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Like most things in nature, the guitar has evolved over time through a long process of tinkering punctuated with occaisional paradigm shifts. Many of the guitar styles that we think of as standards today are actually quite recent developments. For instance, the arch-topped "jazz" guitar like the Gibson L-7 in the picture was created in the early part of the 1900's by Italian mandolin and violin makers, working for the Gibson Guitar Company. The design, which created a guitar with a louder, more cutting sound than the standard flat-top, suited the growing trend in big bands playing ragtime and swing jazz. In the days before electrical amplification, the arch-top sound could compete with the bass, drums and horn sections. Later on, guitar-players added pick-ups and amplifiers. This development led inventors such as Les Paul and Leo Fender to do away with the sound box altogether, creating the solid-body electric guitar - the basic instrument of Rock & Roll. Currently, luthiers are experimenting with sound-hole size and placement and bracing, combined with modern electronics to create acoustic guitars that can be playing in high volume situations without feedback and still produce an acoustic sound. On this page, you will find information and links on the history of the development of the guitar and some looks at a few of the more exotic experiments. History of the Guitar Guitar History: A brief history of the guitar and its origins in medieval Spain. So you want to be a R&R Star...
J. Thomas Davis Guitar Maker Online: Basic explanation of current acoustic guitar pick-ups from a builder and repairer. Unique Instruments So you think you know what a guitar looks like. Here's a look at some different trends, old and new. Museum of Musical Instruments:
Interesting exhibits, commentary, historical information. |
