one year old L-10

[domster]

Hello I am new to this forum or indeed any forum and would like to say hi to everyone
I have just got a one year old L-10 which I have been playing for the first time today. My problem is that the sound seems rather thin and tinny when compared to my old guitar of the last 32 years ( a rather unprepossessing Ovation Balladeer).
It has new strings on it martin light gauge 12-54
Is it possible that the guitar has not opened up yet ? the clarity and intonation is fantastic its just the lack of a real bass that concerns me
anyone thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[Ross A]

It could be that the guitar hasn't opened up yet, it could be that the sound is so different than what you are used to that it might take some time to get accustomed to. Maybe a few days out of it's case will warm it up. I wouldn't worry too much, there is no way that an Avalon jumbo will sound tinny or thin - unless there is a big problem with it.

[David]

The light Martins probably don't help either.

[domster]

thanks for the replies , you are so right you get accustomed to a particular sound something new can sound strange even in fact if its a whole level superior
on the question of strings any suggestions of something more suitible

[domster]

Sorry have just read numerous 'string' threads so lets forget about that one
What about changing the saddles and nut for bone does that help?
also I have notice that the bridge pins are plastic would a change to wooden be a good call

[MIKE 450]

HI Domster. read my thread "Elixir strings are condom strings" for all the info you'll ever need to know on strings. You did not mention the guitar you played before. Don't be alarmed by the new sound of your new L 10.

I would hate to buy a guitar which sounded just like my other guitar's. New strings no matter who makes them always sound bright. Give yourself a few weeks of trying new strings whch suit your guitar.

Only after playing your guitar for 20 weeks and trying at least four different types of string will you be able to say how it sounds. Please read my thread on strings "YOUR NOT ALONE"

[Dattan]

Hi domster! Welcome to the forum, and congrats to your Avalon. It's a great brand, and I am sure your guitar will grow on you. Believe me, they do...

Of course it can vary from each individual guitar, but I guess the L10, with it's mahogny back and cedar top, tends to be a bit lighter on the bass than a spruce and rosewood combo, which tends to be a bit boomier or bassier, so to speak. Perhaps it can take some time to get used to, as you and the other guys already have mentioned.

However, the nut and saddle are already made of bone on an Avalon Legacy such as the L10, and the bridge pins are made of ebony, not plastic, so you shouldn't need to change either of them.

What you could do, apart from changing the strings (D'addario EXP 16 or EJ16, Elixir or Newtone all sound very good on my Avalons), is have the guitar properly set up, if you haven't already done that. The action of the strings, the distance from the strings to the fingerboard that is, can actually make a big difference to the sound, as you probably already know. Higher action often improves the sound, at least to a certain degree... Anyway, since it is a used guitar, and it probably have been exposed to some sort of winter climate during the transport to you, it wouldn't hurt to let a luthier have a quick look on the set up.

Oh, and a humidifier wouldn't hurt either...

Best of luck!

[domster]

thanks for all the replies very much appreciated
I am going to give a few other string brands a go and will keep you posted !
the guitar has already grown on me partly for its astonishing clarity and definition between individual strings. It still sounds better finger picked rather than strummed at the moment but this could all change