Comparison Baton Rouge AR61S/A vs Parksons JB4111C

General shape of the guitar body.

This characteristic affects both the appearance and dimensions of the instrument, as well as the characteristics of its sound. Note that for classical guitars (see “Type”) the shape is often not indicated, since it is standard for such instruments. But other varieties can be very diverse in outline. For example, among “acoustics” and “electroacoustics” there are such form options as dreadnought (western), jumbo, mini-jumbo, parlor, orchestral, grand auditorium, grand concert, road, resonator. Ukuleles, in turn, are available in soprano, concert, tenor, baritone and bass versions, as well as in the form of a special variety - guitarle. Here is a more detailed description of all these types of housing:

— Dreadnought (western). One of the most popular types of acoustic guitars. The body has a large shape and very “heavy”, angular outlines. The terms "dreadnought" and "western" are often used interchangeably, but sometimes only cutaway guitars are referred to as "westerns" (see below). This body shape provides a pronounced bass sound and a “rumbling” sound color, making dreadnoughts well suited for playing chords, but performing solos on such guitars is no...t very convenient.

— Orchestral model. Orchestra Models are somewhat reminiscent in shape of the dreadnoughts described above, but have more rounded and graceful outlines, in particular, a more pronounced “waist” in the area of the rosette (resonator hole). This allows you to achieve an even distribution of volume between the upper and lower frequencies. In terms of application, “orchestration” is the direct opposite of westerns: they are excellent for playing by fingerpicking and note-by-note, but on chords they sound noticeably weaker - both due to the lack of bass (especially with an aggressive playing style) and due to the relatively low volume. On the other hand, thanks to the uniform frequency response, an orchestral guitar can be picked up with a regular microphone even at a professional concert.

- Jumbo. The word Jumbo means “large”, and these cases are indeed quite large in dimensions. Another distinctive feature is the shape of the lower part of the soundboard: it can be almost round, and in any case, the contours of the jumbo body are usually smoother than those of orchestral models and especially dreadnoughts (although there are exceptions). Moreover, this type of body combines the features of the mentioned varieties: a balanced and smooth sound, characteristic of “orchestration”, is combined with the volume of “Western”. Because of this, jumbo guitars are generally considered the best option for mixed-style players. However, a lot depends on the specific model: some are closer in application to dreadnoughts, and sometimes the difference between a jumbo and a western lies only in how the manufacturer positions its instrument.

- Mini jumbo. A slightly smaller version of the jumbo (see above), with correspondingly lower volume and sound richness.

- Grand Auditorium. Another versatile type of guitar. It is similar in outline to a jumbo (see above) - to the point that the terms “grand auditorium” and “jumbo” (or “mini jumbo”, depending on the dimensions) are often used interchangeably.

- Grand concert. An analogue of the Grand Auditorium described above, somewhat smaller in dimensions.

- Parlor. Cases of this type are distinguished by fairly compact dimensions - some of them are close in dimensions to a ukulele - and, most often, quite small in width, but while maintaining a full-dimensions socket. Such instruments were initially popular in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries; Today they are valued by professionals both for their traditional sound with “historical notes” and for their ease of transportation.

- Road. In accordance with the name, such cases are created with ease of transportation in mind. They can have either a traditional shape, close to a dreadnought or jumbo (only smaller), or very specific shapes (for example, triangular or oval, like a medieval lute).

- Resonator. Six-string guitars, also known as “Dobro” (from the name Dobro, given by the creators and later becoming a trademark). In accordance with the name, to amplify the sound, such instruments use not just a hollow body, but a special part - a resonator. This element is installed under the top deck and covered with a characteristic round metal lid with slots; the lower threshold is placed directly on the lid. “Dobro” is distinguished by a rather loud and sharp sound; In addition, some models have a special neck design that makes it easier to play using a slide. In general, such guitars have a rather narrow niche of application; they are popular primarily among blues and country/bluegrass performers.

- Soprano. The smallest type of ukulele (see “Type”), it is also historically the first and most widespread. The standard overall length of such an instrument is 21" (53 cm) with a 13" scale length (see below). Soprano models have the most high-frequency emphasis of any ukulele, and are typically tuned using GCEA (heaviest to thinnest) tuning.

- Concert. The ukulele is slightly larger in dimensions than the sopranos described above - 23" in length and 15" in scale. They provide a slightly higher volume of low frequencies, but otherwise are completely similar.

- Tenor. Further, after the concert version, the ukulele increases in dimensions - up to 26" in total length (17" in scale). In addition, they differ in tuning: they can be tuned in both GCEA and DGBE (similar to the first 4 strings of a 6-string guitar).

- Baritone. Until relatively recently (before the advent of bass-type bodies), such instruments were the largest variety of ukulele. The standard overall length for a baritone is 30", scale length is 19"; Such an instrument is usually tuned in DGBE tuning (similar to the first through fourth strings of a 6-string guitar).

- Bass. One of the newest varieties of ukulele: launched for sale only in 2007. It is almost the same in dimensions as a baritone - length is about 30", scale length is 20" - however, it uses a different tuning, namely EADG (also an analogue of a six-string guitar, in this case corresponding to strings from the fourth to the sixth).

- Gitalele. A kind of “hybrid” between a traditional guitar and a ukulele. In fact, such instruments are six-string guitars, made in the dimensions of a ukulele and tuned 2.5 tones higher - ADGCEA tuning. At the same time, the fingering, chord placement technique and tuning procedure in the guitarel do not differ from ordinary guitars. Such instruments are also called “six-string ukuleles,” but this name can also be applied to classic 4-string ukuleles, where the second and third strings are doubled. So, to avoid confusion, it is better to still use the term “gitalele”.

