ToneRite

What is the ToneRite®?

ToneRiteCello The ToneRite^® is the world's premier automatic play-in device for acoustic instruments such as the guitar, violin, mandolin, viola, cello and double bass.

The play-in process is a scientific phenomenon that the quality and volume of sound from an acoustic system increases with consistent stimulation. The ToneRite^® works by efficiently and safely transferring energy into an instrument that allows the instrument to resonate freely thereby increasing its volume, tone, balance and playability. The secret behind the ToneRite^® is that a small high-g vibration can silently and for long periods of time excite the body of an instrument to de-dampen and allow the instrument to resonate as a whole.

The ToneRite^® is not a permanent addition to your instrument and is completely removed before playing.

How does the ToneRite® attach to an instrument?

For the Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass the ToneRite^® attaches directly to the bridge of the instrument. The ToneRite^® has been designed with the safety of your instrument in mind and does not come into contact with any of the varnish. The soft material that comprises the external body of the ToneRite^® also will cause no damge to the bridge of the instruement and allows for maximum energy transfer. The attachement procedure is shown in the following illustration.

ViolinInstallatioinIllustration

Attachment procedure for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass ToneRite^®

For the guitar and mandolin the ToneRite^® attaches to the strings of the instrument and is placed so it comes into contact with the bridge. Again, the ToneRite^® does not contact any of the varnish of the instrument and is completely safe to use for long periods of time.

GuitarInstallationIllustration

Attachment procedure for the Guitar and Mandolin ToneRite^®

How does the ToneRite® work?

In a general sense the ToneRite^® works by releasing the inherent stress in a system via de-dampening. Fine acoustic instruments are built from many pieces of wood and material being glued and bound together. This system naturally has tension built into it and over time this tension natrually gets worse (entropy). Luckily, by playing an instrument we naturally relieve some of this tension and our instruments start to resonate more causing increased volume, tone, balance and playability.

Our research and development is based on two questions that govern the play-in process.

First, is what energy needs to be transfered to an instrument to successfully play it in? The ToneRite^® uses a specific set of frequencies that we have found to be successful in acoustic instruments. To generate this energy the ToneRite^® simply needs to be plugged into the wall. There are no buttons or fuss, it's simple.

Second, is how can that energy be efficiently transferred such that the smallest amount off loss occurs via sound and heat? The ToneRite® has been specifically designed from the ground up with efficiency and safety in mind. The material used is extremely good at transferring energy and insulating heat. By using proper advanced mechanical engineering the ToneRite® feet have been designed for maximum efficiency. The result is safe, quiet, and efficient vibrational energy transfer.

How long should the ToneRite be used initially?

Our research shows that at a minimum the ToneRite^® should be used for at least 72 hours on full power for an initial treatment.

Most users have found that two or three treatments of 72 hours provides the optimal results for attaining their instruments top potential. After these initial treatments using the ToneRite^® a few times a week and for about an hour before you play will provide excellent results as far as maintaining your instruments tone. The ToneRite^® is completely safe to use whenever you are not playing your instrument and for the best results many players choose to leave the ToneRite^® on whenever they are not playing their instrument.

How loud is the ToneRite®?

The ToneRite^® is nearly silent. You can easily sit a few feet from your instrument and not hear the ToneRite® at all. Many of our users are surprised at how quiet the ToneRite^® is. Sound and heat are signs of inefficiencies in the system and should be avoided. Naturally, the ToneRite® is significantly more effective then sound producing systems.

What is the Power Control Slider?

The Power Control Slider is used to adjust the intensity of the vibrations created by the ToneRite^®. By adjusting the slider the intensities and range of the frequencies created by the ToneRite are changed. This is useful for quite a few reasons.

The change in amplitude of the Power Control Slider changes the results of the ToneRite^®. Based on our customer and luthier reviews the lower settings on the ToneRite® bring out a sweeter tone while the higher powers bring out a more powerful tone.
By lowering the Power Control Slider you can achieve a completely silent play-in solution. While the ToneRite^® is at its highest power setting it is barely audible. If you lower the power control slider the ToneRite^® becomes completely inaudible.
Different power levels are ideal for different stuations. For breaking in a new instrument or an initial treatment with the ToneRite^® a high power setting for 72-144 hours is desirable. This allows the instrument to become very near to completely de-damped. After this period the lower power settings are very convienient and effective for maintenance. By using these two powers correctly your instrument can be in its best state and ready to play at a moments notice.

PowerSwitch

Using the Power Control Slider

Is there a difference between the 'play-in' and 'aging' process in instruments?

Absolutely. One of the biggest misconceptions that we run across is that the ToneRite is artificically 'aging' the wood in an instrument. It is not.

The play-in process and the aging process are two distinct processes that both involve their own physical systems. To put this clearly....

The Play-In Process: The Play-In process involves the individual components of a guitar learning to resonate as a whole instead of destructively against one another. This process occurs due to vibrational energy that is transfered to the instrument effectively de-damping it. The result of this process is added volume, resonance, dynamic range, playability, etc.
The Aging Process: While not very well understood, the aging process in acoustic instruments is hypothisized to do with the structure and materials of the individual components of an instrument. Whether it is the crystalline structure of wood, the loss of glue material, or anything else the aging process is separate from the play-in process. Also, aging on it's own will not produce a good sounding instrument. An instrument left fallow for sa period of time without being played will produce a closed and stiff sounding instrument.

I live outside the U.S.A. and do not use 110V/60Hz power, can I still use the ToneRite®?

Yes. For cutsomers that live outside of the United States we offer a worldwide power adapter for $15USD. This power transformer converts from 220V/50Hz and includes 5 adapter that can be used in a variety of countries around the world. The converter is a Seven Star SS-1650.

We provide these as a service to our customers and they are the same model that can be found elsewhere. ToneRite® does not manufacture these but we do have excellent experience with the power transformers. If you already have an international power converter the chances are that you can use it without purchasing the adapter from us. The ToneRite® draws only about three watts of power so please verify your converter works at this wattage.

To order the power transformer from us please just select the 'Power Adapter' option upon your product selection. This process is pretty straightforward but if you have any issues please do not hesitate to contact us to help you place your order.