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

Just recieved a few Sinker Redwood set pics from Peter to choose from for the top. A few more will be sent soon but it would be great if you could help me choose by posting your first choice if it was your build (with the Quilted Sapele back and sides)

Sinker Redwood Set 1:

Sinker Redwood Set 2:

Sinker Redwood Set 3:

Sinker Redwood 4:

aja

hmmm, I like set 1 and 4

AlanRatcliffe

They are all pretty close, but #3 and #4, in that order.

Ray

Squonk

Sean

#1 for me too

hnuuhiwa

Aloha Roy,

Glad to see you're having a Cornerstone Zion built. Peter is great to work with, and he does wonderful work. I believe I have the first Zion he completed (it was actually the second he started, as he had started a spec Zion he named the "Black Pearl" first....don't think he finished that one though). My Zion is the all Koa, double-top that is shown as the Zion model on his website. It was a guitar I commissioned for my 25th wedding anniversary.

Oh, and I think you made a great choice going with sinker redwood (although LS would have been great as well) if you are looking for a full complex sound. Just don't expect it to be as bright as spruce, as it doesn't tend to be. Of my guitars, all are sinker topped except two, the Zion and a Paragon MJC, so I am pretty biased towards its tone (basically I'm a sinker redwood addict).

Looks like you reviewed quite a few of the builders to get to this point, and the fun is just beginning. It'll be difficult at times to be patient, but the result will certainly make it well worth the wait. ?

This was great thread to read through, after stumbling across it via a Google search. I just had to register so that I can watch this build progress. ?

Take Care,

Henderson (aka Hen)

P.S - oh and as far as the tops go, I personally like the darker sinker, especially with the black striping running down the center so I would've asked Peter about flipping the sets around so the outside edge becomes the inside. But if you're going for the lighter look, the I would probably go with #2...Have fun deciding!

racman

Hi Henderson, welcome to the forum!

Thank you for your comments and input - much appreciated.

Bob-Dubery

I'm intrigued by this "double top". I hate to say the L-word, but it really does sound like a laminate.

racman

X-rated Bob wrote I'm intrigued by this "double top". I hate to say the L-word, but it really does sound like a laminate.

Now that statement I will leave to the experts to answer. ?

I quite like the idea of no.1 reversed with the darker lines in the middle and the lighter edges leading into the lighter Quilted Sapele back and sides.

Still a few more sets to come though so let's see. I am also "chuffed" to see that Peter has joined in and now of course Henderson.

The global footprint of GFSA grows again!!! ? ?

My choices are 1,4, 2, 3 but subject to change.

[deleted]

I like number 1 & 3 or is it 4

Seeing as though number 3 and 4 are the same picture ?

I thought they looked to much alike, looked carefully and saw the pic is identical.

X-rated Bob wrote I'm intrigued by this "double top". I hate to say the L-word, but it really does sound like a laminate.

In theory yes I though so to, when I actually went to check what a 'double top' is.

But then I though it makes sense with what Peter is doing, its innovative, and its probably a unique sound too...

I would be interested to hear how he came about it... ???

The dreaded laminate stigma....
This is not the case here for me...

racman

Sorry everyone - no 3&4 are the same (brent - you get the Mensa award!!! ? ?)

I have replaced no 3 and will modify my selection as well. Please modify yours if it is affected - thx

[deleted]

racman wrote Sorry everyone - no 3&4 are the same (brent - you get the Mensa award!!! ? ?)
I have replaced no 3 and will modify my selection as well. Please modify yours if it is affected - thx

Ah thank you very much :yup: ?

It is purely aesthetics this... I would probably go with my first gut feel...

Number 1 looks stunning and I think would complement the lighter back and sides better than the somewhat 'darker' top of #2 & #4 (my personal preference ?)
And with the finish applied it would become even darker... So I think number 1 would be my choice...

Ag.... ? They all good, I'd like to see them together with the back and sides...

//Edit

mmmm thats better... Perfect! ?

Peterm

Henderson?
what are you doing here? Man you are a guitar fanatic for sure! :yup:
Cool to have you aboard my friend!

The reason I oriented the sets with the dark side (star wars fan?) on the outside is because when its finished and glossy the darker gradient edge looks almost like a natural burst and it also gives it a natural glow as the center is lighter and gradually darkens towards the edges.

racman

mmm I see what you mean Peter.

You still need to answer the "Double Top vs Laminate" statement though ? ?

Bob-Dubery

Peterm wrote Henderson?
The reason I oriented the sets with the dark side (star wars fan?) on the outside is because when its finished and glossy the darker gradient edge looks almost like a natural burst and it also gives it a natural glow as the center is lighter and gradually darkens towards the edges.

Would it not also provide a better contrast with some tonewoods?

MikeM

hnuuhiwa

Peterm wrote Henderson?
what are you doing here? Man you are a guitar fanatic for sure! :yup:
Cool to have you aboard my friend!

The reason I oriented the sets with the dark side (star wars fan?) on the outside is because when its finished and glossy the darker gradient edge looks almost like a natural burst and it also gives it a natural glow as the center is lighter and gradually darkens towards the edges.

Hi Peter,

Yeah, it was a pretty strange coincidence as I was just surfing the net and stumbled across this thread while doing a search for Trevor Kronbauer.

I kinda thought you might be going for the natural burst - Greg G. does the same thing on his sinker top (mine, Rick's, the double top -sinker/spruce that Nathan had, etc. are/were all oriented that way).

I'll let you answer the double-top/laminate question (that might need its own thread as it did on the AGF ?), but what also warrant some mention is that lattice style bracing that you introduce on the more recent Zions you've been building ?

Take Care Peter, and "may the force be with you"!

Aloha,

Hen

hnuuhiwa

racman wrote Hi Henderson, welcome to the forum!

Thank you for your comments and input - much appreciated.

Hi Roy,

Thanks for the welcome!

Aloha,

Hen

racman

Peter, I see all of the sets are marked "Moonglow" - what does that mean?

Zohn, is that a new guitar I see in your avatar? ? ?

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