Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on September 9, 2017 at 11:55am

Clever idea.  That's part of the fun with these things, being able to "think outside (inside too) the box".

Permalink Reply by David L. on September 9, 2017 at 12:13pm

I was expecting a spaghetti measuring device glued over the sound hole :0)

Like the one attached - not sure a cheap plastic device would work - I will have to experiment with one of my guitars.

Does it make a big difference to the sounds you get?

Regards,
David L.

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• image.jpeg, 18 KB

Permalink Reply by Jeff Box on September 9, 2017 at 12:46pm

Yeah it does make a difference, the guitar was sounding a bit tinny and off pitch at the base end when I first built it so I taped up the sound holes which help heaps. By taping up one sound hole and placing my hand on and off the other while plucking the base string I could really hear the difference.

Permalink Reply by Busyhands Slim on September 9, 2017 at 4:53pm

So, is your conclusion that a box without sound holes produces better bass balance? My main instrument makes a really quiet, trebly sound played acoustically, so I usually plug it in. If blocking off the holes would improve the bass, it's an easy decision whether to do it.

Calculating the volume of the body and area of the soundhole(s) could allow you to tune the body to emphasize the bass frequencies. Maybe I'll have a go at my No. 1 and see what the resonant frequency calculates to. Maybe I can just tweak the soundholes and get more bass....

http://www.acousticmasters.com/AcousticMasters_GuitarBody2.htm

Permalink Reply by Jeff Box on September 9, 2017 at 5:43pm

I think you might be right busyhand, smaller holes or no sound holes for a smoother sound from top to bottom. I cut the sound holes in the guitar with looks in mind and didn't consider the sound quality. Stuff ups are the mother of invention.