Acoustic guitars are a different breed than electrics when it comes to innovation. Since the materials and construction are a large part of the tone (as opposed to electrics where it has less significance), there’s restrictions on what can be done. Recent innovations in acoustic guitar building focus on
- Internal guitar bracing designs and materials
- Double tops and/or sides
- Soundhole design and placement
- Comfort features (body wedge, arm and body bevels)
It’s quite hard to innovate in these areas while still keeping a beautiful design and nice acoustic tone. Casimi Guitars from South Africa have been able to do this in beautiful way. Their signature soundhole and rosette integration with the outer binding is a cool, cosmetic feature as well as the open slotted headstock. The C2 shown here is their flagship and represents new design ideas with conventional acoustic traditions.