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I have copy of GAL plan Ted Davis made of a Martin 1-18 guitar. Also purchased from Ted some years ago Red Spruce and some great Walnut. I am seeking opinions on this combination of tonewoods and the sound this little guitar may have? Just thought might be a small way to say thanks to Ted and build one from his plans and wood.

Tim

Tim, I'm about 1/2 done with my size 1 guitar, binding it today. I'm not using Ted's plan, I developed my own.

Walnut & Red Spruce? What better combination than that? Walnut is a joy to work with.

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I built one out of pine for a two by four competition Tim. I beefed up the bracing by 1/8" or so in height to allow for extra light steel strings. It sounds great.

I love that little guitar. I've made 4 or 5 now off that plan, can't wait to make another in the new year. Loud little blighters...

+1 to what everyone else said.
You're gonna like the results.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I was looking at this plan on LMI's website the other day.

I'm confused. It's listed under 'steel string' plans category. Is not a steel string design?

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Jim Hansen

I'm also building a 1-18, kind of my own plan. Walnut and Lutz, I don't see how it could not be a good combo.

Good Luck!
Francis

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

Teds notes on plan denotes gut string use but he also states his knowledge of Martin is limited. Some websites devoted to Martin information states that steel strings use and design changes took place around
1927. This plan is from a 1918 guitar well before the possible change. Any thought suggestions to make for steel strings?

Tim

Double post

A Red Spruce top for a size 1 guitar would finish around .100" thick.
Braces (stiff Sitka) would be 1/4" - 9/32" thick x 7/16" - 1/2" tall at the X-cross. Other braces 1/4" thick.
Back and sides go by the plans.

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What a great tribute! Ted loved to build 1 size guitars, and I supplied him with the details from a 1904 1-45 that I restored for Mike Longworth. I had no idea he had started one just before he passed, and I am anxious to complete it. It has some of the most beautiful old growth figured Brazilian rosewood and Smokies red spruce I have ever seen.
I am now finishing up selling Ted's wood collection, and over the last 2 1/2 years I have gotten a lot of feedback from luthiers who are building or have built 1-size guitars from Ted's plan.
David's recommendations for steel strings are solid, and I will just add that the bridgeplate should be a bit thicker....about 0.090" is good.

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John

What a great piece of news John. I would love to see Ted's guitar in the works, if you could show a picture.
If it is not being too forward of me, I would love it if you could tell a story or two of your & Teds wood cutting adventures.

My own size 1 is made from "all White Pine", a board from my Dad's store of wood he left me. He loved to carve Pine, and this guitar will be a gift to my family in his memory. I'm hoping to have it complete by the end of Oct. when we meet for a reunion.
I'm binding it today.

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John

I have bought some wood that you have sold for Norma on ebay. This wood came form Ted had a nice conversation on phone with him about this batch of material he struck me as being truly helpful and interested in my project. I very much also would like to see this 1-45 project that Ted had started and look forward to you posting photo's. Glad you posted on this topic. Thanks to everyone for the input and please keep the information flowing. Would this guitar had a coffin case when sold new? Any ideas on building coffin case?

Tim

Hi Tim,
I've built several size 1 guitars. I have been building them with 25.5 in scale lengths instead of the original 24.9inch. You lose a couple of frets at the soundhole but they do work well.
The early "New Yorkers" had coffin cases. Coffin cases are not difficult to build and can be knocked together in a few hours using 1/8 inch plywood for the top and bottom skins and 1/2 inch pine for the sides. I did mitered butt joints and glued and nailed them together with a brad gun. The joints can be reinforced with blocking glued in behind them. I lined the case with cloth over corrugated cardboard. Using thin lightweight materials is important to make a case that doesn't "weigh a ton". The cases don't offer the protection of a commercial hardshell, but with reasonable care they are adequate for transporting a guitar.