Ormsby Guitars: A Deep Dive into Australian Excellence in Guitar Making

May 1, 2024

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A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Story of Ormsby Guitars

Ormsby Guitars: Australian Excellence in Guitar Making

From humble beginnings in a small Australian workshop, Ormsby Guitars has risen to become a globally recognized brand, renowned for its innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to playability. Founded by Mark Ormsby, a passionate guitar maker driven by a desire to create instruments that push the boundaries of guitar making, Ormsby Guitars has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

This article delves into the legacy of Ormsby Guitars, exploring the unique design philosophy, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering pursuit of excellence that have made these instruments the choice of discerning guitarists worldwide. From the revolutionary multi-scale fanned frets to the chambered bodies and ergonomic designs, Ormsby Guitars represent a fusion of innovation and playability, empowering musicians to express their creativity with unparalleled freedom and expression.

1. The Birth of Ormsby Guitars: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The Birth of Ormsby Guitars: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The origins of Ormsby Guitars can be traced back to the early 2000s, when founder Mark Ormsby embarked on a journey to create guitars that defied the limitations of conventional designs. Driven by a passion for music and a dissatisfaction with the guitars available at the time, Ormsby set out to build instruments that were not only visually stunning but also offered exceptional playability and sonic versatility.

Initially operating out of a small workshop in Melbourne, Australia, Ormsby Guitars quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship. Word of Ormsby’s exceptional guitars spread through the local music scene, and soon musicians from across Australia were seeking out these unique instruments. As the demand for Ormsby Guitars grew, Mark expanded his workshop and assembled a team of skilled luthiers who shared his passion for creating guitars that pushed the boundaries of guitar making.

Over the years, Ormsby Guitars has established itself as a respected brand in the global guitar industry, renowned for its innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to playability. Ormsby’s guitars have been embraced by discerning guitarists worldwide, including renowned musicians such as Animals as Leaders, Periphery, and Tesseract, who have praised the instruments for their exceptional playability, versatility, and unique sonic character.

Mark Ormsby: The Founding Visionary

Mark Ormsby: The Founding Visionary

Mark Ormsby, the founder and visionary behind Ormsby Guitars, is a self-taught luthier whose passion for guitar making began at an early age. Growing up in a musical household, Mark was drawn to the guitar and spent countless hours experimenting with different designs and modifications. Dissatisfied with the guitars available at the time, he embarked on a journey to create instruments that met his own high standards for playability, versatility, and sonic excellence.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection, Mark spent years refining his craft, meticulously studying guitar design and experimenting with different materials and construction techniques. He developed a deep understanding of the relationship between guitar design and playability, and his guitars are renowned for their exceptional ergonomics and effortless playability. Mark’s vision for Ormsby Guitars was to create instruments that empowered musicians to express their creativity without limitations, and his unwavering commitment to this vision has been the driving force behind the company’s success.

Mark’s passion for guitar making extends beyond his own creations. He is also a dedicated mentor to aspiring luthiers, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help others achieve their dreams of building exceptional guitars. Through his commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and education, Mark Ormsby has left an indelible mark on the guitar making world, inspiring countless musicians and luthiers alike.

Early Influences and Inspirations

Early Influences and Inspirations

Mark Ormsby’s unique approach to guitar design was shaped by a diverse range of influences, including iconic guitar makers and musical genres. From the classic designs of Fender and Gibson to the innovative creations of Strandberg and Aristides, Mark studied the work of master luthiers to glean insights into the relationship between guitar design and playability.

Musically, Mark was drawn to genres that pushed the boundaries of guitar playing, such as progressive metal, djent, and fusion. The technical demands of these genres required guitars that were not only comfortable to play but also capable of delivering a wide range of tones and extended techniques. Mark’s guitars reflect this influence, featuring innovative designs that enhance playability and versatility, allowing guitarists to explore new sonic territories.

Beyond the world of guitars, Mark was also inspired by other areas of design and engineering. He studied ergonomics, biomechanics, and material science to gain a deeper understanding of how guitars interact with the human body and how different materials and construction techniques can affect the instrument’s performance. This cross-disciplinary approach has enabled Mark to create guitars that are not only visually stunning but also exceptionally playable and durable.

2. The Ormsby Design Philosophy: Innovation and Playability

The Ormsby Design Philosophy: Innovation and Playability

At the heart of Ormsby Guitars lies a deep commitment to innovation and playability. Mark Ormsby’s unwavering belief that guitars should not only sound great but also be effortless to play has driven the development of several innovative features and design principles that set Ormsby Guitars apart.

One of the most distinctive features of Ormsby Guitars is the multi-scale fanned frets. This design involves varying the scale length of each string, with the lower strings being longer than the higher strings. This results in improved intonation and string tension across the entire fretboard, making it easier to play complex chords and melodies. Additionally, Ormsby’s chambered bodies and ergonomic designs reduce weight and enhance comfort, allowing guitarists to play for longer periods without fatigue.

