Official Luthiers Forum!

I am in the finishing stage of a peruvian walnut OM with a redwood top. I'll wait until the "big reveal" when finishing is complete before I show photos. ...So, I'm thinking about what to build next. No commissions at this time... either "on spec" or as usual just for fun...

I was originally thinking about another grand auditorium (based on Taylor design) but with a florentine cutaway this time, but I have also been considering a new shape I haven't done yet. Of course that would require "jigging up". That is, building a new mold and bending form for my bender. I've been considering a 12 fret 000. I purchased a 6 piece set of african mahogany from RC Tonewood with that in mind... or a slope shoulder dread, i.e. J-45. I could use the african hog for that or something else in my stash.

BTW - I have noticed that the various J-45 plans that are available seem to have some slightly different measurements. Some seem to have a wider lower bout. I kind of prefer a small size slope shoulder. Any thoughts on this? Which plans do you like?

So whats your vote...
- grand auditorium w/ floretine,
- all mahogany 12 fret 000,
- or J-45?

Thanks,
Steve

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Tele. Easy, fun, and twangalicious.

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Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

I vote for the J-45, because you just did an OM which is the kinda sorta the same as a 000 with a 14 fret neck. Also, I like J-45's.

I have the Michael Collins plans which look great and seem to be quite accurate, though I have not built from them yet. I haven't heard of a smaller slope dread, but who knows with Gibson. There's the middle size Ditson, but it's pretty small IIRC. (13"?)

Design your own - its way more fun!

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"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."
Pablo Picasso

https://www.facebook.com/FenskeGuitars

I vote you build what you like...

Haans, I just thought I'd see what kind of responses I'd get...

Greg, the J-45 seems like it would be cool. I have seen some variation in plan measurements on J-45 plans. I think perhaps the newer models have some slight differences from older models...

Peter, I have actually thought of designing my own shape. That is, if I'd like a somewhat smaller lower bout, then just do it...

And Dave, I have built a tele and I like it quite a bit...

_________________
Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Harp guitar

Yep, that's a sweet looking Tele!
Everyone should have one.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah