed the improvement in a guitar after a few minutes of playing, just like you said. As to whether it's a change in the guitar, player, or both, that's anybody's guess. I know I loosen up after a few minutes of playing. I believe my guitars do, too. But who's to say?

Good to know that other people here subscribe to this phenomenon as well. I can't recall reading about a luthier weighing in on this subject or offerring technical explanations. - Would be fun though.

 

[capnjuan]

... I don't know about '60s Guilds but a number of the '70s and '80s models frequently have those nagging cracks running alongside the tail of the fingerboard intersecting the soundhole. Apart from addressing speed of assembly and downstream neck issues, that block system looks like it would help keep the neck from tectonically ramming the body....

Source

 

[kyguild]

According to the Guild website, the DV-4 and DV-6 use a bolt-on neck. I believe they are made in Mexico, (certainly not New Hartford). Does anybody know what kind of bolt on system is used on these models? Surely not the same as on the CV series, or they would be having the same types of problems with some of the guitars, while others would be just fine, as witnessed by folks on the forum having both good and bad experiences with the neck joint.

Wonder why the bolt on neck for the Mexican built gits? Possibly a less skilled workforce (not meaning to throw stones at anyone), or maybe just a lower cost method of construction?

Might be some good questions for you fortunate LTG'ers that will be attending LMG.