yann

Yeh... Hi again,but i better finish this topic here.... About my last posts,there's no more for me to say here,exept that open buckeye blank issue: Things have changed,the "Yannbass" was sold as it was,so no more upgrading! No idea if i'll ever turn that blank to a bass, no more fun for luthiery now anyway,maybe not for the future,so....i'm done and clear here! Farewell everyone,and remember that intruments are not made to be seen on pics, but to be touched and heard...

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1401372040' post='2462911'] But anyway, even if we allow that some individual pieces of wood might be tonally different to other individual pieces of wood - which I think few people would strongly deny - there is a long list of factors which will have much greater influence over tone than will the wood: strings, foam or whatever under the strings, pickups, fingers, plectrum, where your hand is when you hit the strings, the manner in which you hit the strings, scale length, setup of neck and bridge, EQ on the bass, effects pedals, amplification, speakers, interaction (that's [i]anadrasis[/i]) with the rest of the band and the room, etc. etc. .... [/quote] Just let those people deny... When talking about the sound of an instrument,what we really mean is the "character" of it... And when talking about electrics,it's the instrument's "dry" sound to critisize first,then through a good and well known amp, and then anything else.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1401372040' post='2462911'] [i]Anadrasis[/i] = running back so feeding back and so interaction? Does that sound correct? I've no dispute, I think like most non-believers as you call us, that a different piece of wood might at least in principle sound different from some other piece of wood; and might also sound different from perspex or aluminium or whatever material, even hollow wood rather than solid wood. [/quote] -Hmm...allmost...even my Greeks don't really understand the meaning of this word. Most people just call it "feedback",but feedback is the act,not the cause! I think "interaction" is closer to the meaning... With simple words described,the string's vibration runs through the hardware and vibes the woods as we all (i think) agree. Woods or hardware don't sound of course,they just react,and this is the reason for missing frequences-different sound- with old to new strings, on any acoustic or electric,"dry" or plugged.But the amount of this affection depends on the sound loudness level too. It's not the same like playing in the bedroom or a small practice room and on a big stage where everything around vibes like earthquake plus the air's vibrations. The same instrument will sound very different from one situation to the other. That's how pu's are affected from woods and hardware, what comes through the mounting screws is enough to alter the "pu sound" with the "wood's sound". -That "gain" knob on the amp,affects the whole thing dramatically too... -It's known to older players: With high sound levels and high gain,if we talk (well,yell maybe) to a (mostly vintage-not waxed or badly waxed) pu, this will be heard from the amp too! -"Βelievers" : wood does matter. -"Non believers" : wood doesn't matter! -Yes,the truth is that every single piece of wood has its own reaction to what we generally call "sound". And of course other materials give generally other sounding result,hollow wood-solid wood too.That's allready well known. [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1401372040' post='2462911'] Nor any issue with the idea that there might be some interaction, some feedback between wood and the rest of an electric instrument.[/quote] As i wrote above,it's eather some or a lot of... -There's two ways about this: Try to avoid interaction (the Fender way) or make it a part of the sound (the Gibson way). (I mention those two as the first to study this,most known and most selling in the music industrie.) [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1401372040' post='2462911'] What I and I'm sure others remain unconvinced by is the idea that a particular species of wood can be established as a so-called tonewood. Even insofar as a particular species of wood might be generally or commonly be associated with a point on some continuum between 'bright' and 'dark' (or some other difficultly measurable aesthetic judgement), any particular sample of that species might or might not display the characteristics commonly associated with said species. [/quote] The word "Tonewoods" is very general,and has a very misunderstood meaning. The mass industrie is to blame therefor,and this is the reason why identical instruments sound good or don't sound at all. It's said that every piece has it's own sound reaction,and this might be from "full range" or "bright" or "mudy dark" or just dead... So,not all "tonewoods" are good enough to become parts of seriously made instruments,that's up to the selector to choose wich ones to use and wich can be wich part of an instrument,or just throw to the flammes. It's not just the sound properties that make a wood to be "tonewood",but the mechanical too: Why should i use a fine responding to "all" frequences maple for a neck while it shows it's not strong enough for use in length? Well,"Tonewoods" is a word for just a general wood species identification and shows mostly wich species COULD be used for instruments, not because of sound properties,but mechanical too,and not that theese species can be used for sure. It's not the species that make wood to be tonewood,it's mostly the maturation ways.... The best fresh cut wood could "die" in the way to become a tonewood,just like wine does...

