An interesting design....

[btjjdb]

Having seen on the forum some threads about interesting designs by Batson Guitars and Parker Archtop Guitars, I thought I'd post another interesting design I saw while browsing the net by Mervyn David- the Smoothtalker. While the guitar is a little out there, I'm thinking the main design could be recreated in a standard shape like an OM or Dreadnought.

I quite like the simplicity of the design and have thought about building a guitar like this, but a more traditional shape.

http://www.smoothtalkerguitars.com/

What do you think? I know it looks suspiciously like a ....a .... a Banjo (just kidding)

regards

Brenden

[matthew]

What do you think?

I think it's really pretty er, maybe not.

[Kim]

Looks a lot like a banjo with bits of wood added, am sure it weighs as much or even more than a banjo, just wondering if it 'sounds' like a banjo?

Could be a great sounding instrument I suppose...... but to me the concept seems as if its more about making it 'look' different to gain attention rather than being a serious attempt to have it 'sound' better so it stands out. That said, its not my cup of tea visually either, but I am sure that others will love it so to each his own.

Cheers

Kim

[kiwinoz62]

maybe it's a ... a... bantar

[DarwinStrings]

He has one on his site he calls a Bantar too Wayne, unfortunately there was no sound clip for it. They did all sounds good though and I quite liked the sound of the Mbira styled one.

Jim

Someone please turn up the Tele!

[Puff]

Now if that elliptical resonator had a longer Y axis for the upper 'half' area above the bridge I could wonder how he gets to read my mail, or how I got to read his.

[Puff]

I'm rather surprised/fascinated that there has been no comment on this bridge setup.

[matthew]

I'm rather surprised/fascinated that there has been no comment on this bridge setup.

I'm not. I noticed it, but what is there to say about it other than it looks experimental? With no explanation or evaluation from the maker it's just ... odd, like the rest of the instrument.

[Puff]

Well that's a comment but I don't think the maker was consulted for an evaluation/explanation. Looks a lot more kind on the top than your other glued on bridges with their belly deforming forces.

[DarwinStrings]

I noticed he makes the comment "some people even hate them" on his web site.

Jim

[Puff]

Some 'hate' banjoes too.

[matthew]

It looks just like an overweight archtop-style bridge to me with an odd string path. its not a replacement for the through-top bridge design which I assume (not being a guitar luthier) will perform differently and presumably better on a flat-top style of guitar. The only makers comment I can find is they have a voice of their own.

OMG they're ugly though. IMO.

lets see if someone can find any sound clips ...

[Kim]

lets see if someone can find any sound clips ...

Lets raise the bar....its subjective stuff but a tub of lard to the member who finds the most 'visually unappealing' instrument on the net by popular vote...this one has mine so far

Cheers

Kim

[DarwinStrings]

OMG they're ugly though. IMO.

That made me laugh. I guess if asked I would say I find that look hard to get used to.

lets see if someone can find any sound clips ...

There is clips on the site.

Lets raise the bar....its subjective stuff but a tub of lard to the member who finds the most 'visually unappealing' instrument on the net by popular vote...this one has mine so far

You have me looking

Here is one with toejam.

sasquatch git.jpg (45.65 KiB) Viewed 17321 times

Jim

[J.F. Custom]

I'm rather surprised/fascinated that there has been no comment on this bridge setup.

I didn't comment as I've seen the like before. I've seen a couple of makers over the years use this system, but specifically including a luthier I know well who uses it on all his 'flat top' (non arched) mandolins and bouzoukis and has done for many years. He loves it and speaks highly of its virtues.

Ooh Kim, now there's a challenge worthy of it's own thread! A quick google search on 'ugly guitars' brings up a few, including Jims posted image which may in fact be hard to beat - but we'll see what we can do...

Jeremy.

[Pete Brown]

lets see if someone can find any sound clips ...

http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail.php?id=1720#full

Go to the Media page.

[Puff]

I confess I am not drawn to the appearance - rather 'build-your-own kitset' to me, but the economy of tonewood use appeals as does the the mechanics of the bridge.

[Rod True]

OK, what do I win.....

[Puff]

A round of applause - maybe an ovation

[liam_fnq]

Rod, I just vomited in my mouth.

[Puff]

Could the "lets poke stick" part/diversion of this thread perhaps be relocated to "Anything Goes"?