Tyler Wynn
Sound posts are typically found in bowed instruments such as violins, cellos, and double basses. They are used to convert the side-to-side vibration of the bowed string into up-and-down force on the top of the instrument, enhancing the bass response. While classical guitars generally do not have sound posts, some archtop guitars do. The sound post in an archtop guitar is usually placed directly under the bridge or an inch behind it, and it can be glued in or removable. The primary function of the sound post in an archtop guitar is to suppress feedback and attack resonant peaks, resulting in a narrower dynamic range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound post placement | Directly under the bridge or an inch behind it |
| Sound post function | Suppress feedback, improve acoustic sound, and enhance bass response |
| Sound post effect | Deadens acoustic sound, "pinches" electric sound, reduces output in the 1500 Hz range |
| Sound post installation | Glued in by the manufacturer, can be removable |
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What You'll Learn
Sound posts are used to suppress feedback
Archtop guitars can have sound posts, and these are typically placed under the bridge. Sound posts are used to suppress feedback, which occurs when the microphone picks up sound from the loudspeakers, creating a feedback loop. This can result in a sustained, ringing tone that can become louder and more unpleasant over time.
Sound posts are one way to suppress feedback, and they are often glued in place by manufacturers. They can be used in conjunction with other tools and techniques to reduce feedback. For example, the overall system gain can be reduced to lower the amount of sound that is picked up by the microphone. This can be done manually by turning down the volume or muting the channel, or automatically by using a noise gate device.
Feedback suppressor devices can also be used to detect and suppress feedback. These devices use algorithms to identify frequency ranges prone to feedback and dynamically reduce the gain in those ranges. Additionally, careful attention should be paid to the placement of speakers and microphones to minimize feedback. Singers or presenters should not be positioned directly in front of the speakers, and speakers should ideally be placed downstage of the microphones.
By employing a combination of these techniques and tools, including the use of sound posts, feedback can be effectively suppressed to create a better listening experience.
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They can be placed under the bridge
Sound posts in archtop guitars are usually placed under the bridge. Some luthiers and manufacturers, such as Guild, Anderson, and Greenfield, have used sound posts in their archtop guitar designs.
The placement of the sound post under the bridge can vary slightly, with some being placed directly under the bridge, while others are placed about an inch behind the bridge, towards the tailpiece. This placement is said to impact the sound, resonance, and sustain of the guitar.
The sound post in a guitar serves a different purpose from that in a violin. In guitars, sound posts are commonly used to suppress feedback and attack resonant peaks. While it can diminish the acoustic sound, it can improve the electric sound by reducing feedback and enhancing clarity and sustain.
Some archtop guitars, such as the Guild X-170, have a sound post the width of the bridge, placed under the bridge. This placement results in a thin acoustic sound but excellent plugged-in sound with minimal feedback issues.
The impact of the sound post placement on the guitar's sound can vary depending on the guitar's construction, such as whether it has a laminate or carved top. Additionally, the material used for the sound post, such as spruce or maple, can also influence the guitar's sound and resonance.
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They are glued in place
Some archtop guitars have sound posts installed at the factory, and these are often glued in place. While gluing the sound post in makes it more challenging to remove or replace, it also ensures that the sound post remains securely in place. This is particularly important in archtop guitars, as the sound post is used to suppress feedback and attack resonant peaks.
Archtop guitars with sound posts typically have them placed directly under the bridge. However, some guitar owners have reported that the placement of their sound post has shifted after being worked on by a technician. In some cases, the sound post may have been reglued in a different spot than its original position.
It is possible to install a removable sound post, which can be advantageous if you want to adjust or replace it in the future. However, gluing the sound post in place ensures that it remains secure and can enhance the guitar's sound by suppressing feedback.
While gluing the sound post can provide stability and improve the guitar's sound, it can also make future adjustments or repairs more challenging. If the sound post needs to be removed or replaced, a qualified technician may be required to ensure the procedure is done correctly without damaging the guitar.
Overall, the decision to glue or not glue the sound post in an archtop guitar involves weighing the benefits of enhanced sound and stability against the potential challenges of future adjustments or repairs. While some guitar owners prefer the security and sound improvements of a glued sound post, others may opt for a removable option for more flexibility.
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They are not expected to have the same function as in a violin
Archtop guitars can have sound posts, and some guitar manufacturers have used small violin-style sound posts for years on a variety of their laminated electric archtop guitars. However, the sound post in a guitar is not expected to have the same function as in a violin.
The sound post in a violin is crucial to the sound and support of the instrument. It is a structural element that helps transfer sound from the top plate to the back plate, altering the tone of the violin by changing the vibrational modes of the plates. The sound post holds up the top plate of the violin and supports the treble foot of the bridge, allowing the whole instrument to vibrate and make a sound, rather than just the top. The sound post also enhances the bass response, allowing violins to have a low G string that hardly produces any sound without the post.
In contrast, the sound post in a guitar is typically used to suppress feedback and attack resonant peaks. The sound post can reduce the response of the top and its sensitivity to sound in the room, helping to prevent the guitar from picking up and amplifying unwanted sounds. While the sound post in a violin enhances the sound of the instrument, the sound post in a guitar can actually deaden the acoustic sound, making it thinner or "pinched".
The violin and the guitar are fundamentally different instruments, and the problems they face are different, requiring different solutions. The sound post in a violin is essential to its function and sound, while the sound post in a guitar is an optional addition that can be used to address specific issues such as feedback. As such, the sound post in a guitar is not expected to have the same function or importance as the sound post in a violin.
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They can be placed directly under the foot of the bridge
The placement of sound posts in archtop guitars is a subject of much discussion and experimentation among guitar enthusiasts and luthiers alike. While some argue that soundposts in guitars serve a different purpose than those in violins, it is generally understood that they are primarily used to suppress feedback and attack resonant peaks.
When it comes to the placement of sound posts, directly under the foot of the bridge is a common location. This position is thought to provide better control over resonant peaks and enhance the overall sound of the guitar. Some guitarists have even experimented with placing the sound post under a specific string, such as the G-string, to achieve a particular sound.
One guitarist shared their experience with a Guild X-170, which featured a sound post the width of the bridge and placed directly under it. They observed that the acoustic sound was thin, but when plugged in, the guitar produced great sound with minimal feedback issues. Another guitarist with a similar setup noted that while the acoustic sound was diminished, the electric sound was still impressive, and the feedback suppression made the guitar a more practical instrument.
The placement of the sound post under the bridge foot also eliminates any dead spots on the fingerboard, providing a consistent playing experience. Additionally, some luthiers and manufacturers prefer to glue the sound post in place, ensuring it stays secure. However, this can make future adjustments or repairs more challenging, especially when compared to instruments like cellos and double basses, where the soundpost is never glued and can be adjusted by removing the strings.
While placing the sound post directly under the bridge is a popular choice, there are other options as well. Some guitarists have experimented with placing it an inch behind the bridge, towards the tailpiece. Ultimately, the placement of the sound post is a matter of personal preference and the desired sound, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, archtop guitars can have sound posts. Some manufacturers place them under the bridge, while others place them an inch behind the bridge. Sound posts are typically glued in place.
The purpose of a sound post is to help convert 'side to side' vibration of the bowed string into 'up and down' force on the top of the instrument. This enhances the bass response and improves the overall tone.
No, not all guitars have sound posts. Classical guitars, for example, typically do not have sound posts.
