Official Luthiers Forum!

Paul, I think it's because a port changes the tonal character of the instrument, and at times a player might want that "original" sound. It may have started, though, to ease the worries of players who had never heard of such a thing as a hole in the side. It was new when Manzer first did it.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Carlton, in my, pretty extensive, testing (though very unscientific) I haven't found changes in tonal properties to be present. I realize that based on more scientific tests there is a change in frequency that is detected through scientific instruments. But I simply haven't been able to hear anything. Which makes me wonder why someone would go to the trouble of making a closure device for that reason. I've tried mine covered and uncovered, while blindfolded, and couldn't tell a difference in tone, in volume, yes.

Kent Everett does the soundport door, and it is very cool. You can see it HERE
Another gentleman in Robbie's class is doing one with spring loaded door that locks in place. Can't remember how it works, but he had learned it from Kent also.
Tracy

_________________
Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

There is a difference, but the man to tell hasn't chimed in yet. Al Carruth made the corker guitar just to figure out what the difference was: El Corker

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Bob, I've played the cork guitar. I heard a difference in volume but never tone. Maybe I just need to clean out my ears.

Louvered soundports really don't add a lot for most players. If you are recording a guitar in the studio the louver is closed. Tony Karol can explain the physics far better than me.

Other than that..they look cool and add unnecessary weight to the guitar

Dave at the speed I build...I am looking forward to seeing it myself. I won't be building any archtops for another 3 years. I've decided its about time to learn how to build flattops.   But I might just try the beveled soundport hole on a flattop or two.

I hear a difference in tone with my guitars; so do others out in front of the guitar, as well as the player. It's not radical, but there is a liveliness in the midrange with the port open that disappears when it is closed.

I heard that someone who did the louvers (don't remember who) has stopped, because everyone who had one was always leaving them wide open.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

after the sides are glued on I glue the patch to the inside and then do the sames as Andy.... drill some holes and finish off by hand...

_________________
Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com