Xref: utzoo sci.electronics:2254 rec.music.synth:2583
Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!mfci!root
From: root@mfci.UUCP (SuperUser)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics,rec.music.synth
Subject: Re: guitar audio signals
Message-ID: <285@m2.mfci.UUCP>
Date: 18 Feb 88 18:54:08 GMT
References: <502@m10ux.UUCP> <148@Giraf.dde.uucp>
Reply-To: colwell@m3.UUCP (Robert Colwell)
Organization: Multiflow Computer Inc., Branford Ct. 06405
Lines: 21

I believe that the problem with playing guitars through stereos is
that stereos are designed to handle pre-recorded music, which means
that the dynamic range is (by definition) limited.  (Somewhere along
the way, the music went through some compression.)  The power
handling capability of the amplifier, and especially the speakers,
is defined on that compressed source.

Guitars put out a much wider range, both in peak-to-peak voltage, and
in harmonics, particularly the 2nd and higher ones.  This combines to
beat up your midranges and tweeters much more than they are used to.
To wit:  you may be playing very nicely, but catch your pick on a
string and kiss your tweeter goodbye.  Pre-recorded music tends not
to do this.

Besides, you don't want clean amplification for an electric guitar.
That warm fuzzy jazz sound typically needs some 2nd harm. distortion.

Bob Colwell            mfci!colwell@uunet.uucp
Multiflow Computer
175 N. Main St.
Branford, CT 06405     203-488-6090