Peter,
The Element is similar in size to a Gibson small jumbo, but with Martin forward X bracing. The design has many innovations that address age old structural issues with acoustic guitars. The bracing is taller, yet narrower which allows for better support for the top, but less interference with resonance. Special attention was given to the bracing near the soundhole. Since many guitars tend to collapse or fold inward in this area as they age, the back of the X braces are heavier and the top has an increased radius to keep this area of the top from deforming. The top has a 25 foot radius as opposed to the standard Martin 50 foot radius. This not only keeps the top from bellying at the bridge by creating opposite force against the string pull, but it allows the fingerboard to join the body at the 14th fret with no kink or 14th fret hump like every Martin ever made has. This design also allows for ultra low string action. The neck angle in relation to the bridge saddle are also maximized by allowing for a taller saddle which increases the break angle of the strings. By increasing the string break angle behind the saddle and down to the bridge pins, it creates more pressure on the saddle which has a huge effect on the guitar's tone and volume. It also has a very noticable effect on the clarity of the low notes and their sustain. The other advantage is the guitar will likely not need a neck reset in your lifetime, or possibly multiple lifetimes. The combination of the arched top and the tall saddle pretty much assure this. The back of the Element has a radius of 16 feet, and is once again designed for strength, but also to focus the sound reflection back toward the sound hole. There are a myriad of little details like the use of purple heart and maple laminated back strip and side bracing that decrease the chances of cracks to the back and sides. The mahogany neck with the maple and purple heart laminates are stable and resonant, but also allow for a strong anchor point for the innovative bolt on neck system that incorporates a solid brass shaft into the tenon for outstanding strength with only a single bolt. When I designed this guitar, it was to produce an Alembic caliber acoustic that took guitar design one step farther, and eliminated the flaws in design that other luthiers have failed to address. The Element does this while still looking beautiful and unique like an Alembic should.
