Ervin Somogyi perhaps more than any other luthier from the past several decades has helped define the contemporary fingerstyle guitar. When solo artists began recording unaccompanied steel string guitar, they came to Ervin for a more responsive guitar. From this need Somogyi created the Modified Dreadnought, or Mod D, that has now become ubiquitious in the modern fingerstyle world.
Here the dimensions of a regular Dreadnought are tightened up just a bit, and the top is voiced for maximum response at even the lightest touch. While at first glance it may appear to be just another Dread, Somogyi’s Mod D is a creature far removed from the tonal parameters of its traditional predecessor. You’ve got an enormous, enveloping bass response, sure, but the other registers don’t suffer like you find with a traditional dread. Instead, the voice is consistently responsive across the fretboard, so complex chord voicings and tunings ring out with the added clarity you’d normally only find in a smaller, quieter guitar.
Mod D #400 is a powerhouse. Juicy trebles and a profound sonority. Great strummed, but absolutely shines under fingertips. Brazilian Rosewood and super tight Sitka Spruce, a combination Ervin is known for championing. It’s had a few years to open up since we first saw it, and we’re happy to report the voice has only improved with age! This is a unique chance to own one of the best guitar designs ever created, from one of modern lutherie’s most revered makers.
For a number of years I played Somogyi number 404. It's a guitar that’s famous in the music world; many pros have played it and agreed that it was something special. This Mod D is a milestone guitar at 400 seems to have gotten some extra mojo as well. Deep, dark Brazilian Rosewood and Ervin's favorite Spruce, Sitka, up top. If you’ve never played one, let me tell you there's something about his tone that makes you want to play lingering beautiful notes so that you can hear all the juice that’s in between. Clarity and separation to spare, fat and enjoyable bass response, and trebles that sing out. A tone junky's kind of guitar. 
The Classic design that made this luthier famous. The bass frequencies are big and powerful, making it feel like a portable piano. Amazing. | Scale Length | 25.125 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.75 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Brazilian |
Ervin Somogyi perhaps more than any other luthier from the past several decades has helped define the contemporary fingerstyle guitar. When solo artists began recording unaccompanied steel string guitar, they came to Ervin for a more responsive guitar
For a number of years I played Somogyi number 404. It's a guitar that’s famous in the music world; many pros have played it and agreed that it was something special
The Classic design that made this luthier famous. The bass frequencies are big and powerful, making it feel like a portable piano 