Woody Sound enhancer

There's thread on the Jazz Forum that advocates using wooden washers to replace the metal threaded ones on an acoustic archtop, supposedly to enhance the woody sound:
http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guitar-a ... asure.html
Anybody tried anything like this, and if so, what is your opinion?
Brad

Makes sense to me. I think a lot of sound is determined by the bridge and saddles, and probably anything else related, and have often experimented with various materials on various guitars.
I'd say the concept as presented is a sound one (you should excuse the pun). :mrgreen:

yes, rolls off the highs, but to do it right, a one piece carved bridge, like a violin, cello, etc., would be the true ticket.

Very interesting thread! My Shelley Park is an early 30's European design (Mario Maccaferri) before somebody figured out how to make them adjustable. The old ones don't have adj truss rods, the newer ones do. It's fairly common to have multiple bridges (just the center portion, the 2 end pieces are fixed).

If you want to transfer ALL the vibrations to the top of the guitar, this is one good way to do it... these guitars are very loud and individual notes are beautifully defined, so I like the wooden washer idea, but mostly because of the increased contact area. I've always thought that a one piece non-adjustable bridge on the archtop would make a tremendous difference in the sound, although you'd probably need several for seasonal adjustments. The wooden washers might be a great compromise.

I was thinking about this earlier.. sort of. sorry this is a smidge off topic since the thread is mostly about transferring the sound to an acoustic top through all wood. but talking electric sounds here.. You guys will probably think I'm crazy, but I had the idea that I wanted to experiment with putting wood saddles on my telecaster, replacing the brass. Of course its known for its twang, and I bet the wood would rob its twang away. but I'd just like to hear what it would sound like because I like woody sound too. might be an interesting hybrid, any thoughts on the matter?

legato72 said:

... I had the idea that I wanted to experiment with putting wood saddles on my telecaster, replacing the brass. Of course its known for its twang, and I bet the wood would rob its twang away. but I'd just like to hear what it would sound like because I like woody sound too. might be an interesting hybrid, any thoughts on the matter?

Click to expand...

If it's not too hard and reversible, give it a shot. The worst that can happen is you have to revert to the original setup.
Brad

Veer alert !!

Sorry Brad, the urge is irresistible !

( Advertisement ) "Dr. Libido's Sound-Woody Enhancer ! Get yours now." Followed by the usual lurid descriptions, and testimonials. And, for those who remember, "delivered in plain, brown-paper wrapping."

Among the testimonials ...... "That Dr. Libido .. he's a stand-up guy ! "

Sorry.

coastie99 said:

... Among the testimonials ...... "That Dr. Woody .. he's a stand-up guy ! "

Click to expand...

Is that Dr. Woody Woodpecker?

Sorry Gents; nothing to contribute on topic.

capnjuan said:

coastie99 said:

... Among the testimonials ...... "That Dr. Woody .. he's a stand-up guy ! "

Click to expand...

Is that Dr. Woody Woodpecker?

Sorry Gents; nothing to contribute on topic.

Click to expand...

If you're familiar with the porn star or soap star naming game, one is you middle name and street you lived on when born the other is first pet and mother's maiden name, Woody Woodpecker reminds me that one of mine (porn or soap?) is Woody Mott, the other Pepe Martinez. Sound interchangeable to me :wink:
Brad

legato72 said:

I was thinking about this earlier.. sort of. sorry this is a smidge off topic since the thread is mostly about transferring the sound to an acoustic top through all wood. but talking electric sounds here.. You guys will probably think I'm crazy, but I had the idea that I wanted to experiment with putting wood saddles on my telecaster, replacing the brass. Of course its known for its twang, and I bet the wood would rob its twang away. but I'd just like to hear what it would sound like because I like woody sound too. might be an interesting hybrid, any thoughts on the matter?

Click to expand...

it "wood" work.... :roll:
just like nut material, many different kinds... ebony, bone, graphite, nylon, mycarta, etc.
bridge materials as well apply. Gibson used nylon bridge inserts for a while in the late 60's, 70's for an example.
Today you can obtain graphteck bridge saddles for fender type bridges and others as well.
its a big world out there, and its your oyster...