Special cutout on the body of the guitar. It is located at the base of the neck, to the right of it, if you look at the upright guitar from the front (in left-handed models — on the left). This feature makes it much easier to play on the upper frets (located near the rosette): without a cutout, the body would prevent reaching them. Therefore, this feature is highly desirable for guitarists who play notes at high frets (from the 12th and above).

There is an opinion that the cutout negatively affects the acoustics of the guitar (reduces the useful volume of the body, reduces the volume and saturation). However, in most cases, this effect is almost imperceptible, especially since manufacturers often use various tricks to compensate for this effect.

Guitar body construction, including both soundboards and sides. For these parts, two main types of wood can be used: solid (solid) and puff (better known as plywood). Plywood is cheaper than solid wood, but loses to it in terms of acoustic properties. Therefore, the type of deck in the characteristics is usually indicated only if solid wood is present in it. However, if data on the deck is not given, this does not mean that the instrument is made entirely of plywood; in addition, it is worth noting that some types of plywood come close to solid wood in terms of acoustic properties. Therefore, without having information on the deck design, it makes sense to focus primarily on the price category of the instrument.

Options for a solid tree can be as follows:

— One piece top. The English name is also used — solid top. We are talking about instruments in which only the upper deck is made of solid wood — the rest of the body is made of plywood. This option is a good compromise between sound quality and affordable price, it is quite popular in mid-range guitars.

— Completely whole. A body in which all parts are made of solid wood — both decks and sides. This is the most advanced option in terms of acoustics — especially since some types of wood even improve over time (provided that it is solid wood). However, a completely one-piece body is quite expensive, so this option is found...mainly in high-end professional instruments.

The material from which the lower soundboard of the guitar is made is a flat surface on the opposite side from the upper soundboard (it is this surface that is adjacent to the musician's body when the instrument is held normally).

The value of this parameter is described in detail in the “Upper deck” section — what is stated there is also true in this case. We only note that a wider range of materials is used for the lower deck: this part is less demanding on the characteristics of the material, which gives manufacturers additional choice.

In terms of specific materials, rosewood, sapele, maple, meranti and nato, among others, enjoy considerable popularity in modern times. Here is a brief description of each of them:

— Rosewood. A name that combines the wood of several species of tropical trees. This material is said to provide deep sound and enhance bass quality, thereby improving the guitar's efficiency when playing rhythm parts on chords.

— Sapele. Also known as "African mahogany" due to its characteristic hue. It contributes to an even sound with medium depth and good expression of individual notes, which is considered important especially in solo parts.

— Maple. Maple wood is prone to a rather sharp and sonorous sound without much depth. However, this is...not a drawback, but a feature: for some styles of music, just such a coloring of the sound is perfect.

— Meranti. Wood of trees of the genus Shorey, growing in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This material is mainly used in instruments manufactured by Yamaha, mainly classical guitars and ukuleles — it is for these varieties that meranti is considered the best option.

— Nato. A relatively inexpensive variety of mahogany (mahogany) used in guitars in the corresponding price range. Contributes to a dense, but not very bright sound.

The material from which the side of the guitar is made is the “side” surface of the body, which unites the upper and lower soundboards (see above).

About the meaning of the material of the body, see paragraph "Top deck" — everything stated in it is also true for the shell. Unless the range of materials used for this part is noticeably wider; also note that most often the material of the shell coincides with the material of the bottom deck. Here is a summary of some of the more popular options:

— Rosewood. A name that combines the wood of several species of tropical trees. This material is said to provide deep sound and enhance bass quality, thereby improving the guitar's efficiency when playing rhythm parts on chords.

— Sapele. Also known as "African mahogany" due to its characteristic hue. It contributes to an even sound with medium depth and good expression of individual notes, which is considered important especially in solo parts.

— Maple. Maple wood is prone to a rather sharp and sonorous sound without much depth. However, this is not a drawback, but a feature: for some styles of music, just such a coloring of the sound is perfect.

— Meranti. Wood of trees of the genus Shorey, growing in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This material is mainly used in instruments manufactured by Yamaha, mainly classical guitars and ukuleles — it is for these varieties that meranti is considered the best option.

— Nato.... A relatively inexpensive variety of mahogany (mahogany) used in guitars in the corresponding price range. Contributes to a dense, but not very bright sound.

The material from which the bridge (string holder) of the guitar is made is a device with which the strings are attached to the top deck.

Theoretically, the colour of the sound of an instrument depends on the characteristics of all its details. However, in the case of the bridge, this influence is so insignificant that the data on the material in this case are more of general reference and advertising than of real practical value. The variety of such materials is quite large; among the most common are rosewood, mongoy and ebony.

Scale length of the guitar. The scale in this case is the working part of the string, in other words, the distance from the saddle (on the headstock) to the saddle (on the bridge). In most acoustic and similar guitars, the scale is set during production and is unchanged. Without going into technical details, we can say that the value of this parameter is generally a reference: it allows you to some extent estimate the overall dimensions of the instrument, as well as the size of the frets (the longer the scale, the larger the size of the frets, regardless of their number). However, there is also a practical application: with an adjustable anchor (see above), the scale length data can be useful in the tuning process.

The material from which the neck of the guitar is made — more precisely, the base of the neck (the fretboard can be made from another material). Now the most commonly used materials are: nato, maple and mahogany. For the value of this parameter, see p. "Top deck".

The fingerboard material is the surface directly under the strings. Now the most commonly used materials are: rosewood, mongoy and ebony. For the value of this parameter, see p. "Top deck".