unplugged Dot sounds tinny and metallic

[bluesrob]

So, I like to play my Dot unplugged, but it sounds tinny and metallic. I use EB slinky 10s -- my fave strings. Would flatwounds help? And why does my Dot sound so sharp and metallic? I've played other semi hollows in the same price range, and most of them sound more mellow. Maybe it's just the particular wood in this one. I'd like to keep it, but I want it to sound better. What else could cause it? the other strings I've tried are Dunlop 10s, but I don't like how they feel. Plugged in the Dot sounds good, by the way.

[Bookkeeper's Son]

It's an electric guitar.

[stein]

It's an electric guitar.

Why you got a -1 for that, idk.

[stein]

Not sure what you are trying to achieve besides mellower, but if you are looking for more of a jazz type mellow sound, flats would be worth a try. I can't think of a mellower roundwound string at the moment.

 

If the others you tried are mostly at guitar shops, they could have old strings on them. Just a thought.

 

If it sounds great plugged in, that is the important think. Unless you are using it acoustically, then I would not make an issue of it. While they are better and a little louder than a full solid when played without plugging in, they aren't really made to sound good that way.

[midiman56]

The thing to remember, Rob is that your DOT is only a semi-hollowbody guitar. It is quite thin compared to an acoustic guitar for starters, and it has a plank of mahogany running down the center of it for another. Not much room for any sound to resonate in there.

 

I own a Gretsch 5120 which is quite a bit deeper and fully hollow ... and it still doesn't really compare sonically to the cheapest acoustic guitar. I really don't think that strings will make much of a difference sound-wise while the guitar is unplugged ... well, maybe a little.

 

Plug that baby in and let her show you her stuff!

 

Jim

[brianh]

I'd try heavier gauge strings, flatwounds are fine, they have less twang, make less finger noise, and are easier to play. Slinkys are really meant for solid body guitars (IMO) so maybe try a set of 11 flat or half-rounds.

 

Heavier strings will put more pressure on the bridge which will make a semi-hollow resonate a bit more. Jazz players often use 13's or heavier to get a big woody jazz-box sound.

 

In the end though, a Dot is a guitar with a block of wood down the middle that's supposed to reduce feedback inducing resonance, so there's a limit to how loud it will ever play aoustically.

[bluesrob]

Thank you, fellow Epiphonians and Gibsonites, for your comments and advice. I think the easiest solution is to switch to another guitar for unplugged playing, and save the Dot for plugged in time.

[duane v]

Thank you, fellow Epiphonians and Gibsonites, for your comments and advice. I think the easiest solution is to switch to another guitar for unplugged playing, and save the Dot for plugged in time.

 

As an option you could install nylon bridge saddle. They do take the edge off acoustically and amplified

[bigneil]

Thank you, fellow Epiphonians and Gibsonites, for your comments and advice. I think the easiest solution is to switch to another guitar for unplugged playing, and save the Dot for plugged in time.

 

 

I would just like to thank you for inventing the cool word "Epiphonians"

 

what geet you gonna play unplugged?

[29Tudor]

You'll never come close to an acoustic sound with your semi-hollow. You can

however get an idea of sound quality by playing it unplugged. I sometimes

put my ear on an unplugged guitar, gives me idea of how it will sound plugged

in.

[Trewblue]

for what it's worth, just put a set of DR Pure Blues(11's)on my Dot. Very nice change, gives it a

fuller sound,not tinny. Used to have EB 10's. The pure nickel did the trick.

Even unplugged it sound a bit better.

[RSDx]

I would just like to thank you for inventing the cool word "Epiphonians"

 

 

And those that own but don't play might be "Epi-phonies"??? (...assuming that's the plural of "phony," but it looks odd typed...) ;) Not directed at you, good sir, just another possibly failed attempt at humor in general

[clarkuss]

Thank you, fellow Epiphonians and Gibsonites, for your comments and advice. I think the easiest solution is to switch to another guitar for unplugged playing, and save the Dot for plugged in time.

 

That sounds like a good idea. I have a Dot Deluxe and a Riviera and have owned other semi hollow Epis and I have to say that none of them have been a pleasure to listen to unplugged. Sometimes I play them unplugged but it's not as satisfying as picking up one of my acoustics. The Casinos I've had, I've enjoyed playing unplugged and often use them for learning or writing.