'Modified' guitars
Hi
Could someone clarify what a 'modified' model of guitar means please? The term seems in fashion at the moment and I would like to understand the implications. Thanks :) |
You've doubtless heard it in the context of the Modified Dreadnought which is a design by Ervin Somogyi which took the Martin D as a start point and modified it as the name suggests into an instrument more suitable for the seated solo fingerstyle player. The main changes are:
Tone Response Ergonomics not necessarily in that order. Until recently I hadn't seen it in any other context. Now it looks like it might be creeping into use for other guitars... But yeah, that's how it started. The first Mod-D (built for Daniel Hecht) at the launch of Somogyi's books in Montreal http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...90703_8363.jpg http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...703_8364-1.jpg The Andamento II a non-cutaway Mod-D in Maple http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...2010/mike1.jpg A Mod-D by Jason Kostal http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...28at102932.png Hope that helps |
michael beat me to it! :)
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Thanks Michael and Eric for clarifying that - I had an idea of where it originated with the Somogyi Dreadnought size guitar. I saw a modified SJ thread on this forum (a beautiful guitar as well) and it would appear the term is spreading.
So, if it runs it's course, any guitar based on a Martin model but modified somehow could be named a 'modified OM' or a 'modified 000' etc. :confused: :) |
'Modified' guitars
I suppose so... The term Modified Dreadnought was coined by Ervin in the late 70's. As with a lot of the terminology he uses (think responsive) it has become something of a buzz-word in the lutherie scene. Essentially the Mod-D was a new design (albeit based on an older one) to serve a new purpose. What a "modified"SJ, OM or anything else brings to the table that the original design couldn't do is anybody's guess... I suspect use of the term outside of this very niche context to be little more than marketing...
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'Modified' guitars
Mmmmmm modified....
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Steve |
I just think of it as "custom". Taylor will let you "modify a model" in which case they will make some changes to an existing model, and there is some line that keeps it from being a BTO (build to order). Apparently it is when it is close to an existing model, maybe with a borrowed subset of specs, hence "modified" dread.
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It's just branding/marketing -- and apparently good branding since it has become a household name.
Just about every guitar on the market nowadays could be considered "modified" from last century's designs. |
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My understanding is that other than the sonic differences, Somogyi wanted to create a dreadnaught with a slightly more defined waist, while retaining the same interior volume, so that it would more comfortable to play in the seated position. He also wanted a larger nut spacing than the typical dreadnaught to accomodate fingerstyle playing...
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The Modified dreadnought design changed my life as a player and I am confident in saying that I doubt I'll ever have another style of guitar as my main concert instrument. |
BTW Phil, if you'd like to try a Kostal Mod-D at any point I'd be delighted to make that happen.
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