This picture was shown in an earlier installment (January 13) to show the extreme portability of the Ridgewing design compared to a standard electric guitar of the same size.

Keep in mind that the Ridgewing guitar assembles in a few seconds to a full-size, full-scale guitar without any of the weird headstock or body cuts or other compromises typical of so-called ”travel” guitars, yet it packs smaller than any of them. The Ridgewing body is 45cm (18”) long and 37.5cm (15”) wide across the lower bout. The sale length is 65 cm (25.5”), and the headstock is 16cm (6.25”) long. No dimensional compromises. So how is it done?

In the above picture you can see the face side of the bass body half pressing out against the leather. The treble body half does the same on the other side. The trick is that the grills are concave on the bottom side, so that when the two sides of the case are closed, they leave a hollow “clam shell” space between them in which the headstock, bridge and the usual string and accessory pockets are tucked. The neck shaft is 50 cm (20”) long and lies along the bottom of the case with the fingerboard side toward the floor.

Here is what the case looks like when you open it:

The headstock and bridge remain connected by the strings and fit in pockets on the left treble side. The thick end of the bridge with the electronics bay fits very conveniently down into the pocket formed by the treble-side cutaway. Green suede is used for pocket edging. One the bass side there is a small pocket fitted to hold string, and a large pocket for whatever pleases you. The large flaps at the bottom cover the ends of the two body halves. The neck runs down the center line. The case is held closed with Velcro. The guitar strap does double duty as case strap.

I believe that this kit represents the absolute physical minimum dimensions that can be achieved with a full-size, full-scale guitar. Maybe time to call Guinness about a new World Record.