ArcFret
Curved geometry. Familiar under the fingers.
The playing experience
Offset Soundhole
A different opening. A different relationship with the player.
Discover the designInside the design
Moving beyond the centre.
Moving the main soundhole away from the centre leaves a more continuous soundboard beneath the strings. The opening, rosette and their local reinforcement no longer interrupt that central region, giving us a different area of the top to shape and voice.
In our workshop experience, this design gives the player a stronger sense of the instrument's sound and supports a rich, bass-leaning voice. Forward projection can be a little less direct than on our centre-soundhole designs; the balance depends on the body, room and playing position.
It also gives us freedom to voice a cutaway instrument for a balanced response. Its distinctive appearance follows a genuine change in acoustic layout, not a cosmetic relocation of the opening.
An offset instrumentOffset soundhole or side soundport?
The offset soundhole is the main opening, relocated from the centre. A side soundport is a separate opening in the side of the body. They are not interchangeable terms.
Can it be combined with ArcFret?
Yes. Instrument No. 667 in the Museum combines an offset soundhole with ArcFret. Neck dimensions and other details remain individual choices.
Who is an offset soundhole for?
It is an excellent choice for playing at home and hearing more of your own instrument, or for amplified performance from an intimate venue to a large stage. For unamplified recitals where direct projection to a small hall is the priority, we generally recommend a centre-soundhole instrument.
Is it simply louder?
Loudness at the player's ears and sound projected towards the audience are not the same measurement. Our offset design changes that balance. The less interrupted top gives us more freedom in voicing, but does not guarantee a fixed increase in volume in every direction.
What changes when a cutaway is added?
A cutaway changes body geometry and the enclosed air volume. We balance the top, body and opening together to preserve the intended bass-to-treble relationship, rather than adding a cutaway to a finished acoustic recipe.
The photographed instrument has its own specification. Decorative inlays and individual artwork are optional and quoted separately.
Considered together
Continue exploring.
Rosette Tornavoz
A rosette with an acoustic role.
Your instrument
Chosen together.
The right combination begins with your playing. Construction, materials and optional details are confirmed in your individual specification.