Acoustic Guitar Strings Test Results

Graphic Display

Gray Bars – Untreated | Color Bars – Treated with STRINGTone
Vertical Axis = dB, Horizontal Axis = Hertz (Hz) 60-band

See Larger Spectroscope Graphic Display Results

Test Subject

We tested the Martin D-35 acoustic guitar with Martin Marquis medium gauge, bronze strings.

The fundamental range of the acoustic guitar is approximately 82-988 Hz with the harmonic range from 1 kHz to 15 kHz. The used strings showed a marked improvement in the fundamental frequencies. Fundamental frequencies determine where an instrument “sits” in a music mix.

Test Conclusions

We see a steady improvement from the lower to upper harmonic range with this application. Note that strings of certain composition, especially bronze, loose their luster quickly if not cleaned regularly. The classic Martin D-35 Drednaught also tends to be more robust in the “bottom” end compared to the D-28 model. STRINGTone worked well on this large body dreadnaught by restoring clarity and presence to the instrument immediately with one application.

Quantitative Analysis

The acoustic guitar strings test results show that the application of STRINGTone does improve the sound and performance of the musical instruments that were tested. The frequency output results ranged from modest improvements in most of the electric guitars to more dramatic results with the bass guitars we tested. The upper register instruments like mandolins responded very well with smoother frequency output, improved upper harmonics, and increased sustain.

Subjective Listening Tests

A/B testing in a studio environment, considered by some to be objective, is still subjective and by no means a definitive measure of performance. We concluded after listening to each test sample there is discernible improvement in instrument tonal clarity, resulting in a more balance between fundamental and harmonic frequencies. The most dramatic improvements again were clearly apparent in larger mass strings of the bass guitar.

Qualitative Analysis

We noted that after applying STRINGTone to musical instrument strings, bridge area and nut, resulted in reduced surface abrasion along with significantly lower internal and external string friction. The after application tactile response yielded a slightly smoother feel and a more flexible string without any excessive residue. This clearly demonstrates the barrier lubricant properties of STRINGTone when applied to irregular surfaces. A slightly more flexible string indicates reduced surface tension.

Summary

The acoustic guitar strings test results would also indicate that STRINGTone can be used as a preventative surface treatment and barrier lubricant in all mechanical applications for a wide range of musical instruments.

These tests clearly show that the penetrating, barrier lubrication and restorative properties of STRINGTone not only produced measurable results, but prolong the life and sonic quality of musical instrument strings.