Charis Sinker Mahogany dread build...finished pics 1/21!!
 

First, I'd like to start by saying that other than a few classifieds, it's been over a year since I've posted in the discussion forum. There have been a few major changes in my life that have landed me in a better place in some ways, and more challenges in others. Financially things are quite a bit better, but aging/ailing parent issues are at the forefront right now and the focus of my days.

About eighteen months ago, twenty three forum members pitched in and bought my Charis Koa SJ back for me after I'd sold it due to financial reasons. I think I've worn their PM and email inboxes out with thank you notes over the months that followed. It was one of the most kind things ever done for me and I will never forget it.....as much as the material gift, it reminds me every time I look at it that there are still wonderful people in the world - which in itself helped me get through the changes of the last year or so.

All that said, back in September Bob at RC Tonewoods posted some pretty amazing sets of Belizean Sinker Mahogany. He also had some incredible BC Sitka tops. I grew up playing Mahogany guitars and have always had an affinity for the lightness and tone. In the back of my mind I've always figured a great Mahogany dread would be the perfect finishing touch to the guitars I already have (great classical, OM/GC and SJ) After what I've been going through, I kind of needed something to look forward to, and it just felt like the right thing to do, so I bought the wood and took it to Bill for his approval.

He started the build in earnest last Monday, and because he's full time, as most of you know, once he gets going it doesn't take long. I received these pictures this morning from Beth and Bill, and I'm just beside myself the way it's taking shape. It should be complete by the end of the month. Here are the specs:

Belizean Sinker Mahogany back and sides
Bearclaw Sitka Spruce top
Cocobolo bindings and rosette
Abalone rosette and top purfling
1 13/16 nut
2 5/16 saddle spacing
4-4.5" depth
Standard scale
Bound soundport
Blank fretboard
Ebony headstock overlay
5 piece laminated neck


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and a big old wide, blank fretboard!!

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Here's the story behind this particular Sinker Mahogany and pics of the raw wood with naptha treatment:

If you like wood with a story, then it doesn't get any better then this material. This is material from the bottom of Belizean rivers. Belize used to be a British colony. The British exported a lot of Mahogany from Belize throughout history and during the 19th century they used the rivers of Belize as there main source of transportation. Occasionally the denser Mahogany logs would sink! These logs for over 100 years had been lost and forgotten, until now! All the logs where salvaged using environmentally sound practices using small boats and pulleys to remove these logs off the bottom of the rivers. The logs where cut in Belize using local labor. Hence this is a very eco-friendly product. The material was kiln dried in Belize but has been re-sticked to give the piles air flow to allow them to air dry even more. Due to the age of these logs, all this material would have been old growth timber. The color is excellent and the grain is tight. Some of the material is even figured. Plus the material has a very interesting natural edge. The texture has been sculpted by the river and is very pleasing to the eye.

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Off to a great start! Most impressive - all the way around!

Hey Todd, this is a very nice build and love the wood choice for this guitar. Congrats!!

Great to see you back! Super wood with a nice background story......will surely follow and enjoy this build!

Nice Todd! Very excited that you've got a special build coming you're way. Coincidentally just last year we built two F1's out of this same Belizean Sinker Mahogany. They turned out excellent - probably half due to the materials and half due to their namesake! One of them even went to a fellow AGF'er, DavidM123. Can't wait to see this shape up. Bill always does an excellent job.

Don't be a stranger ;)

Todd, you'll love the finished results.
Last year we built two F-1's from this marvelous material.
Both were very successful, with a chatoyance to the back and sides not often seen in wood available these days. Congrats!

Steve

Hmm...typing as Ryan did. Agree with him I do.

Thanks everyone - and I have to thank those that helped me with getting the SJ back again.

Steve and Ryan, I didn't realize that was the same Sinker you were using.....that's really cool!

Wow Todd! Impressive wood. I have always thought Bill's dreadnoughts were amazing. One of my local friends bought a Mahogany and Adirondack from me and he still has it. It's is favorite. The tone is going to be huge like the volume.

I missed a chance at a Charis dread at an amazing price a while back, with a Cuban Mahogany back. That guitar sounded absolutely killer! It had an arm bevel as well. I'm sure you're going to love this one! That back set is really stunning, and I happen to be a fan of bear claw.

I'm guessing you are probably talking about this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7nJeoBtnGM

Simple recording, but the clarity in the mids is certainly pleasing to my ear.

Thanks Danny - it was the video from your site (posted above) that got me thinking about this whole thing!

Yes, Todd, that one is it. At the same time the shop, Acoustic Pro Musician, also had a Sinker Redwood/Malaysian Blackwood Dread too. They put everything on sale and the pricing was great! Just couldn't pull the trigger at the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMNMCOLcXiU

Outstanding wood! Welcome back to active posting, good to see you again. I've been thinking positive thoughts for your parents as well.

Thanks kind sir - appreciate that! And, thanks again for your part with my SJ - one of very few things in my life that I cherish.