So, the arm rest (specifically the Pearse) will successfully decouple your arm from the top for an inch or two from the edge of the guitar. There's some question as to how acoustically active the edges of a top. I had one on one guitar and think it made some modest difference, but nothing life changing. In the end, I'm not nuts about the look, but it does make a difference and Pearse makes a fine product.
A bevel is really just about comfort - and they are comfortable. The bevel, though, does take away some surface area on the top. On a big guitar, the acoustic effect is probably negligible, but on a small top, the difference may be more significant. I have an upcoming build for a smaller box and the. Holder advised against the bevel on the guitar because he thinks the top is better served by more space. Bevels also look cool.
|