Tom Sands MMD Build Thread

[Adamski]

So, here we go.

After the thrill of having received the 00 and the OMC I thought I might was well complete the set with an MD, but not a full size one (although I’m 6’ tall I still find the full-sized MD a bit of an armful…even with a wedge) so I decided to go with the Mini MD (which Ervin has been making for the Japanese market for some time) and Jason Kostal has been developing recently for Michael Watts.
I did pontificate about whether I should order another OM, but in the end Tom convinced me that I should go for it and try something new. I must say that so far he has been right. When I commissioned the OMC from him we discussed what I wanted…but for the 00 I told him to “build whatever he wants” so he chose the wood (Koa) and the appointments and the scale length…and everything else. Although I did get updates and photos during the build I had no input in what Tom did and the guitar was all the better because of it. So for the MMD I have given him carte blanche to do what he feels is best.

I commissioned guitar #3 and guitar #4 from Tom and they are, by everyone who has played them’s account, amongst the best guitars they’ve ever played. So my MMD which will be some way along Tom’s production run from these might be even better. I find it hard to believe that such a thing might be even possible…but there we are!

So I have paid my deposit (as have some of my friends) and I (we) am very excited indeed.

The first two guitars can be seen here: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=435340

[Adamski]

I pondered this for a little while and tom sent me these:

Here is the mould compared to a regular MD:



And here it is compared to Tom's own OM:



Should be exciting.

[OM-42]

I want to thank Adam for telling me/us about Tom Sands. After reading Adam's posts about his 2 amazing guitars and then scouring Tom's Instagram account I made the plunge and ordered a OO. I'm excited and in Adam's debt to be getting in "on the ground floor". Thanks again Adam!

[Adamski]

Originally Posted by OM-42

I want to thank Adam for telling me/us about Tom Sands. After reading Adam's posts about his 2 amazing guitars and then scouring Tom's Instagram account I made the plunge and ordered a OO. I'm excited and in Adam's debt to be getting in "on the ground floor". Thanks again Adam!

Nice work...I'm sure you'll be delighted with the results.

[Adamski]

Sadly, I am not in "the tree" price brand so Tom worked really hard to find me some "imitation the tree" tone wood and this is what he found...needless to say my answer was "yes".






It should make a nice contrast to the very plain straight grained Wenge of the OMC and the highly figured geometric pattern of the Koa 00.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by Adamski

Sadly, I am not in "the tree" price brand so Tom worked really hard to find me some "imitation the tree" tone wood and this is what he found...needless to say my answer was "yes".






It should make a nice contrast to the very plain straight grained Wenge of the OMC and the highly figured geometric patter of the Koa 00.

You sure could have fooled me, I did not think any figure showed up like that in anything but "the tree". Fabulous

[Adamski]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

You sure could have fooled me, I did not think any figure showed up like that in anything but "the tree". Fabulous

No, neither did I...hence my rush to confirm I wanted THAT wood!

[OM-42]

Simply gorgeous wood! Congratulations Adam on going for the trifecta.

[GeoffStGermaine]

That's a beautiful set of Sapele!

[Adamski]

So, here we go!

This is the first shot of the beginning of the transformation from pieces of wood to a magnificent instrument.

The journey begins here.




It's funny isn't it, that the sides (and front and back) are so incredibly thin, yet able to withstand 150lb of tension when tuned-up (with light strings) to concert pitch. I am amazed that instruments don't simply implode under all of the force.

Seeing these early stages of a build is so inspirational.

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by Adamski

So, here we go!

This is the first shot of the beginning of the transformation from pieces of wood to a magnificent instrument.

The journey begins here.




It's funny isn't it, that the sides (and front and back) are so incredibly thin, yet able to withstand 150lb of tension when tuned-up (with light strings) to concert pitch. I am amazed that instruments don't simply implode under all of the force.

Seeing these early stages of a build is so inspirational.

Awesome stuff!

While there is quite a bit of tension, it does get distributed around the perimeter.

[Adamski]

Originally Posted by LouieAtienza

Awesome stuff!

While there is quite a bit of tension, it does get distributed around the perimeter.

I bloody hope so!

[Adamski]

The next instalment of my Sands MMD build is that the back is now jointed...



Looking very good indeed.

[OM-42]

Simply gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing more.

[Adamski]

Today Tom has been cutting the copper for the rosette.



When it's finished it will look a bit like this.



The excitement is mounting!