Although early origins of the
guitar are a bit hazy, clay plaques from Babylonia,
dating 1850 B.C., show human figures playing instruments
resembling the guitar. Through the ages, guitars with
three, four, and five strings were in use. By the 15th
century, guitars similar to lutes became popular. By
the 18th century, the addition of a sixth string brought
the guitar to a prominent position in Italy. As traveling
musicians carried their instruments throughout Europe,
exposure to the guitar and compositions for the guitar
became increasingly available.
Antonio de Torres of Spain developed the modern day
form of the Spanish guitar during the 19th century.
A broad body, accentuated waist curve, and a thinned
belly were some striking physical changes that were
made. Along with improved internal bracing, six strings,
and machined tuning heads to replace the wooden tuning
pegs, the modern day six-string, has remained fairly
constant from this reworking of previous design evolution.
The principle change made to the acoustic guitar since
the Torres era was the use of steel strings, replacing
the gut strings of the classical. Steel stringed guitars
were developed to increase volume. Along with the use
of a plectrum, or pick on steel strings, the player
could greatly increase volume. Because of the extra
tension steel strings put on the wood, the addition
of reinforcement at the bridge area, as well as at the
attach point of the neck was necessary. The use of a
metal truss rod running the inside length of the neck
is also common on the steel string guitar.
It was found that a variety of woods used in the construction
of the guitar, whether steel or nylon strung, have an
affect on sound. Some of the higher quality woods: rosewood,
spruce, mahogany, and maple have earned the term "tone
woods" when referring to guitar construction. Solid
woods will have a tone much richer sounding than a composite
wood. Some manufacturers will use a variety of composite
woods for the back and sides, (holding down the cost),
but use a solid wood for the top to enhance the tone
of the guitar.
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of sizes. The most
popular of the steel string guitars would have to be
the Dreadnought. It is a large size body which produces
a well rounded sound with great volume whether strumming
or finger picking. This size and style is suited well
to bluegrass flat picking, country, folk, and blues.
Larger still is the jumbo body. Gibson models J-180,
J-185, and J-200 are classic examples of the large western
body styles. These "jumbos" project sound
volumes greater than most other steel string guitars.
They have been the choice, in the studio and on stage,
of artists like the Everly Brothers, Emmy Lou Harris,
Elvis Presley, and Pete Townshend. Gibson has produced
artist models for all of these famous players. Dreadnoughts
and jumbos can also be had in 12 string and bass versions
from most makers.
Moving down in size brings us to the OM, or orchestra
model. Still strong on volume, these do have a thinner
body, while still maintaining a 14 fret fingerboard.
Some manufacturers also offer a 12 fret version. Tones
will be slightly higher on this one as well as the 00
and 000 models produced by most makers. Sound will vary
depending on the size, shape, and thickness of the body,
internal bracing, and tone woods used.
The Spanish or (classical) style using nylon strings
is a bit smaller, not as loud, and is better suited
to being played using a finger picked technique. This
is the guitar that Andres Segovia brought to the forefront
as a concert instrument.
Smaller still would be the travel guitar. These are
not much more than a neck/fingerboard and a small body
large enough to be considered a sound chamber. These
are nice for practicing finger work when on vacation
or a business trip, but not much projection or tonal
quality. Found in steel or nylon stringed models, most
can be stowed in a suite case or duffle bag.
Only lightly touching on the most common of acoustic
body styles, please return to these pages for more on
a subject that is as varied and individual as the players
who use them.
ACOUSTIC
GUITAR 