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 ...

singemonkey

Keep the pics comin' ?

Bob-Dubery

singemonkey wrote Keep the pics comin' ?

Seconded.

It's interesting to see a guitar taking shape. I always enjoy these sort of progress reports.

Do we get to see pictures of all that weird-ass stuff inside the guitar?

[deleted]

Absolutely STUNNING!!!

I cant wait to see this thread in the future

+1 on the pics.. MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE!!! ?

racman

Thx all, nice to know that some are enjoying the process as much as I am.

Yes Bob, we will see pics of all the bracing etc and of the actual work being done (I hope) rather than just the completed steps. I will ask Peter to try and use one hand only as the other will have to hold the camera!!! ? ?

We are still looking at different sound port designs as possible inlay on 12th fret or truss rod cover but so far I will still look to keep the fret board "clean".

Hopefully not long to go before we start seeing some actual pics of my guitar being built. I promise I will post all pics as and when they get mailed to me.

racman

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Wow, a man with impeccable timing and planning!!! Got these from Peter this morning - The build starts !!! :woohoo: :applause: :dance: ?arty: ?arty:

Man, I just love that figuring on the Quilted Sapele - almost 3D effect.!

singemonkey

I don't like quilt, but that looks halfway between "fiddleback" and quilt, if you follow me. Heavy, but irregular flame. Looks by far the best imo. Beautiful in this case.

racman

Just received pics of the Rosette done in the last few days as well. Wonderful hues on that Paua Abalone with a great contrast to the darker Sinker Redwood top. One can see from the pics why this is called a "Moonglow" sinker top as well.

MikeM

That looks great!! Really envious but this is going to turn into a stunning guitar man.

[deleted]

Wow that looks good! You must be excited!! That's your guitar coming to life. Nice. Keep 'em coming 8)

racman

Thx for the kind comments. I called Peter last night and chatted for the first time. Before I knew it 30min had come and gone but fortunately was via Skype. Great to chat and hear his enthusiasm and passion for both my guitar build but his craft as well.

Apparently the next phase will be the making, shaping and tuning of the bracing for the back.

Scheduled completion date is around April/May next year but man, I'm excited :woohoo:

racman

A progress pic:

Bob-Dubery

That looks like a bizarre birthday cake! What is actually being shown here?

TomCat

To me it looks like some sort of jig with a membrane on top and a vacuum is used to suck the membrane down onto the braces to clamp it to the top.

If I'm right it's very ingenious.

MikeM

Yep it's a method of "clamping" the bracing while glueing. Very effective.

racman

As Mike says, to my knowledge it is the vacuum "setting" of the glued in top braces? (There are more braces but these appear to be the principle ones)

However, I sent Peter a mail and asked if he could provide us with more technical info on the process ?

racman

Thx Zohn, the vacuum clamping method allows for even pressure and more precise glueing work.

racman

Progress pics of the top bracing process.

Bob-Dubery

Now that IS interesting.

The first braces looked pretty much like the classic X-brace a-la Martin. But what's been added subsequently is quite different, especially the two longtitudinal braces on the bridge side of the X and what looks like a stand alone tone bar. The scalloping is also eye catching as it's assymetrical.

Now I don't know what all of this means in terms of how the guitar will sound, but it is interesting.

racman

Yes, Bob very interesting. I have a feeling that the top bracing is not complete yet either but I may be incorrect - to me this is what also makes the progress pics fascinating

racman

zohn wrote Do you know what species of spruce for bracing material is being used Racman?
That guitar is going to be great finger-picker with loads of headroom for strumming...

Spot on Zohn, you hit the mark there!!!

My discussiosn with Peter led to him suggesting he use the Zion design which is primarily focused on fingerstyle, and that he modifies the bracing a little to ensure that it is a little more of an "all rounder" suitable for strumming as well. Basically custom built for my intended use and communicated style etc - you gotta just love it and get excited when you see evidence that every little conversation has been noted and will ensure that the final product is truly a custom build, for me! ?

I seem to recall that he uses Adirondack Spruce for the bracing but am waiting for confirmation of this, or not.

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