Features of Acoustic Guitars

A classical acoustic guitar can be recognized by a number of characteristics. It needs to be a stringed instrument with a sound box, neck and tuning pegs. The sound of the instrument is created by plucking or picking at the strings, which causes the vibrations to travel and the soundboard then amplifies the sound. There are generally six strings, but some other classic models have eight or more strings. This allows them to produce more base and the ability to create more sounds and effects.

On the classic six string guitar, there are three nylon strings and three silver plated copper strings. The three nylon strings are for creating more treble and the three silver plated copper strings have more tension and allow for a lower bass sound. The strings are strung with either a person's own nails and fingertips are with a plectrum. Believe it or not, the earliest guitars had strings made of ox intestines which helped to create a very unique sound.

The neck of the guitar is made of wood. The interior bracing of the soundboard needs to be lightweight to allow for more tone. Bracing needs to be used to help support and get the right tuning of the guitar. Fan bracing is the most common type of bracing which is generally a spruce wood that is glued to the inside of the soundboard at the center right before the bride. Guitars have different widths. However, the standard width is 48-54 mm at the nut. Electrical guitars and modern guitars only measure 42 mm.

There are various other parts of the guitar that affect the overall sound. Other parts of the guitar include the body, body sides, bottom deck, bridge, bridge saddle, face (top deck), fret wires, headstock, heel, neck, fret board, nut, sound hole, strings, truss rod and tuning keys.

The top of the neck holds the fret board (fingerboard). This is embedded with metal fret wires. The top of a guitar is generally flat and curved. Many common materials for the fret board are ebony, rosewood and micarta which is actually a composite material.

The frets between the fret sires are made out of either nickel alloy or stainless steel. The spacing is mathematically determined and they are carefully laid out to create each step on a 12 tone scale. The spacing of the frets are how different notes and different scales can be played. These often get aged after a lot of hard playing and will need to be replaced.

Each piece of the guitar affects how the guitar will sound. The sound box, neck, strings and fret board are the most important parts affecting the overall sound. The materials used to create these pieces and how they are all formed together are what affect the sound.