Low E string stifled when fretted

[GotTheSilver]

Got a question for you all. For the most part, my J-45 Legend sounds really great. On the top five strings, the notes ring out loud and clear, whether the string is played open or fretted. The low E string rings out loud and clear when played open, but when fretted, it sounds a bit stifled. It sounds like something is impeding the string from ringing out the way it should be.

 

This is my first guitar with an Adirondack top, and I have always heard they take longer to open up. My AJ has a stika spruce top and I remember thinking that the low E string sounded a bit stifled on it at first, too. But it has opened up and now the low E string rings loud whether it is played open or fretted. I have had the J-45 for almost 2 years now. When it was new, the low E sounded stiff even when played open. Now it sounds great played open - deep and loud, kind of rumbling. The problem is with the fretted notes. I have noticed it sounds more stifled with brand new strings that are still very trebly sounding. As the strings break in and start sounding warmer, it sounds better, but still somewhat stifled.

 

So my question is this - Is the Adirondack spruce top still just in the process of opening up (I don't get to put a lot of play time on it)? Should it get better with time? Or might there something that is dampening the string when it is pressed down, perhaps something with the nut or saddle that a luthier could fix?

 

Any advice is appreciated!

[j45nick]

I think you are seeing an exaggerated version of the Gibson bass "thump". It's one of the things that distinguishes Gibsons, where the low E string tends to sound more like a stand-up bass than a piano.

 

Not sure how/if this will change over time. It's not something I mind, as I consider it a Gibson characteristic.

[GotTheSilver]

I think you are seeing an exaggerated version of the Gibson bass "thump". It's one of the things that distunguishes Gibsons, where the low E string tends to sound more like a stand-up bass than a piano.

 

Not sure how/if this will change over time. It's not something I mind, as I consider it a Gibson characteristic.

 

I was wondering about that. This may be the case. When I have played Gibson acoustics in stores, I have noticed that some are more pronounced in the thump than others. The thing that makes me really wonder, though, is that my AJ used to be more thumpy/stifled like this, but is not any more. I wonder if the J-45 will eventually progress the same way?

[j45nick]

I was wondering about that. This may be the case. When I have played Gibson acoustics in stores, I have noticed that some are more pronounced in the thump than others. The thing that makes me really wonder, though, is that my AJ used to be more thumpy/stifled like this, but is not any more. I wonder if the J-45 will eventually progress the same way?

 

I don't know, but if you decide you are unwilling to take the chance, talk to me. I might be.......

[GotTheSilver]

I don't know, but if you decide you are unwilling to take the chance, talk to me. I might be.......

 

Ha ha! I ain't sellin' either way!!!

[Markini]

I find that when I use a pick I get less "Thump" on my Bird. When I finger pick I have to be fairly precise with fingering and fretting to avoid the "Thump".

 

I have 2 Birds one is just about perfect, no wolf notes, thump or muddy bass. The other older Bird does not have great sustain but sure is a tuneful guitar.

[ParlourMan]

Yes, this is the Gibson thump/thud. Those who have it often want less, those which don't usually want more... to paraphrase everyone's favourite harrowed old snake-hipped lesbian "You can't always get what you want"

 

;)