I've been looking for an alternate design that has the projection and bass response of a dreadnought and think I finally found it. The body has a similar width as a dreadnought but has a narrow waist which helps it sit slightly lower when positioned on your leg and I feel may feel more comfortable to play. The treble response is also improved as a result of the narrow waist. I plan on making this shape one of my standards and a great choice for the player that loves the sound of a dreadnought and wants an improved ergonomic feel.
This particular model was built for friend and custom knifemaker Steve Janik http://janikknives.com and commissioned by his family as a surprise gift. Steve and his family have been to Africa a number of times and relaly enjoyed the expereiences. This guitar features wood native to Africa and a stunning African animal inlay theme created exclusively for this instrument my friend and master inlay artist / luthier Tracy Cox of Inlay Design Studio www.inlaydesignstudio.com. The back and sides are pre-export ban Madagascar Rosewood, the neck very old African Mahogany, and the fretboard, bridge and bridge pins are made from African Ebony.