In a world of sweeping generalizations where “everything tastes like chicken” you might be tempted to say, well, when it comes down to it, an acoustic guitar sounds like an acoustic guitar.
But there’s a lot more to it than that, although maybe not as much as you think. While it’s important to think about body dimensions when selecting an instrument – after all, you need to be comfortable with your guitar – the actual difference in body size and width among the bulk of acoustics out there is only a matter of a couple of inches.
Arguably, it’s true to say that every body size currently on the market is based upon one of CF Martin’s designs and, as such, here’s a thumbnail sketch of what body sizes you can expect to find – and their fundamental tonal fingerprint – when you go shopping.
0
- Body length: 19.1 inches/485.8mm
- Body width: 13.5 inches/344.4mm
- Body depth: 4.06 inches/103.2mm
Originally a 12-fret to the body design and currently in and out of Martin’s catalogue, the 0-size body is the mighty mite of the bunch. Small size doesn’t mean small sound – see the comments from the virtuous knights of our round table, on the pages opposite.
00
- Body length: 18.9 inches/479.4mm
- Body width: 14.3 inches/363.5mm
- Body depth: 4.13 inches/ 104.8mm
Back in 1931, $45 would buy you a Martin 00-18 Grand Concert guitar, whereas the slightly more voluptuous 00-42 would ring up $115 at the till. A favourite body size of Yes guitarist Steve Howe – expect tight, controlled basses and sweet trebles.
OM/000
- Body length: 19.3 inches/492.1mm
- Body width: 15 inches/381mm
- Body depth: 4.1 inches/ 104.8mm
For many the definitive shape, the OM shares its body size with the 000 but has a different scale length: the OM is 25.4 inches (645mm), the 000 is 24.9 inches (632mm). Favoured by fingerstylists for their 1.75-inch (44.5mm) nut width and even sonic temperament.
Dreadnought
- Body length: 20 inches/508mm
- Body width: 15.6 inches/396.9mm
- Body depth: 4.8 inches/123.8mm
Known colloquially as the singer-songwriter’s best friend, the dreadnought’s powerful midrange was the perfect accompaniment for players such as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young in the days when stage sound was produced by a static mic. Power and finesse combined.
- Body length: 19.7 inches/501.65mm
- Body width: 15.7 inches/400mm
- Body depth: 4.5 inches/114.3mm
Martin describes the GP-28 as “boom and chime for those who walk the path less travelled”. It packs a punchy bottom-end with “blossoming arpeggios and throaty chords”, making it an alternative battlewagon for those seeking power combined with good looks.
Jumbo
- Body length: 20.1 inches/511.2mm
- Body width: 16 inches/406.4mm
- Body depth: 4.8 inches/123.8mm
You’d think that the mighty jumbo would be the brute of the pack but the Gibson J-200 – probably the most popular jumbo size acoustic – is known as ‘The Whispering Giant’, which, roughly translated, means a full-spectrum sound without overbearing power.