Ormsby also places great emphasis on pickup systems and electronics. The company collaborates with renowned pickup makers to create custom pickups that deliver a wide range of tones, from vintage warmth to modern aggression. Ormsby’s guitars also feature advanced electronics, such as coil-splitting and phase switching, providing guitarists with unparalleled tonal versatility.

Multi-Scale Fanned Frets

Multi-Scale Fanned Frets

Traditional guitars have a uniform scale length, which means that the distance between the nut and the bridge is the same for all strings. This can lead to intonation problems, especially for chords that require fretting notes on both the high and low strings. With multi-scale fanned frets, the scale length is adjusted for each string, so that each string has its own optimal intonation. This results in improved clarity and accuracy across the entire fretboard, making it easier to play complex chords and melodies.

In addition to improved intonation, multi-scale fanned frets also optimize string tension. The longer scale length of the lower strings gives them more tension, which results in a fuller, more powerful sound. Conversely, the shorter scale length of the higher strings reduces tension, making them easier to bend and vibrato. This combination of increased tension on the lower strings and reduced tension on the higher strings creates a more balanced feel across the entire fretboard, making it easier to play fast, technical passages.

Chambered Bodies and Ergonomic Design

Chambered Bodies and Ergonomic Design

In addition to their innovative approach to fret design, Ormsby Guitars also places great emphasis on comfort and weight reduction. Many Ormsby models feature chambered bodies, which involve routing out sections of the body to create air cavities. This reduces the overall weight of the guitar, making it more comfortable to play for extended periods. Chambered bodies also contribute to the guitar’s tonal response, adding resonance and sustain.

Ormsby Guitars also feature ergonomically contoured designs that conform to the player’s body. This reduces strain on the shoulders, back, and wrists, making it easier to play for hours on end. The contours are carefully designed to provide optimal support and comfort, even when playing in challenging positions. The combination of chambered bodies and ergonomic design makes Ormsby Guitars a pleasure to play, allowing guitarists to focus on their performance without discomfort or fatigue.

Pickup Systems and Electronics

Pickup Systems and Electronics

Ormsby Guitars collaborates with renowned pickup makers to create custom pickups that deliver a wide range of tones, from vintage warmth to modern aggression. These pickups are carefully matched to each guitar model to complement the instrument’s unique design and sonic characteristics. Ormsby also utilizes advanced electronics to provide guitarists with unparalleled tonal versatility.

Many Ormsby models feature coil-splitting and phase switching, which allow guitarists to access a variety of different pickup configurations. This makes it possible to switch between humbucker and single-coil tones, or to create unique out-of-phase sounds. Ormsby also offers a variety of active and passive EQ options, allowing guitarists to fine-tune their sound to suit their playing style and musical genre.

The combination of custom pickups and advanced electronics gives Ormsby Guitars a sonic versatility that is unmatched by many other brands. This makes them a popular choice for guitarists who need a guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles.

3. Exceptional Craftsmanship: Attention to Detail

Exceptional Craftsmanship: Attention to Detail

Every Ormsby Guitar is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. Each guitar is meticulously crafted using premium tonewoods and materials, and undergoes rigorous quality control inspections to ensure the highest level of quality and durability.

Ormsby Guitars uses a variety of premium tonewoods, including exotic species such as Australian blackwood, Queensland maple, and African mahogany. These tonewoods are carefully selected for their tonal qualities and aesthetic beauty. Ormsby also uses high-quality hardware, such as stainless steel frets and Graph Tech nuts, to ensure that each guitar performs at its best.

The construction of each Ormsby Guitar is overseen by a team of skilled luthiers who take pride in their work. Each guitar is hand-fitted and finished to exacting standards, resulting in instruments that are not only beautiful but also built to last. Ormsby’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their guitars, from the finest details to the overall build quality.

Premium Tonewoods and Materials

Premium Tonewoods and Materials

Ormsby Guitars uses a variety of premium tonewoods and materials to create their exceptional instruments. These carefully selected materials contribute to the unique sound and feel of each guitar.

For the bodies of their guitars, Ormsby often uses exotic woods such as Australian blackwood, Queensland maple, and African mahogany. These woods are known for their beautiful grain patterns and resonant tonal qualities. Ormsby also uses high-quality alder and ash for their bodies, which provide a more traditional sound. The necks of Ormsby guitars are typically made from maple or mahogany, which offer strength, stability, and a comfortable playing feel.

In addition to the tonewoods, Ormsby also uses high-quality hardware to ensure that their guitars perform at their best. This includes stainless steel frets, Graph Tech nuts, and locking tuners. Ormsby also offers a variety of custom options, such as different pickup configurations and finishes, so that each guitarist can create a truly unique instrument.

Advanced Construction Techniques

Advanced Construction Techniques

Ormsby Guitars employs a variety of advanced construction techniques to create their exceptional instruments. These techniques ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

One of the most important construction techniques used by Ormsby is CNC machining. CNC machining is a computer-controlled process that allows for precise cutting and shaping of wood and other materials. This results in a high level of accuracy and consistency, which is essential for creating guitars with optimal playability and sound quality.

In addition to CNC machining, Ormsby also uses traditional hand-fitting techniques to ensure that each guitar is assembled with the utmost precision. This involves carefully fitting the neck to the body, the frets to the neck, and the hardware to the guitar. Hand-fitting allows Ormsby’s luthiers to make sure that each guitar is perfectly set up and ready to play.

Finally, Ormsby guitars undergo a meticulous finishing process that involves multiple stages of sanding, sealing, and polishing. This process results in a beautiful and durable finish that will protect the guitar from the elements and wear and tear.

Rigorous Quality Control

Rigorous Quality Control

Ormsby Guitars is committed to quality, and each guitar undergoes rigorous inspections and playability tests before it leaves the factory. This ensures that every Ormsby guitar meets the company’s high standards for craftsmanship and performance.

The quality control process begins with a thorough inspection of the guitar’s body and neck. The luthiers check for any defects in the wood or finish, and they also make sure that the neck is properly aligned with the body. Next, the guitar is strung up and the intonation is checked. The luthiers also play the guitar to assess its playability and sound quality.

If the guitar passes all of the inspections, it is then given a final setup. This involves adjusting the truss rod, action, and pickup height to ensure that the guitar plays and sounds its best. Once the setup is complete, the guitar is given a final polish and it is ready to be shipped to its new owner.

4. Ormsby Guitars on the Global Stage

Ormsby Guitars on the Global Stage

Ormsby Guitars has made a significant impact on the global music scene, with guitars endorsed by renowned musicians and international recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs.

Some of the most notable musicians who play Ormsby Guitars include Animals as Leaders, Periphery, and Tesseract. These musicians are known for their technical proficiency and adventurous approach to music, and their choice of Ormsby Guitars is a testament to the instruments’ quality and playability. Ormsby Guitars has also been featured in major publications such as Guitar World and Premier Guitar, and the company’s guitars have been used on countless recordings and performances around the world.

In addition to their popularity with musicians, Ormsby Guitars has also received international recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The company has won numerous awards, including the Australian Guitar Maker of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. Ormsby Guitars has also been featured in exhibitions at the NAMM Show and the Holy Grail Guitar Show.

Endorsements and Collaborations

Endorsements and Collaborations

Ormsby Guitars has been endorsed by some of the most renowned musicians in the world, including Animals as Leaders, Periphery, and Tesseract. These musicians are known for their technical proficiency and adventurous approach to music, and their choice of Ormsby Guitars is a testament to the instruments’ quality and playability.

Animals as Leaders is a progressive metal trio known for their complex and innovative music. The band’s guitarist, Tosin Abasi, is a virtuoso player who has developed a unique style that incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and metal. Abasi has been playing Ormsby Guitars since 2017, and he has been instrumental in the development of several of the company’s models.

Periphery is another progressive metal band known for their technical prowess and experimental sound. The band’s guitarist, Mark Holcomb, is a long-time Ormsby Guitars endorsee, and he has worked with the company to develop several signature models. Holcomb’s signature guitars are known for their innovative features, such as the multi-scale fanned frets and the headless design.

Tesseract is a British progressive metal band known for their atmospheric and ethereal sound. The band’s guitarist, Acle Kahney, is an Ormsby Guitars endorsee, and he has worked with the company to develop his own signature model. Kahney’s signature guitar is known for its unique body shape and its versatile electronics.

International Acclaim and Awards

International Acclaim and Awards

Ormsby Guitars has received international acclaim for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The company has won numerous awards, including the Australian Guitar Maker of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. Ormsby Guitars has also been featured in exhibitions at the NAMM Show and the Holy Grail Guitar Show.

The Australian Guitar Maker of the Year award is one of the most prestigious awards in the guitar industry. It is awarded to the guitar maker who has made the most significant contribution to the Australian guitar making community. Ormsby Guitars has won this award twice, in 2017 and 2018, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Ormsby Guitars has also been featured in exhibitions at the NAMM Show and the Holy Grail Guitar Show. These shows are two of the most important events in the guitar industry, and Ormsby Guitars’ presence at these shows is a sign of the company’s growing international reputation. Ormsby Guitars has been praised by critics and players alike for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, and the company is poised to continue to make waves in the guitar industry for years to come.

Global Distribution and Recognition

Global Distribution and Recognition

Ormsby Guitars has a wide distribution network that makes their guitars accessible to musicians around the world. The company has dealers in over 30 countries, and their guitars can also be purchased online from the Ormsby Guitars website.

Ormsby Guitars’ global distribution network is a testament to the company’s growing international reputation. Musicians all over the world are recognizing the exceptional quality and innovative designs of Ormsby Guitars, and the company is poised to continue to grow its global presence in the years to come.

In addition to their global distribution network, Ormsby Guitars has also been recognized by several international publications. The company has been featured in magazines such as Guitar World, Premier Guitar, and Total Guitar, and their guitars have been used on countless recordings and performances around the world.

5. The Future of Ormsby Guitars: Continued Innovation and Growth

The Future of Ormsby Guitars: Continued Innovation and Growth

Ormsby Guitars is a company that is constantly pushing the boundaries of guitar making. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has made them one of the most respected guitar brands in the world, and they show no signs of slowing down.

Ormsby Guitars has several exciting projects in the works for the future. The company is currently developing a new line of guitars that will feature even more innovative designs and features. Ormsby Guitars is also working on expanding their distribution network to make their guitars accessible to even more musicians around the world.

Ormsby Guitars is a company that is passionate about guitars. They are dedicated to making the best possible guitars, and they are always looking for ways to improve their designs and features. Ormsby Guitars is a company to watch in the future, and they are sure to continue to shape the sound of modern music.

Upcoming Innovations

Upcoming Innovations

Ormsby Guitars is constantly innovating and developing new ways to improve their guitars. The company has several exciting new innovations planned for the future, including:

New body designs: Ormsby Guitars is working on developing new body designs that will offer improved ergonomics and comfort. These new designs will be especially beneficial for players who spend long hours playing guitar.
New pickup systems: Ormsby Guitars is also working on developing new pickup systems that will offer a wider range of tones and versatility. These new pickup systems will be perfect for players who want to be able to cover a variety of musical genres.
New electronic features: Ormsby Guitars is also planning to add new electronic features to their guitars. These new features will give players more control over their sound and will make it easier to get the perfect tone for any situation.

Ormsby Guitars is committed to innovation and to providing players with the best possible guitars. The company’s upcoming innovations are sure to excite guitarists of all levels.

Expanding the Ormsby Legacy

Expanding the Ormsby Legacy

Ormsby Guitars is a company with a rich history and a bright future. The company is committed to preserving their legacy of innovation and quality, while also embracing new challenges and expanding their reach in the guitar world.

One way that Ormsby Guitars is expanding their legacy is by working with new artists and musicians. The company is always looking for new talent to endorse their guitars, and they are also working on developing new educational programs to help aspiring guitarists learn more about the instrument. Ormsby Guitars is also committed to giving back to the community, and they regularly donate guitars and other equipment to schools and music programs.

Ormsby Guitars is also expanding their reach by exploring new markets. The company is currently expanding their distribution network to make their guitars available to more players around the world. Ormsby Guitars is also working on developing new products and services that will appeal to a wider range of guitarists. Ormsby Guitars is a company that is constantly moving forward. The company is committed to innovation, quality, and customer service, and they are always looking for new ways to improve their guitars and expand their reach in the guitar world.

Ormsby Guitars: A Symbol of Australian Excellence

Ormsby Guitars: A Symbol of Australian Excellence

Ormsby Guitars is a shining example of Australian craftsmanship and innovation. The company’s guitars are renowned for their exceptional quality, innovative designs, and unique sound. Ormsby Guitars has been endorsed by some of the world’s most famous musicians, and their guitars have been used on countless recordings and performances.

Ormsby Guitars is a family-owned and operated company, and they take great pride in their work. Each guitar is handcrafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Ormsby Guitars uses only the finest materials, and their guitars are built to last. Ormsby Guitars is committed to innovation, and they are always looking for new ways to improve their designs and features. Their guitars are constantly evolving, and they always stay ahead of the curve. Ormsby Guitars is a company that is passionate about guitars. They are dedicated to making the best possible guitars, and they are always looking for ways to improve their designs and features. Ormsby Guitars is a company to watch, and they are sure to continue to shape the sound of modern music for years to come.

Quiz

Multiple Choice

Who is the founder of Ormsby Guitars?

(a) Mark Ormsby (b) Mark Holcomb (c) Tosin Abasi (d) Acle Kahney

Which of the following is NOT an innovative feature of Ormsby Guitars?

(a) Multi-scale fanned frets (b) Chambered bodies (c) Traditional bolt-on necks (d) Ergonomic contours

What type of wood is commonly used by Ormsby Guitars for their guitar bodies?

(a) Alder (b) Mahogany (c) Maple (d) All of the above

True/False

Ormsby Guitars has been endorsed by renowned musicians such as Animals as Leaders and Periphery.

(a) True (b) False

Ormsby Guitars has won the Australian Guitar Maker of the Year award multiple times.