I've got a MIJ Strat (SSS configuration) from 1987 that was stored for a long time. I notice now that, when I strum a chord without it being amplified , the sound is really nice, with sustain and I guess you call it resonance. I compared it to some new guitars I tried out this weekend and this MIJ is the best I heard without amplification...

Does the resonance change significantly over time? I don't remember it sounding this good when it was new but, then again, I was very new to guitar then and might not have recognized it. This particular guitar was picked out in the store (back in 1987) by my guitar teacher at that time. He's one of those lucky people with perfect pitch so this might have been something he detected....

It's you that changed; not the guitar. You have developed a musical ear over the years and your preception of sound if far better than it was.

The '87 MIJ strat is no doubt a great instument and it will sound better with new strings. Even a solidbody electric probably gains a little tone and sustain from being played, so have at it. This applies more to acoustics than electrics, but the molecules in wood will line up more precisely and resonate more efficently after the vibration caused by playing.

Here is a trick used by Bob Baxter, who was a guitar instructor at McCabe's Music in L.A. (He also had a column in Gitar Payer Mag.). Take a new or low-quality acoustic guitar and lean it up against a stereo speaker for a few weeks (out of the case so it can vibrate. this test assumes that you turn the stereo on and the speaker has music running thru it, not the morning news). Give it a listen and see if you can hear the difference. Mr. Baxter said that he could get more money when selling one of these "better" guitars that the exact same guitar that had never been "vibed".

A solidbody guitar sitting in a case is not going to get better overtime. In fact, an acoustic guitar that sits in a case for years without play gets no better either.

I have a '74 Martin 00-18 that sit in a case for 21 years unplayed. The top turned a rich, deep brown color but it sounded horrible. If you gave it a good strum, the sound would just die; and that was with new strings. I played the heck out of it for a few months and it begain sounding much better.

Did you put new strings on the guitar?



How does it sound through your amp(s)?

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Does anybody know anything about the old practise of stripping the finish to 'let the wood breathe' more? Lennon did this to his epiphone casino, and so did george harrison to an identical one. Lots of players used to strip their guitars back. does this work, and how does it change the sound? I like my strat black as it is but I wonder.... I've got other guitars I wouldn't mind stripping if it was worth the effort.
nick

Post a picture if you can!

Actually, I did change strings.... I'll try to post a picture of the guitar later..

It is entirely possible that over that time some of the paint began to sink into the wood which has been proven to increase sustain and resonance.

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Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner

I cant answer your question but i do look forward t finding out as im currently looking around at prices to purchase An MIJ they ust stand out with the system one trem(which im definately having).

Best wishes

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A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski~