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I really like the shape of the dreadnaught but it is a really huge body. Is there such thing as a 7/8 or 3/4 sized dreadnaught? In other words, the same shape just scaled down a bit so that it's a bit smaller. Seems like I've heard of it but I'm not sure.

David L

Yes there is the 7 . this is a 3/4 scale dred. I don't think you can find prints as martin doesn't have many out there

John, do you make a mold for it?

David L

this in one martin pattern I don't have. Steve Kovacik may have one . send me an email and I will get you in touch with him

Just a suggestion -- I played one of these small dreads while visiting the Martin factory a couple of years ago to my ear it left much to desired --- poor volume, poor general tone and resonance, lack of bass in particular. So I am suggesting you play one before moving ahead. I think the "Big Baby" Taylor is the 3/4 or 7/8 size. $.02

This is what I saw at the Martin factory


http://www.laguitarsales.com/pages/3519/Martin_7-28.htm

David, I've also wanted to try building one one day. I made a plan using G-Thang software the is a 000 sized dreadnaught body (same width in the lower bout). I would want it at least the Martin short scale length and would probably prefer the Martin long scale. The model Ken posted a link to has a 23" scale lenght and that may have contributed to some of the tone/volume problems. Also, I wouldn't want the body as deep as a dread.

If I had to guess, if you used a Martin long scale a "baby dred" body would have a little more bass and possibly warmer than a 000 body but not quite as good treble as a 000 (due to less waist curvature).

the 7 was not a big seller and it may be more a oddity and not a real great instrument. that is why they died off. Ken is right ,, they are less than stellar

I wonder how heavy a gauge one would need on a 23" scale to achieve the same string tension one gets with medium gauge strings on a Martin long scale? My guess is this is responsible for much of the lack luster sound. Everything else being equal, the difference between a 000 sized "baby dred" body and a 000 should be similar to the difference between a dreadnaught and a Jumbo or Grand Auditorium body.

It would be nice to have a tracing as it might make it easier to order a case if you build one to a standard size 7 instead of making up a similar profile.

Anyone know where dimensions are listed for the size 7 body?

Found it at this link (scroll down when you get there):

http://books.google.com/books?id=sgeZ_c ... ns&f=false