That Gizmo That Opens Up Your Guitar's Top

[nodepression]

A guy at work told me there is some gadget that you put on your acoustic and it makes the strings vibrate, the purpose being to open up the top.

Is there such an animal or is he pulling my leg ?

 

[Wheels]

I think they may have been talking about this:

"TONERITE PLAY-IN ENHANCER FOR GUITAR"

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/TRGTR.htm

 

[nodepression]

I think they may have been talking about this:

"TONERITE PLAY-IN ENHANCER FOR GUITAR"

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/TRGTR.htm

Thanks, that's got to be it.

 

[Cybercat]

I have one those, and also one of these... http://prime-vibe.com/

Both work well, but with both you will need to "re-do" things after a while as some of the effects seem to begin wearing off to a certain extent after the "treatment' is finished, particularly if the guitar is left unplayed.

There are differences between the two that you should be aware of before considering a purchase.

I still like & use both, but generally use the Primevibe more often, as the Tone-Rite can completely ruin a set of strings in just a few days or so, and the whole purpose of the Tone-Rite is to use it for extended periods (at least 144 hours - 6 days- at a time, & double that is recommended) for each 'treatment". Therefore I only use it now on older, worn out strings, just before a complete string change.

The results are more noticeable on on newer, or seldom played instruments. However, my 2006 Gibson 'Roy Smeck' Stage Deluxe reissue also opened up & lost its original 'stiffness' with a couple of thousand hours of Tone-Rite over a few months. Bit like breaking in a pair of stiff new shoes.

On the plus side, the Tone-rite can be used when the guitar is hanging from a wall-hanger, keeping it safely up and out of the way for a week or so as it undergoes the "treatment". Great if you have kids &/or pets running around.

The Primevibe, on the other hand, can only be used with the guitar laying completely flat on its back (otherwise the transducers that play music through it from your iPod/mp3 player will slide off), so I only use it for shorter sessions – 10 to 12 hours or so – with it laying on my bed or on the sofa (Hong Kong flats are incredibly small). Here it is on my Gibson acoustic : -



It's rather intriguing hearing your guitar become a speaker for your iPod music via the Primevibe, whereas the Tone-Rite just hums or buzzes (& can buzz quite loudly too, if you don't get it seated on the strings just right).

Both are great, both have stood up well over the 2 years (PV) & 3 years (TR) that I've had them, & I wouldn't sell either.

Hope that's been useful - good luck!

 

[pedalcr8z]

TRY YOUR FINGERS!..............much more fun

 

[rowdyyates]

TRY YOUR FINGERS!..............much more fun

Great advice, but ....... last time I tried to play for 144 hours straight I didn't make it

I like the Tonerite. I have one and it has made a difference on every guitar I have put it on. Some very minor, but a on a couple it made a big difference (older guitars that hadn't been played in a long time).

I will kill your strrings as noted earlier, but so would 144 hours of playing.

 

[pedalcr8z]

Great advice, but ....... last time I tried to play for 144 hours straight I didn't make it

I like the Tonerite. I have one and it has made a difference on every guitar I have put it on. Some very minor, but a on a couple it made a big difference (older guitars that hadn't been played in a long time).

I will kill your strrings as noted earlier, but so would 144 hours of playing.

What's the big deal, that's only 6 days straight!

 

[nodepression]

Thanks for the reviews. I've got to let it simmer though.

That TR is pricey.

 

[RockinB23]

They really do work, guys like Bob Benedetto, and a lot of other builders are using them. Dealers like Eric Schoenberg are using them in shop as well. I put one that I borrow on a brand spanking new acoustic, I used it for 3 days straight and it made a noticeable difference.

 

[gawfshot]

50% off tomorrow (Monday)
Coupon code VASTR or email [email protected] to place your order
(no affiliation- just passing on a deal)

 

[VigilAndy]

50% off tomorrow (Monday)
Coupon code VASTR or email [email protected] to place your order
(no affiliation- just passing on a deal)

That's a great deal Gawfshot. Seems like I'm a day late and a few dollars short. I got a Tonerite a month ago to open up a new CB Herringbone. I cooked it for 4 days and it really did open it up. More balanced across all the strings with a bettter high end response. There's a lot of information on this gizmo on the Acoustic Guitar and Collings Forums, including some detailed user surveys. Like rowdyyates said, the consensus seems to be they make a big difference on some guitars and not so much on others.

 

[jaimo]

Tone Rite. I own two.

The results will depend on the woods, especially the top, you have. I have a spruce top acoustic that needs to be woken up now and then. 10 minutes on and I'm good to play. Helps if I don't have an hour to get it warmed up.

Have used it on my mandolin occasionally, as well.

Some think it's snake oil. To be sure, results can and will vary dramatically with certain guitars. Can't know until you try. I thought the same at first until I tried it. I was wrong.

Unnecessary for guitars that have been played for years. Results negligible.