28-string Double Contraguitar

 

The Emerald Guitars Kevin Kastning series 28-string Double Contraguitar has undergone some changes of late.  Specifically moving from a 24-string instrument to a 28-string instrument.

I've added four tuners to this instrument, transforming it from a 24- to a 28-string.  One string was added to the high E and B double courses on each neck, making them into triple courses.  The photo above shows the four triple courses at the bridge.  

Triple courses provide a new depth of tunings and harmonic environments otherwise unattainable.  I discuss  triple courses more in-depth here, here, and here.

The tuners on this instrument are Gotoh mini 510 series, which I like very much.  The Gotoh tuners are beautifully made, work extremely well with no backlash, and are accurate.  I have them on several of my instruments.  However, there was not space on the headstocks to add four more Gotoh tuners.  Therefore, the additional tuners were the Rickard Cyclone 10:1 ratio banjo tuners.   I've used these tuners on other instruments, and while the tuning ratio is coarser than most guitar tuners (the Gotoh 510 series are 18:1 ratio), they are a vast improvement over any other banjo tuner.  All other banjo tuners are 4:1 ratio.  The Rickards are also very nicely made.

The triple courses also required a slight modification of the bridge saddle, and cutting additional nut slots.  The perfectly balanced voice of the carbon fiber instruments is ideal for these extended range modifications, as each string in each course speaks equally well with very clear articulation.

I'm excited at the new harmonic potential of triple courses and their array of possible tunings.

-kk