FEATURED GUITAR 10.08
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Montuoro Guitar Co. Style 7 Jumbo
This guitar is based off of my concept of taking the treble side rim of a Dyer harp guitar and turning that into a conventional body shape. All things considered this body is very similar to an OM. With the main difference being a lower bout width of 16" as opposed to 15". This guitar is a great example of ornamentation on my Style 7, 14 fret guitars. It's a nice combination of fancy and basic marquetry. The pearl on the headstock, fingerboard and bridge adds a nice amount of brilliance. While the simple wood purfling adds balance and subtlety.
We have a fingerboard width of 1-3/4" and bridge spacing of 2-5/6". Placing this guitar in the pre 1939 category. It wasn't until late 1939 that companies such as Martin switched over to the smaller 1-11/16" fingerboard and 2-1/8" bridge. I am personally fond of the wider dimensions. It makes this instrument appealing to finger style players as well as flat pickers. Ultimately the choice is yours.
The combination of Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack top and bracing make this guitar a power house of volume and harmonic overtones. Add to that piano like sustain you have a guitar that is verging on intimidating. The owner of this guitar likened it to the difference between going from a Porsche to a Ferrari. Being extremely responsive to the lightest of touch. And weighing in at only a little over 3 lbs this guitar is as heavy as three issues of the Fretboard Journal. Basically feather light. If the devil is in the details he sure doesn't eat too much.
10.08
Frankie Montuoro
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