Grain Runout

[srslots81]

what do you guys think of Grain Runout on a nice guitar?

Runout is when you get the effect of an almost 2 tone top. where you can see the line and clearly notice that is two pieces of wood, and they arent perfectly matched.

here is a pic of one:

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/image ... index.html

I just purchased an HD-28 with this going on. I dont love it, but the sound was so amazing i had to take it.

[bighuk]

I personally like imperfections like that, it shows that it was a hand made piece and the imperfections give it character. I've had alota custom pool cues in my day that were hand made and they've all had their small imperfections that showed it was custom and gave it character. As long as it's not degrading to the quality i'd say stick with it.

[Appfro]

i like it

[bighuk]

As far as guitars I think it might actually effect the sound quite a bit considering you could have one half loose grained to eccentuate the bass of the guitar and a tight grained piece to eccentuate the trebles.

[srslots81]

i started a post on this over at the UMGF, where these people know way too much about guitars. Its great though because, while their opinions vary mostly cause they are all alot older, they are all very knowledgable and ive learned a lot from them.

that being said, it doesnt affect sound or quality of the guitar.

http://p084.ezboard.com/ftheunofficialm ... =1&stop=20

[bighuk]

Thats not really true. The make up of the top part of a guitar can make a huge difference on sound. The tighter the grain of the spruce/ceder the more the treble will be eccentuated, and vice versa. If you were to mix these with varying pieces you could probably find quite a bit of diff in the sounds. Although it may be a faint difference the denser tight grained spruce would vibrate at a higher frequency and sustain a longer note than the loose grained spruce in theory.

[srslots81]

yea that makes complete sense, but grain run out has nothing to do with the tightness of the grain, it has to do with the direction of it.

[srslots81]

oh, and btw, its Jimi, not Jimmy

[bighuk]

lol ty, it was a quote i vaguely remembered and just looked it up and copy and pasted D:. But yeah I see what you're saying now.

[T714]

the runout has no effect on sound, build quality, construction or resale. at least, not from what i have encountered. most times, the downfall occurs with those who want a perfectly bookmatched top.

keep in mind, too, that the camera also adds to this. the top of the guitar in that above link wont look as noticeable in person.

[Trippin Hillbilly]

Adds personality. If my HD-35 had it and it didn't affect the sound, then I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[Grachi]

My old jasmine had slight grain runout. I don't think people can really tell because At the angle your holding it when you play and your distance from people. That's if your concerned looks wise. Otherwise, I wouldn't care if I just played by myself all the time in the basement or something.

Sound wise, I don't think it would have anything to do with it because its just the way the grain... runs. Nothing to do with the integrity of wood. Same thing if you take like a freshly vacuumed carpet and run your hand back and forth. Your not doing anything to the carpet except changing how all those little threads run.

[ericwormann]

Ugly, but sound quality takes priority.

[Kahn]

that Martin is effing sweet

[srslots81]

http://www.concertshots.com/December%20 ... 121102.JPG

http://www.concertshots.com/March%2004/ ... e31004.JPG

http://www.angryherb.net/nazfest/nazfes ... age37.html

(trey model)