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1401355770' post='2462678'] Not a convincing argument. [/quote] Not an argument...and for sure not to be convincing... It's just the proven truth through the years and the history of electric instruments! -What i see (and i don't like) about "non believers" (that wood matters in electric sound) is just poor klowledge or experience, and disrespect to BIG luthiers,sound engineers,pu manufacturers,and even players,who do have the proven ears,experience,knowledge, and proven work results... [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1401357792' post='2462719'] Since every single piece of wood is different there is no way that anyone can conclusively prove how wood affects the sound of an instrument. [/quote] There's a Greek word that explains it: "Anadrasis". I can only translate this as "interaction" or something...

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1400850898' post='2457533'] All the wood has to do is remain stable and keeps the important parts in the right places. I don't believe it makes any difference to the sound at all, Strings, pick ups, bridge and technique do, though. [/quote] [quote name='bengreen49' timestamp='1400858381' post='2457667'] you are correct. [/quote] Sorry,you're both (and all others who support this) wrong... There are so many practical examples around that appear daily since the making of the very first electric instrument! (The question: "Does wood affect electric sound" is been answered since the 60s,i don't see the reason it's still discussed... ...) [quote name='Nibody' timestamp='1401284462' post='2462021'] I disagree. I have two parts built Precisions, both with identical Allparts maple necks, both with Fender "Original" replacement pickups with identical pots, wiring and capacitors, both with identical gotoh 201 bridges, both with identical Fender round wounds on of the same age and amount of usage/wear. One has an Alder Fender repacement MIM body, the other a Red Meranti body. Both are set up exactly the same in relation to action and pickup height. But oddly they DON'T sound identical. The Meranti bodied one sounds a lot brighter and more resonant than the Alder body. If it was just me picking this up I'd say it was imagination, but it has been commented on by my Guitarist many times. [/quote] +1 ... And that's only a "general" example....

-One thing i'd like to mention here, is about "who is who",just thought of it cause of the word "building" : In fact there's big differences between a "builder",a "maker" and a "luthier". -A builder,takes ready parts of instruments,puts them together and builds an instrument. -A maker,might make any kind of instrument from wooden logs or other materials,and this "title" covers the full range of instruments, from classical or traditional to electrics or acoustics,or...electroacoustics! -A Luthier,is a classical or traditional acoustic instruments maker only (the word comes from the middleages "Lute"). But lately,this "title" moved over to electrics too,since the arrival of electric sound,electroacoustic and electric instruments, luthiers started making the "modern instruments" along with the classical (traditional too) ones... (-Me,i just call myself a maker...everyone else calls me a luthier (i'm used to this,and use the title too) but i only accept it partly,cause i've done successfull acoustics -semiacoustics,and i've worked as a traditional instruments maker,i've got the knowledge and the skills,but i've never made classical instruments (except guitars) like violins,so...am i a real "Luthier"?? Not in fact! ) -Another thing about wordsplay,is the difference between "hand made" and "hand crafted"...another looong talk....

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1400879308' post='2457933'] Nice work Yanni, I really like the timber you're using for your own bass..... I can understand why you have umbrage with Stav but I'm sure he meant no harm by "advertising" you and your wares - after all when you're happy with something, your generally likely to tell people about it.. Hope that things turn round for you and that you're able to pursue your dreams about building basses. [/quote] Yo my Greek! Thanks a lot! -Stav does know i don't like "advertisement". I believe the only advertisement for a luthier is the clean work, and it's always the "living" result that matters,no advertisement,no words or any kind of theory,but the result itself!!... [quote name='krispn' timestamp='1400879404' post='2457934'] This has been a facinatig read! [/quote] Thanks to everyone who wrote here i guess!

Realy nice what you do here, i only have one "objection" : (well,never mind it,you don't make it for me,it's just an oppinion!! ) -The graphite neck...i think it will be as "cold" as space plastic, while the body combines so nicely the past with the future,and i bet it's gonna give a very warm feeling. (Talking about feeling,not sound!) Well,to me it's like "warm right,cold left" everytime i touch a wood/graphite instrument... Maybe you're used to them,then you got no problem.If not,you're soon gonna make a wooden neck for this bass! .

