#1
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'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
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Regards Phil Taylor 'Rivers and Trees' - April 2021. https://philiptaylor1.bandcamp.com/a...vers-and-trees YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNx...0XtP04PcL8HN4Q |
#2
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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 The Andamento II a non-cutaway Mod-D in Maple A Mod-D by Jason Kostal Hope that helps
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#3
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michael beat me to it!
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Eric Omega Braz MJ, 2011 Omega MJ Braz Baritone Ryan Cathedral ABW/Bosnian Build thread: 2011 Kostal Mod D Brazilian/German Build thread: 2019 Kostal MDW Brazilian/German Build thread:2019 Bigfoot Mod D |
#4
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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.
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Regards Phil Taylor 'Rivers and Trees' - April 2021. https://philiptaylor1.bandcamp.com/a...vers-and-trees YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNx...0XtP04PcL8HN4Q |
#5
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'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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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#6
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It's a sexy word, I suppose.
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#7
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'Modified' guitars
Mmmmmm modified....
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#8
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Quote:
Steve
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Still crazy after all these years. Last edited by El Conquistador; 06-04-2013 at 10:40 AM. |
#9
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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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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!) |
#10
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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. |
#11
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I would tend to agree... Ervin used it as a simple way to let people know it wasn't a typical Martin copy and because of his success and many of his students using it it has become a buzz word. My very first guitar back in 1980 was a modified dread... I never called it that until recently because it seems that like Jim's popularization of the term "SJ" (originally a Gibson designation I believe) it adds value in many customers minds. If you say dreadnought it's a working man's tool if you say Modified D it's a high quality fingerstyle guitar. You can buy what the market considers the best dreadnought for under $2000.00 (Martin) but the best Modified D will cost you $30K. Selling guitars often comes down to using the right words
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Harvey Leach |
#12
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And some really, really, really nice inlays!!
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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!) |
#13
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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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#14
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Quote:
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.
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#15
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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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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |