Guitar Shape Poll

[GeorgeHeatley]

I have built some instruments now, I want to work on design so i've started to try and design my OM style model.

At the moment I'm struggling to decide on a shape, I've narrowed the options down to three from quite a lot although I may try some more.

I'm after your opinions so if you could vote that would be sweet.

Number 1.
Modern style with a wider lower bout than a standard OM, very tight waist, sloped shoulders.


Number 2.
Slightly more traditional with a wider lower bout than standard, very tight waist, square shoulders with wider and tighter upper bout.


Number 3.
Wider lower and upper bout with a slightly tighter waist, very traditional but not far from original.


I'm after a model that can look very modern or traditionally decorated depending on request.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks, George

[Brackett Instruments]

Pick the shape that fits a standard case.

[GeorgeHeatley]

Good shout! Didn't even think about that.

[dmoss74]

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

[Black Beauty]

What... I voted two thinking it'd be winning by a landslide then the results came up...

[GeorgeHeatley]

Any particular reason for your choice?

[Black Beauty]

Originally Posted by GeorgeHeatley

Any particular reason for your choice?

Purely aesthetics. I like the hourglass shape, makes a guitar look classy, especially if you spray half of it (sort of like a half done sunburst). Looking forward to seeing what you end up with!

[arie]

probably #1. it looks like a kolaya.

[GeorgeHeatley]

Most people seem to be heading for the first.

Just wondering if anyone else is willing to share the reasons for why they chose a particular one?

thanks

[Bax Burgess]

2 or 3 - they just look more comfortable to set on a leg. Don't know if they are, but since I don't have a guitar in the first shape, I'd have to try it before taking a chance on an internet purchase.

[arie]

Originally Posted by GeorgeHeatley

Most people seem to be heading for the first.

Just wondering if anyone else is willing to share the reasons for why they chose a particular one?

thanks

for me it's because it doesn't look like a typical martin or a taylor. btw a guitar is much more the look of it's top -it's the whole instrument that counts.

[GeorgeHeatley]

Originally Posted by arie

for me it's because it doesn't look like a typical martin or a taylor. btw a guitar is much more the look of it's top -it's the whole instrument that counts.

I think thats why I'm slightly leaning away from number 3, I like it a lot and although slightly different to a standard OM, it may not be different enough to the point where I may as well make the original?

I agree that there is much more to an instrument that counts, however all the little things together can make an instrument truly special, at least to me they do haha

[Very Slow Hand]

I voted 3. because it looks like both my Martin OM1 and recording King RO... ie. traditional.

[jlwoodall]

I like 3 because it just looks "smooth".

[ChuckS]

Since you want a single shape that can be appointed to look traditional or modern I'd say #3. If the overall shape is too modern I don't think appointments can make it traditional looking.

I'd also suggest staying pretty close to the traditional 15" lower bout.