I've been working on a new model of prototypes for well over a decade now. It's been a pet project of mine. One that I've done for my own gratification and curiosity rather than one that was intended to be pushed out the door to make some money.
I've found, for myself at least, that it's always far better to build what inspires you and let your market find you rather than trying to build everything that you think someone will buy. That's not to say everything I do is original, because it's not, but rather what I've been building inspires me. If I could totally build on spec every guitar and sell them comfortably and reliably I would.
So I've been through quite the renascentia in terms of my guitars, my likes, and my personal style. I hope the guitarists of the world like them. I know I sure do.
So here is the first official new Grand Concert of mine. It's my own shape that took roots from a J-185, and OM, and a SJ. It sports a simple Medallion rosette with Celtic knot inlay done by me. I'm not nearly as talented with inlay as Lavin, Wingert, Robinsion, ect. ect. but it's a nice touch I think and suits the instrument. I've got 3 more of these models that will be with me at healdsburg and a new model that is a modern take on a 00 with mosaic medallion and endgraft as well.
Cedar top
Wenge back and sides
Cuban Mahogany neck
African blackwood fretboard, bridge, headplate/backplate, binding
A variation of my Eureka! bracing (which is still changing)
And other random goodies like a Somogyi low profile heel, my new bridge, ebony purfling, bone pins, yadda yadda.
There's probably not a real reason to post this, and therefore it's gratuitous, but if I may say to you all; Build what inspires you. Take what's inside you and create a tangible thing from that. Make the instrument a extension of you, and not just something chasing customers. If you put yourself into it, and do a exceptional job you won't have to chase customers.
![[:Y:]](./images/smilies/smiley20.gif "Thumbs Up")
![[clap]](./images/smilies/smiley32.gif "adulations")
) but my first build was just an experiment, and it actually came out to sound like a pretty decent guitar. I took whats in my head and put it on paper, then some research and came up with some pretty cool stuff. Since my first build, i have done a handful of research and modifications to my first, and im hoping to get something one of a kind that maybe someone will appreciate one day. If not, of well, one more guitar in my collection that i will cherish!