Dreadnought and jumbo guitars

The big bodies. Martin's dreadnought, named for the battleship, was built for volume and bass, and it became the shape of bluegrass, country and most of the folk revival. Gibson's J-45 and J-200 answered it with a rounder shoulder and a different voice. If you play with a flatpick, sing over a guitar, or want the instrument to fill a room without help, this is the size.

Vintage examples are described with originality stated; new Martin and Sigma dreadnoughts are set up before they leave.