Somogyi's fundamental thesis is that a guitar is essentially an . He argues that a truly "responsive" instrument is one constructed delicately enough to respond fully to vibrational energy, stopping just before the point of structural collapse. Unlike many building manuals that provide a "recipe," Somogyi focuses on the physics of sound and how a luthier can selectively remove wood to maximize tone and sensitivity. Volume 1: The Responsive Guitar (Theory)
Somogyi provides a deep dive into the physics of (the air moving in and out of the soundhole) and how it couples with the vibration of the plates. He explains that a responsive guitar must have: ervin somogyi the responsive guitar pdf
The work is the first half of a comprehensive two-volume set, often found at retailers like Somogyi's fundamental thesis is that a guitar is
Ultimately, the consensus among luthiers is that the books are worth the investment. As one reviewer put it, "If you want to understand and perhaps use the combined theories and methods that Ervin has, as part of his career legacy, graciously put down for us in writing... buy and read the books". Volume 1: The Responsive Guitar (Theory) Somogyi provides
The physical books were self-published in limited quantities. They are currently out of print, making physical copies rare and expensive, often selling for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market.