Unscientifically, I observe 2 schools of reso body types...dreadnought style (as shown with Scheerhorn-L body on Left), and "hourglass" (as shown with Wechter-Scheerhorn, on Right)
The dreadnought shape is often found in modern, larger body instruments.
The hourglass body (narrow waisted) is often found in R-body, smaller/thinner guitars. Budget resonators often use the hourglass body shape, presumably to reduce material costs...although not all of them are thinner. (My W/S, for example, is 4" deep at tail block...same as my Natl Scheerhorn).
I've come to appreciate the hourglass guitar shape. I like how the curve slots in to my right hip when standing to play. Compared to the dreadnought shape, I get less rocking and motion to contend with while working on fast runs.
So this brings me to a couple questions:
1) What premium/modern builders are using hourglass body shapes while maintaining L-body depth (approx 4")? I know of a few R-body premium builders, but these tend to be too thin for my liking.
2) Let's say I have a preferred shape (including depth) and want to work with a premium custom builder. How much of a pain is it for a luthier to accommodate the design? Do they need to set up one-time custom templates/jigs, and does this by nature add major costs to the project? I can certainly talk to a few builders, but wanted to tap this crew first.
Thanks for any insights.
Before you go much further, neither the L or Beard E is shaped like a dreadnought.
Try putting a round neck E or an L body into a dred case.
h
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroBefore you go much further, neither the L or Beard E is shaped like a dreadnought.
Try putting a round neck E or an L body into a dred case.
h
Well, the terms "dreadnought" and "hourglass" are my simple/crude ways of differentiating between the types of shapes. If there are industry standard terms, I defer and will adopt those. I'd use "L" ("E") and "R", but "R" to me implies a smaller/thinner body (vs just an hourlgass shape).
Below is my Beard E-body (MA6) next to my W/S. These are the 2 different shapes I'm referring to in my post inquiry.
Thanks.
Edited by - JC Dobro on 10/24/2024 11:46:14
Dreds pretty much a standard.
Now if you want to talk "weird" resonator shapes there's always the Sho-Bro and Flinthill resonators.
Those were, uh...odd.
Also, for the sake of clarity, at least in the world that I played the terms E/R only referred to the body _profiles_ as there are models with very different body depths that share identical profiles.
Good luck with your quest. I'm off to a rehearsal.
h
Edited by - hlpdobro on 10/24/2024 12:02:40
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobro
Also, for the sake of clarity, at least in the world that I played the terms E/R only referred to the body _profiles_ as there are models with very different body depths that share identical profiles.
I appreciate this insight. I always (mistakenly) associated "R body" with profile AND depth. Probably because most R bodies I've seen are indeed thinner.
Forget all the dreadnought/hourglass stuff then...
So my clarified question to the forum: What are some premium builders that offer R body profiles with depths approx 4" (ie, not "thin")?
I am also still interested in my question #2 in original post as well.
Thanks!
The first R body guitar that comes to mind is the Beard Legacy R. But I have no clue as to the actual depth - or length and width, etc. because unlike a lot of high end guitar builders - unless I missed it - Beard doesn't include measurements or dimensions on the website, at least not for this model.
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaThe first R body guitar that comes to mind is the Beard Legacy R. But I have no clue as to the actual depth - or length and width, etc. because unlike a lot of high end guitar builders - unless I missed it - Beard doesn't include measurements or dimensions on the website, at least not for this model.
Right you are. Perhaps Howard or an R-Body owner can verify. But I played a Beard R a few years ago (can't remember which model), and if memory serves me correct, it was a tad too skinny for me. I was hoping to play one at Elderly last week when I was there, but unlucky for me, it sold the day prior.
From an existing "for sale" posting for a Beard Vintage R. Can't vouch for accuracy.
Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
I'd like something at or near 4", or at least tapers up to 4" at tail block.
I'm a neophyte, by far not an expert, but a quick word on some a recently demoed. I tried both the Beard Radio E and R and compared them side by side. I mistakenly had thought the E was more a modern dreadnought style while the R is the smaller hourglass size. Not the case. They are virtually the same size. The R has slightly narrow waist, that's all.
I've only been playing a few months and have a cheap import with more a dreadnaught body; I'm already used to it and while I didn't dislike the Beard Radio models, I feel more comfortable with the larger body. I played a few of the $4000-4500 larger bodied Beards and, of course, I loved them. I can't really justify that expense right now and I also feel that great instruments like that should go to better musicians than I.
quote:
Originally posted by l2tI'm a neophyte, by far not an expert, but a quick word on some a recently demoed. I tried both the Beard Radio E and R and compared them side by side. I mistakenly had thought the E was more a modern dreadnought style while the R is the smaller hourglass size. Not the case. They are virtually the same size. The R has slightly narrow waist, that's all.
I've only been playing a few months and have a cheap import with more a dreadnaught body; I'm already used to it and while I didn't dislike the Beard Radio models, I feel more comfortable with the larger body. I played a few of the $4000-4500 larger bodied Beards and, of course, I loved them. I can't really justify that expense right now and I also feel that great instruments like that should go to better musicians than I.
Thanks for that info. The slightly narrower waist (without compromising on depth) is my ideal. It would help if there were specs on Beard's site, but an email or phone call would confirm, and I'll get around to that. Howard did mention there were R profiles of varying depths.
Sitting down to play, I also much prefer the larger bodies/dread style. But I do about 75% of my playing while standing, and have found the R style hourglass bodies to suit me better in the standing position w/ strap, if there is sufficient depth to the instrument. But I can get by on either.
It's good that you are demo'ing multiple instruments. At my newbie stage, I bought sight unseen/unplayed. Fortunately it worked out OK.
quote:
Originally posted by JC Dobroquote:
Originally posted by l2tI'm a neophyte, by far not an expert, but a quick word on some a recently demoed. I tried both the Beard Radio E and R and compared them side by side. I mistakenly had thought the E was more a modern dreadnought style while the R is the smaller hourglass size. Not the case. They are virtually the same size. The R has slightly narrow waist, that's all.
I've only been playing a few months and have a cheap import with more a dreadnaught body; I'm already used to it and while I didn't dislike the Beard Radio models, I feel more comfortable with the larger body. I played a few of the $4000-4500 larger bodied Beards and, of course, I loved them. I can't really justify that expense right now and I also feel that great instruments like that should go to better musicians than I.Thanks for that info. The slightly narrower waist (without compromising on depth) is my ideal. It would help if there were specs on Beard's site, but an email or phone call would confirm, and I'll get around to that. Howard did mention there were R profiles of varying depths.
Sitting down to play, I also much prefer the larger bodies/dread style. But I do about 75% of my playing while standing, and have found the R style hourglass bodies to suit me better in the standing position w/ strap, if there is sufficient depth to the instrument. But I can get by on either.
It's good that you are demo'ing multiple instruments. At my newbie stage, I bought sight unseen/unplayed. Fortunately it worked out OK.
We'll I had to drive through the Ozarks of MO to do it. But I was driving from CO to MA so it was only a couple hours out of the way and it was a nice diversion off the interstate. Got to see the Rt 66 museum and stop in a western shop and buy a snap button shirt.
I have strap but only tried to play standing for a few minutes and found it extremely difficult. No idea if I'd like a smaller body for that. On what I've played so far, I think I'd rather go with a top-of-line import in a dreadnought style than a low-end Beard. Then, if I'm still loving it in a year or two, go for my dream instrument.
