Whew, I am experiencing severe guitar build burnout. I did however complete my latest Martin Jumbo kit build (or at least complete for now). Like the previous Jumbo kit I built I cut down the depth from 4 7/8" to 4 1/2" for comfort. REALLY like the size change over a dread. Large grand audtorium sound and comfort for us couch players.
As you can see, super dark EIR (BTW got the kit from John at Blues Creek, when there were none available on the Martin web site - kudos as usual to John.) Sitka top of course, ebony fretboard and bridge, Herringbone rosette by Martin, gold Grovers, flamed Koa bindings w WBW purfling and a SOUND PORT!
High points: It's done; sounds great with a lot of head room and good tone; the sound port is very cool and here's the science of it (or you can ask Al) - it lets the sound out. No really, it let's the sound escape the box and it adds depth and er (science here) more sound. I would position it more toward the heel next time as it gets buried a bit by my chest where it is but I would do it again for sure.
The neck stain, was a real bear and I never really got it dark enough to match the rosewood, but I like the effect. The gold tuners seem to match the feel of the guitar. The bracing scheme seems to be just fine and VERY different feel from the drilled out previous version, lots more head room. Playability is surprisingly good and the set up was much easier this time.
Low points; KTM-9. Can't quantify the problems, but I litteraly gave up trying to get a nice finish. It might work for some folks but I ended up using Zar quick dry urethane on the neck with predictably great results (great for me at least). The dove tail neck or at least my approach was a near disaster. I barely saved the fretboard fiasco and it pains to look at but it plays fine despsite the ugliness.
And last but not least a HUGE thanks to everyone here for all the help. I'm done building guitars till next winter but have enjoyed the challenge a ton.
A few pics
The end graft is really cool and she looks great from any angle!
