Dove Takes Flight

(expect endless word play on this one)

Meet Dove, 6-string electric guitar. As you can see from the rough body blank, Dove is derived from Orchid, but shaped to be particularly comfortable in classical position for guitarists. We will explore the ergonomic thinking in detail next week.

My "model" (Tricia) is very small: 5' 2" 118 lbs.

The neck is set into the body via an asymmetrical dovetail joint at the 18th fret, placing the single coil Lace Alumitone pickup at the 19th fret, which is a really sweet harmonic. The audience for this instrument will not be interested in soloing above A anyway....pure tone. Fanned fret Fender/PRS (25.5"/25") combined scale length.

Woods are all locally grown North American hardwoods: figured cherry (body & neck), walnut (accents) and curly maple (fretboard & headstock veneer).

FYI factoids about Dove:

• Sustainable construction: woods, metals, finishes
• Fender scale but reconfigured to fit a woman's shorter reach
• Specifically designed for three playing positions: standing, seated, modified classical
• Asymmetrical trapezoid neck
• Slotted headstock with cast bronze Waverly tuners
• Alumitone pickups
• Titanium and bronze bridge
• Fun aesthetic mix of modern and traditional...

DOVE SERIES:

Dove Takes Flight
Dovetail
Hip Hole
"Black & White" vs. "Shades of Gray"
"Explosive, sustained action!"
Fanned Frets
Fanned Fret Compensating Bridge

Comments

[Roger Placer]

Hi Rick,

I have been reading about you on BTEG. I am looking forward to watching this one evolve... I wonder what you'll do about the weight? It seems like this solid block o' wood with a headstock could be heavy. But I'm sure you have a plan. I am a Klein and Forshage owner and I am very interested in your work - let's see how this one develops! Thanks for sharing.

Roger

[Rick Toone]

Roger, welcome.

At the moment, Dove is indeed a solid block o' wood, almost 2" thick. We could leave it as is and produce the world's longest sustained note...

...or we can sculpt it down to a mere shadow of its former self, in a quest to become ergonomically invisible.

(you have sussed out my nefarious scheme)

Judging by the horses in your stable, you proudly tend a herd of fine ergonomic instruments. Please feel free to drop me an email to discuss what motivates your ergonomic interests.

Whether you add a TOONE to your corral or not, one of the greatest pleasures in my life of lutherie is to develop an instrument design in response to a specific and particular ergonomic condition/requirement.

Challenges welcomed.