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1400711340' post='2456413'] Looks incredible! [/quote] Man,it does... (you do mean the buckeye burl,don't you?) -Here's the pic.the seller had on e-bay,he has chosen to "mirror" it otherways,but when i saw it i knew this is not how i'll do it... I downloaded the pic,and split-reversed-straighten the perspective and mixed it (just "about") with a photo of my "yannbass"... Then,i was sure that i don't only want to change the body of my bass just for the pu style,but i needed new looks too..! I of course didn't know if it's good enough to be used as a tonewood and a top for my personal bass, but i was lucky in the end,this piece is got more than i expected from a burl as a tonewood!! -This means a change for the headstock too,i allready cut-off a piece from this top (cut-off visible in the new bodyblank photo) to replace the excisting myrtle venneer that goes away wtih the old body... -The whole modification is more work than making a whole new bass,(i got more things to do in mind than the new body) but i don't wanna have a second one,i wanna upgrade this one,even if all that stays is the neck and the tuners! -Btw,and generaly, i didn't really like what the Bassmachine did here,this is an old thread and i think it should stay burried in the past... Well,it's his thread,but my own name used here too...he could thank me on the phone,this shouldn't be public. ( I just reacted too impulsive and wrote back my nuts,maybe i shouldn't,it's a little on-off topic... When i later thought about it,i changed my mind for responsing to Bassmachine's last post,but too late,i've answered.) I wouldn't mind of course if the admin or a mod would split theese new posts to a new thread,and let this old thread go back to the past,it's up to our hosts here,i can't tell what's in or out in a forum,that's why we got the experts here.. -I did have in mind to start a thread with this new story,but a little later,when i'll have the job really worked and photo material of it, still have a lot to do,and this leaves my own things back and waiting!

[quote name='Bassmachine' timestamp='1400522504' post='2454622'] Thanks Yann for aaaaaaaallllll this reply..... [/quote] What's wrong with you man??? All this reply?...-Wellcome anyway...-gimme a call... -Well,i'm the one to thank here,you all guys in Basschat i'd rather say...5200+ views??? This thread is still there,and still marked as "hot"!!...ok....i'll thank you for this, i'll get back,and i'll make it a little hotter: Sometime ago i decided to make a new body for this bass presented in this thread, mostly because i wanna get rid of the p/js...no more of them...i want soapbars like my good old times... (it's my yannbass,it's mine again,and i need some change,but not another-one more- bass!!) I got a nice buckeye top,and an old piece of iroko (another wood not used in luthiery!) that's sounding quite fat and responded so well to my tapping... But i still needed the attack of ash,so the blank with a 2 piece ash center,iroko "wings" and the buckeye burl on top (and a thin black venneer in between for a little contrast) is allready done some weeks ago... I haven't decided if i'll use one or two pus yet -i guess one will be enough too- or what i'll do about the electronic. Here's a quick photoshop mix i've done before i bonded the woods,with a pic of the excisting bass and another of the buckeye top i had from the seller (that was angled,it's a little wrong in length here,the black colour covers all the lower cutaway,and the two white spots appear in front of the pu-direction neck- for the single pu version)... let's see... -I can't tell when i'll have news about this,a lot to do lately,and i got this too...but i somehow need to do it. It's my bass,i need to do something for myself too! I need to refresh my bass,this might make me play a little again... -Stavro...(bassmachine)...i hate you and your g.a.s. ..... -Pics: the two photoshop variations,and the real thing...

