14 fret O ???

[Dave Rickard]

Hi, My name is Dave and I'm a lurker!
I don't post much because putting my thoughts in words is hard for me.
I'm currently planning my 17th build, the first 16 have been dreads 6 and 12 string.
This one will be a O Martin.
I'd like to keep a longer scale (25.34 or 24.9)
Laying it out as a 12 fret it looks like the bridge will be way down on the lower bout.
If I lay it out as a 14 fret I like where the bridge ends up.
My question is it way out of line to make a 14 fret O?

[Mark Swanson]

the position of the bridge on these little 12 fret guitars is what makes them sound the way they do. It might look odd to you, but it actually moves the bridge down more into a "sweet spot', and many feel that it's very important to leave it that way, some even build a 12 fret guitar with a cutaway. The best way would be to build a 12 fret, and then build a 14 fret so you can compare. So, as long as your O style body is correct in its dimensions, you'll be ok, I'd use 24.9.

[Clay Schaeffer]

Martin made a 14 fret "O" size guitar. As with other 14 fretters they shortened the upper bout, making the shoulders more square. If this is the shape you are using, a 12 fret neck would move the bridge further down than it is for a typical (longer bodied) 12 fret guitar. I've used the long scale on guitars as small as a size 1 and it has worked out fine.
Gibson's LG O guitar is about the size of a Martin OO. They made them in both 12 (classical/nylon) or 14 fret neck versions without changing the body shape.

[Tim Allen]

I have a Martin 14 fret 0-17, and I love the sound. I think a lot of people who like small guitars recognize the 14 fret 0 as a good one. Of course, the 12 fret 0, with its slightly different sound, is also great. IMHO if you want to build a 14 fret short-scale 0, go for it.

[Todd Stock]

As mentioned, two body shapes for 0 size guitars, with the option to mix and match (option to give the 14 fret 0 body the Norman Blake treatment and use a 12 fret-to-body neck and cutaway to maintain access). Pretty sure there's a PDF of the 14 fret 0 shape in archives. Use UMGF bracing library for layout, but PM me with email if you wish and I can see what I have in terms of shots and PDF body plan docs.