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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

George, that is a sweet guitar. I like the simple look and it really looks like the execution of the build is top notch.

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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.

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sweat the small stuff.

Very nice craftsmanship I love it


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Ya done good, George. I like it a lot!

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

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!

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George :-)

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...

Cheers,
Bob

George, that's worked well.
Simple and clean, looks great, love to hear it.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

Nicely done George!
I don't recall seeing an EIR fretboard lined with ebony before. Nice!

Rob

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?

nice looking fit and finish.... very clean looking George...

Nicely done George. I hope the bro appreciates it...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

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!

Classic beauty!

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

Very nice, George! I like it a lot. Your headstock logo is awesome. Well done.

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Guitar Maker and Purveyor of the World's Finest Tonewoods
http://www.aaronhixguitars.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/A-Hix-Tonewood-a ... r-Supplies

I love the clean lines. How does she sound?

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She's a beauty!!! Great job George

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Clean lines..looks great.....(and excellent photography too!)

Beautiful work! Your brother will be thrilled

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

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.

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.

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!

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George :-)

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?

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We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at guitars.

Excellent job, and beautiful guitar, George!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Great job!!!


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