Official Luthiers Forum!

Everyone,
I've been a lurker here for quite a while but haven't wanted to post much until I had actually finished a guitar. Well, I'm pleased to report that this has finally come to pass.

What you see below is my 00-sized 12 fret slothead with red spruce over mahogany. I purchased the components as a custom kit from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars. The neck is solid mahogany, fitted to the body with a dovetail joint. The headstock veneer, fingerboard and pyramid bridge are ebony. Edges of the body are bound with tortoise binding and thin b/w/b purflings. The finish is hand rubbed Tru-Oil over shellac.

I was pleased to find that the guitar didn't explode when brought up to pitch and I'm proud to say that it has a pretty respectable tone. It's a little on the tight side, but I expect the red spruce will open up over time. Did I over brace the top? Maybe. Whatever. I couldn't be happier! It's been an awesome experience and I can't wait to get started on my next one.

George

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George :-)

Looks like a homerun!! Nice work George

Hey George buddy that is a spectacular guitar, first or otherwise! And the pictures are excellent too!

That is my favorite choice of woods; great looking guitar George!
jack

Nice looking guitar sir....well done.
big John

What a great first guitar! Congrats on having the patience & foresight to do it so well...!

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http://www.PeakeGuitars.com

I must agree with the fellows above. Super nice.

Way to go George. Great looking instrument. Your Hydrangeas are nice too. Ours look like they are growing in a desert. We would have looked at your progress pictures, but thanks for posting the finished one. Good work!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Looks like a great little 00 George . Congrats on finishing
your first.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Well done George

You are an inspiration to me as I am in the middle of my first build. You must be very proud

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Dan

Thanks for all your nice comments. I am indeed proud of what my efforts have produced. It was an adventure, to be sure. I made A LOT of mistakes and had to circle back around a couple of times to redo various steps, but that's okay because I think it lead to a greater understanding of the process. I guess I'll find out with the next one. :-)

Anyway, thanks again. As welcoming and supportive as this forum is it's a bit intimidating to wade into conversations with talents such as those on display here. I'll do my best to be a more active member from here forward.

Best,
George :-)

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George :-)

Now that is what a first should look like

Good job man ! that finish looks awesome..... JODY

George--

Super job on the guitar! Way to hang in there. It looks really, really nice. Now its time for the years of enjoyment of playing, er until starting number two!

--Jim

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

Jim - All the credit belongs to you, as you're the one who first sparked my interest in this pursuit. The way I've followed you from forum to forum makes me feel a bit like an Internet stalker. All I can say is, thanks for showing me the way!

George :-)

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George :-)

Superb first guitar, mahoghany OO has got to be one of my favourites. I'm glad to see that you have bound it in tortoise, no where near enough people use that for their mahogany bodies, a perfect combination. It'll open up over a few months, and will no doubt be a long term favourite.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

It looks gorgeous. Great job! Love those little guys. I've gotta build one soon!

That is beautiful!

Great job George
Beautiful guitar! It has a nice clean look that really works well for that shape/size.

Cheers,
Chad