Introduction to Casino Guitars
Casino guitars are a type of acoustic guitar designed specifically for fingerstyle playing, particularly in the context of jazz and classical music. The name “casino” has nothing to do with the gaming establishments that most people think casinoguitarsresort.ca it might refer to; instead, it was coined by John D’Angelico, an American luthier (stringed instrument maker), who used this term for his own designs in the 1930s.
Design and Construction
One of the defining characteristics of casino guitars is their relatively narrow width at the upper bout, which allows players to access chords more easily. This design feature sets them apart from other acoustic guitar models on the market. In terms of tonal output, casinos are known for producing clear, balanced sound with strong midrange and treble components.
The construction process typically involves carefully selecting high-quality materials for both body and neck woods. D’Angelico used a combination of spruce (usually Sitka) for the top and maple or rosewood for the back and sides in his original designs. Some modern manufacturers have experimented with alternative tonewoods, such as cedar and red cypress.
The fingerboard is often made from ebony, which provides smooth playability while maintaining sufficient contrast between strings to facilitate complex chord patterns.
Types of Casino Guitars
Over time, several variations on the classic casino design have emerged. Some notable examples include:
- Newport : Introduced in 1940 by D’Angelico’s company, this model features a narrower waist than its predecessor and incorporates some elements from jazz-era instruments.
- Eccentric : Developed in collaboration with Ted Greene (famous for his eccentric playing style), these guitars often have a more pronounced profile on the upper bout and feature increased playability.
Other notable makers continue to evolve their designs based on historical models while incorporating innovative materials or manufacturing techniques. Some examples of contemporary manufacturers offering variations within this genre are listed below:
- D’Angelico Guitars : A continuation of John D’Angelico’s legacy, they offer a range of custom and standard production options.
- Collings Guitars : This company offers several iterations on classic designs, including the OM (orchestra model) series which shares similarities with casino guitars in terms of their fingerboard width.
Variations within the Casino Guitar Family
Some notable variations can be seen in these models from different manufacturers:
- D’Angelico’s Standard Model : Features an arched top and back, set-in neck (a D’Angelico signature).
- Collings OM-28 : A collaboration with master luthier Chris Martin and John Collings featuring a smaller body but retaining the characteristic wide waist.
- Tom Roberts Custom Guitars : An individual workshop creating high-end instruments inspired by historical designs including his take on casino guitars.
Tonal Variations within the Family
These differences in design influence how each model performs sonically, offering distinct strengths:
- The narrower width of the upper bout increases finger access but also may produce a brighter tone.
- Different woods selected for construction introduce variations in overall tonal balance and brightness level.
In conclusion, while it is challenging to discuss specific models or prices within this context (without potentially leading readers astray) one might say that they usually range between $3k-$15K USD depending on factors such as custom features wood options and manufacturer prestige.