Official Luthiers Forum!

Sounds like a great looking few will be built in your shop Ron!

[QUOTE=TonyKarol] Well, to say it in few words, I am realy kidding. I will be the first to stand up and say, I am not a dreadnoughtg fan, mostly because of the look, that kind of pear shaped body. I like curves on my guitars - ever see my florentines - they scare people !!! Anyway, that said, you want to build a nice D-not, I would say walk, no make that run over to Lances ... his burst Dread has to be the best dread acoustically to my ears I have EVER heard. It was astonishing, amazing, overpowering, and well, words cant describe it. One of my all time favs, and I only held it for a few minutes (unlike Serge and his Corn flakes, I shared with the others there !!!) Build what you see in your dreams, whatever it may be. You will know when you get there.

So - OM vs dread - you like bluegrass - I do, but I would play it on a small jumbo !!! dreads are really built for bluegrass, big honking lows, singing highs. You want something more controlled, even, round, go for an OM. thats my $.02 (no change required !!) OMs also sit on most folks bodies in better balance with the tighter waist shape. Did I mention I like the curves ..[/QUOTE]

Thank you Tony! You have answered many questions that were lingering here in my mind.

What am I going to start with? I shall answer a few more postings and then sum up my personal decision

Thanks again Tony, your thoughts mean alot, even at $.02

[QUOTE=MSpencer] ....first you will learn the basics and things will become more clear to you as you progress. The important thing is to get a Kit, and just start building. I spent entirely to much time in preparation, tooling, equipment, jigs, molds, templates, plans, etc. etc. etc. of course this was before I discovered the Forums and especially the OLF. I don't think they were around at the time. Get one done and the second becomes more exciting and easier, third the same and so on.

Good Luck

Mike
[/QUOTE]

Hi Mike,

Good to hear from you!

I agree with what you have written here....that bears repeating as some of my OLF family (gentlemen!) might not believe their eyes

I agree with you as it makes sense, sort of like the first batch of chocolate chip cookies. Out of the oven they might not look right, they are still chocolate chip cookies. You can adjust the batter or temperature on the next and subsequent batches until it is right. Then the next time you make them you might get creative and add something else or alter the recipe to get a different result.

Hmmmm...I must be hungry

But, you get the idea and I get what you are telling me. Thanks!

[QUOTE=Serge Poirier] Just a clarification for my last post, i meant that i love all guitars, of all shapes and sizes, after 2 dreads, i feel it's now time for me to build an OM and an SJ, the great OM-H i received from Hesh sounds that great that i want to replicate this FANTASTIC sound!!!!!!

Serge[/QUOTE]

Mon ami, Je cheris votre franchise et votre sens d'humour. Vous etes fantastique! Parfois, je ne peux pas arreter de rire

TRANSLATION: My friend, I cherish your sense of humor. You are fantastic! Sometimes, I can't stop laughing

Now, I believe I may get many from the forum to back me up on this: I order to reproduce anything that Hesh has built, one must build in their john. I think part of Hesh's inspiration and magic is imparted from the ambiance in which he luths     

[QUOTE=old man] I've only owned dreds, but it fits my music. My first build was a dred. I'm currently building twin dreds for my sons (surprise Christmas presents). However, my next will be an OM! It will be another surprise gift for my brother. He and I both learned to play on a $25 Sears guitar many moons ago. We played together constantly growing up, mostly around the house for our parents. My dad played too. My mother died in '94 and my brother has hardly touched a guitar since. I'm hoping the OM will rekindle some passion so we can sit on the porch and pick together again. Sorry, this was more info than you needed.
Ron[/QUOTE]

No Ron, that wasn't too much information. I believe we all like to know a little something about the name behind the post.

I am certain your OM build will be spectacular, especially because it is born out of sincere and heart-felt thoughts for your brother.

I would like to ask you to post pictures and let us all know about the progress from time to time. I'm sure everyone will be interested in the presentation as well!

Good luck

[QUOTE=Jeanne]
Mon ami, Je cheris votre franchise et votre sens d'humour. Vous etes fantastique! Parfois, je ne peux pas arreter de rire

TRANSLATION: My friend, I cherish your sense of humor. You are fantastic! Sometimes, I can't stop laughing

[/QUOTE]

Jeanne, vous etes trop gentille ma chere amie, je suis tout rouge et gene! Merci Beaucoup pour vos bons mots!

TRANSLATION: Jeanne, you are too kind my dear friend, i am now shy red! Thanks for the kind words!

Jeanne, if you go the Heshter's route, you'll be just fine, you will embrace luthin' like chocolate cookies!

Serge

Thanks for the translations guys

By the way, I did my entire post above using a French accent with a Texas drawl just for the two of you. Down here we have alot of Spanish speaking folks, I don't speak Spanish either but have found when I add ie on the end of everything it seems to sound like Spanish. "Me wantie youie to doie likie thisie" Have not quite gotten the feel yet for the French language, but I will get it figured out.

Mike
White Oak, Texas

Mike, can't help you much with the end of every word but you could always end each sentence with an HOULALA!

Actually Mike,

You could go with Peter Sellers and his Pink Panther accent and use the words of an old Steve Martin schtick that he did about the French and just simple say "doda swe doda swa" and it works!

Well it won't get passed our Francophone friends in Canada, but here in the US you'll be multilingual!

You can then claim you speak English, French, and Texan!

I have decided on a course of action and planned start of building.

First, I want to thank everyone for their guidance! It is really heart-warming to receive so much help from the OLF. I appreciate it much more than any words I can type onto this posting. You're great!

I want to build OM's (Tony, is that you I hear appauding?)