[quote name='Bassmachine' timestamp='1374340582' post='2147835'] I wish mates you to have the opportunity to listen play and see the bass but this is difficult otherwise Yann would have soooo many orders.... I wish someone from UK to order a bass ....then Yann would one to UK and the gift he has to know and listen the wood is just amazing.. [/quote] Stavro, i've told you more than once in private,i'll tell you once again in public: I don't want you to "advertise" me... you can say anything you want about your basses, or your oppinion about me,but not "suggest" me like that... -And no,i anyway can't accept any orders from the UK,neither from Gr,since i don't have a legal bussiness. If this ever changes (things always flow in Gr,you can never know),i can still ask about the cost of a banner in Basschat... -What i've made for friends is done cause there's no law against trades,or there's no law telling that i'm not allowed to sell a selfmade instrument in a USED condition.That's not "black money",when the item is sold lower than the half price than it's worth. -The chupacabras was made for me,for my hands eyes and ears,but i had to sell it because of the hard times we're going through right here... Well,good that Stavros got it,so i could have the yannbass back as a part of the value,or i wouldn't have a bass of mine! And i don't think i wanna make another bass for myself,since i got what i need as a homeplayer: My homemade one,and my ever-ever-ever-ever favorite industrial made one,the Aria SB Elite 1... I feel complete as a player,baby!! (The Aria got to me thanks to Stavros,he found it somewhere-and later we traded,coloured as i wanted it since '85: (Poser) Pearl white...) Zenbasses, yes,i think you're right, it ain't better in the UK too,well,it's global in fact...i think it's a matter of time till the bubbles blow in other countries too! -Thanks for your words and the interest: Nothing happened with the German maker,an emploee answered my second mail telling my first was forwarded to the management. Well,it was no "bio" what i sent,but was enough to show if they would be interested.I didn't go further with the idea to seek a job out of Gr... White Cloud, Thx a lot too,i think every country has some good to offer (hmm...and some bad to suffer,huh?)!

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1366376121' post='2051746'] Actually they still contribute something, since there is a component of string motion travelling along the length of the string, the component frequencies are damped, reflected or allowed to pass through the nut, and the properties of the nut determine which. Think its a tensile wave or similar. If you are convinced that fretting eliminates this as an effect, you'll be able to fret a note and cut the string between your finger and nut and not perceive a change in tone. [url="http://www.edgeguitarservices.co.uk/rout_serv/nut_geom.htm"]http://www.edgeguita...rv/nut_geom.htm[/url] [/quote] Agree too! This "oposite vibration" allmost becomes a problem on neckthroughs... some necks have such good transfer that make a "ghost note" hearable when playing around the 12th fret (the one from...the back!). (some players still don't realise that a lot of "mud" comes therefrom,the noises of playing from a... virtually "dead zone"). [quote name='Dave Vader' timestamp='1366376760' post='2051755'] That explains why that brass nut guitar I had sounded so marvellous. Cheers Oli.[/quote] I'm a brass nut myself...i use it wherever it suits,but i've seen guitars that didn't like it,they were screaming for their special piece of bone!! With basses,i've only seen screaming players,eather for brass or for bone!

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1366312881' post='2051017'] I could not hear anything...there is no pickups or strings fitted to those pieces of wood ! [/quote] "Ι knew you'd say that..."...Milty is guilty... EDIT: MiltyG565: -I bet you ain't def,just narrowminded...but it's this mind that processes the incoming signal... -Well,you ain't totally wrong,such guitars do sound allmost the same...but it's a matter of quality level only. It's gonna take some time till you can judge what's clear and what muddy sound,and what makes two little pieces of wood so precious...

Hey Milty, can you hear any difference here? : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8oyi3yg1rE&list=UU1wEVFBAuq6kr-n9KgmwJGA&index=11

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1366310605' post='2050971'] 'Loud' and 'good', are different things.[/quote] +1 db...

