acoustic semi acoustic does not equal electric

if you look back at previous entries, I have never doubted this

but what is being said by this designer - needs to be said

maybe there are three variables that come into play

the solid body electric guitar

the acoustic guitar

the semi-acoustic guitar

these are three designs that are miles apart

maybe read this and you will get a great insight into an aspect of this.

click here

I am going out on a limb here

they are TOTALLY different

hence the variables

but thank the invisible man in the sky we have those variables

I looked at the obvious new thing because that is my want

Daniel Brauchli Guitars

my initial interest was a new approach to an Ashbory bass.

minimal but brilliant

then upon further inspection, looking at other instruments, I saw designs that were subtle, but effective. or amazing

based on the earlier link, have a look at a very interesting case for the defense

go to EVERY page on this site

you will be a better person for it.

click here

there is a great tale of evolution.

Daniel is his own animal.

based on the most interesting animal you can imagine

no need to beware of Mr Baker!

now I hate saying this because aspects of what this designer does is far from "traditional".

here's a quiz - find the guitar that has a cutaway but does not look like a cutaway.

look at the gallery

look at the blog

look at Pinterest.

there are things I have never seen before

so what, or even who I am talking about?

Victor Baker Guitars

and a focus on a few fine instruments

ergonomic with a j custom bridge

 

plus an insert that change the density of the guitar

I literally have no idea behind the concept of the 9 volt battery - but I can use my imagination.

look at the neck join

then there is this

ergonomic and minimal

 Steinberger gear less tuners

look at the back

 look at the placement of the output

 look at the binding!

that is awesome!

plus there is a blog on a prototype

looks like a Rickenbacker on steroids.

so here is the challenge

gallery


blog

Pinterest.

find the specific question and find A LOT of amazing design.

take a whole heap of time to look around

the subtle will astound you

click here 

the shock of the new - from over four decades ago

I remember seeing an ad in guitar player many years ago.

it was like aliens from outer space had landed and delivered the instrument of the future

the Gittler Guitar

then I saw the Police music video some time in the 80's and Andy Summers playing the axe from outer space.

I told my former guitar teacher that Andy was playing a Gittler guitar and he looked at me like I had lost my mind. he said it was a prop.

it wasn't until I got on the internet and found the picture of the instrument in the Smithsonian - still shrouded in mystery. 

then, some time later came a website paying tribute to  the inventor Avraham Bar Rashi, formerly  Allan Gittler. finally I have the whole story, and what an amazing story it was!

musician, inventor, film maker and of course designer of one of the most amazing guitars I have ever seen. 

then 2 years ago came the news that Gittler was back. and the design had been enhanced in so many ways.

built of titanium instead of aluminum
13 pin output for synth access
the LED fret markers are inspired

the strap holder looks egonomic

there is a breakout box that powers the LEDs, synth and guitar outputs

and the Gittler guard for those who miss a "neck"

this is a mere introduction to the Gittler Instruments story. for more information, go to the link below

click here

where are you going?

the eternal dilemma and jealous views from other guitarists

why can't I take my guitar on a plane?

then along comes an awesome instrument that is the very best of new guitar design

and it is carbon fiber

Journey Instruments 

Carbon Fiber – OF660

the idea of having the sound hole in the upper bout is so logical

the curve of the rear upper half of the body  looks comfortable but that is not the only ergonomic inclusion.

neck detached and ready to be packed away.

the  cutaway of the upper heel is an idea long overdue and has been included on a few recent posts.

all packed away and ready to travel

 look at the angle of the upper half of the body. another fine example of comfort in design

 the cutaway is a scoop for upper access to the frets

this is just one of many fine guitars from Journey Instruments 

go to the link below and look around. the travel guitars are fantastic

click here

this may require a couple of posts

I have been thinking about this designer for some time 

how to honor what is presented in front of you?

Michihiro Matsuda talks about "base" model guitars

but they are by no means standard

let's have a look at a few of them.

Matsuda acoustic guitars

 cutaway. nothing much to look at here. but upon closer inspection,

look at the shape of the body. something different here.

now we have this. really amazing cutaway. plus there is something interesting about the strap holder on the neck join.

then the flamenco model. traditional tuners but the unique cutaway and the strap holder looks like it is designed for a specific purpose.

then there is the parlor guitar. extra sound hole. look at the headstock. 

Is a headstock ergonomic? It is now.

the next installment will be soon

in the meantime

go have a look at Matsuda Guitars

click here 

where did this come from?

now I hate using the word traditional because if you look at ALL of the guitars and ALL of the designs, a lot of subtle features are inspired

but something caught my eye

for the regulars, and I can hear you groaning now...

carbon fiber!

have I told you that I love carbon fiber?

this comes like a bolt out of the blue

 Letain Guitars

Zebraletric

look at the curves on the back. ergonomics on steroids! I love it!

Jeff from Letain sent me the specs

Old growth red cedar unibody core

Carbon fiber clad back neck & sides

Zebra-wood top

Sperzel locking tuners

Floyd Rose tremolo bridge

Letain signature mother of pearl signature inlay fret markers

Seymour Duncan P-90 pickups

1 3/4 " bone nut

25" scale

Ebony Fret board

Les Paul electric set up

 I know I am showing my bias, but go have a look at Letain Instruments website. There are a lot of great designs.

besides carbon fiber

click here

GUS update

 from the GUS man himself - Simon

 

Just as a bit of extra info, I mostly use Graphtech Piezos and circuitry now for the midi guitars (images attached) as I prefer the way their saddles integrate into me bridge design...little black graphite encased pickups that look very neat as well as sounding sweet.

 

 

 

and another excuse to look at a damn fine guitar

don't think this is the only information

plenty of amazing images and information at the link below

click here