Ed:

Here is a link to the guitar maker I mentioned yesterday.  Some of the most
important concert guitarists, such as Angel Romero and Elliot Fisk are playing
his  instruments:

http://connorguitars.com/guitar_model/angel_model.html

His approach has evolved since I played one of his earlier models.  The one I
played 20 years ago had smaller, round holes in the shoulder, like the one in
that photo of your Australian friend's instrument.  As you can see in these pix,
Connor these days has virtually opened the shoulder.  Very interesting.

To see this in the work of two high-end custom luthiers, and endorsed by the
best players in the world, tells me that this is an important development.

J

Joseph Sullivan