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| Differences in SJ shapes http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=8481 |
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| Author: | James Orr [ Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:22 am ] |
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Hi everyone This is a design question. I have two SJ shapes. One is the Olson shape, and the other is one I drew a few months ago. Mine has a 9.5" waist, and the Olson has a 9" waist. Mine has a more bulbous lower bout than the Olson but same dimensions. As far designing for sound goes, what differences would be reasonable to expect? The Olson shape is on top; mine is below. I'd already cut out the Olson back, so I photoshopped a little (but didn't spend much time) to fill it's background. 
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| Author: | Don Williams [ Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:34 am ] |
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Hi James, I'm only guessing, but I's say that the Olson shape may have a slightly better bass response due to the larger lower bout. Yours looks shorter too? |
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| Author: | Steve Kinnaird [ Sat Sep 16, 2006 1:41 pm ] |
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Hi James, well you know the best way to prove your question is to build one of each, right? 
But if you were to hold a gun to my head I'd say: "YOUR guitar would sound WAY better!!" Truthfully, I bet they'd sound so similar it would take someone like Michael Payne to tell them apart in a blind test. I mean, to my eye, they look so similar. But--since you say that your waist is 1/2" wider than the Olson, and that your lower bout is more bulbous (good word) while keeping the same width-- I'd say your design would have just a wee bit more ooomph. You're going to have a slightly bigger air cavity, with a lower resonance to match. (Granted, not by much--but some.) And I always love that *oomph*. All that rambling aside, I like the Olson's curves a tad better. Finessing a curve just "just so" deserves a lot of thought and care. Sorry to go on.... Steve |
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| Author: | arvey [ Sun Sep 17, 2006 4:19 am ] |
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Sometimes though More "ooomph" can mean a loss in balance and clarity. My SJ is the same basic shape as a J-185 but with the lower bout right at 16". To me this gives a very balanced tone. Some of the larger SJ models have a little too much low end for my ear. Of course we could also argue for hours about what makes an SJ designation (the term is often used to refer to the "southern Jumbo" as well) but I am sure here we are all refering to the Olson or OLF type guitar based after the J-185. |
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| Author: | CarltonM [ Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:59 pm ] |
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James, I think that, their profiles being so similar, you should hear little or no difference, all other things being equal. Your question is difficult to answer, because if I built an Olson SJ, it sure wouldn't sound like an Olson. If Olson built a Martin Jumbo, it wouldn't sound like a Martin. If Martin built a Gibson J-185, it would probably still sound like a Martin. Unless body styles are quite different, it's really not possible to offer tone guidance because it's all in the hands of the builder. |
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| Author: | Steve Kinnaird [ Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:53 pm ] |
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Richard--balance and clarity are WAY overrated. 
I've never heard too much ooomph! "Give me ooomph or give me...", well.... At least, when the treble and mids were lacking, I never did blame the ooomph. I look for another problem. Actually, my SJ is designed like yours--it also has a 16" lower bout. I love the sound, and all facetiousness aside, the balance is just right. I'm not familiar with Olson's dimensions, so I've got no clue how wide the guitar is we're looking at above. So James, how wide are you going? Steve |
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| Author: | James Orr [ Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:54 am ] |
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Wow, I'm sorry I missed these responses. Thank you all very much for input! Carlton, I'm actually not trying to sound like an Olson. They have my favorite fingerstyle sound, but I'm looking for a slightly less folk sound. I'm trying to get a feel from you guys how slight differences could or couldn't generally effect what's going to come out. Steve, I'll be going 16" wide. This is another body style that I enjoy. 9 1/ 4" waist on this guy. Steeper shoulders. Visually, this is my favorite. |
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| Author: | James Orr [ Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:55 am ] |
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How about a picture! 
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