Southwell Guitars

The A Series Guitar - Construction

Adjustable Neck

The adjustable neck system is based on a tension screw and a pivot mechanism. The neck is most easily adjusted by turning the tension screw. If further adjustment is required, the pins on which the neck pivots can also be adjusted to fine tune the tuning compensation of the guitar.

You don’t have to spend time and money having your saddle piece altered!

Another advantage of this neck system is that the front is free from contact with the fingerboard, giving the top a greater vibrating area. Also, due to the raised height of the fingerboard, playing up in the higher positions above the 12th fret is much easier.

Internal Construction

The internal construction is influenced by other makers who have worked in the Viennese style, such as Stauffer, Scherzer and Hauser. A carbon fibre sub-frame supports all the stress exerted on the top when using a floating adjustable neck. Relieving this stress allows the soundboard to vibrate freely, improving the efficiency response and sound quality of the instrument.

As you can see, I use a curved strutting pattern. This allows me to have the struts running just where I want them. A bent or curved bar has more strength than a straight one, so using this method of bent bars allows me greater control over the tension and strength to weight ratio.

Arm Rest

The arm rest is another new detail on this guitar. No matter how you sit with a guitar you will, to some extent, be in contact with the soundboard where your arm touches the edge. This has a damping effect on a part of the soundboard that is particularly delicate and crucial to the sound of the instrument. The arm rest not only eliminates that damping effect, it also makes the player’s arm more comfortable and relaxed.

For more information, contact
Gary Southwell

site created June 2004
Page last changed October 2007