Guitars

Guitars - one of the most versatile of musical instruments, does not have a long history when compared to other well known stringed beauties from violins to violas, harps to pianos. Violins however are probably the most versatile of all; considering the fiddle's contribution to its lore.

The guitar began around the 16th Century. They started out more like a twelve string, with sets of strings called c courses,. Courses are one, two, or three gut strings together. On average there would be 4 or 5 sets of chorses on a guitar. The problem with guitars in that time were that they have little volume. The standars 5 course guitar was tuned A-D-G-B-E. In 1770 the sixth course began to appear, but by about 1810, they moved to six single strings. Tuning was standard tuning E-A-D-G-B-e.

There are many types of guitars, made from a wide range of materials, though acoustic guitars are usually wood and composites while electric guitars are often solid wood but can be easily made from other materials. Combination accoustic-electric guitars have also been made from interesting materials including metal!

Many are custom built by very talented and inspired craftspersons. Guitars are built in the US, Canada, Mexico, China and other locations.