Stencil type f hole thoughts

[AcornHouse]

I looked through Elderly‘s used offerings today on a whim (not in shopping mode at present) and noticed this LaSalle 1930’s archtop. Made by Regal, it has their stencil type f holes (as I call them) where the top and bottom rounds are not connected.

LaSalle Archtop Guitar (mid 1930s)

Interesting instrument built by Regal, sunburst finish, double bound 15-3/4" body, spruce top, f-holes, mahogany back and sides, VGC (several repaired top and back cracks, repaired heel)

www.elderly.com

I expect they do this to avoid having an unsupported ear, but I do not like it aesthetically. Something about it just makes it look, well, like a cheap stencil you’d find on a WWII army Jeep. And I read something recently (although I can’t recall where) that the unsupported part is an I important part of the f hole design, allowing for a freer vibration.

Anyone ever played a “stencil type” f hole guitar? Impressions?

 

[GAD]

No sir. I don’t like it.

 

[Midnight Toker]

5 sec w/ a jig saw would take care of that!

 

[davismanLV]

Huh. It's different, but for some reason it doesn't bother me at all.

 

[jp]

I've always been a fan of the Kay Speed Demon (and other branded variations, i.e., Truetone/Silvertone/Old Kraftsman, etc.), and I've always thought that on those guitars, these types of f-holes added to their unique look. They appear on many early resonator guitars too, like Dobros and National Reso-phonics, and I also think they add to the charm of the design.

However, I know absolutely nothing about how they impact sound. It would be interesting to dig deeper into the science of this, when time allows.

 

[AcornHouse]

I've always been a fan of the Kay Speed Demon (and other branded variations, i.e., Truetone/Silvertone/Old Kraftsman, etc.), and I've always thought that on those guitars, these types of f-holes added to their unique look. They appear on many early resonator guitars too, like Dobros and National Reso-phonics, and I also think they add to the charm of the design.

However, I know absolutely nothing about how they impact sound. It would be interesting to dig deeper into the science of this, when time allows.

For Resos and electrics, of course, the f hole is not as critical, sound wise. My thoughts are confined purely to acoustic archtops.

 

[Roland]

I've never paid much, if any attention, to f-holes. But just looking at the picture, I like it better that way.

 

[walrus]

No sir. I don’t like it.

+1.

walrus

 

[jp]

I expect they do this to avoid having an unsupported ear, but I do not like it aesthetically. Something about it just makes it look, well, like a cheap stencil you’d find on a WWII army Jeep.

For Resos and electrics, of course, the f hole is not as critical, sound wise. My thoughts are confined purely to acoustic archtops.

I do agree with you about them giving off the impression that they're cheap instruments. We grew up seeing lots of poorly made Sears guitars and early Japanese knock-offs with these types of f-holes. It automatically make me think the tops had the holes stamped out of them on an assembly line.

 

[spoox]

Well, as '30s resos are my first love, I approve! Here's a Kay Deluxe similar to mine which is the same body Kay supplied to National for their El Trovador: