Acoustic 12 Fret Guitars
The first instruments were made with the body attached to the neck at the 12th fret.
The 12 fret design remains the standard for the nylon string classical guitar.
Consider the classical guitar player.
The music usually written for solo performance.
Classical music demanded and received instruments designed to produce optimum tone.
The luthier developed the classical guitar to the perfection allowed by available technology and expertise.
In the 1920s musical styles began to change and guitars became more popular in bands and orchestras.
As jazz and popular music made the concept of instrument solos and jamming more popular the guitarist wanted to be where the action was.
For the guitarist the magic happened on the upper frets.
Guitar makers started making guitars that joined the body at the 14th fret.
After “Muddy Waters invented electricity,” the guitar player began to step into the spot light.
The freeway to the upper fretboard came with double cut away electrics.
The luthier complied with the guitarists request for access to the upper fret board by designing a cut away in the lower bout of the body.
So what is the deal with guitar manufacturers returning to the 12 fret concept?
Guitar players are looking to the luthier for instruments of a more classic design.
As mentioned before you don’t see many 14 fret guitars played in the classical music circuit.
Luthier and musician always strive for a mo betta sound which sometimes means going back to the roots.
Recent 12 fret guitars have been made with a single cut away on the lower bout.
The sound of the 12 fret and the playability of the 14 fret are combined together.
The 12 fret body style is especially appreciated by fingerstyle guitar players.
Most 12 fret guitars are made with wider necks to accomodate the fingerstyle player.
1 3/4 inch nut width is not uncommon on these guitars.
Classical guitars are made with necks of up to 2 1/2 inches at the nut.
The optimum design of the 12 fret acoustic guitar will always be in demand.
Tags: 12 fret, 12 fret guitar, acoustic guitar, fingerstyle guitar
