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Unconventional Torres
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=22987		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Ricardo [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Unconventional Torres
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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Author:  Robbie O'Brien [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
Beautiful!! [clap] How's it sound?
Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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 gaah

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! [clap] 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 :)
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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. [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
Author:  Ricardo [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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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Author:  douglas ingram [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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!
Author:  CWLiu [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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.
Author:  Carey [ Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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.
Author:  George Thomas [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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.
Author:  Ricardo [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
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.
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
Ricardo this is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to hear the sound clips. And, I love breaking traditions.:D
Author:  Antonio [ Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unconventional Torres
Tradition is not what it used to be :o
wow7-eyes
Now seriously, beautiful guitar [:Y:]
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