2

Based on descriptions I've read it seems like an auditorium or grand auditorium, but I am not certain.

These pictures are of another guitar of the same model as mine:

enter image description here enter image description here
(source: guitar-museum.com)

enter image description here
(source: guitar-museum.com)
enter image description here
(source: guitar-museum.com)

Articles about body style and string gauge:

Improve this question
8
  • 1
    I've never heard of a link between body style and string gauge. Can you explain that?
    – Todd Wilcox
    Jun 6, 2017 at 23:39
  • 2
    The second link was written by someone who doesn't understand what a truss rod is, so that source should not be trusted, IMHO. Comfort, tone, and intonation are such big factors when selecting string gauge that if there's any effect that body style has, it is likely overshadowed. Generally you want to play the heaviest strings that are comfortable but you have to have your truss rod adjusted to match the strings. I can't imagine 10s on an acoustic, they would sound so wimpy, and 11s can't be much better. I would start at 12s unless your guitar is really terrible.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Jun 7, 2017 at 0:21
  • Thanks for the information Todd! Out of curiosity, do you have any idea what body style my guitar is?
    – Chris Bier
    Jun 7, 2017 at 0:23
  • 1
    I wouldn't worry about "correct" strings for a body style. I'd consider .012s light on an acoustic, and work up from there. Different gauges will sound different on the same guitar; you'll have to try some to see what you like best. As for the actual body style of your guitar, I don't know that there is a rigorous classification system. Here is a link that talks about this a bit.
    – user39614
    Jun 7, 2017 at 0:35
  • 1
    Yes. That is just a loose way of referring to string gauges, but different sets can be made up of different gauges. Some players like lighter strings on top, and heavier strings on bottom-- I think that bluegrass players often favor this arrangement.
    – user39614
    Jun 7, 2017 at 0:48

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
4

It's called a cutaway because the bottom underneath the neck is "cut away' to allow you to reach some of the higher frets more comfortably.

Improve this answer
1

The terms "auditorium" or "grand auditorium", as well as "concert", "grand concert" etc. are generally referring to the size of guitars, rather than their shapes. I think the misunderstanding begins from Taylor started using these terms to describe their guitar shapes; but size-wise, Taylor's understanding is a bit different than other brands (i.e. Martin and its derivatives). For example, Martin considers its Size 0000, or "M" series guitar as grand auditorium size, but Taylor's Grand Auditorium designs (*14) are a bit bigger than that.

Since Taylor's naming convention is also becoming a standard nowadays, it's actually a shoe-size problem. So the question here is, which standard will you adopt? Then you can measure the guitar yourself and look up Martin's Size Chart or Taylor's to answer your question.

Improve this answer
1

That body style is a Grand Auditorium as per Taylor guitars. Its a versatile shape with the cut away and wide lower bout.

There is a great article here on Acoustic guitar body shapes that will help you understand the names and how they are categorized by different brands.

String gauge is irrelevant as the guitar can be set up for most within reason. Just depends on your sound preference and type of music.

Improve this answer
0

My read is that it's an Ibanez AEG, and with the pretty wood on top, likely an AEG70. This is reading as Grand Concert, and it has a 3/4-width body. The thinner body is easier to reach around but would be somewhat quieter, which is okay, because it has a piezo pickup.

You want the big-bodied dreadnaught and the heavy strings for volume, but since you have modern technology, you don't need all that to be heard. Medium strings — .013-.056 — should be enough to make it move without us being too much too for your fingers. Maybe even .012s.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.