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366270948' post='2050248'] Ok, make 2 basses. Make one with your tone woods, and one without, and completely the same otherwise, then upload sound samples of both so I can hear the difference. I trust you not to make adjustments to the EQ or anything like that to artificially change the sound so it appears different. If you can prove me wrong, i'll hold my hands up and admit that I was wrong.[/quote] Gimme a good reason for this..."make 2 basses and upload samples"! -I'm not trying to prove you wrong,it's only some things just are there and don't change,it's just nature in combination with mechanics... You'll know someday,you got the guts,eyes and ears i see,all you need is experience and open eyes and ears to gain it! [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366270948' post='2050248'] I understand perfectly well that some woods have more resonant qualities than others, I am a timber man myself, but what I do contest is the notion that a little block of mahogany inside a musicman makes any difference to the sound whatsoever. Does a rosewood fretboard sound different from a maple fretboard? No, it doesn't. They sound the same.[/quote] Yes,it does-NO they don't... What they call "wood tapping" is NOT a show,it's a skill...(it is a show by some,who don't really know what thay do or hear,and they're so funny!!)! And by those who know what they do,it's even an Art... tonewood selection cannot be done by everyone but by "natural born" only! (It's the same with players,and sound engineers,not everyone's the best,it's just a few!) Since you're a timberman,you got the chance to make your own comparisons,all you need is patience and time,wood is like wine... [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366270948' post='2050248'] And finally, your "expression" comment. Basically, what I took from that was "Well, it doesn't matter anyway, because expression is what makes the sound so acoustics and electrics are the same". Sorry, no.[/quote] Give back what you took now! Expression makes the musician,sound comes next and naturally... [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366270948' post='2050248'] Don't write me off on the fact that I am 20. That's ageism, and stereotyping. See me for who I am, not my age. That's a low tactic.[/quote] No tactics,always freestyle...it ain't work here... I somehow see who you are,but your age says: No experience...(this ain't bad,enjoy your age!) I write you like your "dad",otherways i would ignore you...other guys of your age and attitude might read this too...hehe... [quote name='Sharkfinger' timestamp='1366274130' post='2050293'] I would argue that instead of looking at high-end, custom made instruments, we should be looking at mass-produced ones, where they strive for consistency in terms of build quality, shape, etc. To that end, I would point out that the Ibanez SR500 and SR600 are identical in every way, other than the body wood. With exactly the same setup, would they not be the best basis for comparison? [/quote] Ok,now we're talking! High end interrests everyone,but everyone buys the other end...

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366268513' post='2050224'] Apparently I don't need to try hard to confuse you, because you're just going off in a tangent to my point and making ridiculous assumptions, like "It makes a difference in an acoustic instrument, so why not a solid bodied electric?". As established, acoustic instruments are a different ball game, and making them sound different isn't difficult, nearly everything changes how they sound, even the glue they use, and the humidity. [/quote] Ηaha...as i said boy,you just can't confuse me,i'm a proven luthier,and i know what i'm saying... -Keep in mind there's serious professionals out there,and might be reading what we write here,someone will "correct" me if what i say is wrong! -Ever heard of "expression" in playing? This and only,makes acoustics and electrics (and all in between) the same ball game... and that's where tonewoods do a serious job on electrics too,the response of an inst is not controlled only by pus and electronics!

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366234405' post='2050059'] I'm going to stop replying to you, because I feel like i'm confusing you.[/quote] I didn't ask you to stop...i'm enjoying it...but you gotta try hard to confuse me! (I've been 20 too,i know how it is,"i've grown but haven't forgotten"...) -I'm not answering to you only,but everyone reading! [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366234405' post='2050059'] Where did that come from? Not once did I say that acoustic instruments don't use electro-magnetic pickups.[/quote] That came from History: Since the first "amplified guitars" appeared 'till today,it's the same questions that new players ask,with the influence between pus and tonewoods beeing first! What i mean,is that electro-acoustics explain this "relationship" in praxis,while solibodies are still surrounded with rumors... -Someone tell Mr Benedetto,that pus don't need any tonewoods to give out a good sound!

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366211633' post='2049676'] Well yes, but that's why the difference between an acoustic instrument and an electric instrument is so different, and I only ever referred to electric instruments here when talking about tonewoods. Acoustic instruments are a completely different ball game. [/quote] No. Acoustics have used electric pus first.They are the reason of electric instruments excistance... Pus and electronics are invented therefor: Amplify the acoustic sound. Then,new problems appeared,like unwanted noises that came through the pus to the speaker! It's all so related...

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366209690' post='2049636'] Listen to what you're saying. Plywood "Matures"? No it doesn't. it's thin slices of crappy pieces of wood glued together with the grain going in different directions. Anyway, this particular one has sat in a shed for the last 10 or more years, not exactly ideal conditions.[/quote] Yes,it does just like any other piece of wood.It eather matures or rots... -What's "crappy pieces of wood" and who's to judge? Woods from the same species could be cut to be plywood,while the next log is sold somewhere else and ends up as a bass body with some commercial name... hmmm... let's say... "Mahogany" this mahogany and that one...300 species man... [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366209690' post='2049636'] 2 different acoustics with the same electro-magnetic pickup will sound more of less the same, but it's a completely different ball game. Piezo pickups actually pick up the resonance in the timber, so if you are so in to the tonewood deal, you should start installing piezo pickups in your guitars, because that's the only way you'll get the benefit of them in an electric guitar or bass. [/quote] Ok... I think we got quite an experience diffence here...well,i guess you'll change your mind after...let's say 25 years or some...

