Build Thread: Electric/Acoustic nylon string crossover? Space Frame design...

[LouieAtienza]

So, I was given a bit of a project - take a beloved neck off a totally destroyed classical guitar, and build something compact that can travel easily. The client gave me a sketch of what was wanted: small body, 2" overall thickness, upper bout extended horn similar to a Tele... and should have decent volume played unplugged. And oh yeah, as fast as your schedule provides. Since I relish on the occasional oddball project, I decided to resurrect a concept I used a few times - building a "space-frame" and fitting the sides to that. Sort of building an acoustic in reverse for a small part. We start with the neck, and a cardboard cutout sketch of our brainstorming:

[IMG]20161226_133601 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

Which leads to a plywood template:
[IMG]20161231_134425 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20161231_141301 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20161231_142911 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

We decided to use some figured Honduras mahogany I had, that was too small for even my OO sized guitar.
[IMG]20170101_165746 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

The space-frame being glued up:
[IMG]20170107_173437 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

[LouieAtienza]

Have to use a smaller size pic... sorry will fix that with the subsequent pics...

[LouieAtienza]

The completed space-frame:
[IMG]20170107_202430 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

The sides are bent, then glued to the frame:
[IMG]20170107_230813 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170108_010319 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

Then the back glued:
[IMG]20170108_230650 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

Quickie mockup:
[IMG]20170108_233453 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

Top rosette made from the seemingly endless supply of spalt birch I have:
[IMG]20170306_125718 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

Another mock-up:
[IMG]20170306_154318 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

[LouieAtienza]

Picture with bindings done. So I run into a couple issues. First I run out of thicker black veneer for purfling. I thought I would just get some white veneer, color with Sharpie, install... This worked great until I started sanding, then the white started showing through. After I finished the body, I actually went over all the white spots again with a finer Sharpie (after roughing those spots a little) and resprayed the whole shebang. Second I am now working out of my "studio" apartment with my landlord upstairs, so no power tools inside. I thought it would be great to go back to ye olden hand tools for the binding and purfling channels. I was wrong, and some touching up to do after.[IMG]20170315_115930 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170315_120030 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170315_120045 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

The hand-cut neck pocket didn't fare much better, but at least it will be hidden. I snuck some cordless drill action, which, well, maybe I shouldn't have.
[IMG]20170315_120045 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

[LouieAtienza]

At least the heel fit tight:
[IMG]20170316_190655 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170316_190807 - Copy by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

[LouieAtienza]

Strung up to test... Actually sounded pretty darn good, given everything going against it.
[IMG]20170327_162316 by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170327_162345 by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170327_162401 by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]20170327_162446 by Louie Atienza, on Flickr[/IMG]

It was no fun touching up all the white areas afterwards but glad I eventually did it. The client requested a bolt-on so that the guitar could be stuffed into his carry-on luggage.

[emmsone]

Looks good!
I actually have an idea thats pretty similar (and was originally going to build it about 18 months ago but then got distracted by building my first real acoustic) Its kind of half way between this and a Godin Multiac. i'll get there eventually, good to see that its an idea that seems to work.

David

[LouieAtienza]

David, thanks... it was fun to build, and play the brief chance I had. Wish I didn't need to rush the project however.

[printer2]

My original 'guitar' that got me into doing silly things with wood is a hollowed out pine block with a flatsawn top on it. It is the size of a telecaster, and has a floating bridge. Its flaw acoustically, well other than it is all wrong as an acoustic instrument, is that it has a rigid back that limits any bass out of it. Seeing your build I might just give it another look with a new top and back.

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by printer2

My original 'guitar' that got me into doing silly things with wood is a hollowed out pine block with a flatsawn top on it. It is the size of a telecaster, and has a floating bridge. Its flaw acoustically, well other than it is all wrong as an acoustic instrument, is that it has a rigid back that limits any bass out of it. Seeing your build I might just give it another look with a new top and back.

The archtop electric/acoustic nylon string I posted before was done similar to what you did, by hollowing out the body. It actually works pretty well amplified. Acoustically not as much bass as to be expected but still fun to play.

[Quickstep192]

What kind of plywood did you use for the space frame?

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

What kind of plywood did you use for the space frame?

Thr jome Depot variety... though i picked a board that didn't appear to have any voids.