Search - Art of Tap Tuning How to Build Great Sound into Instruments Book/DVD (Softcover) on DVD

Black art?

J. A. Whiteside | 09/28/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After much research and consultation with professional guitar and violin makers, I have concluded that the jury is still out on the benefits of tap tuning for guitar making. One issue is that, unlike the violin world (where there is an acknoweldged standard and good physics for excellent tone) no such standard exists in the guitar world. Indeed, different guitars are supposed to sound different and excellent tone is highly subjective. Some builders I know use tap tuning or other complex methods to try for tonal perfection, others simply tap the plates and listen for a "good" tone. I am not convinced the hair-raising complexity and expensive equipment needed to use Siminoff's method are worth while. Besides, whatever resonant frequencies the components have seperately change completely once the guitar is glued together.

World class guitarist Ed Gerhard made a CD (House of Guitars) on which he used a bunch of junky guitars bought at pawn shops and discount outlets. He didn't even change the strings. Yet the sounds are gorgeous. I think this proves that the skill of the perfomer (given a bascially sound guitar) totally overwhelms whatever contributions high tech plate tuning methods make."

The "magic" explained.

Stevan Rogers | Portland, OR. | 01/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This tutorial is a great resource for anyone who has ever had less than optimal results building a musical instrument. The "magic" of getting the best sound possible out of an instrument is explained in simple, easy to follow (and easy to repeat) steps. I wish I'd had this information many years ago. Even if you're not a builder, this book explains many things about how instruments "work". I would recommend this volume to anyone interested in understanding how the various parts of an instrument work together, to produce what we hear. This book will undoubtedly have a very positive impact on many instruments over the coming years. Well done Mr. Siminoff!"

Excellent

Osmun R. Latrobe | Oklahoma | 01/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a luthier, but am fascinated by the craft. Simonoff's books are right on point and are models of concise but detailed information of stringed instrument building and the real art of tuning. Their greatest asset is to show that tuning is not just about how to tighten strings, rather that tuning is about every aspect of the guitar, from the glue up. Since most people buy finished guitars, much of this is may seem academic, but the books are aimed primarily at either luthiers or people that love guitars and how they are born. It would also help those who are buying a guitar, but in that case, the prime factor may be just to buy what sounds good, with some knowledge of what you can change to suit you style of play.

Simonoff is an artist in his craft and an artist in teaching his craft through his books. One (pleasant) warning, after reading his work, a visit to a guitar shop will again never be the same.

"