Until the Blackbird Rider Nylon string model, players were left with the option of risking their fragile classical guitar while on the road or substituting it with an inferior travel instrument. Blackbird’s patent-pending, one-piece, hollow body, neck, and head construction mark a major departure from traditional guitar design- it transforms the entire guitar into a sound box – enhancing loudness, frequency-range and sustain. To further increase the air volume of the sound box, the guitar’s right shoulder extends up to the tenth fret, dubbed the Soundscoop. The Soundscoop also serves as the ideal location for the sound hole, while creating more surface area on the ultra-thin carbon-fiber sound board which further increases tonal response. A secondary sound port projects sound that travels from the soundbox through the hollow neck to the head. These innovations work in harmony to create a seemingly physics-defying voice. “We have a holistic approach to achieve maximum resonance from curve-less shape to the 1/32 thick sound board. Its a big sound, small body guitar without compromise: full scale, studio quality voice, nearly indestructible and fits in the overhead bin” explains founder Joe Luttwak.
The comfort and playability was also a prime consideration in the design. The hollow neck contributes to greater physical balance while the sulpted back makes for a very comfortable seated playing position. For all the non-traditional design features, the 2″ wide neck, super-premium Gilbert side-address tuners and wide string spacing translates to a familiar playing experience for the nylon string guitar player. Click here for more information. Credit: Blackbird Gutiars.