The Rathbone No.2 uses a now classic 'Orchestra Model' body shape. This beautiful body shape is said to have been originally created in an attempt to lure members of dance orchestras away from their banjos, toward greater projection of the steel-stringed guitar.

Equipped with a dynamic core, the Solid Cedar top of the R2CRE initiates a warm, mellow tone which is further enhanced by the Rosewood back and sides. Although the 'OM' body shape is usually tonally strongest in the mid-range, the use of Rosewood ensures a somewhat increased low-end response and high-mid sparkle.

Due to the environment in which it was initially designed to be used, the 'OM' was not a large-bodied guitar. In fact, few of the early 'modern' guitars would be considered large today. So, the 'OM-sized' Rathbone No.2 is not a large bodied guitar either, but the neck joins the body at the 14th fret, so the scale length is one that we would recognise from most modern guitars. When first used, this 'long' scale length was found to help deliver a remarkably, and some may say disproportionately, powerful and dynamic tone. The tuned strings are under greater tension than on shorter scale guitars, so they give a far greater tonal response and 'punch'.