7-String Guitar

[Steve Turns]

Just completed this 7-string Russian guitar. The basic shape is from the GAL Plan #48. I changed some dimensions and internal details. It's ladder braced. The outrigger nut design is borrowed from Mark Usherovich, and the Florentine rosette is from Bruce Petros. I used Wittner mechanical ukulele tuning pegs. The B/S are curly Sugar Maple with some quilting. The seventh string in its outrigger configuration can just resonate or be plucked (currently tuned a 4th below the 6th string). Alternatively, the string can be located on the fretboard, which would be required to accommodate playing the Russian music the guitar was originally designed for.

[Barry Daniels]

Very nice! And welcome to the MIMF, Steve.

[JC Whitney]

Beautiful.
I'm curious as to why the drone string's position is raised when offset...?

[Steve Turns]

Thanks, Barry and JC for your comments.

Beautiful.
I'm curious as to why the drone string's position is raised when offset...?

I asked Mark Usherovich what his thinking was on the extended nut for the 7th string: His reply: "To increase the amplitude of the string for the low notes. And making it out of the way sometimes when only one note is played." This does not directly answer your question of why the string is elevated as well as offset. Looking at the geometry, it does seem like the string could buzz with a strong pluck if it were not elevated. If the string is functioning only as a drone, I don't think there is a need for the string to be elevated. I've also found in playing the guitar that having the 7th string above the plane of the other strings helps to avoid confusing it with the 6th string. But the way I play, I'm easily confused. Hope this helps.