Oooops I did it again!: Tinker build commissioned

[psychojohn]

Loved my Halcyon sooooo much I decided to give a Tinker a try. Sent off deposit today:

Details at this time:

Body: 12 fret Sloped Dread

Back/sides: Figured/Flamed Paduak

Top: AAA Adirondak

Binding: Flamed Maple definite: Black/Pad purfuling maybe

Neck: Laminate with Flamed Maple Core, paduak trimmed edge

Rosette: WideTri-ring: Pad/Flamed Maple/Pad

Fingerboard/Bridge: Black Ebony (no streaks for me, thank you): fingerboard bound in Pad vs Flamed Maple

Fret Markers: Aluminum bezel encasing Paduak

Back and Back side will have flamed maple striping

Nut & Saddle: Bone (changing my mind on the tusq. Too high quality other components to go with Tusq)

To be determined:
Bracing : 5/16 scalloped adi, forward shifted or not perhaps based on sound hole issues: A maybe at this point
Pick up : Yes of Ed's choosing
Shortened scale length ?: I think I'll stick with normal "25.5?
Enlarged sound hole ?: No, Per Ed: will not assist in tonal or volume goals
No estimated start date yet.

I think it will be P-U-R-T-Y and should sound awesome. Shooting for overall balance/seperation but still want full/round bass background underlying shimmering mids/highs. Possible ?

[Coffeeaddict]

No sound port??

Sounds like it will be a stunner! Did you go with padauk so you'd have a contrast from the primavera Halcyon? Looking forward to seeing what Ed does differently in the construction of a Tinker.

[psychojohn]

Originally Posted by Coffeeaddict

No sound port??

Sounds like it will be a stunner! Did you go with padauk so you'd have a contrast from the primavera Halcyon? Looking forward to seeing what Ed does differently in the construction of a Tinker.

No sound port. It's already going to be the most expensive Tinker ever built and although willing, Ed just didn't seem too excited about that possibility, so I didn't pursue it given I am going with upgraded Paduak (figured) and an AAA Adi top, both of which were a cost up grade that fell somewhat short of the price of a Halcyon.

I chose the Paduak for two reasons: Tonally, it's close to rosewood and cocobolo for the bass response I want in this guitar. The other reason is visually, I love the aesthetic. I love the orangish/red initially and the brick red it will age to. Like my Halcyon, I wanted something unique in appearance and there just aren't many red guitars being built out there (besides by Ed) and now that many have fallen in love with my 000 Halcyon, the primavera is becoming more prevalent/less unique in his builds (although every person who has seen it comments on it's uniqueness and every one whose played it raves about it's sound. I have had two people already beg me to sell it to them for more than I paid for it.)

Differences I am aware of: Tinker price includes ebony upgrade for finger board and bridge (but I am going for a higher level of ebony without streaks if it can be had at an additional upcharge), a different neck joint, bound and purfiled finger board, bigger/cooler fret markers (mine will be like an aluminum circle or oval with red paduak in the center of each one), modified rosette, laminated neck with trim, and glossy finish (nitro in my case). Tinker prices include the case. I think typically tinkers are made with bone nut and saddle, but Ed contends the Tusq sounds better so I am going with Tusq.

Thanks for your interest. Ed tells me it takes 3-4 months to build a Tinker, one month of which is letting the finish cure, so I am looking at an 8-12 month time frame for build. 10 months would make it a perfect birthday gift to myself so we will see.

[Halcyon/Tinker]

Not sure if I'm going to go with the neck joint I was doing on the Tinkers. Without boring you with the details, it required a lot of rework in the upper bout and a whole lot of finagling. After long consideration, I've come to decide that it didn't do what I was thinking it would do, and had no real benefit in the end. After doing so many joints the way I do it now, I've come to thinking it's the way to go. KISS, ya know?

[MBE]

This sounds like it'll be an awesome guitar. Sounds like it's slightly edging its way into Tinker territory.

I'll be watching with interest as a tinker is in my long term plans...

[D to the W]

That's exciting -- can't wait to see it as it progresses!

Originally Posted by psychojohn

Shooting for overall balance/seperation but still want full/round bass background underlying shimmering mids/highs. Possible ?

It's definitely possible. Ed made a lutz/padauk dread for another customer that was unreal. If you haven't decided on the scale length yet, I'd suggest that you stick with the full 25.5" scale length. To my ear anyway the shorter scales have less snap and shimmer. Just my two cents

[psychojohn]

A lot sooner than I expected to see it, my figured Paduak for my Tinker 12 fret sloped dread is in at Ed's shop. Now to figure a way to sleep for the next 8-11 months until the thing gets started and done. No worries, though. Got the AAA Adirondak top and Flamed Maple binding wood to "open up" yet.

John

[Coffeeaddict]

Nice wood John! I think you are barking up the right tree!

[Bruce Sexauer]

Congratulations on finding a builder you like to work with.

The pictured Paduak does not resemble any Paduak I've worked with in color, visual texture, or figure, and I wonder what sort it is and where it grew? It is certainly beautiful.

[Halcyon/Tinker]

I've never seen the like either. There were two sets, but I lost out on one of them. Sure do hope we don't eff it up! (No pressure, it'll only have like a thousand mitres)

[44Runner]

So John, that is the set you picked? It is remarkable. That flame will look ridiculous under a nice gloss. Beautiful wood like that is a great way to start a build. Congrats on starting another build. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[ewh2]

Beautiful Padauk. I imagine Ed will make a killer guitar from it.

(everytime I see a Padauk guitar, I have GAS for a cedar/padauk guitar... Really underrated tonewood)

[psychojohn]

When I posted this, I didn't realize I had a choice between the two sets and only discovered this this am before coming to this page. While I still may change my mind (I've got some questions into Ed), I had decided on the piece pictured here prior to checking here this AM. Seeing Bruce's and Ed's comments re the unusualness of that set of Paduak served to strengthen that choice.

It's going to be a long wait (8-11 months). The rosette will be three, wide, concentric rings of Pad/flamed maple/pad so that the maple is surrounded by a field of red pad. Fret makers will be an aluminum circle or oval bezel with pad in the center. Bound in flamed maple with three piece back separated/joined by flamed maple (D-35ish). Should be beautiful and sound the same. Considering an enlarged sound hole to let out more bass as Pad isn't as close to rosewood as I thought for bass tones.

Thanks for the thoughts, well wishes and interest. Thanks to Ed for getting such a nice set.

John

[CoolerKing]

It almost looks like quilted bubinga. Very nice, should look good under finish.

[Tim McKnight]

That's a gorgeous set of Padauk. Ed, have you built with it before? If not, send me a PM and I will share a few tips that may save you some frustrations or surprises.