New beginnings...John Kinnaird Build #2.4.ME

[j. Kinnaird]

lotza clamps

[invguy921]

Originally Posted by Nemoman

That sinker top is just amazing--even from the underside!

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks also to the guy who made it available to me. I like it better every time I look at it.

[Steve Kinnaird]

That really IS a handsome top.

Steve

[Tom West]

There are not many guitars built with the double X bracing. No doubt this is because of the negative data about the overbuilt Gibson double X. I had heard from a couple of builders that they tried the double X and they did a lighter build. They said the results were very good. I was interested in that, so in my last batch of guitars I used the double on one. The outcome was very pleasing to me. One of my better guitars. I would not be afraid to recommend it to anyone if it is done correctly. I think you will be quite pleased.
Tom

[j. Kinnaird]

I've been waffling back and forth between the double x and a more traditional design and have finally come to rest on the double x. Structurally I think a builder can get more support around the bridge with less total weight in bracing that way. My working hypothesis is to keep bracing as light as possible, stiff in the central region and flexible on the edges. Speaker cone like.

[invguy921]

Originally Posted by Tom West

There are not many guitars built with the double X bracing. No doubt this is because of the negative data about the overbuilt Gibson double X. I had heard from a couple of builders that they tried the double X and they did a lighter build. They said the results were very good. I was interested in that, so in my last batch of guitars I used the double on one. The outcome was very pleasing to me. One of my better guitars. I would not be afraid to recommend it to anyone if it is done correctly. I think you will be quite pleased.
Tom

Tom, I guess you could say that as a consumer, i know very little about bracing patterns and why something works vs. why something don't. I certainly see the "longevity factor" applied here, but as I reflect on the "overbuilt Gibson", I'm not certain I was aware of the potential issues of more bracing. But certainly I can see how it could overly impact tone if not "managed" appropriately. I guess my confidence lies in a successful first build using the "X" bracing pattern. I can't begin to count the number if people who have played my Alpine/Braz guitar that can only say "WOW"!! This is the evidence of a seasoned builder who knows his stuff...kudo's to John

I find it interesting to see the commonalities of the two and yet the differences are also intriguing.

First Brazilian build by John:



This one:

[j. Kinnaird]

ready for the scary part. taking stuff away for arm rest, rib rest, purfling, sound port. oh boy

[j. Kinnaird]

[invguy921]

Thanks for posting these John! I think the striking variations in this top rock. The colors of the wood will pop even more under finish and the rosette should pull those colors out in a very sweet way.

I'm really interested to see how the guitar's personality changes as we add the Ryan bevel, and of course the all important binding and purfling ideas we've discussed. Actually, the really fun part is about to begin

[mikealpine]

Originally Posted by invguy921

Thanks for posting these John! I think the striking variations in this top rock. The colors of the wood will pop even more under finish and the rosette should pull those colors out in a very sweet way.

I'm really interested to see how the guitar's personality changes as we add the Ryan bevel, and of course the all important binding and purfling ideas we've discussed. Actually, the really fun part is about to begin

That top is a stunner. I love the striations in Sinker Redwood, so much character! Can't wait to see the additional details take shape. This has been fun to watch so far, and getting more fun as it goes along and the additional pieces are added!

[invguy921]

What think thee AGF?? Contemplating this for some purfling?

[TomB'sox]

I think it goes really really well with the rosette, but since you asked for opinions, I think it runs the risk of being a little too busy next to the beautiful striations in the sinker top. I almost think something of similar color, but very low figure may work better, but that is just one opinion.

[Nemoman]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

I think it goes really really well with the rosette, but since you asked for opinions, I think it runs the risk of being a little too busy next to the beautiful striations in the sinker top. I almost think something of similar color, but very low figure may work better, but that is just one opinion.

Agreed--I'd suggest something like a light maple w/ no figuring so as to maximize the contrast, both with the sinker and the AB. But again, that's just my opinion...

[invguy921]

Ok thanks guys!

Here's two we're considering. The binding will be African Blackwwod, these are considerations for radial purfling.

The first is another shot of the Zebra, the second is Koa. Thoughts?

[TomB'sox]

I vote koa, the color is perfect and the figure more subtle. It still provides nice contrast, but in a less busy way. My 2 cents.