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1366147663' post='2049058'] That wasn't an easy way. Anyway, why limit yourself to wood? The concrete Telecaster sounded like, well, a Telecaster.[/quote] Know any easier way? "It;s not cheap" you might mean! -Many materials were tested through the years,but only wood really stayed,there must be a reason... -That concrete tele did NOT sound like a GOOD tele,it only had the characteristic twang,and good attack,but no "mass" in the notes themselves. This makes a bad tele... -Concrete is a great meaterial for sound tranfer,but too heavy,breaks with a thought,and....it's stonecold,that's not what we need.... [quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366159680' post='2049168'] Precisely. I was given an 80's satellite Les Paul copy the other day, and it's made of plywood, but I doubt it makes much difference. Any plank of wood with a decent pickup and a good set of strings will sound good enough. If you want to invest more in the sound, invest in the mechanics of it, not the aesthetics (i.e, the bridge, nut, frets and pickup rather than the woods it's made from). The most important thing about the wood is that it is stable and fit for purpose. [/quote] That's what i ment before: NOT an old one....even plywood can "sound" if it's old enough,depending on the "maturation" conditions! -That "any plank wood might sound" as you say,coulb be somehow right and it might sound right to your ear when you make your sound or play in your bedroom... But in serious live conditions,or in the studio,you'll hear the difference (or nothing but mud in the mix....),if not,the sound engineer will show you! -Bridge nut and frets,are not aesthetics...they're what brings the vibe of the strings to the woods,and if they're not good enough,or badly installed, even best tonewoods won't vibe,so if someone's not a woods expert,they can;t really tell why,and blame the woods for the failure... -When people talk about tonewoods and their influence in electric sound,talk about electric instruments,but refer or compare to acoustic ones... Well,there'e a "bridge" between them,the electroacoustic ones.They can explain all with a few notes,hehe.... -How about electrification on acoustics? Do the woods affect their sound when electrified through pus? Does the best pu sound the same on an electric and on an acoustic? There's much more to ask,and i got all the answers... Let's not forget that all of theese issues are solved since the sixties... (Players might not know this,but luthiers do!)

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1366131616' post='2048783'] it might sound better, but it won't play better. [/quote] I know what's it gonna be,i'm just saying that there are easy ways to find out if woods matter in electric sound.

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1366129291' post='2048739'] I'm convinced of that myself, would love the opportunity to verify it. [/quote] Αll you gotta do is buy a 300e bass with "bad" woods,and add the best pus,electronics and hardware... It should play like a 5000 one...if not,there's something about tonewoods interaction on electric instruments! -Well,it will play somehow better,but it won't have what serious players are after: Personality!! -Talkin'bout NEW bass,not old,an Indonesian one is great therefor...

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1357481513' post='1923152'] So Jamerson's Funk Machine sounds like a bad one?[/quote] What i mean is that "good sound" is different to each person. What i call "good sound",is about clarity and quality of it,no matter of frequences or style. Jamerson was a flatwound user,but he obviously knew how to get the most out of them,on whatever bass he used. His sound is nothing for me (other aesthetics) but 'holly grail" for others... -The Funk Machine didn't play in all of his recordings! [quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1357481513' post='1923152'] A bad player won't make a good instrument sound like a cheap one, just will sound like its being played by a bad player.[/quote] Just an example: A bad player will never realize, hmmm...let's say that his strings are too old to produce the highs he boosted on his onboard preamp, peadal board or amp, and will never hear that theese frequences he boosted are only adding noise to the sound,and even affect the whole mix of the band. Ever noticed that "tick-tick-tick" everytime the finger hits the string? The string hits the frets,and the produced noise (noise to me,"dirty style" for others), is going through the mix right to the ears...