Dec 5, 2012 · Hofner used to make a model called the Jazzica that was an odd, wedge shaped jazz box that came with foam backed ebony plugs you could push into the F holes. It didn't make any difference to the amplified sound, and less than you might imagine acoustically, the plugs reducing bass and a little volume when installed.

I’ve recently been looking around for a semi or hollowbody guitar but one of the things holding me back is that the vast majority has the f-shaped hole which I’m not so fond of. Is there any functional reason for this exact shape or is it purely from a point of tradition?

Oct 5, 2011 · The sound-hole of a guitar is really just a vent to let out vibrating air molecules. Most guitars, as you say, use round sound-holes but "f" holes (like violins) have also been used for a long time. Some guitar manufacturers claim that their non-round designs improve the sound (the "cluster" design of Ovation is one type).

Sep 28, 2022 · I keep seeing hollowbodies and archtops with non-traditional f-hole designs. It seems to be an often overlooked detail that there's a reason the hole is shaped the way it is. The S (or F) shape creates an unsupported wing that can …

Jan 10, 2024 · Many unbound f-holes on carved archtop guitars have reinforcements on the undersides of the top plates. This can be small wood pads, muslin, or other materials. These vary considerably in size and shape, but their purpose is to prevent wood splits.

Jul 3, 2013 · i've seen a couple guitars with F holes that just dont look right for the body type & size. But the classic F does look nice on the right shape. where do you stand on this life or death controversial issue?

Feb 4, 2008 · It seems like almost all hollow or semi hollow guitars have "F" shaped f holes (hence the name) but I does anybody have any ideas for a different shape for them?

Aug 19, 2005 · The F-holes are just there so air can move in and out, taking sound with it. As long as the holes aren't too big or too small as to let too much or too little air through, I don't think it would make a difference. The F-ish shape might be an old tradition, and those look kinda cool.

Apr 27, 2015 · It would mean that copying an F hole is wrong, since it is not possible to copy the wood of the plate. So the size and shape of the F holes should be adopted to the wood of the belly; which is the case with the Guarneri violins.

May 26, 2019 · I'm thinking of the F holes for a thin-bodied, nylon string electric guitar. Have you run across any reference to nylon string instruments with F holes?