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Topic: How do you describe "good tone"? |
James Maxwell
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 11:20 am |
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| When we speak about a nice sounding guitar we often say that it has "good tone." This is often the furtherest extent people go to in describing a guitar's tone. There are many guitars and and guitar players that have "good" tone, but they don't all sound the same. However, I think it is interesting to hear the intricate descriptive terms that wine afficianados use to describe the subtle variations in wine. I would love to hear some of you guys describe the subtle variations in tone the way that wine tasters describe subtle variations in wine. Do you guys have any ideas of categories or descriptive terms for types of "good tone"? (I hope my question makes sense to everyone!) |
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Michael Dulin
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 11:39 am how do describe good tone
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| Well I guess I'm the first. I describe good tone as what appeals to me "Sweet" or "Singing" ex. John Hughey or Buddy Emmons sound for the most part fits this description in my mind. Also David Hartley sounds like this to me & maybe Billy Cooper. Then there's a "Hard" tone I call it...Jimmy Day and Ralph Mooney for example. Those two could take a no-tone Sho-Bud and make your ears bleed sometimes...but it went with their style of playing. Then there's the in between where so many fall...Paul Franklin,Sara Jory, Jeff Newman, Lloyd Green, all of them move very well back and forth between. All great players. We could all do well to listen to and follow them all. MD |
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Jerry Bull
From:
Republic, MO, USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 12:59 pm
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I think Tony Arrowood has the most incredible tone known to the human ears.JMHO. And I describe it with this..........it's like freezing to death and then someone wraps a warm blanket around you, even on a youtube video the warm, fullness of the tone coming out of that old Marlen to me is the tone I would love to have. The over tones are so sweet and rich. Check it out for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPZHect6Xeg
_________________
www.psgpicker@gmail.com (Sierra Crown D-10 keyless)2-Nashville 112's, Steelers Choice, Hilton VP, Digitech RP150, Bobro, GeorgeL's cables, BJS Bars and Picks. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 1:00 pm
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| if it sounds good. |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 1:02 pm
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Some steels exhibit a 'zing' as the note decays.
I can't get an acceptable tone (to me) out of these type of steels, and yet, to some players, that is the sound that they are searching for.
One mans meat ....
If a steel has a lightly wound, single-coil pickup, and no annoying zzzzzzzzzzzz as the note decays, I know that I'm in with a chance of getting a tone that I will like. |
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Mike Mantey
From:
Eastern Colorado, USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 2:18 pm
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In 1 word "G2"
Or in a couple. I define it as bell tones, warm, clean, and body in the mid and low range. An overall great balance will just give you the goose bumps.
I have them every time a G2 is tuned up. |
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Bobby Burns
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 5:00 pm
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| I actually agree with Chris I. on this one. If it sounds good to you, it has a good tone. I think after a certain point, they all sound good, only different. Thats part of the fun of having more than one guitar. If they all sounded the same, life would be pretty dull. Don't buy a guitar, or even like a guitar based on what someone else hears. Listen to it. Thats the only way to know if it sounds good. No one else can describe it to you. LISTEN! |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 8:28 pm
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To me, 'good tone' means that I like the sound in the context in which it is generated. It is entirely subjective, context-dependent, and time-varying - my standards (and I think those of many other players and listeners) significantly change over time and from situation to situation.
To me, so-called 'objective' descriptions of tone have nothing whatever to do with 'good' or 'bad'. They can still be very useful to attempt to communicate what something sounds like. But even such 'objective' terms are still subject to a lot of interpretation and observer bias.
Actually, I'd probably argue that practically any tonality has an appropriate application somewhere.
My opinions. |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 8:53 pm Why not?
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Why not visit the JERRY BYRD web site and give a listen. Hearing "TONE" is much easier and more accurate that attempting to put it into words.
JERRY BYRD, Master of Touch & Tone, displayed fabulous tone on each and every recording he made with very few exceptions. Some of his worst tone has appeared on the early day KING Records that are floating around.........not likely HIS equipment but rather the studio's settings at that time.
JERRYBYRD-FANCLUB.com/ |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 21 Dec 2009 9:45 pm
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How do you describe "good tone"?
Words are never enough to describe good tone....so if anyone is that curious, I just play'em Buddy's "Black Album" or LLoyd's "Farewell Party". |
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Bobby Burns
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 8:52 am
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| Dave M. is right about it depending on the context. What sounds good in your den with only a steel guitar, probably won't cut through a band setting in a noisy room. Sometimes the most lush, sustained tones get lost pretty easy. A tone that would sound dry and harsh in the den would sound better with a band in most cases. |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 12:41 pm
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| Good tone demands good intonation. I have learned that usually when I think my tone is not sounding as it should I check my tuning and it is off. As soon as I correct the tuning the tone is instantly improved, with no adjustments to the amp, etc. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 1:58 pm
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when it's pleasing and I stop turning around to adjust knobs one way or the other on the amp.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 2:45 pm
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| Paul Sutherland wrote: |
| Good tone demands good intonation. I have learned that usually when I think my tone is not sounding as it should I check my tuning and it is off. As soon as I correct the tuning the tone is instantly improved, with no adjustments to the amp, etc. |
Very important point.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
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Ken Byng
From:
Southampton, England
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 3:05 pm
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What comes out of Lloyd Green's amp speakers.
_________________
Show Pro D10 - amber (8+6), MSA D10 Legend XL Signature - redburst (9+6), Sho-Bud Pro 111 Custom (8+6), Emmons black Push-Pull D10 (8+5), Zum D10 (8x8), Hudson pedal resonator. Telonics TCA-500, Webb 614-E, |
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Bill Dobkins
From:
Rolla Missouri, USA
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 3:20 pm
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To me it's the mid tone of a Tele. I try to get that tone on my Steel. With The Rittenberry/BL 705 combo its easy.
BD
_________________
Custom Rittenberry SD10
Boss Katana 100 Amp
Positive Grid Spark amp
BJS Bars
Z~Legend Pro,Custom Tele
Honor our Vet's.
Now pass the gravy. |
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Paul Crawford
From:
Orlando, Fl
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 5:06 pm
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The tone I strive for is a combination of Bells and Balls.
Still stivin'  |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 7:29 pm
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Good tone is indescribable, but I've been known to describe bad tone in quite some detail at times  |
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Cal Sharp
From:
the farm in Kornfield Kounty, TN
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 8:47 pm
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I can't describe good tone either, but I know I've got it when I can bring tears to my own eyes without playing anything especially spectacular. A rare occurrence, BTW.
_________________
C#
Me: Steel Guitar Madness
Latest ebook: Steel Guitar Insanity
Custom Made Covers for Steel Guitars & Amps at Sharp Covers Nashville |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 22 Dec 2009 10:59 pm
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It cannot be defined without a context, specific instrument and style IMO. It's totally subjective.
A player cranking out country standards on a modern guitar with digital effects, a SS amp and a country signerwill have a totally different mental picture of "good tone" than a country-rock player who goes for midrange "punch", volume (using the right tube amp for the situation is a critical component) that allows him to push it just into the saturated, singing distortion sound at will and plays in a band with a B3 player and a more "edgy" overall sound.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 23 Dec 2009 7:53 am
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| Quote: |
| I would love to hear some of you guys describe the subtle variations in tone the way that wine tasters describe subtle variations in wine. |
I like mine slightly dry but balanced with woody overtones. Vibrant low end, supple buttery mids and sparkling highs. Nice bite and a long smooth finish. |
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Roual Ranes
From:
Atlanta, Texas, USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2009 3:37 am
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| Full bodied with highs not piercing. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 24 Dec 2009 5:18 am
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| Mike Perlowin wrote: |
| If I like it, it's good. If I don't like it, it sucks. : |
Well Mike there is another way to look at it as well..
How about if I like your tone and you don't !
Quite the conundrum !
t
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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