Description
New 2022 Gerber LS16 (C-Tone) Baritone Cuban Mahogany/Swiss Spruce
Just in to Cedar Rock is this Gerber LS16 Prototype (C-Tone) baritone. Alittle more about this guitar from Ryan :
This prototype is a few years in the making, hence the lower than expected serial number. It was completed just in time for the 2022 Woodstock International Guitar Festival, where it made its debut appearance to the delight of many players and observers. I was thrilled by the opportunity to show something completely unique from what I normally produce. A breath of fresh air, and welcomed challenge to make something new from a completely different set of rules and objectives.
The goal was to make a guitar that could fill the gap between a baritone, and standard guitar. I wanted to make something that could easily handle drop C tunings, as well as play in standard. To better handle the drop tunings I chose a multi scale layout of 26” to 25.5”. I didn’t want it to play like a baritone, which can be overly long for someone with medium size hands. I wanted to feel comfortable and familiar to any player who is used to standard scale length instruments.
Sonically, I wanted to push the boundaries and make a soundbox with the largest engine possible out of a 16” lower bout. Hence the round and full lower bout, smallish upper bout, and forward shifted waist. Also included in the design parameters was a new soundhole shape, the idea of which came from reading a scientific article about the efficiency of the movement of air through an opening. The research showed that air moving through an opening moves most efficiently at the perimeter. So a narrow “slit” soundhole was designed and became the anchor point for an all new bracing layout.
I’m very happy with the results and excited to see what becomes of this new design. I feel it meets all of the hopes I had at the outset, and has serious potential to offer something new and exciting to fingerstyle players looking for a little extra power, with the melodious voice that characterize all other Gerber Guitars.
A few more details:
Cuban Mahogany back and sides with Swiss spruce soundboard.
Peruvian walnut neck with carbon reinforcement only, no truss rod, to save weight and improve balance.
Shallow cutaway with bevel to improve reach to upper frets and maximize soundbox volume.
Simple aesthetic with cocobolo trim throughout.
Ebony fretboard, Brazilian rosewood bridge.
Rear access panel for easy access to interior of soundbox.
Minimalist linseed oil finish on full guitar. Beautiful satin sheen.
