What contributes more to sound: hole shape or scale length?

seeirwin

Any thoughts on what contributes more to the overall sound on a guitar (assuming all other things are equal): the D hole vs. oval hole, or the short scale vs. long scale? That is, what will sound more similar: a long scale D hole and a long scale oval hole, or a short scale oval hole (e.g. Django's J'attendrai guitar) and a long scale oval hole?

Thanks!

djangology

Most definitely scale length. Hole shape has no significant effect on sound when perceived by persons standing in front of the guitar. The one exception is that I always tell people that the D-hole will make it slightly easier to hear yourself play, which it does.

MichaelHorowitz

Generally long scale guitars (670mm) will have better single note projection and won't be as bass heavy. Short scale guitars (640mm) will be more full bodied but rarely as loud as the long scales, especially for lead. But there are always exceptions....

D holes tend to be thicker in the mids and bass and are more "open" in sound. As Jon mentioned, they also have a wider dispersion so they sound louder to the player. Ovals will have more high end punch and are more closed, or "dry" in sound. Generally they are more directional so the audience will hear them better....again, there are exceptions.

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