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This is my first CG based on the 1888 Torres with some mods for me that I am sure will horrify purists.
Its bearclaw Sitka spruce, koa, and indian rosewood binding. It weighs just under 3 lbs. It is short scale (24.9), radiused fingerboard, and 49mm at the nut.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Beautiful!! How's it sound?

I remember when you were asking this and that; you finished it pretty fast, that's what happens when you cut corners and disobey tradition - I'm horrified

Joke aside:

At 49mm the width is much better than your original 47. Every mm counts a lot here.

I am surprised by how well centered the bridge looks with that scale. Maybe because the rosette might be narrower than usual.

In the end, congrats! Looks great. Btw, koa is quite a rarity (as in I never saw one before) with classical guitars, but Torres used strange wood too, like locust and pear for example, so Torres-wise you are not that far off

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Build log

It looks great, Ricardo. I'll ask the big question. How does it sound? You were fast. This one didn't take long at all. Nice work. It should be a good "crossover" guitar.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks guys. And I forgot to mention the greatest transgression - my truss rod! I just strung (stringed?) it up yesterday, but as far as I can tell its loud (much louder than my steel string) with a lot of sustain. Once its settled down I'll try to get a recording to post.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Looks pretty good! I bet that it will soon be a real favourite to play. I find that there is a lot of maturing that goes on with the guitar in the first week. Keep playing it, lots!

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

Congratulations! That was something special!

I have some German spruce tops that are as heavy as(or even heavier) my Sitka, and they are quite suitable for a Torres copy, IMHO. I'm so confident of Torres that I'm sure it'll make a fine classical with a sitka top. Those dense German sp aren't nearly as suitable for a Bouchet copy, btw.

Very nice! I don't think Torres would have a beef with anything you've done- not that it
especially matters. Wish I could see and hear your guitar live- I am interested in how the
trebles come out with the Sitka top, and the balance w/ the truss rod. Given the CG neck's
propensity to back-bow, it's not a bad idea- Robert Ruck is using one these days, i think.
Pretty good company.

Beautiful guitar and I am looking forward to hearing a report on the sound. I am happy to see more people experimenting with different woods for CGs. Builders will appreciate what you are doing. Classical players may not want to take a chance. I just finished a CG with a 16" to 20" radius FB and 49mm nut width. I also have a profiled Sitka top ready to go on a CG. Interesting coincidence.

With nylon strings and a short scale I am not sure a truss rod is needed. On my small body guitars with very thin and narrow necks I use a carbon fiber rod as a just in case thing.

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GEO
perpetual beginner

George, you are probably right about the truss rod. I just read many reports on the Classical Guitar forum of bowed necks and didn't want to take the chance.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Ricardo this is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to hear the sound clips. And, I love breaking traditions.

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Tradition is not what it used to be

Now seriously, beautiful guitar