Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm sure it would, just thought I'd say it.... Sub dividing voting though, that sounds good to me.

Hmmmmm local wood...
Wonder if my new neighbor could help me out with some local timber........

Might be able to pull a couple of finger braces out of that pile!

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

Unfortunately my waiting list is too long to compete this time. As in still waiting to finish #1 from the 2013 challenge!

That sounds good to me. I don't have many Kansas City grown woods, and wouldn't want to bother the other local builders for resawing services, so I'd have to pass on a true "backyard build" type contest. But this way, I could stretch the definition a bit and just stick to species that grow around here for the hardwoods, and some cedar siding that spent around 50 years on the house as the soundboard

Alternatively, a fun rule could be no "traditional" woods (I'd say spruce, western redcedar, mahogany, Spanish cedar, koa, maple, rosewood, ebony).

And I do think there should be a budget, but maybe not quite as tight as it has been in past challenges, since that's pretty much eliminated steel strings for me due to the cost of truss rod and tuners. Maybe $200 or $250.

As for groups, I like having two, but also wouldn't mind just throwing everyone in together and letting the voters decide if the first and second builds are impressive enough to deserve a vote even if they're not as polished as the experienced folks. Maybe decide depending on the number of entrants. Count me as a "maybe"

I'd also say the voting system should be different this time... perhaps a point system, where you vote for your 3 favorites. First gets 3 points, second gets 2, and third gets 1. That way it won't be so polarized toward only two or three entries sticking out as potential winners and getting practically all the votes, because wasting your single vote on a "non-winner" feels pointless.

I think the reason I thought of 3 groups was because the Newbie Challenge was really successful and seemed like a great learning experience for people while the 2013 Challenge had 2 groups = 3 groups. I think it would be interesting if the 3rd group consisted of very experienced luthiers and there was a worthwhile prize from a sponsor.
But I'm sure it's all a lot to organise so I also say, no rules, no groups, just enjoy being creative.

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We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

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MK5acoustics.com

Hi All,
The 2014 Local Woods challenge forum is now open. Please go sign up!

Thanks!

--jaybird

I'd be in as I need some motivation following my disaster in last years. However, there are zero options for local wood here in Fairbanks, AK. Just the top would be local and that would just be Sitka. The birch here doesn't get big enough.

How about a solid Sitka telecaster...
Either neck-through or one piece!

Interesting, but I really need a guitar for myself and I play fingerstyle (acoustic). I've been guitar-less for over a year now and I think I'm officially clinically depressed!