How Long Before It Settles In?

[buckledknuckle]

I bought a new (2024) Gibson J45 Faded 50s in late February for a show I was playing. I needed a quality acoustic guitar for the gig, so I took the leap. It is a FANTASTIC guitar, but being primarily an electric guitarist, I don't know much about how an acoustic guitar ages or seasons. I keep reading about how an acoustic guitar "opens up, breathes, or warms up" over time. How long does this take? I can't imagine this guitar sounding any better than it already does. I just completed a show where it was played 3 to 4 hours a day for 2 months. The show closed last week so I currently play it about an hour a day. Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks!

 

[brandtkronholm]

There are two schools of thought.
1) Good sounding guitars are born that way.
2) Good sounding guitars develop that way.

In other words: Nature vs Nurture. (Genotype vs. phenotype)

I’m largely in the first camp, but acoustic instruments do “open up” with a little bit of playing.

“Settling in” is another story. The action will change, the top will rise and fall and eventually get used to its environment. Don’t over humidify it and don’t store it under the air conditioner.

I like a dry acoustic. The action is low and the top really becomes lively.

SO, to answer your question, a well built, good sounding guitar takes at least two years, maybe five, to become the guitar it was born to be. (In my opinion.)

 

[Old dude 70]

Acoustics need to learn how to be a guitar

 

[Anthona]

I bought a new (2024) Gibson J45 Faded 50s in late February for a show I was playing. I needed a quality acoustic guitar for the gig, so I took the leap. It is a FANTASTIC guitar, but being primarily an electric guitarist, I don't know much about how an acoustic guitar ages or seasons. I keep reading about how an acoustic guitar "opens up, breathes, or warms up" over time. How long does this take? I can't imagine this guitar sounding any better than it already does. I just completed a show where it was played 3 to 4 hours a day for 2 months. The show closed last week so I currently play it about an hour a day. Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks! papa's scooperia

Did you know that other factors besides playing time and frequency affect the "opening up" and sound of an acoustic guitar?

 

[corpse]

I def notice guitars tighten up when they sit for long periods.

 

[buckledknuckle]

Did you know that other factors besides playing time and frequency affect the "opening up" and sound of an acoustic guitar?

Interesting... I'm listening. Please expound.

 

[Wilko]

The sound difference isn't even noticed by many players. It's pretty subtle in most cases.

It will get get louder.

The attack will feel sharper/punchier

The envelope will smooth out. sharp strong attack with long even sustain. I don't mean long sustain. I mean the initial envelope. the life of the note.

Overall clarity.

The new guitar is a bit more "wet" and the adhesives are still not fully hardened as they will over a year or two. Those factors can more easily dampen higher frequencies that don't have the mass of r wave shape needed to push the resonance. Once it starts to dry/lighten and the glue is crystalized, the higher frequencies can get through better.

I love a guitar as dry as possible

 

[DrewB]

I love a guitar as dry as possible

ABSOLUTELY! I have a Martin 000-MMV I bought used a few years back. It weighs nothing and is very clear and balanced. My brother bought a new Martin cutaway 000 thing that is a heavyweight, and it sounds like wet cardboard. Mine had apparently been gigged and sounded great from the get-go, then got better as I spent time with it. He's played his a lot over several years, and it still sounds water-logged. No amount of playing is gonna make it sound good.

I can't imagine this guitar sounding any better than it already does. I just completed a show where it was played 3 to 4 hours a day for 2 months. The show closed last week so I currently play it about an hour a day.

You've played the heck out of that thing, and an hour a day will definitely keep it happy. If you leave it alone in its case for a year without playing it, it'll get lonely and will sound like it when you pick it up again, but it'll come back with regular playing within a week or two. Over the years, it'll mellow a bit, but its voice will mostly stay consistent while becoming more refined. Just keep enjoying it!

 

[Tollywood]

I bought a new (2024) Gibson J45 Faded 50s in late February for a show I was playing. I needed a quality acoustic guitar for the gig, so I took the leap. It is a FANTASTIC guitar, but being primarily an electric guitarist, I don't know much about how an acoustic guitar ages or seasons. I keep reading about how an acoustic guitar "opens up, breathes, or warms up" over time. How long does this take? I can't imagine this guitar sounding any better than it already does. I just completed a show where it was played 3 to 4 hours a day for 2 months. The show closed last week so I currently play it about an hour a day. Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks!

Please tell us about your gig. 3-4 hours per day sounds like gigging is your main source of income. I'm happy to play out a couple of 4 hour gigs per month. Your situation sounds like a great experience.

 

[Greywolf]

I've been a luthier 40+ years every set of wood is a bit different, the one thing that holds true .. like fine sports cars .. they like to be used . This is especially true with solid ( vs the lams) acoustics. The denser woods tend to take longer.
Some luthiers use and Ebow or similar device to help "season" the tops .. it works . ( Bob Benedetto among them so don't even think about nay saying)

 

[buckledknuckle]

Please tell us about your gig. 3-4 hours per day sounds like gigging is your main source of income. I'm happy to play out a couple of 4 hour gigs per month. Your situation sounds like a great experience.

I'm a pit musician. I just completed a 3 month contract. Between personal practice, full orchestra rehearsals, and performances I was playing several hours a day. I'm currently between shows. I don't do summer stock because I like to fish. Together with a few one-off charity gigs a year, 2 to 3 contract shows annually is enough to keep me sharp and scratch the itch. Other than that, I'm retired. I pick and choose my commitments. Every morning I'm faced with a tough decision: guitar or fishing rod?

 

[Tollywood]

I'm a pit musician. I just completed a 3 month contract. Between personal practice, full orchestra rehearsals, and performances I was playing several hours a day. I'm currently between shows. I don't do summer stock because I like to fish. Together with a few one-off charity gigs a year, 2 to 3 contract shows annually is enough to keep me sharp and scratch the itch. Other than that, I'm retired. I pick and choose my commitments. Every morning I'm faced with a tough decision: guitar or fishing rod?

That sounds like a pretty good life, my friend. Very, very cool. Thanks for sharing.

 

[buckledknuckle]

That sounds like a pretty good life, my friend. Very, very cool. Thanks for sharing.