@markbailey

I'm not ready to build an acoustic yet, but I've started thinking about it and going through the lessons. I've downloaded the patterns and I see that the body size is the same as the shop bought acoustic that I have.

I find this size is too big for me to be comfortable to play. I'm thinking of knocking up a cardboard body to find a size that is comfortable.

So here's the question, can I just scale down your template size and keep it in proportion until I get a size that I want?

I've no idea how that would affect brace positions or what fret the neck would join at, but I guess that come apparent when I start drawing.

Short answer: you can make the body any size you like...

..but..

I'll talk about this on tomorrows livestream...

@robin

It will be interesting to have a discussion about different body sizes. Early guitars were much smaller than modern ones and it was regarded as a ladies instrument to play in the parlour. There are some great examples in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford (even one by Stradivari) and the Museum of Antique Instruments in Edinburgh. Obviously they are closed at the moment but I think there will be stuff online to look at. Some instruments have plans available to buy which have been drawn by different people. Edinburgh has everything in glass cases but lets people take them out under supervision for examination and copying. I've been once and it's on my bucket list again if Covid ever finishes. 

@markbailey 

I'll talk about this on tomorrows livestream...

Thanks Mark, I'll be sure to be there. 

@Rocknroller912 

Museum of Antique Instruments in Edinburgh.

I'm just along the road from Edinburgh, I must go and visit the museum sometime.

@robin

Ive found the leaflet that I got last time. It's proper title is

Edinburgh Univesity Collection of Historic Musical Instruments

Reid Concert Hall

Bristo Suare

Teviot Place

EH8 9AH

tel 0131 6502423 to arrange a visit

its not that far from the Grassmarket and the oldest guitar is I think Matteo Sellas 1614 Venice.

Edinburgh Univesity Collection of Historic Musical Instruments

Reid Concert Hall

Bristo Suare

Teviot Place

EH8 9AH

@rocknroller912 This sounds really interesting, I’ll definitely have a trip there when Covid allows. I didn’t know that is why they were called parlour guitars either. Cheers. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Just down the road from the Ashmolean is the Music Instrument collection/museum  - interesting place. They keep the instruments in playable condition.

Many flim & TV companies hire their kit to be period correct. 

@eddie6string

I didn't know there is another instrument museum. I used to go to Bicester with work and always managed a free afternoon for a trip to Oxford. Don't think I will be there again.

well... don't I feel foolish. I've been building my first guitar (acoustic because they rock). It is going awesome. The lessons are very easy to follow. The body is all together. About to start fitting the neck. I'm amazed at what I have already done. I noticed the order was out but never really thought anything of it. When I watched it all the first time, it was in order. I just found the section I was working on. I am interested in hearing the differences in size because a parlor guitar is on my list of things I want to do. I think I know the answers because, in the acoustic course, you explained why things went where they were going and didn't just say "put it here". however it will be interesting to hear the "actual" answer. 

ps..... it is much easier to find sections in the acoustic course now that they are in order. 🙂