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My latest is finished!
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Author:  matthewrust [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:06 am ]
Post subject:  My latest is finished!
I hate to do this keeping in mind that you pros are knocking through these on a weekly or daily basis, but I wanted to show off my latest--a Gibson J-35 inspired AAA Sitka top and bracing, lightly quilted Honduran Mahogany B/S, with ebony fingerboard/bridge/headplate/binding. It is sort of a Martin under the hood--It has the standard Martin scale length and a modified Martin-style bracing (though the layout is a replica of the J35). The top and headplate are nitro and the back/sides/neck are Tru-Oil. This is really my first non-kit build and the good thing is that besides a drill press to drill the tuner holes, I own everything I need to make a thousand more guitars!!! My favorite part of building from "lumber" is shaping the bracing, the bridge, and the neck. I even enjoyed the finishing process and may give up Tru-Oil for something more challenging next time. Anyways, here she is:

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Plus, you may recognize the back and side set from the LMI site...

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Author:  joe white [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Bravo Matthew!! [clap] [clap]
If it looks and sounds anything like your first then I know it is a great one! Well done. [:Y:]
Author:  Darryl Young [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Very nice Matthew! I really like your bridge, simple but very affective acoustically (in my mind).
Author:  woody b [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Looks great.
The bridge is designed like an original J35. I like a straight bridge.
Author:  matthewrust [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Thanks Joe! It actually sounds better!!!

Well... the bridge on the original actually had the pins lined up along the back of the bridge. I am a fan of a 45 degree break angle (give or take), so I followed the saddle. The saddle is also just slightly wider than 1/8" so I could have a bit more room for compensation if I needed it. I'm not quite to the 1/4" thick saddle like Brock uses, but I like the idea. Unless someone requests it specifically, I will always use a straight bridge. They are lighter, easier to make, and simpler (which fits my goal in design--see my truss rod cover).
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Looks really nice to me, Matthew. You should be happy. [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
yeah, im into it bro! clean, simple, understated, just my style! so it looks like the treble side x leg is tapered and the bass side is scalloped? also, did you cap the x intersection? good work man!
Author:  Joe Sustaire [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Nice clean build Matthew, I like it!!!
I love the slope shoulders, pickguard, and bridge!
Looks like a player for sure!

Joe
Author:  matthewrust [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Good eye, Heath!

Speaking of playing... Gotsa go!
Author:  Ziegenfuss [ Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Great work, man!

It is always so good to get another one under the old belt...
Author:  Ken C [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Well done, Matthew!
Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Fine looking guitar!
I like the comment that it is a "Martin under the hood".

Steve
Author:  Mike Collins [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Very nice Matthew.
I really like the heel shape.
How was the Mahogany to work with?

Are your X braces notched ?
Or is one continuous and the other butted up against it?

Mike
Author:  matthewrust [ Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My latest is finished!
Thanks Mike!

The X is notched and to be honest, I think I will start leaving that joint square rather than arched like it is... I arched them before putting them together.

The mahogany looks nice, but it was a real pain to bend because I was afraid it would fracture. I did some pressure tests on the cutoffs and they broke very easily. So I was sure to take my time bending and I think I did a decent job of it. There are no cracks thank God, but some slight cupping in one spot. It will be all straight grain stuff for me until I build a bending machine...

I LOVE the heel shape, and I also love the old Gibson style altogether.
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