Part 4
The Label...
A Label for
the Muriel Anderson Model Guitar by
McGill Guitars
The Label generally identifies the
maker, origin, model, serial number
and the approximate date the guitar was built.
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The Bridge...
Through
the saddle,
the bridge transfers the vibrating
energy of the string
to the top of the guitar.
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Bridge Tie Block...
The Bridge Tie Block of a Rodriguez Guitar
Often
where the strings fasten (Bridge
Tie Block)
a strong cosmetic veneer is added.
This adds character to the bridge and also prevents the strings
from marring into the bridge.
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An 18 hole Bridge by Joshua Alexander French
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The Bridge Saddle...
Typically made of bone, the saddle transfers the vibrating energy of the string to the top of the guitar. The bridge saddle is not glued to the bridge, but rather held in place by the tension of the strings. The height of the saddle is determined by the guitar's neck angle, therefore it is not measured itself but rather measured for an optimal string height at the twelfth fret. Traditionally the bass strings are higher than the trebles, but crossover players are setting their heights more equal.
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With proper string height and neck relief,
if a saddle is too:
Low -Loss of
volume, tone & sustain
Medium -Allows
for adequate adjustments thru the seasons.
High -Too much
torque on the top.
Top will distort.
Bridge may lift or split.
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The colors of Bone, Ivory, Fossilized Ivory & Ebony
A few materials used for a bridge saddle.
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The Strings...
Choices of brands, alloys, tensions, tonality, durability and feel can vary as
much as the make and models of guitars themselves. An increase of silver in a
string may improve tone, but shorten durability. Scale length, string height,
style of attack or even hardness of frets can alter ones opinion of
strings.
A choice of strings may be decided by the music itself. High tension strings might be chosen to perform Morning (by Grieg) because of its/their dynamic range, while low tension strings may be more suited for Prelude in G Minor (by Rachmaninoff) to achieve a driving, raw, gritty sound and ease left hand fingerings.
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A Cut-a-Way...
A Cut-a-Way by Jeroen Hilhorst
A Cut-a-Way body allows for easier access to the upper areas of the fingerboard.
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A Cut-a-Way by Ganz Guitars
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Classical Guitar Finishes...
Water-Based Lacquer With personal health and environmental concerns the long-term trend is moving away from solvent-based finishes. In response, many manufacturers set a goal to create a lacquer with all of the positive characteristics of current solvent-based lacquers but without the hazardous, toxic solvent base. Water-Based Lacquer is environmentally friendly and produces "acceptable" results.
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Acrylic Lacquer Originally used on cars, it is similar to nitrocellulose lacquer, but dries quicker and harder. With age, does not produce the vintage look.
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French Polished Shellac French polishing is a method of applying finish to wood by hand with a cotton pad. Most of the fine classical guitars being hand made today are French Polished. It is a most highly-prized and desired finish for both its visual and tone enhancing characteristics. The texture, luster and color of the wood are enhanced under a French polish finish. It is thin and flexible and produces the clearest and most natural sound. Multiple polishing sessions are required over many weeks to achieve the best results. The finish dries to the touch almost immediately but can takes months to fully cure. Even though it is thin and flexible it is not very protective against even minor physical abuse.
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OIL FINISH Most oil finishes available are either a linseed oil or a tung oil. These oil finishes are actually varnishes and have an appealing natural luster. They are easy to use and produce a hard, thin and flexible finish, although not as protective and durable as a lacquer finish.
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Combining French Polished Shellac & Nitrocellulose Lacquer Many guitar makers are now combining both. They are using French Polish for the soundboard because of the finish's tonal characteristics and Nitrocellulose lacquer for the rest of the guitar for its durability.
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Adhesives for Building & Repair...
There are many glues to choose from for building and repairing. Traditionally, hot hide glue is used in making classical guitars. It has good strength and is fairly easy to separate for repairs. Titebond is slightly more aggressive and withstands weather conditions better. Contact cements are used to adhere plastic to wood and epoxies are sometimes used as a last resort in some repairs. Another family of adhesives gaining acceptance for certain applications is Cyano-Acrylate Glue (super glue).
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