In the second half of the 20th century, manufacturers such as Guild, Yamaha, Takamine, and Ovation arrived on the scene and helped further popularize the acoustic guitar. Smaller luthiers still built excellent guitars during this time period as well - George Washburn Lyon's early 20th century parlor guitars are prized amongst collectors, and even student level Harmony (Chicago) made offerings are well regarded.

Gibson entered the flat top market shortly after in 1934 with the J-45, which was similar to the Martin D style but featured more rounded/curved shoulders. Martin guitars dominated the market for many years and introduced a wide range of flat top guitar styles, from smaller body parlor, 000, and OM size guitars, to the instantly recognizable dreadnought guitar that was designed in 1916, but saw its first commercial success in 1931. Gretsch and Epiphone also built impressive archtops in this era. Many smaller but talented American luthiers also adopted these designs, such as John DвЂ™Angelico, Jimmy D'Aquisto, and Charles Stromberg. Lloyd Loar, a name often associated with archtop acoustics, was hired by Gibson in 1922, and did not last long with the company, but built many archtops that today are extremely prized possessions. The acoustic instrument it evolved into would feature a curved or 'arched' top and back like a violin, with parallel or X-bracing and an oval soundhole or F-holes. The archtop acoustic guitar was an idea that originated from an early mandolin patented filed by Orville Gibson in 1898. Following in his footsteps, European-Americans added steel-strings to his designs, and eventually Chris Frederick Martin of Martin guitar fame introduced X-bracing in the 1830s, which brought about the rise of flat top and eventually archtop acoustic guitars. In the early 19th century, Antonio de Torres stepped in and is credited with designing the first truly modern acoustic guitar - which is most directly related to the classical and nylon strings guitars we see today.

The acoustic guitar and its related predecessors actually date back as early as 1790, when the Spanish vihuela featured 6 'courses' or string sets. Buy your next acoustic guitar online at The Music Zoo or visit our New York showroom to shop today - we're an authorized dealer for all your favorite acoustic guitar brands, and our used inventory is packed to the brim. The Music Zoo's collection of acoustic guitars appeals to any player and any playing style! Whether you're shopping for your dream, one-of-a-kind custom shop piece, checking out a travel-friendly guitar, or a working musician who wants the best bang for your buck, we're the destination with the best mix of the unique and the everyday must-haves.

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