My "4 year, 4 Dream Acoustics" build plan!

racman

I thought I would share my 4 year, 4 Dream Acoustic Build plan with my fellow GAS afflicted forum compatriots. I have finalized the remaining build slots a while ago and really wanted to share the preliminary details. The idea was to have 4 complimentary guitars from 4 totally different Luthiers who would all bring something unique toa final collection of "tools for the task". At the outset of this journey I realized that one had to have a certain level of faith, instinct and patience (still haven't found this though but two out of three isn't too bad I suppose). The selection process was extremely difficult but interesting and informative as I realized that there are just so many talented Luthiers out there.

While I understand that not everyone would agree, I decided early on in the process, to focus on Luthiers in the USA as I have relatives and friends who reside there and it provides some level of comfort and acceptable risk. I also wanted 4 guitars and not just one super expensive build. I was looking for luthiers that I felt I had experienced some sort of connection with during our communication as well as with their build ideas and tone parameters. Each Luthier is very accommodating but builds within an area of preference. So for example, some will not consider building a dreadnought and will very kindly and diplomatically suggest alternative luthiers should one persist with the request. Each luthier only builds a limited number of guitars per annum. I also wanted the guitars to be built exclusively by the Luthier and not by an assistant with only critical aspects crafted by the Luthier - so essentially one man operations with limited, if any CNC work. While some of the Luthiers chosen may share a common belief system as is evident from their website, this was not a factor in my final decision. While budgetary considerations were obviously a factor I believe that the luthiers chosen "punch well above their weight" and I am intrigued to see how their reputation increases in the years to come. I know many may understandably feel that I must have huge cash reserves to do this (I wish) but like most of the GAS afflicted I know, I have really only decided to embark on a 4 year focused savings drive!! I also take advantage of the exchange rate and transfer funds during the build process rather than at the end only (some may not feel comfortable with this risk but I am), as I see advantageous fluctuations in the currency.

I also discovered a whole new world out there that I never dreamed existed to the extent that it does. I wish I could have 10 built as there are just so many talented people out there ... all over the world!

So the first has been built and the entire experience (I prefer to call it a journey) has been a huge success. Those who have played the Zion will confirm that it is truly special and is a result of a huge amount of communication, interaction, patience from Peter Marreiros, trust and understanding. I am still amazed by the guitar every time I pick it up. From the amazing tone to the craftsmanship and beautiful yet balanced aesthetic choices that are revealed over time all confirm that it is an exquisite instrument.

My sharing of this journey to four very different destinations stems only from a desire to share and not to brag or boast in anything other than the talents of the luthiers as I know they are far too humble to do so themselves.

I will share the preliminary details and images of the wood choices etc. shortly.

racman

1: Cornerstone Zion

Back & Sides: Quilted Sapele
Soundboard: Sinker Redwood
Features: Florentine Cutaway, Ryan Bevel

Build commenced August 2010, completed March 2011 (a target date set by me).

The build thread: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/dream-acoustiv-guitar-build/

Website: http://www.cornerstoneguitar.com/Home.html

From this:

To this:

racman

2: Bashkin Placencia OM

Back & Sides: Cocobolo
Soundboard:: Adirondack Spruce
Features: Florentine Cutaway, Multi Scale (Transparent Fan Fret)

Build to commence August 2011

Build Thread: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/dream-acoustic-guitar-build2-bashkin-placencia-om/

Website: http://www.bashkinguitars.com/

Back & Sides: Cocobolo

racman

3: McKnight ?

Back & Sides: Wenge
Soundboard: 1959 Sitka Spruce (The limited number of these soundboards were found in an attic of a deceased violin maker still wrapped in the original paper, I believe)
Feature: Manzer Wedge

Tim & Mary McKnight have a unique and dynamic partnership as a husband and wife team which involves Tim building the guitars and Mary assisting and guiding most of the aesthetic aspects of the build (Although I believe Mary has become quite proficient at the art of French Polishing as well). While we are leaning towards Tim McKnight's MiniMac (a Small Jumbo), we have also recently started discussing the possibility of Tim developing a 3/4 Modified Dreadnought as a new design that he has been thinking about. It would be great to be part of the development of this guitar, which will use his MacNaught as a base for the new design.

I am planning a belated trip to see family in the USA in 2013 and have decided to plan this trip around the bi-annual Healdsburg Guitar Festival (http://guitarfestival.lmii.com/).
This build will feature as one of the McKnight show guitars and we (my wife and I) are already pretty excited to be able to spend time at the McKnight display area during the show. It will also be great to meet all four luthiers in person as well.

Website: http://www.mcknightguitars.com/index.html

Back & Sides: Wenge

A few videos:

Lewell Molen Mcknight Guitars Demo

Montreal Guitar Show '10 - Tim McKnight Guitars played by Peter Janson

A Waltz for Rebecca (Cover) by ScottAllyn

racman

4: Stehr 00 12-Fret

Back & Sides: Madagascar Rosewood
Soundboard:: Carpathian Spruce
Features: 00 12-Fret

Joel Stehr is definitely one of the up and coming young Luthiers who is sure to go places in my opinion. This last build will be focused on the 00 size with 12-frets to the body and perhaps a slightly deeper body and soundport. I wanted this to be an ideal late night "couch guitar" and so the extra depth of a deeper body will perhaps ensure that projection is sacrificed a little in order to envelope the player a little more.

We are also building a database of ideas and images that should ensure that the guitar is quite unique in its appearance - tasteful yet distinct, but I won’t let the cat out the bag ...yet. This will also be a Healdsburg Show guitar and so will be scheduled to be collected at the close of the Festival in 2013.

Back & Side Wood: Madagascar Rosewood

SoundBoard: Carpathian Spruce:

Web site: http://www.stehrguitars.com/Index.htm

racman

I also hope to be able to use this thread to eventually share the trip experience and photos from the 2013 Healdsburg Guitar Festlval.

also possibly an awesome addition for Healdsburg 2013 that will remain a secret until the builds start