History of Acoustic Guitars
Guitars have been around for several centuries and have been made in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, designs, number of strings and sound boxes. Some of the most famous guitars have come from Spain and Hawaii though there have been various other cultures that have helped to influence the way guitars have been made and designed.
The Moors and Europeans have had a great influence on the sound box too. They were the first to add holes in order to increase the vibration of the sound.
Some of the earliest guitars that have been documented are from the 15th century. There are some examples of these guitars that have four double stringed guitars. These look a little bit like lutes. There are other examples that come from the 16th century. This is a five double string guitar.
Guitar making really took off in the 1700s, when Italy dominated this business. Spain came into the guitar making business when they added a 6th string in the late 1800s.
Some of the finest guitars were made in the 1900s. In the early part of the century music started to spread across the world as more and more people traveled further away and took their guitars with them. Guitars soon become very popular and new designs kept being created. The body of the guitar was broadened, the waist curve was increased, the belly was thinned and the internal bracing had a major improvement. Wooden tuning pegs were replaced with the machined head.
However, the classic guitars still inspire guitar makers today. Many of these people are inspired by the history of the guitar and the beautiful sounds they can create. Some of the older instruments like the gittern or lute move guitar makers to take pride in their craftsmanship. Hand-made guitars are made with much more love and care and can be sold for a much higher price than mass produced instruments.
The real pioneer of the modern guitar is the vihulea from Spain. This was a four stringed guitar that made such a beautiful sound that nobody could resist it. Two more strings were eventually added in order to increase the depth, range and dynamic. The first six string guitar was built in 1759 in Italy, which later inspired the mandolin.
Guitars have been finding their way into the hearts of people for centuries.
Today guitars come in a variety of forms and are very affordable for the mass population. The classical guitar, concert guitar and contemporary guitar are the more popular versions. More strings have been added to some guitars to increase the vibrations. It is not uncommon to see six, seven and even ten string guitars.
Needless to say, the guitar has come a long way since the first one was ever made. It is the history of the music that often inspires people to listen or play. Music helps to bring so many people together and there is no better way than picking up a guitar and strumming along.
