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As most of you know I love my mahogany, one of the nice things about it is the fact that it is not overly endowed in the figure department, so making a decision on matching the back pieces in the most attractive arrangement is not a big deal. But for one of my next batch, an OM, I need some advice on orientating the two back pieces.

So, all you experienced zoot users can you advise me on which you prefer. I can't guarantee to use the most popular but some concensus would be nice so that you don't insult it to much when it's finished.




Layout 1



Layout 2



Layout 3

Help please!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I`d say layout one, but that`s the way most of my walnut backs are working out without much choice. BTW, gorgeous back!

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One is more pleasing to the eye

Could we see what the sides look like? They would make a big difference.

By the way it's a very nicely figured set of Madagascan Rosewood. Colours haven't come out to well.

Colin

Doug, these are the sides.



Colin S38756.3994328704

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

The grain pattern in #1 flows the best with the body shape, IMHO.

Colin I'll cast my vote for #1 also. Very nice set.

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I like #1 as well.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Hi Colin,
Honestly, you couldn't go wrong with any of those choices! Very pretty stuff you have there.

If you go with #1, it is the more typical or "safe" choice - that's not bad though.

For # 2, I really like the grain patterns arranged that way - except for the light-toned wings on the lower bout. That kind of spoils it for me.

# 3 is the less obvious choice but it's the most intriguing looking arrangement. The sapwood center shape runs counter to the outside shape of the box & I think that's what gives it more interest. That's my favorite.

With all said, the 1st one has a nice pair of dark grain lines running vertically on the outer lower bout that don't show in #3. As a matter of fact, it looks like if you chose #1 & moved the guitar pattern up so that the sapwood peak showed & was pointing at the neck heel, that would really look terribly nice. Yes, that arrangement gets my vote! or # 3, or no, wait ...

Good luck,
Skip

Colin, I like number four!

Explanation: Number one does not show the point of the lighter inner band bookmatch. That is very very interesting and intriguing looking. Scoot the pattern up to the edge of the set revealing the crowned spire and it's a real winner in my book.

Would you sell me this set?

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

#3

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
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Number one does it for me too. Very nice back set!

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

Gorgeous set!

I'd go with #1, you get the most out of the dark grain lines in the lower bout; option #3 is very nice as well, but is somewhat less interesting in the widest area of the back.

#1 Gets my vote!

And... I would cut the heel cap out of the wood right over top the pattern so you preserve the continuity of the grain.

Brock Poling38756.4142708333

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
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Bruce could this be set 4?

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Pattern 2 for me Colin

I'm with Bruce, pattern #4 is the most classy, it seems to get the most from the set.

Kim

1 or 4 both look good. 4 does have a pretty cool look to it.

Josh

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Josh House

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Yup, number one it is... Although they're all nice.... I guess it's a good problem to have such zoot....

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

All are ok but 1 gets my vote.

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I vote for 4.

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#4 Great set of wood BTW!

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

My vote would be for #1. The visual pattern flows much better ascetically. The sapwood flows from a wider base and build up to a smaller top like a tower. This complements its flow from the bottom of the guitar to the top. In addition, the swirling on either side of the sapwood really works well on the upper bout. Nice wood!

That being said, I think #2 could work. I thought it was the most subdued of the back choices but it has a very clean and balanced look. It might make for a more dramatic look if the sides were placed sapwood down against the back. Visually, the sapwood of the side would then bend around over the edge onto the lower bout of the back in a continuous flow.

Philip

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2 or 4 for my pinch of salt........ i keep looking at 2 and there is something cool about it but i'm not sure what, think it has wowanly curves or something!!!


paddy