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Ripton said
@JohnG @Mouse @wtw I'm wondering if it could be my strings. I tend to only change them when one breaks. I am going to start a new thread with some open strings. It actually sounds OK. When I play I hear Mozart in my ears. When I listen to my recording I hear dying cats. hmmm. 

Fresh strings definitely revive the projection of an instrument with older strings. I'm always pleasantly surprised after changing my strings of how much clearer the sound tends to be. Of course that doesn't necessarily mean that you would hear a difference after a short period of playing. I think 6 months is a good time to evaluate the condition of your strings. It all depends on the climate (humidity) and amount of wear (playing time).