Xuefei's replies : March 2009 - my Smallman guitar
Each month I get lots of questions, often around common
themes. I would love to reply in person, but would have
no time left to play guitar.
Each month, I will post an article here that addresses
a theme from your questions.
I get many questions about the instruments I play.
This month I feature my main instrument, by Greg
Smallman and Sons.
Many people know Smallman guitars for their big sound.
For many people playing at home, this may not be
so important, but when playing in a 2000 seat hall,
or performing regularly with an orchestra, it is
important to consider this.
However more important than volume, is the colour
and tone of the instrument. The Smallman is my
favoured instrument for the concert hall due to
the wide palette of colours, tones, and dynamics
it provides - I can shape the sound I want, and know
that it will be heard clearly throughout the hall.
It is my favoured concert instrument as it is so
satifsying to play it on the concert platform.
Enjoy some pictures of the instrument:
The guitar was made in 2003, by Greg Smallman and Sons.
It has a cedar top. It also features an unusual arm-rest, which stops the forearm from damping the vibrations of the guitar top, which would also damp the sound.
The back and sides are made from stunning Brazilian rosewood, and are particularly heavy when compared to most other guitars.
The top shows the wear-and-tear of professional playing - particularly from rasgueado technique !
I have a special nut fitted on each of my instruments, that reduces the string width, to make it more comfortable for my hands.
