Classical Guitar Strings Test – Epiphone EC-20 Classical Guitar

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 an Epiphone EC-20 Classical Guitar with badly tarnished Augustine “Blue” strings.

The fundamental range of the acoustic guitar is approximately 82-988 Hz with the harmonic range from 1 kHz to 15 kHz. What gives the classical guitar its unique tonal quality is the combination of construction, materials, along with nylon and nylon gut strings

Test Conclusions

Results from the test showed a modest improvement in the fundamental frequency range. There was a marked improvement starting with the low mid-range (low order harmonics) which affects the presence of the guitar. We see a continuation of this trend into the upper midrange from 4 kHz to 6 kHz areas responsible for clarity and definition of the instrument. The improved response from the 6 kHz up to 16 kHz range restored the crispness of string attack and brightness of tone. The application of STRINGTone brought the original tonal quality of the instrument “back to life” restoring a balance of fundamental and upper harmonic frequencies.

Quantitative Analysis

The classical 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 classical 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.