Datlen 0 Engelmann/Ziricote for The Golden Era Guitar *VIDEO ADDED*
 

So I've got another build incoming which should hopefully be in my hands by Christmas :D This build is by none other than AGF sponsor, John Datlen of Datlen Luthiery! I had the great fortune of playing John's instruments on my visit to the states a few months back and was very impressed by the sound of his instruments.

John started building guitars back in 2011. But do not be deceived by his relatively short career in lutherie; John has a lifetime of woodworking experience behind him. With 22 years of working in high end cabinet shops under his belt, John eventually found a passion for building stringed instruments. Datlen specialises in small bodied guitars with the OM being the largest body size he currently offers. He aims to incorporate traditional building methods with a modern aesthetic and approaches each build with the philosophy that the guitar as a whole is responsible for the tone.

This upcoming build is a single 0 in Engelmann Spruce and Ziricote. There aren't many parlor sized guitars floating around the market so I am very excited to receive this one. Engelmann is one of my favourite tops for fingerstyle, and the Ziricote chosen for this guitar is so tastefully figured.

Here are some photos of the starting materials and I shall be updating this thread quite regularly with photos as I believe John is quite close to completion with it, so stay tuned! ;)

https://i.imgur.com/rYpCqsB.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/FBQU8YJ.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/HfrIgoh.jpg?1

Those are some beautiful woods...

Can't help but agree Louie! :D

The top and back are cut out and the rosette is inlaid!

https://i.imgur.com/KWriTmz.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/54Myeva.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/lhg4sbV.jpg?1

That is some beautiful Ziricote.

Excited to watch this one!

Awesome start Marcus. Gorgeous Ziricote!

I have to agree. It might not be the most figured, nor the most spectacular Ziricote around. But I have to say that it is one of the most tastefully figured ones I've seen :D

John tells me that the guitar is nearing completion, so here are a few more photos to share with you of the build process :p

Top being braced. And yes I believe that is all the braces that he uses. It's a small one after all!

https://i.imgur.com/2vyw6fC.jpg?1

Gorgeous shot of the back getting its centre strip

https://i.imgur.com/00ZlrCf.jpg?1

And here it is all braced up - gorgeous!

https://i.imgur.com/eHPBKWT.jpg?1

A peek at the headstock

https://i.imgur.com/iwziwB5.jpg?1

I mean...that ziricote is incredible! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this little beauty.

I think chances are that it will be here in time for Christmas? :D

The box is closed!
 

https://i.imgur.com/vLiMeQX.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/9VCIllK.jpg?1

Routing for bindings

https://i.imgur.com/uEuDAk9.jpg?1

And the binding is bound

https://i.imgur.com/Pl3wGFJ.jpg?1

All bound and ready to go!

https://i.imgur.com/BM8S8HK.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/8VoSBid.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/Nnu5mHd.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/IEmaNIt.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/aOc2Zh8.jpg?1

Beautiful!

The figuring in that ziricote is phenomenal...

It is Louie. But I always think, in the case of this sort of comment, that that's not down to the luthier or the client, that's down to whoever (if anyone) is 'up there'. It always seems as if one is complimenting the luthier or the client on the prettyness of the wood, when it's just a matter of whether you can afford it or not. :)
On the other hand, I find that the workmanship in the joints of bindings, purflings and end graft is phenomenal.