THE OPTIONS
The
options are either a
functional, aethetic,or both.
The common features are cutaways, electronics,
and inlays.
1.) The
Cutaway
If a guitar is said to have a
cutaway it is refering to an indent in
the upper bout, or shoulders, of the guitar that will allow a guitarist
to reach his non-strumming hand farther up the fret. Generally
the cutaway is only on the bottom side of the guitar but some brands,
such as Wechter, are famous for the double cutaway.
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No Cutaway
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Single Cutaway
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Double
Cutaway
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The Cutaway can also have an
aesthetic quality. The cutaway does
not necessarily have to be so sharp. Many guitar makers will
include a duller, rounder edge on the cutaway. Cutaways can also
be deep or shallow, and also they can curve up while others slant
downward. The shape and size of the cutaway is simply a decision
by the guitar builder and whether if they want a tradional guitar or a
moder guitar.
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2.) Electronics
There is much more information
on electronical pickups available than
provided here.
The primary goal of
electronics is simply to amplify the acoustical
sound produced by the guitar. This can be done several ways.
First is by a microphone that
is installed in the guitar's body and
hangs down directly infront of the sound hole. These are very
responsive but can be prone to feedback.
Second a tranducer microphone
can be placed on the back side of the
sound board. This will give a clear tone and will amplify
percusive strumming.
Last there is a microphone
that is a small strip. This will be
placed underneath the saddle, or the white horizontal bar on the bottom
of the guitar.
Generally there is a
combination of two of these different microphones
but never all three.
Electronics can also be
passive or active.
A passive instrument is one
that does not require a battery while an
active one does. Active instruments can also come with an onboard
pre-amp. This is the box on the side of the guitar that generally
consists of a volumne controle and an equalizer. More advanced
pre-amps include chromatic tuners and feedback control.
These options can add anywhere
from $200 to $400
To learn more check out these
websites:
www.fishman.com
and
www.lrbaggs.com
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3.)
Inlay
Inlays are purly and aethetic
addition. They can make an astounding addition to any
guitar. Generaly inlays are simple dots or dimond shapes on the
third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and twelth frets. If a guitar
builder decides to add some extra spice to his guitar though, he can
add an inlay that will run up the entire fret board. Some designs
are roses, vines, dragons, birds flying, signitures, and anything else
they could think of.
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