However, for the needed experience and initial outlay of funds, I am starting with a d****n****t kit or two or as many needed, which I don't believe will be many.


After that I plan to switch over to non-kit and OM.

Hesh had inquired as to whether my legacies are known or surprises. They are to be surprises and they shall be OM's due to their playing versatility.

Since my middle nephew is a performer, I shall require his input. As unique as he is, I am sure his shall be an adventure!

My planned start is October 1st. My initial readings shall be completed, my school schedule will be established, and my students settled in for the semester.

Does this sound like a good plan?

Carlton

I have to agree on the Kinkaed book, it has some nice Photos, but if it were your only referance to make a guitar I think you would struggle, that said I have had the pleasure of seeing many of Johns guitars and he is a very fine builder. Another suggestion would be the John Mayes series of DVD's to me they offer the chance to watch one of the best young builders on the planet in great detail.

On shape, I know I rib you guys about Dreadnoughts (Thats me banned from the forum ), but don't get too hung up on the shape, it is only one parameter in the mix you can make a small O sized guitar sound like a cannon if you wish.

Jeanne...The plan sounds great! I applaud your choice of an OM, especially if your nephew is a finger picker.

I'm curious as to why you don't go straight to an OM kit from the start. That's how I started as did many others. Should you go with either model, I would highly recommend considering a custom kit from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars (one of our early sponsors). In addition to the kit, you'll probably be well served with some of his molds and jigs. Moreover, you'll get more help from John with any questions that arise during its construction (you'll also get help from your forum brethern should you ask).

As far as the legacy component of the project, I'd recommend having your nephew as involved as his attention span permits. Having him involved in the design as well as seeing how much effort and love goes into such a project will definitely bring both of you closer and be that much more special.

Good luck and let the planning begin.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Jeanne, I am going to be interested in your progress as I plot my start. My goal is to finish building just before I take a FP class with Brune in the Spring.

Good luck to you!!!

_________________
"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Jeanne one more suggestion if I may. You mentioned having small hands. I would seriously consider a shorter scale length like 24.9" The fret spacing will be closer and the string tension will be less than on a 25.4 scale.

_________________
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1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

Great plan Jeanne!

[QUOTE=JJ Donohue]
I'm curious as to why you don't go straight to an OM kit from the start. That's how I started as did many others. Should you go with either model, I would highly recommend considering a custom kit from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars (one of our early sponsors). In addition to the kit, you'll probably be well served with some of his molds and jigs. Moreover, you'll get more help from John with any questions that arise during its construction (you'll also get help from your forum brethern should you ask).

As far as the legacy component of the project, I'd recommend having your nephew as involved as his attention span permits. Having him involved in the design as well as seeing how much effort and love goes into such a project will definitely bring both of you closer and be that much more special.

Good luck and let the planning begin.[/QUOTE]

Hi JJ,

You know what? I sit here pondering your question about going directly to an OM and I keep coming back to "why not?" That is an interesting and delightful point. Thank you

As far as the involvement of each young man, distance is a problem as they all live out of state.

At their ages of 28, 25, and 16 I am certain their attention spans are honed. Well, the 16-year-old is questionable since he is a hit with the gals

Thanks for your well wishes and input on starting with an OM. It's a great idea.

Anyone else what to chime in on that thought?

[QUOTE=Bobc] Jeanne one more suggestion if I may. You mentioned having small hands. I would seriously consider a shorter scale length like 24.9" The fret spacing will be closer and the string tension will be less than on a 25.4 scale.[/QUOTE]

Bob, I will always welcome your ideas!

Thanks for the suggestion and it is so noted for future reference.   

[QUOTE=SteveCourtright] Jeanne, I am going to be interested in your progress as I plot my start. My goal is to finish building just before I take a FP class with Brune in the Spring.

Good luck to you!!![/QUOTE]

Thanks Steve and I look forward to hearing about that FP class.

I will be sure to post progress reports, difficulty questions, and every pure lament along the way. We can learn together

[QUOTE=Serge Poirier] Great plan Jeanne! [/QUOTE]

Ah, mon grand ami d'ours! Sans votre aide et sans la perspicacite je ferais toujours est un "lurker". Vous et Hesh est ma plus grande inspiration. Vraiment et veritablement! Je serais calme perdu sans le OLF Merci beaucoup

TRANSLATION: Oh, my big bear friend! Without your assistance and insight I would still be a "lurker" You and Hesh are my greatest inspiration. Really and truly! I would be lost without the OLF Thank you very much

Like the NIKE ads .. Just DO IT .... my first was a Larrivee style with florentine cutaway - its what I wanted, so I went for it. Jump right in, its no different than building a dred when you really look at it.

_________________
Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Jeanne,

See, I'm confused here. Are you planning on building a guitar first for yourself (and your small hands), or for the boys (presumably with larger hands)? If it's for the boys, go ahead with an OM (my choice) or a Deadnut ( ). They both have the longer 25.4" scale, if you're going with a kit or pre-made plans. The OM will also have a wider, 1 3/4" nut. If it's for yourself, I'd suggest a OOO style guitar with a 14th fret neck join, or the original 12-fret design if you don't play on the higher frets. The 14-fret OOO has the same body as the OM, but you can get a plan or a kit that is set up for a 24.9" scale and a 1 11/16" nut width. Just my 2/100ths.

Of course, the beauty of building your own is that you can change or adjust any parameter at will; but if you feel more comfortable with following tried-and-true directions (not a bad thing!), the OOO will fit you better.

Bienvenue Jeanne! Hey Jeanne, got that bandsaw yet?