Article: The World of Acoustic Guitar
by Kathy Unruh
The steel-stringed acoustic guitar is usually credited with being
developed by C.F. Martin and Company sometime during the 1830s. Although
other "gut-stringed" acoustics were around at that time,
it was the Martin Company that introduced the idea of cross-bracing
underneath the soundboard which enabled the guitar to support the heavier
steel strings.
Because there is approximately 160 lbs. of tension created
by the use of steel strings, they should never be put on a classic
guitar, for it is not strong enough to carry them. But thanks in
part to C.F. Martin's new design, the use of steel strings on the acoustic
guitar became fairly common by the end of the 1800s, and by the 1930s
it became a standardized component.
The acoustic steel-stringed guitar is commonly referred to as a "dreadnaught",
possibly after a British battleship by that name, which was the first
of it's type to use heavy armor and large-caliber guns in turrets.
The addition of steel-strings to the acoustic guitar produced a brighter
sound and created more versatility than was possible with the previous
gut-stringed instruments. A wide range of tone and color can be achieved
on the steel-stringed acoustic guitar which can either be strummed
or picked with the fingers. This makes it one of the most popular choices
among guitarists of such diverse styles as blues, jazz, fingerstlye,
bluesgrass, folk, rock and more.
When creating such a guitar, a luthier's (someone who builds guitars)
primary objective will be to achieve a rich quality of sound. The types
of wood used will have a great effect on the tone and volume of the
instrument, as well as it's overall appearance and aesthetic value.
Traditionally spruce (or sometimes western red cedar) are used for
the face of the guitar. Mahagony is used for the neck, and ebony or
rosewood for the fretboard. Rosewood, mahagony or maple, have historically
been the woods most commonly used for the back and sides. There are
some variations, of course, but most factory-made acoustic guitars
use the same recipe.
During the 1960s, the Kaman Company broke with tradition by introducing
The Ovation; an inovative acoustic guitar designed with a round back
that is made of synthetic materials instead of wood. All Ovation guitars
feature an adjustable steel tension rod in the neck. The tension rod
serves two purposes. First of all, it counterbalances string tension,
giving the neck addiional strengh. Secondly, it permits adjustment
of the neck should changes in humidity, string tension, or string guage
cause the neck to warp or bow. I personally own an Ovation Legend Elite
12-string acoustic-electric. The guitar is beautiful in appearance
and features 22 sound holes which are enclosed by a leaf design made
of walnut and padauk. It has a wonderful sound either acoustically
or amplified and is extremely easy to play. My own belief is that Kaman/Ovation
makes one of the finest 12-string acoustic guitars money can buy.
Now if you're looking for a 6-stringed acoustic guitar that will bring
you years of playing enjoyment, you might want to consider a Martin.
There are several models to choose from, so you're bound to find a
quality instrument at a price you can afford. On the other hand, if
you are looking for a durable and beautiful 12-stringed acoustic guitar,
then Ovation might be the way to go. You can rest assured that, either
way, these companies stand behind their products 100% in order to guarantee
your satisfaction and peace of mind. And that is worth a whole lot
in my book.
Note: All songs/lessons heard at Just Acoustic are performed
on either a Jay Turser or Ovation Celebrity, with our newly added
nylon Ibanez six-string.
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