Western guitars

Western guitar, also known as dreadnought, or pop guitar, is one of the most common types of acoustic guitar. It appeared relatively recently - in the 30s of the last century, but during this time it has gained wide popularity and demand. It is almost impossible to find it in classical music, but pop, blues, jazz, even rock - none of these genres is complete without the western guitar. Designed to open up new horizons beyond the reach of classical guitar, it has successfully taken root in the musical instrument world and is the best-selling acoustic guitar of all.

History of appearance

The Western acoustic guitar originated in the first half of the 20th century. Its appearance can be called without exaggeration a revolution in the production of guitars. This revolution was created by the guitar company CF Martin & Co, to the masters of which the possibilities of the classical guitar seemed limited. A small graceful body, wide neck, vein strings - all this gave a too soft and quiet sound, which was not enough for the then popular country, jazz and blues. In addition, the vocalist's voice literally drowned in the pronounced midrange of the classical guitar. There was only one way out - on the basis of the existing structure to create a completely new kind of guitar, which will fit into "its" time.

Design features

Even a person who is far from music can visually distinguish a Western guitar from a classical one. The first thing that catches your eye is an enlarged body with angular curves, reminiscent of a rectangular shape, and a wider "waist". The difference in neck width is also noticeable to the naked eye - the neck of the dreadnought guitar is noticeably narrower than the “classic” neck.

And these are only external differences. The design itself required significant changes and improvements, since instead of vein strings, the new model of the guitar was equipped with steel ones. To compensate for the tension of the steel strings, the method of their attachment to the bridge was changed, and additional springs were installed inside the body. A little later, Gibson made its own adjustments - the fretboard acquired a radial shape, which made it much easier to use the slider for solo parts, and the neck itself was equipped with a metal anchor, with which the bend is regulated and, again, the tension of the metal strings is compensated.

Sound features

The combination of a low-frequency body with a high frequency of steel strings in a total amount gives a bright pronounced sound and the ability for the musician to “control” this sound. A sharp pick attack or soft finger arpeggio, a ringing beat or muffling of strings with the edge of the palm at the bridge, a rich rhythm or a solo part - all this is available with a Western guitar. Completely new ones have been added to the techniques used in the classics and flamenco. Western guitar spread into all genres of music that existed at that time, and today it organically fits into a variety of styles. Guitarists in electric guitar-dominated rock bands most often use the dreadnought when there is a need for an authentic acoustic sound. Simply put, this kind of guitar is versatile, it can also be a transitional stage from acoustic to electric guitar.

Another feature that makes the Dreadnought guitar ideal for voice accompaniment is that its sound does not merge with the singer's voice, and due to this contrast, the frequencies of the voice are heard as clearly as the frequencies of the instrument.

Buy a Western guitar at Colorsound store

If you have a question “buy or not buy acoustic western guitar” - first decide on the purpose of the instrument. If you need a guitar for studying in a music school, we recommend choosing a classical one, but for a home, company, family, concert activity, a Western guitar is an ideal option! And we are ready to offer you a wide range from which you can choose a dreadnought guitar for every taste, color and budget. In our shop there are guitars for beginners and luxury instruments from leading manufacturers for professionals. Our consultants will help you make the right choice, as well as recommend accessories for storing, transporting and caring for your guitar. We also remind you that all our products are provided with a manufacturer's warranty.