ELLIPSE (hybrid prototype)     Curly maple, Engelmann spruce, dyed lacquer finish    2009

The Ellipse guitar elegantly integrates form and function, placing this contemporary instrument in a class all its own. Although playful in appearance, advanced features are thoughtfully engineered into this unique asymmetrical design.

Immediately apparent is the multi-scale or fanned fret fingerboard which takes advantage of the characteristics of long versus short scale lengths, essentially getting the best of both worlds. The string scale is an important parameter that influences the tone and playability of a guitar.  The harmonic content of a longer vibrating string favours bass adding sonority, power and fullness to its timbre. Comparatively, shorter scale lengths are treble oriented with a tendency to sound more pointed and less resonant.  But the longer scale length guitars are better suited to players with strong, large hands capable of dealing with a higher action and greater fret to fret distances.  Conversely, the shorter scale length instruments are easier and faster to play in this regard, especially for those with smaller hands.  Spanning the lengths of 640 to 660 mm, this subtle fanning is very comfortable and natural to play.

Shown above is the crossover steel string prototype. Playability reminds one of a classical with a wider 12 fret neck and lower tension strings.  Absence of a traditional heel where the neck meets the guitar body, in addition to a tilted upper bout ellipse and an elevated fingerboard, allows easier reach to the higher frets.  A pinless bridge fitted with individual bone saddles encourage good string to string separation bringing clarity to the voice of this guitar. Pickup components are easily installed and accessible via the removable panel (elliptical in shape of course!)  Final voicing under string tension and future internal cleaning or repair work through this opening are added benefits. Special transparent dyes are added to the lacquer, and several stages of application are necessary to achieve the desired surface effect.  The resulting finish allows the natural beauty of the wood to show through the graphics.  A range of colours are offered.  Now fitted with standard tuning machines. A nylon version also available.

Shown below is a variation on this theme.  Inlaid holly dots outline the elliptical geometry.  A 14 fret elevated neck with sculpted heel is dovetailed to the body.

Supplied with a custom fitted hard shell case.

ELLIPSE    East Indian rosewood, Western red cedar, inlaid holly dots     2010