I picked up one today used for a pretty decent price.

If I'm understanding correctly, it basically vibrates the guitar to simulate it being played which basically "opens" it up like a well played guitar often is.

I have it on my 2019 D18 with the Adirondack top currently as Adirondack often takes awhile to open up and am interested to see if it really works or if it's snake oil, there seems to be mixed reviews out there.

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Posted by TheFretShack

Member since Oct 2015

1383 posts

Posted on 5/13/22 at 4:26 pm to SidewalkTiger

If you think it makes a difference, that's all that really matters. I too have heard mixed reviews but it's pretty safe to say it can't hurt things so it's worth a try. Let us know your observations.

The traditional way to open up an acoustic's soundboard is to play the hell out of it. If the device doing just that - or at least replicating the effect - when you can't or won't play, safe to say you're winning. Is it a steady drone tone/resonance or does it actually change between common 440 guitar keys like E, A, G, D, C ... THAT would really impress me in that a top not only dials in to vibrations but it will sweeten somewhat in the case of more frequent frequencies.

Keeping the acoustic out amidst activity helps loosen up soundboards too. It "hears" the TV, the stereo, opening and closing doors even loud talking in the room and vibrates that way too.

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Posted by SidewalkTiger

Member since Dec 2019

73126 posts

Posted on 5/13/22 at 5:38 pm to TheFretShack

I've always been curious about them, I found a good deal on one and just got this newish Adi topped D18 that hasn't been played a ton so figured it was a great test.

I've also heard people say they work great on guitars that haven't been played in awhile so I'll definitely do some experimentation with it.

quote:
Is it a steady drone tone/resonance or does it actually change between common 440 guitar keys like E, A, G, D, C ... THAT would really impress me in that a top not only dials in to vibrations but it will sweeten somewhat in the case of more frequent frequencies.

It's mostly a steady vibration but does seem to have some kind of pattern that it follows.

Sounds kind of like an aquarium pump or something on its highest setting and isn't audible at the lowest.

I have it set on the highest setting which is what they recommend for volume/resonance while they recommend a lower vibration to "sweeten" the sound.

I placed it just as they recommended, across the strings with the feet resting on the bridge. You can definitely feel the guitar vibrating throughout, even into the headstock.

I plan to let it run for 72 hours and reevaluate.

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