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Stella build thread
https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=41946		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Tai Fu [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 12:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Stella build thread
I am gearing up to build a Stella replica, but out of real tonewood (rather than solid birch) and with a truss rod. Here is the planned spec:

Sitka spruce top
Indian RW back/side
Not sure on the neck, I am at a toss up between maple/purpleheart/maple lamination... I got 50bdft of flatsawn maple and not a whole lot else to use it on...
Pau Ferro fingerboard
Rosewood bridge
Hot Rod trussrod

Now the question is, where do I get that silkscreened on rosette that comes on Stellas?
Author:  Glenn LaSalle [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
The better Stellas didn't have the silked screen rosette (and backs trip). Do a google search on Oscar Schmidt Stellas. If you are upgrading the woods, I would suggest you look at the upper end Stellas that had really cool looking marquetry purfling. Thats what I am doing, as I am also building my take on an Oscar Schmidt Grand concert. Also, not all Stella's had Birch. A lot had Mahogany B&S/Red spruce top.

Glenn
Author:  the Padma [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 3:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
Tai Fu wrote:
I am gearing up to build a Stella replica, but out of real tonewood (rather than solid birch)....

Now the question is, where do I get that silkscreened on rosette that comes on Stellas?



Yo, dude...birch is a real tone wood. Like me has never yet seen fake wood other than plastic counter tops if thats what you mean. Birch has been used by many companies over the years including Gibson. Yup even a few F5s and many of the A lines were of birch. Being a hardwood its tonal qualities quite favour a blues application which is what Stellas were noted for and why birch was used.

In fact my '60s Harmony Stella has a flat sawen birch top and a silk screened rosette. No it ain't for sale.
and ...
No you do not just "Get" a silk screened rosette. You silkscreen the rosette on after you have some one make the screens for you as it appears you don't quite grok the concept here. Suggest you run a search on "silk screening."

bliss
Author:  Rodger Knox [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
"grock the concept"

now that's something I haven't heard since the 60s bliss
Author:  Freeman [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
How are you going to brace it? Pinned bridge or tailpiece?

I built a Stella inspired 12 string a few years ago - small body and long scale, tuned in the cellar, adi top, mahogany back and sides. Modern truss rod and bolt on neck. Ladder braced. I used a simple rope type rosette and purfling - seemed to fit the style and era. I keep thinking I need to build a matching six string.
Author:  Tai Fu [ Fri Nov 15, 2013 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
I'm planning on using some of the herringbone I just got from the Chinese supplier. As for the bracing it will be according to the original one that I restored, meaning ladder brace, pinned bridge, and it will be 6 stringed. I don't think I'll do a Soverign because I haven't really seen one so it's not going to be easy to build them without proper dimensions.
Author:  Spyder [ Sat Nov 16, 2013 11:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
Rodger Knox wrote:
"grock the concept"

now that's something I haven't heard since the 60s bliss


I'm one up on you here, I heard it in the 70's! [:Y:]
Author:  Tai Fu [ Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
Here is the plan that I have drawn, from that I made the mold.

I'm still deciding if I should go with X brace or ladder brace like original...
Author:  Brad Goodman [ Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
Hi,

I have built a bunch of Stella style guitars, so this is my 2 cents...

Some of the "best" sounding Stellas are made with birch tops (one piece flatsawn!) Check out Neil Harpes site www.stellaguitars.com , he usually has some for sale along with soundclips and videos.

If you X brace it then I think it is just a Stella shape guitar,because the particular sound of Stellas is the Ladder braced type sound which is defanately different then the X braced sound.

I have a Ladder braced Regal style Grand concert I am going to post shortly

Brad
Author:  Tai Fu [ Fri Dec 13, 2013 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Stella build thread
So I finally bent the side. EIRW is nice in that it bends like playdoh, especially if it's hot enough. I made a huge mistake when I bent the other side the wrong way (the upper bout is where the lower bout should be). So I just had to bend it correctly, meaning I had to bend it backward into usable side. Well the EIRW obliged and in no time you couldn't even tell a mistake was made in the first place!
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