When it comes to guitars, sound is key. While the feel and build of the guitar are important as well, how the guitar sounds will determine the quality of your music. If you’re playing guitar, and the sound just doesn’t seem right, here are some ways you can upgrade the sound without breaking the bank.
Look at Your Pick
Guitar picks aren’t created equal. Newbie players may think you just need one type of pick, but that’s simply not the case. There are different picks made up of different weights, and this can determine the sound. For example, lighter picks are good if you want to strum, and heavier ones are ideal for single notes. If you need something else, go with a normal-sized one.
Try out different picks and listen to how they affect your sound. Sometimes, that’s all you need to improve. Best of all, picks are very cheap.
Look at the Nut
The nut of the guitar can determine its sound. Even if your guitar is brand spanking new, the nut may be created cheaply. If the nut looks plasticky or cheap, you may want to consider upgrading. This is especially the case if you hear a ping when you’re playing. A pinging guitar can mean that the strings slide around too much, and this can end up with your guitar untuned.
So what material should you use? Graphite is a good option, and so is fake bone. Brass works to as well. Nuts are quite cheap, so it’s an upgrade that goes far for little money.
What about the Strings?
As you probably know, poor guitar strings can make the guitar sound poor. While a new guitar is something you don’t have to worry about when it comes to strings, an older guitar or a used one may require new strings.
Strings are affordable, but you should be mindful of the type. For example, strings can be made for rock, jazz, or various other genres. You may want to ask someone for help when it comes to picking the right strings. You’ll be glad you did.
For a hardcore player who plays their instrument every day, consider switching out the strings every few weeks. You’ll be glad you did.
Look at the Setup
What do we mean by setup? What we mean is how the guitar is tightened, sanded, filed, or various other tweaks. Newer guitars even need to be set up. Setting up a guitar is a process that requires patience and it’s possible to set it up too much. You can look it up online, but a professional can be able to help you if you’re not confident with how your guitar is set up.
Are the Knobs Broken?
A guitar’s knobs are frequently ignored, and that’s a little sad. The knobs can greatly affect how the guitar sounds if you’re not careful. What you should do is look at the knobs and make sure your knobs are easy to manipulate and aren’t too loose. If they feel off, you can buy a new set for not too much money. Some players spend a lot of money on repairing the guitars when they could just switch the knobs.
Anything Else?
There are a few other ways to prevent your guitar from losing its sound. One way is to get a good case that can protect your guitar from damage. Look for a case that is easy to carry so you don’t drop it. If you want to, also look for a case that can protect you against theft if you’re in an area that’s prone to stealing.
Conclusion
There are more expensive ways to upgrade your sound. You can look for good guitar amps in Melbourne, or buy some better recording software. However, it’s often the simple upgrades that can make the most difference. Before you throw away your guitar, see if any of the above tips help. You’ll be surprised at how much changing your pick or your knobs can make. You’ll like the sound better, and so will your fans.
We hoped this article helped you learn more about your guitar. Happy strumming!
Author bio: Emily loves to write on issues related to Music and Health. She has been in this industry for 5+ years and specialises in writing educative content on Music. She loves to read trending news to keep her updated!
