Question: I’ve heard that the worst a guitar will ever sound is the day you take it home. This is due to the fact that, as a guitar ages, the wood hardens, giving it a better tonal quality over the years. Is this true, or just a myth? — Randy B., CPA, CVA

Answer: The part about sounding better with time is true, Randy. The part about why is anyone’s guess. I haven’t found a clear-cut reason. Some say that they have to be played, but I’ve found evidence to the contrary. Some say they have to dry, but who knows?  I have a guitar that just sat out in my house for 15 years and got very little play, but it did breathe with humidity changes. After 10 years of that it became an entirely new and better guitar. Who knows why? But it’s totally true that the first day is the “worst” day.