Simian Ridge
Enterprises
Jack MacKenzie
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New 000 on Left and Original Dreadnought (aka Bellbird) on Right
Although somewhat similar in appearance, these two guitrars have major differences. They are both steel string flat-tops but they are quite different to play. The major difference is the scale length, 645mm for the dreadnought and 610 for the 000. This means for the 000, less tension in the strings against the pick and shorter reaches for making chords and scales for the left hand.
000 Neck above and Dreadnought neck below. Necks align at 12th fret to show major difference in scale length.
This scale length difference is fundamental to a few other differences. In order to get the bridge in the sweet spot with respect to the bracing (still double x as discussed in The Design), there needed to be 13 frets to the body. The body is a close copy of the 1920's Martin 000 made during the transitional years from gut strings to steel strings. And the bracing is quite light. Where the scale is about 5% shorter, the bracing is about 10% lighter. 000 main brades are 6.4mm (1/4 inch), dreadnought braces are 7mm. I held my breath when I tensioned up the first prototype, but the fear was unwarranted. The first SR 000 is now 3 years old and it is stable as can be.
The 000 is also shallower and feels smaller to hold as a result. Both dreadnought and 000 are the same width and both fit well in the widely available dreadnought cases.
The 000 is also shallower and feels smaller to hold as a result. Both dreadnought and 000 are the same width and both fit well in the widely available dreadnought cases.
000 on Left and Dreadnought on Right. 5mm difference.
Cosmetically aside from the difference in shape, the 000 has ebony fingerboard and bridge where Bellbirds (dreadnoughts) have black maire fingerboard and bridge. So far all Bellbirds have totara necks and all 000s have sapele (aka African mahogany) necks. The Bellbird is therefore (except for the top and braces) all NZ native woods and the 000 is more of a hybrid. Both guitars have sitka spruce soundboards and braces.
The headstocks are also different, with the 000 having the old-fashion slotted design, where the dreadnoughts have solid headstock. The slotted head design is considerably more difficult to make, FYI...
The headstocks are also different, with the 000 having the old-fashion slotted design, where the dreadnoughts have solid headstock. The slotted head design is considerably more difficult to make, FYI...
Both designs use pre-stressed graphite for neck reinforcement. Both guitars have french polished shellac as finishes. Both guitars wear the same ape's head logo with the exaggerated simian ridge.
In summary, the main difference is in the playing. To me, the 000 is much easier to play. My hands are not what they used to be, and there's a bit of arthritis in my case. They are the same and at the same time, very different. I hope one day you get to play one or both models.
In summary, the main difference is in the playing. To me, the 000 is much easier to play. My hands are not what they used to be, and there's a bit of arthritis in my case. They are the same and at the same time, very different. I hope one day you get to play one or both models.
