Hatcher Greta Build for TAMCO

[Mark Hatcher]

I have another guitar coming together for Trevor at TAMCO. Here are some of the specs:

Greta body model with 15 1/2" lower bout
Sitka Spruce Top
Honduran figured mahogany back and sides
Cocobolo Trim
Black ebony fretboard and bridge
Open headstock
Bone nut and saddle
13 frets to the body
24.9" string length scale
1 3/4" nut width
2 1/4" string space at saddle
Schertler black slot type steel string tuners

Here is a picture of the back and side set:



Here are the mahogany, Cocobolo, and spalted Tamarind tiles for the rosette and what I did with them:





Here is the rosette installed into a very nice master grade Sitka top:





Very nice silking on the top and it rings wonderfully.

Thanks for viewing. Lot's more coming!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Moving along with this guitar:



Thought I'd work some subtle features into this guitar. How about a bearclaw
center graft?



Mark

[Maks Lavrov]

Why not? I think it looks slick

[Trevor M]

It looks great Mark. I'm looking forward to getting it.

[gstring]

Killer Mahogany Mark. How is your stash of Sitka ??

Has your Greta always been 13 Frets ?

daniel

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by gstring

Killer Mahogany Mark. How is your stash of Sitka ??

Has your Greta always been 13 Frets ?

daniel

Hi Daniel,

There seems to be a lot more interest in mahogany lately or maybe I am just getting a run on orders for it.
I always keep a good selection of Sitka, though I wish I still had some sets of that float wood we used on your guitar.
The Greta model standard is 14 frets with the 25.5" but, at no upcharge most any scale can be used. When we go shorter than 25" the 13 fret set up keeps the bridge in a good place. Now that I think of it, your guitar was the first 13 fretter and I've been selling more of those then 14 frets since then. See what you started!

Mark

[gstring]

13 frets just seems so natural with the Greta.

Have you hit the 50 build mark yet ?

Take care, life is good with a Hatcher guitar to play.

dgd

[ukejon]

Thought I'd work some subtle features into this guitar. How about a bearclaw center graft?

Hold on there, Mark. That potentially could have disastrous consequences on the tone of this guitar. Are you sure it is safe to do this?

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by ukejon

Hold on there, Mark. That potentially could have disastrous consequences on the tone of this guitar. Are you sure it is safe to do this?

Sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind

[Trevor M]

I've noticed an increase in interest in mahogany over the last few years too. I've been ordering more and selling more.

I think for a long time it was considered to be inferior because it is used a lot in cheaper guitars, same goes for sitka. IMHO sitka and mahogany is a great combination in the hands of a great luthier.

[iim7V7IM7]

All too often in the AGF custom shop we tend to focus on the rare and unusual. Many spectacular sounding guitars have been made with mahogany/sitka (and EIR/sitka for that matter). I think your comment on the the lesser brand equity of mahogany being influenced by CF Martin pricing structure is spot on.

[Welshboy]

Originally Posted by The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) UK

I've noticed an increase in interest in mahogany over the last few years too. I've been ordering more and selling more.

I think for a long time it was considered to be inferior because it is used a lot in cheaper guitars, same goes for sitka. IMHO sitka and mahogany is a great combination in the hands of a great luthier.

I agree. I've certainly become a big fan of mahogany in recent years and I've been fortunate to play and own some truly wonderful mahogany guitars by some great makers.

[Mark Hatcher]

[QUOTE=iim7V7IM7;4131221]All too often in the AGF custom shop we tend to focus on the rare and unusual. Many spectacular sounding guitars have been made with mahogany/sitka (and EIR/sitka for that matter).

I agree completely. Additionally, when the looks of a guitar are not so centered around highly figured or unusual body woods it can create an opportunity to showcase some of many other details that compose a guitar's look. Which is exactly what my intentions are on this build.

For instance I've selected a brilliant piece of the "Tree" wood to brand my logo on:

[Mark Hatcher]

Here is a picture of the Cocobolo that I've selected to use as the center strip on the back of the neck. I like to do a cross grained center with maple borders for the laminate that supports the neck.



Here it is laid up with a swipe of Naptha:



More details to come!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Here are some shots of the heel and end blocks getting glued up:





I'm going with a Black Walnut end block. This is a little heavier than the mahogany I usually use. Here is why I am using it. Mahogany for the body makes a very lightweight guitar, even by my standards, because this guitar also will have an active back it will have lot's of volume but will need a little help in the sustain department. A heavier end block accomplishes that with no penalties.

Thanks for viewing!
Mark