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I'm not sure if I should consider this my second or my first (I did all the work on my first build but I did have an experienced luthier instructing me and watching over things) but I have given it a label with serial number 001 on it! (Ever the optimist! I suppose I could have gone for 0001 )

It is a gift for my father so the neck measurements are taken from his favourite, a 50 year old Framus that is sorely in need of a neck reset. I based the body on the Grellier L-00 plans but with a "Cumpiano style" bolt on mortise and tenon neck.

I'll get a better guitarist than I to record a sample for anyone who wants to hear. I've put it up against a few mid-priced guitars so far and it is comparing very favourably (a friend is going to bring over his 000-28 soon). Brighter and clearer than all so far with fairly decent volume for the size, it is capable of a raw bluesy bark when required but also a very sweet mid-rangy, smooth-as-butter type of sound (excuse my poor terminology). The intonation is about spot on so I'm enjoying moving around the fret board more than usual! I still need to do a few finishing touches here and there, mainly a bit of fretwork.

I built it freeform, bent the sides on a scaffold pole with a torch, and cut the binding channels with a KMG style jig I made. Ebony fretboard and bridge (27 grams), European Spruce top (quite nice silking and a bit of bearclaw 2.8mm), "Parabolic" bracing, Khaya back and sides (2.5 and 2.2mm), Khaya neck (medium offset D), finished with Liberon Finishing Oil.

I'm as proud of it now as I was disappointed in myself for making various errors along the way. I guess I just have to accept the fact that there is a learning curve, and that I have to strive to keep making progress. This is definitely a smarter, more precise guitar than my first effort.

All in all, my dad is pleased to have a new guitar that he can play for more than ten minutes at a time, and I'm pleased that I've managed to build a guitar on my own (and that I know what I must focus on next time to improve).

EDIT: A short audio sample (that I had to record myself in the end so apologies for the basic, fumbling style!):
http://picosong.com/qt8b/

PS: The black mark on the top is a dent In a moment of clumsiness I dropped the bridge on it (when the bridge was still a big lump of ebony) from about 4 foot! My dad and I decided that it didn't matter if the mark didn't disappear during final sanding. It's a beauty spot lol. And another visible reminder to be more careful in the workshop (garage).

Now, it's time to prepare for #3 (or is it #2?)

Well done, congratulations!

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Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgement.

Thanks, Casey! Your #2 thread is really impressive!

nice looking guitar Nick....

Nice job! That's a good looking guitar.

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George :-)

Sure is a purty little thing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

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http://www.CostaGuitars.com
PMoMC

Thanks so much guys, glad you like her!

And Tony, Purdy may be a good name! My dad's trying to think of one. His old one was (is) always known as Fred.

A bit of blood and a lot of sweat (no tears, my eyes were just a little sweaty that day ) went into this build so it's such a relief to be able to play it (her? Always awkard when you start calling a guitar, "her" to revert back to, "it", isn't it? ), or just to be able to sit back and listen to someone playing her (it?!).

That is a very nice elegant guitar. Congratulations, Your Dad should be very happy.

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http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com

Very nice.I like the headstock inlay

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Thanks John, he is - he has played more in the last week or so than he has in the last 20 years - I'd say that is mission accomplished!

And James, thanks for the complement on the guitar and I'm glad you like my logo design but it isn't an inlay - I wish I were capable of cutting such a fine inlay - it's just a decal. But it was a good one, the edges were hidden in no time.

I decided that I'd rather focus on the construction than the decoration for this one, particularly as my dad is a no-frills kinda guy. So am I, really, I'll leave serious inlay till I feel more competent.

Thanks again for all the comments. It's really nice to finally be a part of this community!

Nice looking guitar.

Nice, clean, elegant - you should be proud.

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Thank You and Best To All

Sweet. I would never have noticed the black mark if you didn't mention it.
Your head stock inlay is very impressive...such thin pieces!!

Nice job Nick! Beautiful looking top!

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Royle Guitars... Ya gotta love the sound of that.

Thanks again to all, it's a lovely feeling to read such nice comments about it!

Adm,
Nice that your first post is on my thread Here's to many more!

Larry,
I am very proud and elegant is exactly what I was going for

Quine,
I'm afraid I have not yet attempted cutting an inlay so fine, I designed the logo on the computer and had decals printed. Bit of a cop-out I know but I'm pleased with how it looks. And people are always telling me not to point out mistakes or imperfections in my work! I can't help it lol. I always want to point them out before anyone else does

Jim,
Thanks, I'm glad you think so. I searched through a big stack of tops before settling on that one. As I said, decent silking across most of the board, some attractive bearclaw around the soundhole and mostly tight grain. It does have a swirl or two and slight runout but I'm pleased with it. I love tops with that subtle striping. Very reasonably priced, too. £36 or so (from Touchstone Tonewoods in case anyone is interested). The Khaya back and sides were only £25 and though plain, I think the oil really brings out the colours nicely. I'm going to stay with inexpensive pieces for a few more unless anyone convinces me I shouldn't, they still make lovely guitars as far as I can tell and when I feel more competent as a builder and more deserving, I'll start making use of more striking (and expensive) wood. I just had a flick through some of the pics on your site and that is beautiful wood! (And stunning guitars)

And jf,
Thanks, that put a BIG smile on my face! Royle Guitars... One day I hope!
I wasn't sure if I should label up my #2 (or #1?) but the one I built on my course looked kinda naked without.

Very best to all,
Nick

Well, Nick, the others have said just about everything and I agree with them. I really like guitars that are relatively unadorned. When the builder gets every little line and curve just right, then the guitar is beautiful and elegant in its simplicity. I like to see guitars where the wood and the curves speak for themselves without a lot of bling added. You have done very, very well. I like your instrument. What's not to like? It's an excellent second effort. I think a lot of people would be proud if it were their fifth or sixth or tenth instrument. I'll guaranty you that I would be proud if it were mine. Press on!
Patrick

Patrick, I didn't think the comments could be any better and then you come along!
Thanks so much for your kind words. Every time I make a mistake on #3 I'll remember them and it will spur me on for sure!

I totally agree about the natural beauty in the curves of a guitar.Couldn't put it better!

Indeed! I should be buying the wood for #3 within weeks. I'm even considering making twins.

All the very best,
Nick

How did you cut the headstock inlay?

nice! congrats!

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member of the guild of professional dilettantes

Many thanks, Miguel!

And, Joshua, I'm afraid I cheated and used a decal. I didn't fancy my chances of cutting such a fine inlay and I didn't want an "R", I wanted "Royle". It's a good decal though, nice crisp lines, strong colour, and the edges were hidden in no time!

Maybe, when I buy some more wood in a couple of weeks, I'll get some shell and have a bash at cutting the same design... Maybe I'll get a few extra bits because I have a feeling it will try my patience!

I said I'd post a recording so here it is...
(I didn't get a chance to have someone else record a sample so you'll have to listen to my abysmal playing if you want to hear it! )

http://picosong.com/qt8b/

I have my own thoughts but I'd be interested to here any feedback.

(No effects used - just recorded and made into an mp3.)
EDIT: No effects added by me, apparently studio reverb was on without me knowing.

To my ear it sounds clean, clear, and crisp, with some solid bass when you ask for it. Just what you'd expect from a well-crafted, sensitively built spruce/mahogany 00. Good work!

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Tim Allen
"Never hurry, never rest."

I like that Nick!, good choices.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

Very nice, you should be happy with that.

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Nick

Follow my musings on getting started in luthiery http://www.tredwellinstruments.co.uk