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I often hear people arguing about whether a pick up (the sort carved into the body) affects the sound or not. I was wondering if anyone knows whether this actually does affect sound quality, and if so, what particular aspect of the sound it affects (as opposed to simply saying "better" or "worse".)
On a side note, I am refretting a guitar and would like to know if US$250 approx. is a fair price for this process.
On a side note, I am refretting a guitar and would like to know if US$250 approx. is a fair price for this process.
Hmmm... $250... thats about £135. It sounds like a lot of money at first, but not when you actually consider what needs to be done. If you are having a complete re-fret (ie. removing the old frets and installing new ones) this is quite a big job and needs to be done right. I would pay the $250, but make sure the luthier does a good job for it. Also make sure the frets are 100% level and that he doesn't leave any rough edges (as these can be very annoying whilst playing). Expect to pay slightly less if you are just having a fret redress (ie. levelling off the existing frets). Neither of the processes is expensive to carry out if you know what you are doing, but most guitarists don't, so much of the $250 will be the luthier's commission for his time and knowledge.
Ryan, I have had a pickup installed in a flamenco, and bought another with it already modified thusly. I have also spoken to several people in town (phoenix az), who had the "operation". The general consensus is that it does negatively affect the sound, perhaps deadening it by 5% or something like that. In other words, you will notice it, you won't like it, but if you gig a lot you will probably consider the tradeoff to be well worth it.
I was wondering if anyone knows whether this actually does affect sound quality, and if so, what particular aspect of the sound it affects
Ryan,
EVERYTHING affects the quality of sound, even the room you play in! Microphones, pickups, amplifiers, loudspeakers, room acoustics, and even your ears alter the quality of sound. Without getting too technical, they all affect the tonality and loudness of sound.
Now, to choose the right electronics, you need to familiarize yourself with the "type" and the "frequency response" of various components involved. This information is available through the manufacturer (probably in China!). You should be looking for electronics with a flat response in the frequency range you are interested in (depending on your instrument). And I have to warn you! Good quality electronics for recording or amplifying can be very expensive! Hope this helps.
Ramin
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