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Number 13 "Lucky"
https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=48969		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  George L [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 2:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Number 13 "Lucky"
My number 13 is done. It's a Martin OM shape made with red spruce over EIR. Fingerboard and bridge are ebony. The neck is Port Orford cedar. Continued my current practice of using pieces of scrap for ornamentation. I experimented a bit on this one, creating a new headstock shape to accommodate straight string pulls (almost :D ) and purposely selecting a wide, wavy grained top that most would probably reject. (Personally, I think it looks terrific. I have a few more in my stash and am looking forward to using them.) Building this guitar was an interesting exercise, as it blends a vintage shape, bracing pattern, and traditional tonewoods with a relatively modern aesthetic. I'm lousy at describing tone, but this one has a great deal of presence that jumps right out of the box and sustains almost forever. It's pretty bold. I like it.

We don't often get snow here in Seattle, so I ran out this morning and snapped a few pics.

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Author:  bcombs510 [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Beautiful work!! I ordered some of those tuners I think on your recommendation for a more modern look. Do you have a closeup of the position markers? It's an inlay in the fretboard?

Inspired.


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Author:  truckjohn [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
That's really pretty. Thanks for posting it.
Author:  Colin North [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 4:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
That's a really nice build George. I like it.
Neat, and I do like the look of the soundboard.
Author:  Alex Kleon [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 4:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Nice one, George! I'm with you on the top - I have no problem with wood that looks like wood! Could you treat us with a few more pictures? Maybe of the binding, rosette, and tail wedge?

Alex
Author:  George L [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Thanks, guys. I imagine we all find that building in isolation lends its own set of challenges. Sharing with you all here is a big part of what keeps me going and that helps me improve as a builder. I have a bit of real world work pestering me right now, but will try to post a few more pics soon.
Author:  MikeWaz [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Nice work George! A lovely combination of woods. What did you use for the finish?


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Author:  sdsollod [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Very nice and very tasteful. I also like the top, as well as the other treatments. I assume that you glued the back strap woods together (probably with Titebond II or III) and then bent to fit the smiley volute... Where did you get your neck wood?
Author:  Haans [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Coat of many colors...looks better'n martins 6 jilionth.
What's the matter with the soundboard?
Author:  Michaeldc [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Very nice work, as usual!

How do you like the Schertler machines? I sure like them aesthetically!

I'd love to hear the guitar sometime...

Cheers from Nelson, BC

M
Author:  Tim L [ Fri Feb 03, 2017 8:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Like the new headstock shape. Good looking guitar George
Author:  Hesh [ Sat Feb 04, 2017 6:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Very nice George and I love that stripy Adi top too. Congratulations!
Author:  Clinchriver [ Sat Feb 04, 2017 8:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Nice, I like the top, and have several just about like it.
Author:  A.Hix [ Sat Feb 04, 2017 9:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Looks fantastic!
Author:  Jim Watts [ Sat Feb 04, 2017 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Super!
Author:  cs51762 [ Sun Feb 05, 2017 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Wow, that's beautiful!
Author:  George L [ Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Thanks all. I would have responded earlier but was unable to log in here for the past few days.

Yes, the tuning machines are Schertlers. First time using them and they seem fine so far; quality feel and smooth operation. I really like the looks of them.

The finish on this one is Tru-Oil wiped on over a shellac seal coat. So simple even I couldn't screw it up. laughing6-hehe

I usually make up my headstock veneers, complete any necessary bends and then glue them in place. However, the diameter of my homemade bending iron is too large far that smile volute, so it's tough to get a tight fit. This time I tried something different. If you look closely at the photo above, you'll see that I used thin pieces of scrap through that area. I shaped those so that they mated well and used CA to place them one at a time. Once I got to the the flat part, I glued down the pre-made veneer.

Thanks again for the kind replies. I don't yet have a shot of the end graft, but it compliments the other elements.

Here are a few more pics:

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Author:  Pmaj7 [ Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Looks great George!
Author:  Joe Beaver [ Tue Feb 07, 2017 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
That guitar makes quite a statement! Well done George
Author:  mkellyvrod [ Thu Feb 09, 2017 7:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
I really do like the headstock and rosette designs; gives the guitar an Art Deco look that really I find particularly appealing.
Author:  DannyV [ Thu Feb 09, 2017 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Beauty George. I have a couple sets of Adi from Aaron that look like that. It looks great. As well as your new headstock shape. I didn't want to say anything because us Canucks are suppose to be a very polite lot, but your last one looked a little out of proportion. Pick guard is nice. Also like the shape of your bridge.
Author:  George L [ Thu Feb 09, 2017 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Number 13 "Lucky"
Thanks again!

No worries, Danny. I've had other people say my last couple of headstocks looked a bit out of proportion, so you're not alone there. I've also had people say this one is weird, too! I guess it's a to-MAY-to/to-MAH-to kind of thing. [:Y:]
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