Guitar+bodies

toc =Brief History=

Guitars are a type of stringed instrument consisting of a number of strings at different tensions that, when struck, produce different tones. Guitar-like instruments have existed for at least 5,000 years ([|wikipedia.com], 2006). The concept of the guitar was derived from the instrument of ancient central Asia, known as the cithara ([|wikipedia.com], 2006).

=Types of guitar shapes=

Guitar shapes differ greatly, and each shape affects the way that the guitar is played. The shape of guitars has evolved greatly within even the last ten years. These shapes are often cosmetic differences, based upon what type of genre is being played. One example of this is the Gibson Flying-V, whose body is V-shaped; however, this does not affect how the guitar is played, except that the musician will have to be wary of the pointed tips of the V shape.

The three acoustic bodies below are by no means an exhaustive list; however, guitar manufacturers use these common shapes in making their guitars, and creating specific models.

Classic
The classic guitar cut is used in playing classical music. Additionally, the body of a classical guitar is often smaller than that of the Dreadnought of Jumbo. The neck of the classical guitar is also wider than that of its counterparts, and the frets are less accessible after the 12th fret. As such, the classical guitar does not lend itself to solos that are high on the fretboard; however, certain guitar makers, like Takamine, create cut-body classical acoustic-electric guitars.


 * Example of an acoutic-classical guitar without a body-cut.

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 * Example of a Takamine classical acoustic-electric guitar.
 * Note the cut body that would allow musicians to play past the 12th fret.

Dreadnought
The Dreadnought body cut is slightly larger than that of a classical guitar, and is often heavier than some classical guitars due to the wood that is used in its construction. Additionally, some dreadnought bodies have an indented cut shape near the higher frets, allowing musicians to usually play up to about the 20th fret (or higher, if there are more frets present)


 * [[image:http://www.takamine.com/pics/models/ACFxBHTj2.jpg]] || [[image:http://washburn.com/products/acoustics/dreadnoughts/images/dreads_d52sw.jpg width="149" height="298"]] ||

Jumbo
The Jumbo cut, as implied by its name, is the largest of the three body shapes. Since the body of the jumbo guitar is so big, the sound produced creates richer sounding bass tones, and more resonant treble tones. Again, various models of jumbo guitars also sport an indented cut near the upper frets, allowing for playing higher on the fretboard.



Electric Guitars
The shapes of electric guitars vary greatly, and since the body of an electric guitar is not composed of hollow wood, guitar enthusiasts are able to customize the shape of electric guitar bodies. Businesses are made to cater to body customization; one example of this is [|Onyx Forge], a company that specializes in customization of electric guitar bodies. A more exhaustive list of guitar shapes is available [|here].

Several examples of commonly cut electric guitar shapes:

From left to right: Strat, Soloist, Warlock, Tele