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ZDB Cutaway - Malaysian Ebony/Englemann Spruce
The latest striking creation from Z.D.B Guitars' acoustic stable is fabulously innovative in its build, aesthetics, and sound.
Zac Booth established Z.D.B Guitars in 2018 and makes beautiful, bespoke guitars that are works of art in their own right, with an incredible balance across the frequency range, from his studio in Great Easton, Leicestershire, England. Z.D.B Guitars were named one of the six best British acoustic guitar brands by The Acoustic Guitarist in 2023.
Zac says:
"With a background in Art, Sculpture and Music, I studied Musical Instruments BSc at London Metropolitan University, gaining a First Class Honours and learning the craftsmanship and woodworking skills for my life as a luthier.
"Ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated with wood and its capabilities. Back then I would often spend hours whittling spoons and making swords, bows and arrows.
"Testing ideas I have gained a vast understanding of the elements that make up an instrument’s complex sound and its requirements over its lifetime. I spend hundreds of hours handcrafting each guitar to create a beautifully unique [instrument], that will provide years of pleasure and creative inspiration.
"This instrument is the first of my Prototypes, designed from the ground up, every component has been thought through and improved if possible. Using traditional building methods that have been used for hundreds of years combined with an element of contemporary design, my intentions for developing this instrument was to build the most playable guitar, something that you just can't put down!
"The shape is loosely based of an OM, both upper and lower bout are similar widths however the waist is somewhat slimmer. The internal construction is also very different to the standard Martin, featuring triangular block linings and bracing patterns that I have been developing over the last few years.
"One of the most striking features on this guitar is the inset heel, having built many guitars with the classic Martin style heel, I thought why had no one tried a neck joint where the heel is actually sunk into and flush with the body. This not only allows more access to the higher frets but also adds another point of contact when glueing. An added bonus is it really gives the instrument a contemporary feel and look.
"There are several discreet features that I have added such as the subtle arm bevels which are integrated into the binding, this means you get the comfort whilst playing without cutting out large chunks of the soundboard or sticking bulky pieces of wood inside the instrument."
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Beautiful Malaysian Ebony back and sides.
- Englemann Spruce soundboard with custom bracing pattern.
- Ebony Fingerboard, bridge and book-matched headstock veneer with hand cut brass inlay.
- Rocklite ebano bindings with Discreet arm bevels.
- Z.D.B inset heel neck joint.
- 25.5" scale length.
- Stainless steel frets with semi-hemispherical fret ends.
- Gotoh 510 machine-heads.
- Torrified maple neck with two way adjustable truss rod and carbon reinforcement.
- High gloss traditional French Polish shellac finish.
- Hand carved cattle bone nut and saddle.
- Hide glue construction.
- Includes high-quality hard case.
