Deep Body Guitars

[William2]

Is it just me or are there others that think a deep body guitar is more aesthetically pleasing. Regardless or the overall guitar dimensions I think a deep body instrument just looks cooler. I also think the instrument has as Andy Powers says, "greater lung capacity". Watching all the recent demos of the Gold Label Grand pacific I was turned on by its looks and for the first time a Taylor sound. Ultimately, I think I've found other deep body models I prefer. I think I got rid of my Martin 000-15SM because while it sounded good, it just looked too thin. Even if I were to get a smaller body instrument, I'd like something like the one Muireann Bradley is playing in this video but with a better sound. Do you prefer deep body guitars?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEDiDmMaKMY

[Queequeg]

Understanding that the body of an acoustic guitar is essentially an air pump, the deep body generates additional power.
Several years ago CFM issued a Pat Donohue signature model.
It was a deep body OM.
The OM is my preferred body size, and an OM with some additional punch seemed like a great idea.
I was a big Pat Donohue fan and I wanted this guitar, but I couldn't find one. Apparently they didn't build a lot of them.

(AFAIK Pat has retired from recording and touring.)

[William2]

I'm surprised more builders don't offer these specialty models at affordable prices. I did find the Nick Lucas model on the Gibson site for $9,999. But if I was to spend that amount of money Gibson wouldn't be building it. Back when I was playing lute, the makers built deep and shallow body instruments, and the body depth didn't enter into the price.

[jazzereh]

Just me, probably, but from a distance I can't tell a deep body from a non-deep body.  I'd likely not be able to tell one OM from another.  But if it was a jumbo vs an OM, sure.  And would you not have to be looking from the side? So in that case, there is nothing esthetical given just looking at a guitar. 

Sound-wise, sure, the deeper body adds to the volume and tone.

[William2]

Just me, probably, but from a distance I can't tell a deep body from a non-deep body.  I'd likely not be able to tell one OM from another.  But if it was a jumbo vs an OM, sure.  And would you not have to be looking from the side? So in that case, there is nothing esthetical given just looking at a guitar. 

Sound-wise, sure, the deeper body adds to the volume and tone.

I can see the difference anytime there is an angled view of the instrument like those angled Sweetwater pics of the instruments they are selling. I just know the deeper body will give me more of what I am looking for in sound. On the other hand, maybe some prefer the shallow body for a different type of sound. I also think cosmetics can make the look deceiving. I just always thought my new Martin DSS-17 had a deeper body than my Larrivee dreadnoughts. Yesterday, I measured both instruments and the depth was the same. I think the Martin Just looked deeper because it didn't have any bind on the back of the instrument and it looks like there is more mahogany. Or maybe it is the slope vs square shoulder look that made think that way. 

[teh]

Here is a link to a video featuring a review of the Pat Donohue Martin signature model built around 2008. Todd Phillips (One Man's Guitar) does reviews on a lot of Martin models and does a nice job highlighting the features. He plays a lot of the same music on different models so you can hear the differences between guitars.

https://onemanz.com/guitar/reviews/acoustic-guitars/martin/om-30db/

I saw him play in a small, historical venue (The Fredonia Opera House) close to my house about 8 years ago and he was amazing.

Martin's custom shop would most likely build a deep body OM but it would be pricey. Without research, I don't know if Larrivee has ever built a deep bodied OM but someone probably knows if they did. I have found that Larrivee can build a custom quality model with quality wood choices and appointments without breaking the bank. I paid less for three custom Larrivees than I would have spent on one Pat Donohue signature model. Most of the time I don't know what I'm talking about but I do know what I like.

[B0WIE]

My favorite design happens to be a deep body 00. But, I have to admit I generally don't like deep bodies, don't find them comfortable, and don't think they look better. That's mostly because you'll usually see the deep body on an OM or larger. I've really only liked it on the 00 (and smaller) and I'll explain why. The small surface area of the top means the response is immediate and snappy. They can still sustain for a long time but the initial attack is very different than a mid to large instrument. However, the deep body compensates for the weak bass you normally get in a 00. And, they sit well in my lap because the body is more like a 000 depth.

It's not the best design or anything, but it has become my favorite.

[unclrob]

I own a Guild F30 from 74 and its a deep body feels like J05 I owned.As said lots of breath great sounding thru a mic.

[BlueBowman]

I find myself, once again, agreeing with Bowie. I've owned a few deep body guitars, and the sound can sometimes take a little longer to get out (dreads can be like this, and it's one of the many reason I don't own one anymore). But my main issue is that the deep body results in a lack of focus in 000 and OM size guitars. Doubly so with higher density woods like EIR. Don't get me wrong, that big bass is awesome, and the trebles can be lush and full, but I feel like it all comes at the expense of clarity and focus. IME, about every guitar has a trade off somewhere.

I also own a 00 deep body guitar. It's a modern take on the 12-fret, L-00 Nick Lucas. It lacks ZERO focus. Old growth Adi/honduran mahogany. It's quite the little guitar. Further, I think the traditional 000-12-fret regular depth guitars can make for some amazing instruments, as I own a few luthier-built ones and an amazing Collings at the moment. They sound full and "piano-like", and I don't think that extra depth is needed in the least.

These are all preferences, of course. This is just what I like. Being a fingerpicker and prioritizing clarity certainly factors into my preferences.

[StringPicker6]

I own a Guild F30 from 74 and its a deep body feels like J05 I owned.As said lots of breath great sounding thru a mic.

I wish guild would build a USA F30 again. The new guilds coming out of Oxnard, California are really fantastic, but most of the USA models are jumbos and dreads.

[unclrob]

But not the right jumbo.JF30 6+12 string.I I bought a new jumbo 12 I don't rember the modl name MIC for $300 with a nice gig bag and perfec for me out of box,super low actin and mim relief.