Guitar #6 (in progress )

[fritter63]

This years raffle guitar to raise funds for my sons marching band (he's parade drum major this year!)

Granadilo tone wood , fretboard, and bridge. "Bear claw" Sitka spruce soundboard, maple burl and MOP rosette.

 

[Paul G]

I wouldn't know where to begin doing something like that, humbling.

 

[Kev]

How many pancaks does it normally take to finish a guitar like that?  [smile]

 

[fritter63]

How many pancaks does it normally take to finish a guitar like that?  [smile]

Ha! Was waiting for that one!

You'll notice that here in the Paso Robles appellation , we drink take our pancakes with Pinot Noir! (Was a breakfast for dinner day)

 

[Vindingo]

Very cool!  I have been wanting to build a guitar for a while.  For my 30th bday this year I treated myself to a Martin 00015m and still can't get over how awesome it sounds. 

I was thinking about getting a Stew Mac or a Martin kit and copying all the parts.  Any experience with either of those kits?  Do you carve your own necks? 

 

[fritter63]

Very cool!   I have been wanting to build a guitar for a while.  For my 30th bday this year I treated myself to a Martin 00015m and still can't get over how awesome it sounds. 

I was thinking about getting a Stew Mac or a Martin kit and copying all the parts.  Any experience with either of those kits?  Do you carve your own necks? 

Never used a kit before, but note that LMI (www.lmii.com) now has a "kit" wizard where you can build your own or start from one of theirs and customize it. They do any level of machining to help you out (recommended) too, such as side bending, etc.

Also, this is the book you want:

http://www.amazon.com/Guitarmaking-Tradition-Technology-Construction-Steel-String/dp/0811806405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377984179&sr=8-1&keywords=guitar+building+tradition

My guitars, based on this book, are basically clones of Martin Dreadnaughts, although I'm about to radically change how I build and take it up about 5 notches.

Also, Robbie has some videos on guitar building: http://www.obrienguitars.com/dvds/
(old friend of mine from my Colorado Luthier's Guild days and all around great guy - he teaches guitar building at Red Rocks Community College.)

I carve my own necks, but I used a pre-made one (from LMI)  on last years, and I'm getting ready to set up my own CNC machine for doing custom neck carvings.
I'd actually recommend that as the neck is the hardest part and can be rather frustrating....

 

[ScotF]

Awesome...love seeing stuff like this.  Beautiful work!

Scot

 

[fritter63]

Ready for the back to be attached early tomorrow before the heat and low humidity creep into my shop ... Currently storing the project in the bathroom next to a humidifier!

 

[PaulMarcel]

Love this build; love the neck inlay!  Thanks for posting WIP pics

Now I want pancakes

 

[fritter63]

On to the finishing stage now!

 

[fritter63]

Tail turned out good .. Binding and purfling tomorrow!

 

[fritter63]

That should read "tail graft"..dang spell correction

 

[tiralie]

Looks great, really nice work.
Tim

 

[fritter63]

 

[butzla]

Great job!!  I would love to be there to see the first coat of finish go on.  The grains really gonna pop!

 

[fritter63]

After a week of brushing, fighting , and cursing with KTM9 water based lacquer , I sanded back to bare wood and used a spray can of Deft Lacquer. Six coats, 3 hours, and its almost perfect . Will let cure for two weeks before wet sanding.

 

[fritter63]

Great job!!  I would love to be there to see the first coat of finish go on.  The grains really gonna pop!

Yeah, it's actually incredible. Not quite curly, but as you move it, the grain changes like a hologram.

 

[ScotF]

Your work is stunning!  A musical beauty!

Scot

 

[fritter63]

Running out of ways to screw it up...

 

[Cort]

Holy cow! Impeccable work.  [eek]