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Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
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Author:  George L [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Just completed my sixth guitar. While modest in comparison to the magnificent creations we see here regularly, I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. Actually, I'm shocked, as I think it's my best effort yet, which is kind of amazing considering that it started out as a practice exercise and an experiment with alternative woods. I like it well enough, in fact, that I'm planning on giving it to my brother for Christmas.

The tone is pretty sweet right off the workbench. Seems to have a quick and direct attack, without being strident. Good presence. I think it may shine for bluesy stuff. Time will tell. I hope to record a sound clip soon. Will post that once I do.

Thanks to you all for your inspiration, guidance, support and camaraderie,

George :-)

The Specs

Model: 12-fret Slope D (variant of J-45)
Top: Lutz spruce (from a box of practice tops I bought from Shane)
Braces: Sitka spruce
Bridge plate: Maple
Back, sides rear headplate: Cherry (practice set from RC Tonewoods)
Neck & linings: Port Orford Cedar
Fingerboard, bridge & front headplate: EI rosewood
Bindings: Ebony
Stain: Minwax Red Oak (I had an old can on the shelf)
Finish: Prat & Lambert #38 varnish (wiped on)

The Pics

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Author:  Rod True [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
George, that is a sweet guitar. I like the simple look and it really looks like the execution of the build is top notch.
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Really clean and classy. Just how I like 'em. Do you mind commenting on the headstock? It looks slightly over-sized to my eye. Maybe that's what you were going for. I hope you don't mind my pointing it out. Like I said, really great effort. Good design aesthetic.
Author:  Lonnie J Barber [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Very nice craftsmanship I love it


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Author:  Chris Pile [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Ya done good, George. I like it a lot!
Author:  George L [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Thanks for the kind replies. It's not perfect and there are a few warts, but I'm getting better. :-)

No problem, Heath. My headstock shape, size, etc., is an on-going experiment. I've always liked the large headstocks on old Guilds and as this guitar has a big 'ol body, I decided to go in that direction. I thought it seemed a little bit largish, but I liked the kind of rough and ready toughness it added, which seemed appropriate for this one--and for my brother!
Author:  RusRob [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
She's pretty! Plane and simple but pretty...

I think the headstock is reminiscent of Guild and I think it fits right in with the large body. I also think the simple black binding sets off the clean looks.

I don't see any warts so I guess unless you point them out no one will know... [:Y:]

Cheers,
Bob
Author:  Colin North [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
George, that's worked well.
Simple and clean, looks great, love to hear it.
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Nicely done George!
I don't recall seeing an EIR fretboard lined with ebony before. Nice!

Rob
Author:  DannyV [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
That's a big bad boy George. Looks very clean. Nice to be able to practice on friends and family. Great photos also. What do you use for the back drop?
Author:  jack [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
nice looking fit and finish.... very clean looking George...
Author:  sdsollod [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Nicely done George. I hope the bro appreciates it...
Author:  dnf777 [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Simply beautiful! I'm working on #2, and can see I have a LONG way to go!! Love your headstock inlay too, BTW. Very classy!
Author:  dzsmith [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 8:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Classic beauty!
Author:  A.Hix [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Very nice, George! I like it a lot. Your headstock logo is awesome. Well done.
Author:  dofthesea [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 12:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
I love the clean lines. How does she sound?
Author:  Joe Beaver [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 2:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
She's a beauty!!! Great job George
Author:  powdrell [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 2:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Clean lines..looks great.....(and excellent photography too!)
Author:  quentinjazz [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 6:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Beautiful work! Your brother will be thrilled ;)
Author:  Michaeldc [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Good looking guitar! The cherry looks rich! How was it to bend? Love the logo! Your photography is top notch! I'd also like to know what you used for the backdrop. The shop must have smelled wonderful during the neck carving..

Looking forward to that sound clip...

Cheers, M
Author:  jfmckenna [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
I love how you can take 'practice' wood and make a guitar out of it. It's all good :)

I dig the shape too.

Also the L falling off the headstock looks cool.
Author:  George L [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Thanks for the support. It was a fun guitar to build and even more fun now that I can play it. I'll try to bring a microphone home from my office this week and make a recording.

The cherry didn't give me any trouble at all. Although I have decided that it's time to set up a more automated side bending operation, as well as several other more permanent jigs. A hot pipe works, as do the various contraptions I've cobbled together. However, I'm a slow builder, so I perform each process so infrequently that every time is like the first time.

My photographic backdrop is a white sheet clamped to a piece of scrap wood spanning two ladders. Set that up outside on an overcast day and you are good to go... almost. There's a fair a bit of Photoshoppery going on. :D

I appreciate the comments about the headstock logo design. Like the headstock shape itself, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to create something original. I'm still not sold on this one, but it's a start. I should note that while I continue to try and learn how to do my own inlay work, I had Stephen Zeigenfuss use his CNC magic to make a few of these headplates for me.

Thanks again!
Author:  Joe Sallis [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Very good guitar, George. the workmanship is excellent and the guitar looks really well made and finished. You should be really proud of yourself. The photography is also top quality. did you take the photos yourself?
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Excellent job, and beautiful guitar, George! [clap] [clap] [clap]
Author:  Jwardle81 [ Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Guitar #6 - Cherry Bomb
Great job!!!


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