Why does my acoustic guitar sound too bright or tinny?

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Accepted Answer

A bright or tinny acoustic can come from brand-new strings, an 80/20 bronze set on an already bright guitar, light gauges, or a thin-sounding pickup. If the guitar itself is bright, a warmer material helps: phosphor bronze (P1254) or Monel (AR1253). A slightly heavier gauge can also add low end. New strings sound their brightest in the first hours of playing and mellow from there. If the strings are new, give them some time before changing anything.If the brightness stays:On 80/20 bronze? Try phosphor bronze, which is warmer.Want warmer still? Monel pulls back the top-end shimmer and brings the fundamental forward.On a very light set? A step heavier, such as .011–.050 to .012–.054, can add body.Only sounds tinny plugged in? Check the pickup, preamp EQ and battery. That's not a string issue.Light strings and a small body tend to sound brighter than heavy strings and a dreadnought. Pick choice and picking position also shape brightness.S.I.T. options:P1254 Light in Phosphor BronzeAR1253 Light in American Roots MonelRL1254 Light in Royal Bronze

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