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  #1  
Old 11-07-2013, 12:01 AM
Cambrian Guitars Cambrian Guitars is offline
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Default Niibori Alto Guitar Build

A client asked me to make him a Niibori Alto guitar. Apparently, he used to own and play one professionally in Brazil when he was younger. I thought it was about time that I posted a build thread on AGF, so here goes. All comments, suggestions, and questions welcome.

I first had to learn what a Niibori Alto guitar was, what the critical design features were, and what the dimensions were. I scoured the internet for pictures (several, but not very good), dimensions (not many), and plans (none) and was able to produce a detailed plan using Corel Draw X6. I then made a full size marking template, an outside body mold, and side bending patterns for it (click on the photos to see them full res/size):









Then I got busy with the back and soundboard. The back/sides is a rather nice set of BRW that I scored a few years ago and the soundboard is some spectacular Lutz spruce (with silking that you have to see to believe - I'll show some close-up photos of it later...).







I'm planning on shaping/bending the sides and getting the bracing all done on both the back and the soundboard this coming weekend. Pictures to follow.

Cheers,
Dave Fifield
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Old 11-07-2013, 07:48 AM
KevinLPederson KevinLPederson is offline
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Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum. Just wanted to say "hi".

Cool build. Lot of great unique ideas floating around here. We all can contribute and learn a lot.

Peace.

Kevin.
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  #3  
Old 11-07-2013, 11:18 AM
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CoolerKing CoolerKing is offline
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I've never heard of this type of guitar either so am really looking forward to finding out!
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Old 04-14-2014, 09:15 PM
Cambrian Guitars Cambrian Guitars is offline
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Default Niibori Alto Build Thread Continues...

Well, I got a bit sidetracked by some other major changes in my life for a while, but I'm back building this Niibori Alto again. Unless specifically asked for, I won't bother posting pictures of all the detailed build steps (you've pretty much seen them all before, I'd guess) - I'll keep it to the major build milestones.

The soundboard rosette/bracing and back bracing/label are completed:





Now on to the side bending and end block making. More pictures real soon.

Cheers,
Dave
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Old 04-15-2014, 05:39 PM
Joel Stehr Joel Stehr is offline
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I love the back. Beautiful piece of wood!

Joel
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Old 04-15-2014, 09:50 PM
nashmore nashmore is offline
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This looks neat!
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Old 04-16-2014, 10:02 AM
Pat Foster Pat Foster is offline
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Good to see you here, Dave. Nice woods, like the rosette!

Pat
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Old 10-18-2014, 05:45 PM
littlesmith littlesmith is offline
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how did you get such a fantastic template?
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