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#20 Complete!
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Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sun Jul 14, 2013 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  #20 Complete!
It seems like yesterday I posted my first build here after being inspired by such skilled folks that post here.
This one has a few new features for me:
- first build with Peruvian Walnut
- first sound port
- first build with a pickup.
Here are the some specs:
Peruvian Walnut B&S, Lutz top, Hog neck, Ebony Fingerboard, EVO frets, EIR binding, LR Baggs "Lyric" pickup (microphone, actually)
The top and back were tuned with Mr. Gores method, with a live back.
Top braces are roughly per Mr. Gores take on the J45 - I have built a few like this - simple, effective.
I just strung it up today and it sounds pretty good already if not a little tight - the top should open up a bit.
Thanks everyone for your continued inspiration!
Image

Also, props to Andy Birko who fashioned a few bridges out of some blanks I had handy.
This was my first build using one of them and really like the execution and design.
Also, check out the silking on that Lutz top (thanks Shane!)
Image
Author:  cphanna [ Sun Jul 14, 2013 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Robbie, I'll be among the first to congratulate you. Looking at your photos, we obviously see a pinned steel string guitar. And yet, the overall visual design of the instrument seems very much like a classical. (At least to my eyes, it does). I think this is a wonderful looking instrument. No superficial bling. Just beautiful elegance to my eyes.

Patrick
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sun Jul 14, 2013 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Thanks Patrick, and good eye!
My first foray into steel strings started by using the Hauser profile on a 12-fretter, as the dimensions seemed similar enough to the L-00. (and I already had the molds from my Hauser build....)
Since then I have just been tweaking the profile a bit as I go along.
Rob
Author:  Dave Livermore [ Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Very nice indeed.

The top appears to have some silking or figure. I like that.


How would you describe the walnut in terms of tone and workability?
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Hi Dave,
The walnut was relatively easy to work with - it bent fine in the fox bender.
The wood itself is a bit soft and splintery compared with EIR so one has to be a bit careful.
It finished up very nicely with a deep chocolate colour.
Tonewise it compares nicely with a similar Bubinga/Lutz build on the bass end, treble not quite as bright, but I think the top will open up a bit over time.

Rob
Author:  Stephen Boone [ Mon Jul 15, 2013 10:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Congratulations! The guitar looks great!
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Mon Jul 15, 2013 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Many thanks Mr. Boone, I can only aspire to your high standard.

Rob
Author:  George L [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Well done, Rob! Lovely work and a proud achievement. I like it!
Author:  DannyV [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Nice Robbie! I really like the small sound port. Looks very cool. Congrats!

Cheers,
Danny
Author:  Tom West [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Danny: What you asking Oscar............??
Tom
Author:  Tom West [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Robbie: Lovely guitar...........!! Congrats..!!! Sorry about the hi-jack....................something made me do it..!!
Tom
Author:  Beth Mayer [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Robbie_McD wrote:
Thanks Patrick, and good eye!
My first foray into steel strings started by using the Hauser profile on a 12-fretter, as the dimensions seemed similar enough to the L-00. (and I already had the molds from my Hauser build....)
Since then I have just been tweaking the profile a bit as I go along.
Rob


Beautiful work, Robbie!!! Love the entire aesthetic. I had recently planned to do just this...using my Hauser profile and mold, with which I have yet to build a classical - to give that shape to a steel string. Love it!
Author:  Nick Royle [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Great idea, great guitar! Beautiful.
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Thanks all for your kind words, I am truly humbled.
After a couple of days, sure enough the treble brightened up and it sounds a champ!
For those not familiar with Peruvian Walnut, here is a shot of the back.
It is quite porous - I filled it with the LMI dark micro-beads and it really made the grain stand out:
Image
Author:  DannyV [ Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Tom West wrote:
Danny: What you asking Oscar............??
Tom

Just thanking him for all the great music he gave us. I never had the chance when he was alive. :lol:
Author:  naccoachbob [ Fri Jul 19, 2013 8:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Robbie, it is a truly nice looking guitar.
How did you find the EVO frets to work with? I've got some gold EVO to be using on my current project.
Thanks for showing us your work.
Bob
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 10:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Hello Bob,
Thank you for your kind comments.
I have been using EVO gold for all of my builds since about #2 - I find it as easy to work with as nickel-silver, and polishes up nicely!
Rob
Author:  Ken C [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Looking really nice, Rob!

Ken
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: #20 Complete!
Beth Mayer wrote:
Robbie_McD wrote:
Thanks Patrick, and good eye!
My first foray into steel strings started by using the Hauser profile on a 12-fretter, as the dimensions seemed similar enough to the L-00. (and I already had the molds from my Hauser build....)
Since then I have just been tweaking the profile a bit as I go along.
Rob


Beautiful work, Robbie!!! Love the entire aesthetic. I had recently planned to do just this...using my Hauser profile and mold, with which I have yet to build a classical - to give that shape to a steel string. Love it!

Thank for your kind comments Beth!
I was interested in how far my current "standard" profile is from the Hauser (minor tweaks over 4 years) , and I was surprised to see that it really only extends the the lower bout lengthwise about 20mm to create a more bell shaped lower bout versus the flat-bottomed Hauser.

Rob
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