Older Guitars Are Better Than New Ones
My name is Alexander Pashentsev, and for more than 20 years I have been crafting handmade classical guitars. Over the years, I've encountered many questions from musicians and collectors, and one of the most popular is: "Does the sound of a guitar change over time?" Today, I’d like to share my answer to this question, and explain why and how a guitar’s sound evolves with time.
The Mechanism of the Guitar “Opening Up”
So what exactly happens when you play a guitar? First and foremost, the guitar starts to "open up". This is a process in which the wood and all materials used in the instrument begin adapting to the stresses and vibrations produced by playing. The result? The guitar becomes more resonant and expressive—its tone fuller, brighter, and cleaner.
What Influences the Changing Sound?
1. Release of Internal Tensions in the Wood
After construction, internal stresses may remain in the wood due to the manufacturing process. Once the guitar is played actively, these tensions dissipate, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely, which enhances its acoustics.
2. Final Drying of the Finish
The finish applied to the guitar goes through several stages of curing. Over time, as the finish fully dries, it improves the instrument’s acoustic characteristics—making the sound cleaner and more expressive. The finish not only protects the guitar, but plays a key role in its tone.
3. Polymerization of the Glue
The glue used during assembly also changes over time. It becomes harder and stronger, which stabilizes the joints between parts of the instrument. This contributes to greater tension and resonance in the soundboard, enhancing overall sound quality.
4. Structuring of the Soundboard’s Wood Fibers
When you play, sound vibrations act on the top (soundboard) of the guitar, gradually structuring its wood fibers. The wood becomes more responsive, improving resonance and the overall tonal character.
How Does This Affect the Guitar’s Sound?
All of these processes work together so that over time, your guitar reveals itself. After several months of active playing, it will sound significantly better than it did in its early days. The tone becomes more voluminous, deep, and rich, which is especially important for musicians who value a living and organic sound from their instrument.
Final Thoughts
Yes—the sound of a guitar truly evolves over time. Active playing unlocks its full potential, making the instrument much more resonant and rich. However, it's important to remember that this depends on the guitar being originally constructed from high-quality materials and with precise craftsmanship.
If you would like to purchase a handcrafted classical guitar, please fill out the feedback form, and I will be happy to get in touch with you. Based on your preferences and requirements, I will prepare an individual cost estimate for an instrument that will suit you perfectly.
