Official Luthiers Forum!

For those that like to listen to music background while reading OLF, I have just put a couple new tunes up on my Audio webpage:


http://www.mauelguitars.com/audio.htm

They're by my good friend, Steve Hawkins, who did my demos at this years Healdsburg Festival. Since they didn't record the demos Steve graciously recorded a couple of his tunes for me and sent them down last week. They are straight recordings with no computer enhancements so you are hearing the true guitar, finger squeaks and all! All done in DADGAD, fyi.
Hope you enjoy.

_________________
Hank Mauel

Nice Hank - even through my laptop speakers!

What can you tell me about the yellow cedar you used for the top and how it compares with other species?

Cheers
Pete

_________________
Cheers
Pete

That guitar sounds sweet Hank! Very nice tone.
I like Steve Hawkins playing too.

_________________
Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

I thank you. Steve thanks you!

About the top wood. It is really a cypress, not a true cedar. Same goes for Port Orford cedar.

The top is stiffer than western red cedar. It is probably one of the best tops for resisting cracking/splitting due to the growth structure in the grain. Again, same for POC.
The top was thicknessed to .115 and braced with adirondack spruce, scalloped and .300 wide at the base of the braces all of which taper toward the tops. Think tall and thin. It has a 25.7" scale which helps in the dropped tunings.
The energy uptake is a wee bit less, IMHO, than cedar or redwood, but still well ahead of spruce. Steve picks cleanly and smoothly and these cuts were not computer enhanced in any way.
I have subsequently built two more with the Alaskan cedar and one with the POC. The tops respond in a similar fashion, yet each has it's own personality..two were 000-12 frets and one 14 fret OM...due to the body sizes/scale lengths.
Extra bonus...you never get moths in your guitar case!

I'll use the wood again and definitely recommend it to any luthier building fingerstyle instruments.

FYI: The guitar sounded great in standard tune but just came alive in DADGAD. Fortunately Steve is a DADGAD junky so the guitar is "in it's element" with him at the fretboard!

_________________
Hank Mauel

Much appreciated Hank. Strange that this wood doesn't see more use.

Cheers
Pete

_________________
Cheers
Pete

It's not always readily available in size/quality suitable for tops. LMI has it on back order for the finer grades. Port Orford seems more available so you could start with that and see how you like it and how it fits in with your build scenarios.

_________________
Hank Mauel

FYI, another well known supplier is currently advertising AAA yellow cedar tops for $40 and "master" grade for $65. Not sure I can mention them by name as they're not a sponsor.

Cheers
Pete

_________________
Cheers
Pete

Is this the same cypress/yellow cedar that sometimes is used for flamenco guitar backs and sides?

I do love the smell of yellow cedar, but some folks cannot stand it, apparently.

Cheers
John

Yes it can be, although Spanish cypress is the true wood used in flamencos. And you're correct about the smell...pretty pungent when working with the wood and it can curl your nose hairs!
I'll sneeze occassionally when working with it but I don't have any ongoing allergic reaction to it.

_________________
Hank Mauel

OK..how about their initials?

_________________
Hank Mauel

Sorry Hank, no can do. But they're located in Alaska and they deal in specialty woods!

Cheers
Pete

_________________
Cheers
Pete

Yes, I know who it is. Saw the Alaskan cedar on that site earlier today. Have dealt there before.

_________________
Hank Mauel