ACOUSTIC GUITARS

An acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only acoustic methods to project the sound produced by its strings. It is a retronym, coined after the advent of electric guitars, which depend on electronic amplification to make their sound audible.
Various shapes determine the way the soundboard vibrates. The thinner and lighter the soundboard (less mass), the louder the sound. However, there are practical limitations to how thin the soundboard can be made without breaking. Braces are used inside the guitar to provide strength and resilience. The mass and position of these braces have consequences for the range of frequencies reproduced. During the wave cycle, different regions of the soundboard may be moving in different directions, depending on the sound frequency. Different configurations of bracing and different shapes of soundboard produce different vibration patterns, giving subtle variations in the range of sounds produced.
The materials and shape of the guitar produce a complex series of damping, resonating, and phase cancelling or reinforcing effects. The range of factors determine the overall acoustic qualities or timbre of the instrument. Artisan luthiers tap potential pieces of wood to determine their acoustic resonance, but this is usually not done for mass-produced instruments. Different timber species have different tones and careful selection of timber is required when designing and making an instrument. Guitars have been made with steel soundboards and resonators, and some experiments have been conducted with novel materials including aluminium and plastics. Even the hardness or viscoelasticity of the glues and varnishes can have a dramatic effect on the sound, damping or resonating some or all frequencies. Quality instruments are made with hard glues and lacquers which have less damping on the transmission of vibrations around the structure of the instrument. Most people prefer the sound of wooden instruments, although the steel resonator guitar has found favor in some genres, like blues. Sitka spruce is traditionally the favored material for the soundboard because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness. In recent years King William pine has been found to produce very good results.

Taylor: 307-GB Big Baby Review:

Bought mine in 2001 from R & B Music in Aberdeen, Scotland. Was immediately attracted to the playibility compared to other accoustics in the price range. Also if I'm honest wanted the Taylor badge.
Features : This guitar is as basic as they come and has nothing that isn't necessary. Hence the price.I think thats the point of it.
Playability : As I hinted at in the summary, I was blown away by the playability of this guitar from the moment I picked it up. Quite simply it has the best neck Ive ever played on an accoustic and compares favourably with most electrics for ease of fretting. If there is a negative, I find that the top E sometimes slips off the side of the neck at about the 5th fret if I try to hammer off from the 7th and apply a little vibrato, buit that is probably more do do with my technique that the guitar.
Quality :It is a bright sound, being a light weight and unvarnished guitar and will not probably suit everyones tastes. I like it.
Durability : Mine is now about seven years old and has a few dings, particularly around the unbound edge. One slightly annoying aspect is the scratchplate , which was never really glued down proparly and lifts a little around the edges when I clean the guitar. Its seems pretty sturdy. I have noticed that the frets are now starting to get a little worn but it has had a lot of play. I have
Overall: Of all of my guitars it is the one that I have at the side of my chair most of the time. This is partly down to the fact that it is tough, allready a bit bruised and therfore not so precious as the shiny expensive things on stands and above all light weight and comfortable. The real reason is cause it plays so well and so effortlessly, stays in tune, sounds (to my ears) great and is just right, like an old pair of Levis.


Martin OM28V Review:

I purchased my orginal OM28V from Cotton Music Store (Nashville) about 4 years ago. I bought my first one used for $1900. I bought this model because I was looking for a smaller body guitar with a nice sound..not too big, not too soft.
Features : The OM28V has a great feel due to the smaller size of the guitar. It has a short scale neck and thin body whch makes it very cool to hold. It's just comfortable. The feel really helps with fingerpicking and flat picking. Especially if you play fast it's great...it feels tight. The tone is beautiful with rosewood back/sides and a spruce top (adirondack I think). I set it w/ 12 gauge strings and it' just right. Unique...the V neck at the headstock. It has a kink in the top of the neck you may have to get use to. Cons...With smaller guitars you have to be more sensitve; they're more delicate. That's the only draw back-you can't really smack this one around to hard. Hope this helps you!
Playability: I have seen this model with various action height. It is more boomy/louder with a higher action (say medium). Great for blues with higher action. The sound is softer with lower action, (which is my preferance), but is easier to play for fingerstyle pieces.
Quality: Sound quality is warm and tight. The timbre is smooth becuase of the wood selection (rosewood). Not as loud as a Dreadnought however.
Durability: The OM28V is very reliable. I have the neck adjusted maybe every 8 months. It has a gloss finish which will shine right up with basic polish.
Overall: I love this guitar for all the reasons explained. If you are thinking of a small bodied guitar this is fantastic because of feel, tone, and appearance. If you buy one your hands will not let go I promise! I hope this helps you freind! Keith Cooper Dallas, TX