Acoustic bolt on necks

[Sordid Tales]

Having had a collection of 14 acoustics total (now down to 5) I've noticed several things. But, it's also risen some questions that I cannot answer myself.

Right now my collection comprises of a 2007 Taylor 214ce, 08 Seagull S6 Cedar GT, 1975 Alvarez Yairi DY-75, 70's Sekova, and an Ibanez AEF20.

The Taylor and the Seagull are the brightest. I tend to like this, as they're not overly bright, but provide great clarity (and with Pho Bronze strings, good bass response). Here's the spinner, they both feature bolt on necks.

Now most people who are familiar with acoustics know of Taylor's NT (New Technology) Neck, and Seagull seems to have followed in their footsteps with almost the exact same construction (I've taken a few apart ) But they don't promote it much like Taylor does.

The Alvarez is the darkest of them all. I'm very compelled to say "muddy", but I believe that has to do with the fact that my ears have adjusted to the Taylor sound.

Unfortunately acoustics rely on so many small details to form their sound that it's almost impossible to compare one brand to another. Martin vs. Taylor vs. Lowden vs. Seagull vs. whoever else.

Here's my question. Is it unreasonable to form the opinion that bolt on neck acoustics give a brighter sound? It's almost glass like in clarity but still incredibly smooth (especially with Godin's Quantum II electronics).

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[jalguitarman]

Re: Acoustic bolt on necks

My tacoma has a bolt on neck and to me it just soundslike anacoustic. I would say its not as bright as some taylors I have heard. ThoughI would say your description is of your taylor is what I would give of my tacoma clear and yet smooth. I think the bolts must have some affect but I bet the overall construction and top bracing matters more. I have only heard a handfull of alverez acoustics and every one has lacked projection, volume and good sound.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Acoustic bolt on necks

Bolt on construction generally has a faster, more articulate and "snappier" response and tone, for the simple reason that the neck isn´t encased in a huge shock absorber called a "glue joint". This applies to all stringed instrument types from the lute to the violin to the electric solidbody guitar.

Don´t believe me? Then record clips of a strat, glue in the neck, and record again. The response will be more sluggish (very similar to the "Sag" of a tube amp) and the tone will seem muffled in comparison.

 

[Sordid Tales]

Re: Acoustic bolt on necks

That was my thinking Zerb, but having posted this same thread over on the AGF, and being told that thinking that the neck joint construction having ANYTHING to do with the overall tone is absurd. But using logic (kinda the guy I am) it would seem that even the smallest things (strings, pick, string attack, mass of the headstock, even the materials that the non vibration portion of the string rests on) have the biggest effect on tone, I would assume that the NECK JOINT would have a rather large effect.

I guess in the world of acoustic guitarists, I'm thinking way outside the box. But then again, the paper mache nylon string was so far out of left field.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Acoustic bolt on necks

That was my thinking Zerb, but having posted this same thread over on the AGF, and being told that thinking that the neck joint construction having ANYTHING to do with the overall tone is absurd.

IMHO anybody that says something to that extent has probably never built a guitar in their life, and most definitely not a quality acoustic.... :laugh2:

Everything affects everything.