#1
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Guitar size
Hi,
I have built a mold for my new guitar-project. I want to build an average-sized acoustic guitar. I have made the mold from a model-000-plan, but i found out that this model-000 is a pretty small guitar compared to my others. The widest point is 36 cm. Isn't that a small guitar? What size do you normally use, and what are the models called? |
#2
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That's 00. Should be a couple cm wider for 000. So yes, fairly small for a steel string, but about the size of a typical classical. And parlors are down in the 32-33cm range, so it's certainly not the smallest that will work.
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#3
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Hmmm im 100% sure its a 000, cause it says on the plan that its a 000. Really strange.
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#4
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Strange indeed. 000's are ~39cm across the lower bout, 00's are about 36cm.
Don't panic though. Most guitars are too big for their own good. A well designed and built 00 is a wonderful guitar. |
#5
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Could be a tpyo on the plans.
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#6
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Most of the guitars I build are smaller than a 00.... So for me - that's a "Larger" size . Since you already have the mold and plans - I say build it! One advantage is cheaper tonewood because of the smaller size. You can get some really nice wood at good prices because there isn't as much demand.
My recommendation for getting small guitars to sound good is to build so that your top and bracing are on the thin end of the plan - not middle and especially not thick side UNLESS you are aiming for a very trebley guitar... Which may be what you want if you are after a guitar that really cuts through.. But may sound pretty boxy and lack bass. I would probably stop sanding when the top is around 2.5-2.6mm rather than the usual 2.8 or 2.9mm thickness. Bracing would start no taller than 12mm except for the UTB - which I might go up to 19mm. I also give these less top radius - say flat or 50' radius instead of 25 or 28' radius for bigger guitars. Thick sides can benefit these guitars. And you probably want to build for a live back. Thanks. |
#7
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Which means there could be worse typo's, not unusual.
But interesting point... I wonder what the average guitar size actually is? |
#8
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000 guitars are 15" lower bout which equates to 38.1 cm
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#9
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Quote:
The plan may not be printed exactly to scale |
#10
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In terms of pure body count, the dreadnought is by far the most common guitar size. Everybody and his dog makes them by the millions....
There was a time a century ago when a 00 was considered a BIG guitar. Parlor guitars started out for, umm, playing at home in parlors and living rooms. Then came the concert (00) size, then the auditorium (000) size, and finally the Dreadnought size, named after the largest British battleship of the day - the HMS Dreadnought. Smaller guitars are making a comeback lately though. Another way to take your question is, "what are the average dimensions of each common body size?" There is variation, as each manufacturer makes their own molds. For example, a Taylor GA is nominally 000 size and shape, but not exactly the same as a Martin OM or 000. Ditto for the Taylor GC and the Martin 00 size, etc. |
#11
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In my world a 000 is a big guitar and a dreadnaught is the size of a, what's the right word? Oh yeah, battleship.
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Bill Guitars: 1910's Larson/Stetson 1 size guitar 1920 Martin 1-28 1987 Martin Schoenberg Soloist 2006 Froggy Bottom H-12 Deluxe 2016 Froggy Bottom L Deluxe 2021 Blazer and Henkes 000-18 H 2015 Rainsong P12 2017 Probett Rocket III 2006 Sadowsky Semi Hollow 1993 Fender Stratocaster Bass: 1993 Sadowsky NYC 5 String Mandolin: Weber Bitterroot |
#12
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I would double check the plan as has been mentioned. I am currently rebuilding a top on a Taylor GS Mini, and there have been numerous discrepancies from measurements of the old top, and what it says on the plan. Also, some of the photos of a generic Taylor GS Mini being built are different than what the plan shows. Luckily, I am working with a guy who has already built 6 guitars. Good luck.
Clifford
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Recording King RD-318 Bedell TBAC-28-SB Jeff "Skunk" Baxter |