Do Acoustic Guitars Sound Better With Age?

The question do acoustic guitars sound better with age is a very subjective one. Some people believe that guitars become more resonant and better with time, while others believe that they are not. Regardless of your beliefs, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your acoustic guitar remains in excellent condition and continues to sound great.

Invest in quality wood

As the guitar ages, it may begin to show signs of decay and damage. Oftentimes this will result in the wood losing its color, but it will also affect the tone. If you’re a serious player, you might want to consider investing in a high-quality pickguard and fretboard that will prevent corrosion and other damage from occurring.

Using the guitar to reduce stress

Playing the guitar can be a very therapeutic activity, especially for those who have trouble relaxing during stressful times. Studies have shown that guitar playing is linked to a number of positive health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, lower stress levels, decreased heart rate and reduced anxiety. It is also believed that guitar playing helps relieve depression, and it can help you to focus on the task at hand.

Choosing a good guitar

There are many factors that can impact the way your acoustic guitar sounds, and you should do your research before buying a new instrument. The type of wood used in the construction is important, as well as the craftsmanship that went into it.

A good guitar should have a solid top and soundboard that’s crafted from the right materials and has been built properly, both of which will give it a more powerful and dynamic sound when played. You should also keep in mind that a guitar’s wood will dry out over time, so be aware of any signs of aging before purchasing it.

Over time, the strings will stretch and compress, which can increase their tension, producing a more vibrant and pronounced sound. Additionally, the more a guitar is played, the more it will wear down, which can lead to cracks or other issues with the finish.

The neck and body of the acoustic guitar will also become more stiff over time, which can also contribute to improved tone. This is because the wood will absorb less water as it dries out, so the soundboard will be stiffer and have a more stable shape.

It’s also possible that the pin holes on the bridge will develop slots over time, allowing the strings to sit deeper where they enter. This will cause the break angle over the bridge to increase, and this can increase the transfer of vibrations into the soundboard.

Keeping your acoustic guitar dry

Lastly, it’s important to remember that guitars can be exposed to high levels of humidity for prolonged periods of time, which can deteriorate the tone of a guitar. This is why some guitar owners use a humidifier to maintain a certain level of moisture in their instruments.