While I borrow heavily from the aesthetics of the prewar instruments, I have updated the designs by incorporating the structural advancements developed over the years to improve tone and structural integrity. This instrument’s outline is probably what most people think of when they hear the word “guitar,” but it differs in that it comes with such improvements as a two way torsion rod and what is termed “forward bracing.” For those unfamiliar, this was a bracing pattern that was used years ago and has long been considered by many to have resulted in some of the best sounding flat top guitars ever built.
Perhaps there were warranty repair concerns that come from trying something new, but in any event, the industry not only reverted to the old form but even began using heavier braces than ever. My sense is, while those instruments no doubt would have better stood up to the years, there was a distinct trade off in tone and volume. The standard version of this instrument is available with either a slot head, a standard solid peg head, or a solid peg head with my “Rising Cloud,” motif borrowing from the Arts and Crafts design aesthetic.
