turnermoran -> RE: The soundport thread (Dec. 4 2011 6:46:21)
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I have only one guitar with a sound port (Stephen's 7 string), and a bunch without, but there's no denying that the sound port works in terms of getting more sound to the player's ear. And I can say that I've played 2 of Stephen's guitar with larger ports, and 1 with a smaller port, and the size of the port is directly proportional to the volume. Location too. in fact, the one with smaller port seems to have a very subtle effect, while my guitar with the big port sound super loud when you sit and play it. I also think that while yes you hear more of the guitar (overtones, harmonics, etc), the port is most useful in loud situations, and those details of the sound of the guitar are lost anyway. And when everything is quiet and controlled, you can hear the overtones of any good guitar just fine - with or without a port. Plus, when everything is quiet, there are innumerable variables that contribute to one's perception of the sound: room size, room and floor materials, acoustical things... so that's always a variable, and I don't think the port is at its most helpful. I'm of the opinion that beyond anything, it's an amplifier for the sound for the player. And as Anders says, in "real" playing situations (audience talking, loud percussionists, etc), the extra volume from the port works. And in those situations, I think it's reasonable to expect that the port experience is about volume and little else. And that's what you need more than anything else. Who plays well when you can hardly hear yourself? Getting blisters as you hammer on the strings just to be heard? So in summation, if you're the type of player who plays in front of polite and quiet audiences, a port is cool, but won't revolutionize your playing experience. But if in the trenches, playing amidst the chaos, the sound port is your best friend. Anyway, that's my 2c.
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