| The recent proliferation of side ports on handmade
guitars is easy to understand. Luthiers incorporate them into their
designs because they work! But ... and it is a big BUT, not all side
ports are made equal. Some builders seem to be able to realize a
dramatic improvement in volume from these apertures and others ... not
so much so!
It's easy to test. Just put your left hand
over the port, strum the open strings with your right hand and then
immediately remove the hand that was covering the port. When I perform
that test on this stunning G.W. Barry Concert Cutaway, the already
powerful response increases dramatically!
When I asked Mr. Barry about sound ports in general,
his response was insightful. "The side port feature, as expected, imparts
a monitoring factor for the player but surprisingly adds to the overall
volume and tonality of the instrument ... possibly by moving air more rapidly
thus allowing the top to move more freely." There is no doubt in
my mind that Gordon is able to coax a much more dramatic improvement from
this recent innovation than most other builders! |
