Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi, I'm new at all of this and I was wondering if someone could explain the differance between all the body styles out there. I see moldes sold on e-bay that says it will work with a OOO or OM body style, then theres a O, OO, parlor, dreadnaught, can somebody explain it to me so I can sleep at night? thanks, Red

Well you came to the right place. I am the guy that sells them. First off the molds are off actuall production jigs if possible or plant drawings.
   On a few ocasions they are off actual guitars I have worked on.
The 000 and OM are the same size. What makes them different is the scale length ( not allways ) and bracing. The OM is usually the wider necked guitar.
   The Martin Jumbo is also the same shape as the 0000 and the arch top and the M
So if I have you confused don't feel bad . This is the funny world of guitars. here is a link http://www.provide.net/~cfh/martin.html#size
   this is the martin size list. Most all are in the mix but for a few odd balls they made through the years. Hope this helps
john hall
Blues Creek Guitars

Thank you so much, and I do remember seeing that screen name "tippie53" on e-bay. This forum is invaluable, thanks, Red

There is a great book on Martin Guitars that gives a thorough explanation
and history of the instruments. I cant find mine (still packed from moving)
so I'm sorry I can't give more info on publisher, etc.
-C

_________________
Freeborn Guitars
and home of BeauGuard©

Check Martin's website, use google to research various historical details on the rest, if you care, and go from there. I personally don't particularly care about the finer points along the Martin timeline as to what an OM is, etc., although it can be a fun read.

A look at Martin's website, at the various models, should let you know what the heck the weird numbers and letters mean. And then you've got Gibson's various forms of Jumbos, a gazillion different SJs, 'Grand Auditoriums' a la Taylor, etc.

Fun fun fun!

So what is an SJ? In Gibson terms it was southern jumbo but I get the impression that is not what is being referred on this forum.

[QUOTE=John] So what is an SJ? In Gibson terms it was southern jumbo but I get the impression that is not what is being referred on this forum.[/QUOTE]

Small Jumbo. A jumbo shaped body in a smaller size. Check the plans section for a thumbnail of the plans. Also search the archives for lots of pictures.

_________________
Scott Thompson
Port Townsend,WA

"In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room"
-Billy Bragg