Breaking in my new DG-300

Ian Rossiter · April 2012

I threw on a spare set of D'addario GJ 10-45's last week, just for a change from the Argies...y'know, just to try a different string,change it up a bit.
Well....
Any other time I've used D'addario GJ strings, they were rather metallic sounding. As the 300's opening up, its Tone's also changing. Now the Daddario's sound completely different in this guitar; Full, yet still has a warm treble, y'know that almost "nylon-stringy" tone?? Not brash at all, like they were before.
This is a really cool development, as I find that the D'addarios last wayyyy longer than Argies, and can be easier to get in (somewhat) local stores. I should mention too; this is the first set of the Daddario loop ends that the High "E" didn't snap while tuning up.

Ian Rossiter · April 2012

Well, I went ahead and got a Tonerite. Started it last night, let's see if it helps.

Joli Gadjo · April 2012

I would be interested if you think you can make your Gitane sound like a real Vintage instrument?
I have to say I am extremely suspicious of those devices like the Tonerite or the primevibe that are "seasoning" your guitar.
Let us know how it goes.
It would be interesting to have a recording before and in a week when the seasoning is done.

Jim Kaznosky · April 2012

Interesting note about the D'addarios. I've found the opposite...they go dead quicker than the Argies. That G string, regardless of brand and guitar, is an insidious problem for me. It wears down exponentially quicker than any string.

I'm curious to hear what you have to say about the Tonerite.

anthon_74 · April 2012

My G strings go dead FAST. Argies last a bit longer for sure though.

Ian Rossiter · April 2012

Well, I know it won't make a 300 sound like #503, of course not. But, I'm willing to risk a couple bucks and 72hrs, just to see what it can do. It could be great, it could be bullshit, it could be noticeable or not. I'd be delighted if it had a positive effect, and if not, hey...now we know.
One effect it's had already; causing teenage daughters to make "OMG you bought your guitar a vibrator" and the " Ian...you're guitar's pleasuring itself again..." jokes. Yeah, that dosen't get old!!

Jeff Moore · April 2012

One the dead G string problem:
I think of my pick as the hammer the core wire as the anvil (on the wound strings).
The wrap wire on a ow E Argie is maybe .05-9 thousanths.
On the G is is maybe .03-5 thousands. That's some fine wire even for a soft hammer.
Hope ya'll can get back to breaking in the DG-300 and not hijack the thread like me.

Ian Rossiter · April 2012

Alright!! After 72 hrs, I took off the Tonerite and started playing. The big difference I noticed first was how much more responsive the guitar became. It also "cleaned-up" alot of the ugly tones in the instrument,although at first it seemed to increase the Treble. Not nessesarily in a bad way, mind you. I decided to keep it on for 144hrs and see what happens.
Checking it out last night, the guitar is even more responsive, the midrange and bass tones are more present, and the guitar overall seems more "alive".
Has it made a 300 sound like 503??? No, of course not. Has it had a positive effect on the guitar, so far...yes,it has. Would it replace 1-2 years of constant playing? No. But, what it has done is make my guitar more enjoyable to play. I'm courious, what sort of result I would have gotten if I had tried this last year?
I don't think it'd ever replace playing time, a good setup, yada yada...but if it helps.....why not?

wayne nakamura · April 2012

Ian:

I would just leave it on whenever you're not playing the guitar.

I broke in a Dupont Busato using a friend's Tonerite. Try reversing the orientation so the cord comes out towards the neck so you can put it close to the bridge. Also try it on the tailpiece side of the bridge.

I found that you can hit a sweet spot and turn it back just before max. You can judge by the sound and the vibration of the top.

I put it in a closet for the first 6 weeks. The guitar was less than a month off the workbench when i got it. The guitar matured quickly with the tone rite.