Mini Gordo Guitar Revisited

Rick Canton’s Mini Gordo Midi Guitar elicited requests for more on the travel friendly instrument’s sculpted guitar body. I’m pleased to bring you both additional pictures alongside feedback from its proud owner Stephen Barry.

Here we start to see the extensive contouring that went into the midi guitar’s back:

Gordo Guitar Back

As we rotate the instrument, we see a highly sculpted neck heel that combine with the body’s deep cutaways to provide excellent upper fret access.

Stephen describes “access to the upper frets as effortless relative to the Brian Moore 8.13 I was using as my main axe prior to the Gordo.”

Guitar Side Profile

More of the lovely work on the neck heel and a nice view of the figuring on the curly mahogany body:

Lower Guitar Bout Profile

Here’s a closer look at the Purpleheart wood 13 pin jack plate and the use of the previously featured Bondy fixed bridge based on the Steinberger bridge.

Purpleheart Wood Cover

Stephen had this very interesting observation about playing an instrument this lightweight:

The guitar is so light (around 4.5 pounds) and it’s back so highly contoured that the guitar does not feel “anchored” in place. It seems more like it is floating. Since very little of the Gordo’s back actually contacts one’s body (much less friction), adjusting the playing angle in a fluid way as one moves in space seems effortless. It feels more like I am finding a natural playing position than a “correct” one. Of course, maybe they are the same. With the Gordo, I don’t need to think about it. I play and it responds and finds balance.

In Stephen’s final analysis, “this is a beautiful, easily portable (fits in a Ritter GL gig bag) and highly playable instrument.” Sounds like one very happy customer.

5 Responses to “Mini Gordo Guitar Revisited”

  1. Nice one! Finally we see pictures from the SIDE too. Very important in ergonomics I’d say. The most interesting note was this that you made:

    “It feels more like I am finding a natural playing position than a “correct” one. Of course, maybe they are the same…”

    Very interesting remark. And a viable, crucial one! Correct and natural, are they the same? In gtr ergonomics that is… 🙂

    1. I thought you might find that particular comment interesting given past discussions. 😉

      As you’ve pointed out in the past, its simply not enough for an instrument to be light weight. While its a factor in wear and tear on the body, balance and positioning are critical as well.

      Also interesting is that the Gordo is something of a departure in terms of the amount of contact made with the body. Unlike other designs, this one takes the approach of reducing the possibility of hampering the player.

  2. Thanks for your feedback Matts and Rob. I wish anyone skeptical could test drive a Mini Gordo. I think it would change some people’s minds about the viability of small bodied guitars. best wishes,Stephen

    1. I’ll second that.

      “…adjusting the playing angle in a fluid way as one moves in space seems effortless.”

      My Lazer (http://www.erlewineguitars.com/pgs/lazer.htm) took a little getting used to, but after a year of playing it I could make pretty much the same comment.

      1. Hi Dave, the Lazer looks great! I would like one myself. I may start keeping my eyes open for a nice one to convert to a Midi Driver. best wishes, Stephen