OM: Modeled after Martin’s famous orchestra model, the OM is the smallest body shape I currently make.  Not only is it a comfortable instrument, but it has a very lively tone. This body shape is small enough that the soundboard doesn’t need as much energy put into it to make it respond lively. This makes it a great option for light players, or some fingerstyle players. Expect a focused tone, with clarity to the individual notes. The OM is a classic, and the most popular body size I’ve made.

Dreadnought: Another classic Martin invention, this body shape has been the most copied body shape of all time. It is a classic, and a definite go to for bluegrass or any kind of hard strumming. They produce a unique sound when fingerpicked as well. Dreadnoughts are characterized by their loud, husky midrange, bass response, and decent clarity in the trebles. While other larger bodied guitars on this list have just as much volume and often more bass, Dreadnoughts have a voice of their own, and have won the hearts of many musicians for a very long time.

SJ: The Small Jumbo, or SJ for short is the jack of all trades design. Larger than a typical SJ, and with a tighter waist, this design does everything very well. It’s my favorite for fingerstyle as well as flatpicking.  My favorite wood combination for an SJ is Cedar over Rosewood. The bass, treble and overtones are unbeatable. Especially with Adi bracing.

Jumbo: The Jumbo is a classic design that seems to have become less popular in recent years. However, jumbo lovers like me love the emphasis on the bass and treble with a scooped midrange. Like  dreadnoughts, the jumbo has a great bass response. However, unlike the boomy sound of a dread, the jumbo’s bass is round, warm and inviting. Especially in drop d tuning. Because of the larger surface are a of the soundboard, the jumbo makes a fantastic 12 string guitar. 

Giant Jumbo: I don’t know of anyone else currently making this body size. It is shaped like a jumbo, but with even larger dimensions. Coming in at nearly 19 inches across the lower bout, this beast of a guitar is a powerhouse for bass response. A great choice for 12 strings and baritones. Finding side sets that are long enough for this shape is almost impossible, but once in a while you can find one. Cases must be custom made as well. 

Body Depth

Body depth also plays a critical role in the sound of a guitar. In general, deeper bodies have more bass and reverb within the instrument. However, they can lack clarity and become mushy. Thinner bodies have great clarity, and shimmer, but can lack the richness of a deeper body. Knowing this, a builder can use body depth as another tool for voicing a guitar. I like to use deeper bodies on smaller guitars, and thinner ones on larger guitars.