The buzz was Kramer and Jackson in that mid-’80s era. But when George Blanda and Dan Smith came up with the American Standard, it seemed to be the right thing at the right time. He so improved the clarity of the amplified vibrating string that he gave almost every style of music played on the guitar a means to sound better. For five decades, finicky musicians made pilgrimages to Leo's R&D labs to discuss their musical frustrations and seek better ways for guitars to function. On the other hand, you can’t afford to stagnate. All the classic US makes, especially Fender, Gibson, and Martin, have increased in value year after year without fail. The acoustic bass guitar is similar to an acoustic guitar with a large, hollow body that is clearly audible without amplification. Guitar Part Takamine.