What aspects of the guitar influence in it's overall sound the most?

[Crimson Sunrise]

The JPM has, in my memory, a bit more of a mid-dip. It also has the best neck Ibanez ever made imho.

My thoughts exactly on the neck.

 

[candid_x]

I've been surprised at the the difference between the sounds of different necks on identical model guitars. I don't just mean rosewood or maple boards, but also the thickness and sometimes the grain of the particular necks.

 

[Funky Chicken]

I think it's tough to put percentages on individual components. Every piece works with the other ones and then there is an undeniable element of mojo/vibe/whatever you want to call it that certain guitars have.

The best electric guitars I have ever owned or played give off that "thing" without being plugged in. Pick it up and strike an open E or G chord and you KNOW. You can feel the life in the instrument.

This is the reason I play of EBMM instruments. Most of them have what I'm talking about and a quick tweak of the truss rod can bring it out to the fullest-I don't need to take my guitar to a tech to make it feel that way. I always dial my neck in before a gig and I have no fear about it. I have friends who are afraid to mess with their guitars and I would never want to be that guy.

 

[Tung]

This is the reason I play of EBMM instruments. Most of them have what I'm talking about and a quick tweak of the truss rod can bring it out to the fullest-I don't need to take my guitar to a tech to make it feel that way. I always dial my neck in before a gig and I have no fear about it. I have friends who are afraid to mess with their guitars and I would never want to be that guy.

Great point. Being able to set the guitar exactly to the way you want at any given time will bring out the tone and feel you want. EBMM are great for little tweak, even after changing a string, action can vary a little.

 

[Enc3f4L0]

Some interesting perspectives...

The funny thing is, this thread along with the many replies proves the subject is hazzy. Everyone has a different take at it, when it should really be a more objective thing. It's science, deals with physical laws and not magical pixy dust.

Guitar building isn't such a new art that enough experimentations haven't been made to draw enough conclusions. I think it's a matter of lack of decent documentation on the matter.

 

[alf cockle]

Strings play a huge part,as does the guitar*s wood..I have several guitars,which I bought new,and over a 10 year period,their tones have improved..or is it me...

 

[jamminjim]

it's the strings then the tuners - then the saddles - and then the neck wood and then the body wood and of course the screws that hold the neck on

pickups only reproduce what is given to them in the first place


think about it