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When I put the capo on the 4th fret, my guitar opens out and sings sweet with icreased volume. I know there are problematic wolf notes around on every instrument but why does this percieved improvement happen?
Posts: 6446
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy
RE: Question for the Luthiers (in reply to Jim Opfer)
My guess would be that guitars have a favourable resonance range of harmonics. Higher notes overall have more energy and shorter sustain than lower frequencies, so maybe that brings out the inherent resonance and sounds muy flamenco? Just a guess.
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Question for the Luthiers (in reply to Jim Opfer)
I think every guitar sings best in a certain area... probably the great luthiers have gotten this to be consistent indeed. I know that for some reason, a 'B' is very resonant on my instrument.
RE: Question for the Luthiers (in reply to Escribano)
quote:
maybe that brings out the inherent resonance and sounds muy flamenco
Hi Simon and MdM,
Aye! it's an odd thing, this 4th fret, I mean why the 4th and top makers knowing these things, should perhaps use these effects to best advantage. The perfect Bb Buleria guitar, but then again 'por cante' with capo on any fret, mmm...!
So why not adjust the natural resonance to be somewhere inbetween the semi-tones so that it doesn't dominate? but then again, why spoil the fun of finding this on your guitar and enjoyment of just going there to hear that sound.
RE: Question for the Luthiers (in reply to Jim Opfer)
I'm not really keen on the capo on less than the 4th fret. I've always been that way, don't know why. I guess I just like that tense, brittle sound rather than that large classical sound you get with no capo. Para mi es mas flamenco.
Posts: 230
Joined: Jul. 13 2003
From: West Des Moines, IA USA
RE: Question for the Luthiers (in reply to Jim Opfer)
Hi Jim!
Yes - I have a '61 de la Chica that sounds like you added an amp at 2. Nowhere else - just 2! My guess is that it was played with it there a LOT before I got it. Norman