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Here are some pictures of my completed OM-S in Brazilian Rosewood & Adirondack Spruce with gloss black face. The bindings are black celluloid and the top purfling is blue paua. The ebony headplate has a customer designed inlay. Tuners are Waverly with ebony knobs.

The stand out feature of this guitar is the incredible finish by our own Joe White. It has to be seen to be believed. The finish is as close to flawless as one could imagine! I can't even believe that it is possible to level and polish the black top so perfectly that there is not ANY haze, swirl or scratches. Thank you Joe, you are amazing!

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com

Mike,

We saw that guitar at Joe's and the combination of your attention to detail and Joe's amazing finishes makes for a superbe instrument, at least in the fit 'n finish category.

I only wish I could have played it!

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

That's really a stunning instrument Mike. BRW and black.... great combo! The paua purfling really stands out with the black for contrast. I'm sure the client will be impressed. Keep up the good work.

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Peter

That's a beauty Mike! Great Job!

Chuck

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That's another beauty Mike.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Mike bro I love it!!!

The BRW sides and back work great with the black top too!

Good looking guitar!

Fantastic. I am sure Hesh loves it!!!!!
I totally agree about the quality of Joes finishes

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Very cool!

Greg

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Gwaltney Guitars

Mike, it would not have occurred to me to try a black face with a natural wood body, but then, LOTS of things never occur to me. I LIKE it!
Patrick

Does this Joe White have a web site/contact information?

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Joe White = getgomusic at aol dot com or 574-825-3359 or PM him.

Joe doesn't have a website

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Mike, Joe, wow that's gorgeous!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Well, yes the guitar looks pretty nice but you may be unaware of inherent problems with this combination and finish. In fact, I’m sure that others here can tell you there may be playing issues with the guitar. Unfortunately, with this combination and the black top the only song the guitar can play is “Smoke on the Water”. Our outstanding moderator Hesh can confirm that the only song this guitar will be able to play is “Smoke on the Water”.



Congratulations! This is beautiful instrument and the finish only accentuates the work that you have done. I’m sure that many of us would like to hear it play so if you get a chance to post a clip it would be great.

Philip

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aka konacat

If you think my playing is bad you should hear me sing!
Practice breeds confidence and confidence breeds competence. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in practice.

Mike Buddy, You forgot the most important part, How does she sound?

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jw ( o)===:::

Absolutely stunning guitar Mike! The Black-Face finish is not one that I would have thought of on my own but I fell in love with Hesh's avatar and yours confirms the strong impact it produces.
How do you obtain the deep black finish? Is the wood stained black or is a dye added to the base or top coats? I know nothing of finishing with anything other than clear finish.

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I think, therefore I am....often confused!

WOW Mike,
I really love that black faced OM. First one I saw was Hesh's, and loved it.

GREAT job!

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

That is sweet! Just a fantastic looking guitar Mike!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I'm actually liking these blackface guitars more and more. Very cool!

Beware of the influences you fall under. Next thing you know you'll showing pictures of your pink vacuum.

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Guys, thank you for all of your positive comments!

My customer was very specific in spec'ing out this guitar. I was a bit apprehensive about a few things, especially the black bindings and stark-white sound hole purfling. As it turned out, they look pretty good. In planning the black face, you need to be cognizant of the fact that any black purflings that meet the black face will disappear! Only the white rings are visible around the soundhole and abalone border purflings.

Richard, I will have to defer to Joe White on the method of coloring the top. Based on the progress pictures he sent me, I don't think that he used dyes or stains on the bare wood. I believe that he sprays the color mixed in with the finish. In any case, the color is very deep and rich and any masking that Joe did was perfect. I remain completely in awe of his work.

The guitar sounds and plays like one would expect from a Brazilian Rosewood & Adirondack Spruce OM. I did not notice any dampening of the sound from the black finish, it is still only a few mils thick.

The only thing that I am less than pleased with is the pickguard. I would have prefered no pickguard at all but respected the customer's wishes. I have used clear pickguards on natural and sunburst tops and they always looked O.K. but on the black face, the pickguard looks hazy. I used the soapy water & squeegee method to eliminate any bubbles but there remains a haze and the edges of the pickguard stand out. I wonder what Johnny Cash used?

I shipped the guitar to Carlsbad, CA yesterday so I won't be able to record any clips.

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com