Build thread: Chris Ensor, Concert Model

[mikealpine]

Chris sent a couple of more photos. Ooohhhh....aaaahhhhh....shiny!!

[Joel Stehr]

Your on the home stretch!!

[ZekeM]

What a nice looking guitar. I can't wait to see the finished pictures!

[Nemoman]

OK--I'll say it again. That wenge is so rich under finish--looks great all the way around!

[mikealpine]

Thanks all. I'm very, very lucky; I'll have one guitar with much figuring in the back and sides, as well as an intricately designed fret board, and then another with back and side woods that are smooth and deep-looking, and with a simpler fret board pattern (although Chris said that there was some serious complexity in working with wood thin enough to make it look like a simpler pattern).

Nice to have you sharing the journey!

[mikealpine]

And some more, with the bridge carved and in place. Chris said he'd like to let the glue dry before stringing it up. I'm no genius, but think that's probably a good idea! Anyway, it should be making music before too much longer...

[mikealpine]

I'm strung out!! And Chris is a tease! But, it has strings on it. Chris said he's played it a bit as he's filed the nut, adjusted the action and intonation, and the voice has changed a bit each time. But the good news is, he's liked each voice. So, once Chris is satisfied, and my case has arrived, she'll be on her way to me.

[Nemoman]

Awesome, Mike--Congrats! Looking forward to hearing all about it on upon arrival...

[islandguitar]

Looking really nice, Mike! Those woods really "popped" under finish! Elegant and classy look. Very rich. Congrats!

[mikealpine]

Thanks gents! Not sure of the wait time on the case. We requested a rush, and the company is willing, but not entirely sure of what that will mean. I am sure that Chris will check in and let me know at some point. Meanwhile, I am content to let her sit with her surrogate father, to be coddled and loved (and maybe tweaked if/as needed) until it arrives. I know many builders get them done and into waiting hands really quickly, and understandably, but this means they miss the changes that happen over the first few weeks. I'll own this one a long time, so if Mr. Ensor gets a chance to enjoy the early evolution, that fine with me.

Have a great night!!

[invguy921]

Wow Mike, I had lost total track of this. That is another AWESOME looking instrument my friend. I LOVE the detail work. It is a nice compliment to your Stehr!

Congratulations! I'll be anxious to hear the report on it.

[mikealpine]

Thanks Mike! The guitar is DONE!! Unfortunately the case won't ship for about 3 weeks, so it'll be about a month before I get it. I have some new photos to post, but they are not the official glamour shots. I'll do the preliminary shots and post the finals when Chris sends them. Meanwhile, he said he's been playing it, and really likes the balance across all the strings.

I agree, the overall design really does complement the Stehr.

[mikealpine]

As I said, the guitar is done. Here are some preliminary shots. They don't really show the subtlety of the neck inlays, but it'll give an idea. Chris will have the final photos soon, and I'll be happy to share those. I believe he'll post a video and sound clip as well.








Thanks for looking!

[Nemoman]

Really looks great, Mike--Chris did a wonderful job on this one. I really like the rosette and the simplicity of the detailing, and of course, the chocolatey wenge is stunning. It's gonna be tough to decide which new guitar to play when this one arrives--the Ensor or the Stehr! Congrats!

[mikealpine]

Thanks Steve! I'll put them on a strict rotation so neither get jealous!! although lately there's more competition with my electric guitar playing. For some reason, I just feel like making noise lately. Still, this is a good problem to have, and trust me, I count my blessings daily.

I'm enjoying watching yours come together. Hope you have more pictures soon! And, I think we're going to have to organize some kind of regional AGF get-together so we can all enjoy each others' instruments!!