Dream Acoustic Guitar Build#1: Cornerstone Zion

racman · 2010-04-15T08:12:53+00:00

A year or three ago I started formulating plans to have a custom Electric as well as a custom Acoustic guitar built for me. Although I researched both for some time (and posted threads on the potential electric build), I also researched Acoustic Guitar Luthiers and eventually built up a list of those that I was interested in. Over the last few months after making my major decision to focus on Acoustic, I narrowed the field down to a shortlist and final selection that has resulted in a now booked build slot that opened up due to a late cancellation in August 2010. The build will take between 6-12 months and will then hopefully result in a three acoustic guitar scenario with the Takamine "workhorse" and the custom build. (although this is subject to change at short norice so I'm not totally committed to the idea! ?) I thought that it may be of interest to some to start a thread from concept discussions excerpts to wood selections and discussions to the final completed build pics with sound samples etc. The commisioned luthier has committed to send regular build progress pics during the build process which I will post. We are currently in the process of wood selection and I have been sent some pics of available tonewoods for back and sides for selection purposes. Others will be sent soon for final consideration. I will post my initial requirement overview sent to a shortlist of 10 luthiers and include their websites details, my selection process as well as the reasons for my selection to start with. Will add next post later in the day ...

racman

We have been working on various soundport designs for some time now as I wanted a unique design depicting a candle flame. Peter sent through this design early on in the process and after going through quite a few more (and patiently considering a few "wacky" design submissions from me ?), we eventually came back to this one. I think it looks cool!!

racman

Bracing done now and looks like the box will be closed shortly ?

guitarboy2828

I really like that soundport design!!! Man, this guitar is going to be a beaut!! ?

racman

Thx "guitarboy" - this design was all Peter's work. Mine just looked like a big hole with a slightly pointed and curved top side!! :roflmao: :roflmao:

racman

More pics - I am absolutely "gobsmacked" every time I receive pics. And to think this beautiful instrument is going to be mine in April !!!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Norman86

if i may ask, what is the point of that sound port?
lower frequency extension?

otherwise, a fantastic looking guitar!
im sure it will sound just as good as it looks!

Bob-Dubery

Is it a bolt on neck? What are those holes either side of the neck pocket?

racman

zohn wrote gobsmacked.... a perfectly good word to describe this guitar. I'm sooo exited for you Racman!
The flame sound port is awesome... 8)

A more detailed and informative description than I can give, is found on Tim McKnight's website which is very interesting:

http://www.mcknightguitars.com/soundports.html

racman

X-rated Bob wrote Is it a bolt on neck? What are those holes either side of the neck pocket?

I think it's a mortis & tenon joint with a bolt on neck Bob. It is my understanding that most luthiers are now using a bolt on in some form or another and those using dovetail are in the minority.

An interesting thread in this regard can be seen here:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186212&highlight=dovetail

Peterm

Hey guys,
thanks for the kind comments. She sure is turning out nice!
The tap tone of the box is really something...

I use a bolt on neck with a glued on neck extension. I used to do a double tenon and mortise neck joint (where both the neck and fretboard extension are bolted on to the box) but I have since changed simply because it makes it a bit easier to do and since I use a "edge only" glue up it makes it really easy to remove if ever needed.
The two holes on the fretboard extension area are locating holes used to rig the soundboard to the neck block. They get covered by the fretboard.

The soundboard acts like a little monitor for the player. The player gets clean direct sound instead of "recycled" sound reflected by the room.
If you ever played with other people and their guitars seemed louder than yours try a soundport... ?

racman

Thx Peter - much appreciated ?

guitarboy2828

SHO!!!! Beautiful!! i want one!

racman

A few build pics - building the end-graft and purfling etc -enjoy

racman

another pic ...

racman

Body almost completed - the pic was taken just after completion of the Ryan Bevel but before "clean-up" (Mine is the top body).

(The bevel is called the "Ryan" Bevel by most luthiers as a tribute to Kevin Ryan who developed this particular look and bevel. From my limited knowledge and interaction with various forums and luthiers in the whole process, it is evident that Kevin has never insisted on this at all and is only too happy to share and have luthiers use this incarnataion of the bevel.)

The body is now ready to be shipped to Joe White for spraying - should take a few weeks before we see it again - the grain and figuring should really "pop" under finish ?

While the body's away, on the neck he now will play .... ? ?

racman

We've also decided to change from the B-Band (UST and AST) to a LR Baggs Anthem (Element USt & mic) as I also wanted a mic pickup which B-Band don't make.

singemonkey

Ya gotta love this thread ?

[deleted]

Bumpety Bump Racman!

Pictures!!! It's been a whole MONTH!!!! :'(

singemonkey

Brentcgp wrote Bumpety Bump Racman!

Pictures!!! It's been a whole MONTH!!!! :'(

racman

You guys must be telepathic! ?

We are still waiting for the body finishing/spraying to be completed but I just recieved some neck progress pics from Peter. There seems to be a bit of figure on the neck as well - cool!!:

« Previous Page Next Page »