Vega cylinder guitars and Flat Tops
Overview
Inspired by the instruments built by Vega of Boston in the 1920's and 30's these guitars feature a comfortable Parlour/000 sized body. Having evolved out of the Vega 'Cylinder Back' mandolin tradition the guitars incorporated the unusual shape on their soundboards as well. It is surmised that this unique design element was included in an effort to compete with the evolving carved plate instruments of the day. Perhaps one of the best descriptions of the tone of these Cylinder Guitars was provided by luthier Jake Wildwood who said of an original Vega "this guitar is what every round-hole archtop guitar wants to be but isn't... quite." The Full Cylinder guitar (back and soundboard) has a lovely clarity to the bottom end with a crystalline high end and surprising volume for an instrument of this size.. Since the first Vega style instrument was built at Park Guitars in 2004 various permutations and combinations of features have been integrated. The "Half Cylinder' features the uniquely arched back with an X-braced soundboard providing a more traditional flat top sound. The elegant body shape also makes it a excellent silhouette for conventional bracing on the back and soundboard. The relatively small body shape really belies the richness and power of these instruments. Good things come in small packages. |
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