More Depth or more lower width for Heavy Strumming

[Aecon13]

Hello, I have came to this forum before to discuss a similar topic, but now that I am further down the line, I figured I would ask once more for options and clarifycation. I am fairly heavy handed strummer, who is a bit to small to play Jumbo or Dred for any preiod of time, comforatably. I am trying to find something slightly more compact, that can still hold up well for heavier strumming without much fret buzz.

My question is this....Assuming I have to prioritize one of the 2 (lower bout width/depth) wi=hich would be in my best interest to prioritize? Currently, I am looking at a Guild GF25 (16" lower/4.5'' depth) or a Guild F30 small Jumbo (15.5'' lower/5'' depth)

What are the thoughts for my playstyle (mostly strumming & chording, with a heavier handed style?

Thanks so much!

 

[walrus]

I, too, am a bit heavy-handed and am always working on being less so. My '11 Guild F-30RCE works great for me. I don't see or hear any issues when I play something a bit "heavy", let's say like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" or "Blue Suede Shoes".
Most of the time I am strumming lighter (or trying to, anyway) and doing single note runs, etc., but sometimes I can't help getting excited!

I switched from a dread to the F-30 because of shoulder issues, and am totally happy with the sound and (for me) increased playability of the F-30. As an aside, recently I've been using D'Addario EJ-15's (extra light) to get myself to lighten my touch. As I get older and older, I am thinking of "playability" as the main factor in a guitar.

walrus

 

[Aecon13]

I appreciate the input. Right now I am leaning towards a 70's F-30 (15.5"/5") but interestingly enough, I am also looking at a D'Angelico Excel Gramercy (16"/4.7"). It sounds like both could be options, but i'm just trying to determine if the bigger depth or wider lower bout would be more helpful to me.

 

[adorshki]

I appreciate the input. Right now I am leaning towards a 70's F-30 (15.5"/5") but interestingly enough, I am also looking at a D'Angelico Excel Gramercy (16"/4.7"). It sounds like both could be options, but i'm just trying to determine if the bigger depth or wider lower bout would be more helpful to me.

I'd be inclined to say width as my 16" lower bout F65ce is only 3.5 deep but sure doesn't suffer much if at all for volume. Suspect perhaps lower bout width may be analogous to speaker width whereas depth is analogous to throw, and IMO width is more important for clarity and presence which give an impression of better volume anyway.

A big throw length is more prone to distortion and clipping if the speaker/top width's not adequate. Apparently however Guild kept their body depth/width ratios at pretty optimum specs. Top bracing plays a role there too.

 

[jedzep]

Either/or, some of each. Your style and touch dictates how the geometry of your guitar works for you. To me, the phrase 'heavy handed' is more of a description of something to reign in and control in the framework of evolving your own sound.

 

[walrus]

Either/or, some of each. Your style and touch dictates how the geometry of your guitar works for you. To me, the phrase 'heavy handed' is more of a description of something to reign in and control in the framework of evolving your own sound.

Exactly!

walrus

 

[adorshki]

Either/or, some of each. Your style and touch dictates how the geometry of your guitar works for you. To me, the phrase 'heavy handed' is more of a description of something to reign in and control in the framework of evolving your own sound.

'At's what I had to do to get the best out of the F65ce. Requires a delicate touch. Similar to the counter-intuitive principle that light gauge strings can ring better than mediums, if the mediums choke off the top with too much tension, I think.

Which leads me to this deep deep thought:
I think, therefore I play.

 

[Walter Broes]

Fret buzz under heavy strumming is not guitar body style related - almost any acoustic can be set up so it will work with your playing style. That said, on very small, very lightly built guitars, heavy strumming won't sound all that great. I wouldn't go smaller or lighter than an F30 for the style you describe.

 

[HeyMikey]

As one who plays a lot of F30 sized guitars, if your heavy strumming is intentional to get more volume and bass rumble, I would go with a larger lower bout. An arched back in that medium size would also help provide more projection. The GF25 of the two would be my choice. Another to look into would be an older F40 arch back.

 

[adorshki]

As one who plays a lot of F30 sized guitars, if your heavy strumming is intentional to get more volume and bass rumble, I would go with a larger lower bout. An arched back in that medium size would also help provide more projection. The GF25 of the two would be my choice. Another to look into would be an older F40 arch back.

Also, ALL of the "Fxxce" models are 16" lower bout with options in all 3 tonewoods and both back styles.

 

[Westerly Wood]

+1 to bigger depth. A 5inch lower depth F30 will nail it.

 

[Br1ck]

The problem with smaller guitars is they have a smaller sound. The old hot rodder expression no substitute for cubic inches comes to mind. Guitars all hit a level where they naturally compress. I gave up a very good Martin M 36, by no means a small guitar, because I gravitated toward bluegrass and needed the headroom of a dread. Small guitars can cut well because of a bright top end. Don't expect them to be something they are not.

 

[mavuser]

arched back long scale, get the GF-25 if u can!

 

[plaidseason]

arched back long scale, get the GF-25 if u can!

This suggestion may have worked. There natural top GF25 on Reverb and it is now gone.

Also, I wholly support this suggestion.

 

[mavuser]

This suggestion may have worked. There natural top GF25 on Reverb and it is now gone.

Also, I wholly support this suggestion.

that may have been Richards which he decided to keep? others out there for sure