Steel String Acoustic Guitar: Derivation & What Martin Contributes

Early Steel String Acoustic Guitar

As we all know, steel string acoustic guitar was created in 1900s while the steel strings having appeared that time in America.

The design of steel string acoustic guitar was driven by the higher tension of steel strings and the heavier structure needed.

At the early age, American acoustic guitars resembled contemporary European ones made of gut strings. And developed from the northern European gut guitar.

There were many acoustic guitar builders, the most influential brand is now known as Martin who created X-brace system. And there are many other contributions, too.

We’d like to share as much specific as we can to help players, enthusiasts, especially who are just begin to step into the acoustic guitar world to understand how this great instrument derived.

X-bracing, Great Innovation of Acoustic Guitar Building

Bracing system or bracing pattern is one of the greatest innovations of Martin. Although there is a puzzle that if it is Martin who invented the X-bracing, it popularized it at least.

European acoustic guitar builders are more likely to use ladder bracing pattern in early time, then fan pattern came out. At the beginning, America guitar maker includes Martin follows the tradition designs.

The X-brace pattern makes the soundboard be stable to bear higher tension. And it helps to create higher volume and balances the tone better. This makes the bracing system became popular in a short time.

If you are interested, during that time, the brace pattern was identically used by two companies, Schmidt and Maul, was operating in New York. Many said Martin created X-bracing pattern, but it is not clear till today to tell if they copied from Martin or Martin was the copyist. What we do certain is that Martin popularized the bracing pattern till today.

Neck Joint & Headstock Connection, Great Structural Innovation

The neck joint is the second contribution made by Martin.

Using tapered dovetail joint makes it is easy enough to build and strong enough to hole up. Even today, this type of neck joint is still widely used. The difference is that there usually is a slot for truss rod and corresponding access hole in the heel block which was not seen during the early age.

Another great innovation is the joint between neck and headstock.

Martin changed the way of the joint between neck and headstock. Made it easier and more efficient. That is, a simple scarf joint which increased the contact area of that part of neck and headstock. Also, easier to glue the two parts together.

The appearance of steel string acoustic guitar in 1900s is very encouraging and meaningful. It was the beginning of the revolution of the industry and the art. If you are interested for more, welcome to Talk With Us.