Build thread - JBH Model II P.O.C. & myrtle

[JHumphrey]

So after building for about 10 years, it's finally time to build one for myself!

This is a chance for me to take my favorite elements in tone, wood, & design and create a guitar just right for me.

I've always loved the sound of port orford, and in the last batch I resawed there was a nice set with some minor visual flaws- which I personally find lend character, but I would generally not use in a commissioned instrument. I will use a modified X / fan hybrid pattern which has given a great balanced tone and most importantly for my style, more volume and dynamic range than a typical guitar.

Similarly, I've never been disappointed by myrtle as a tone wood, although personally the color never did it for me... so I found this piece almost large enough for a back but again with some minor defects- and with some MAJOR gorgeous figure- and it seemed an obvious choice. One spot I used as an excuse to do some cool crazy (yet subtle) laminating.

Here are some shots, and I'll fill the rest in as the build takes shape:
Model II pre-finish by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[JHumphrey]

sometimes it is fun to color outside of the lines... well in this case, I just moved the lines so they matched my colors!


Model II endgraft by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[mikealpine]

Love the shape of the cutaway! If you don't like the look of the Myrtle, are you going to stain it or do anything to change it at all?

[OddManOut]

Originally Posted by JHumphrey

So after building for about 10 years, it's finally time to build one for myself!

This is a chance for me to take my favorite elements in tone, wood, & design and create a guitar just right for me.

I've always loved the sound of port orford, and in the last batch I resawed there was a nice set with some minor visual flaws- which I personally find lend character, but I would generally not use in a commissioned instrument. I will use a modified X / fan hybrid pattern which has given a great balanced tone and most importantly for my style, more volume and dynamic range than a typical guitar.

Similarly, I've never been disappointed by myrtle as a tone wood, although personally the color never did it for me... so I found this piece almost large enough for a back but again with some minor defects- and with some MAJOR gorgeous figure- and it seemed an obvious choice. One spot I used as an excuse to do some cool crazy (yet subtle) laminating.

Here are some shots, and I'll fill the rest in as the build takes shape:
Model II pre-finish by josh humphrey, on Flickr

I love the rosette! Very tastefully done. Do you have a closeup of it? Is it shell or...???

[JHumphrey]

Thanks Mike; I was thinking of doing a bit of amber in the clearcoat just to give it a warmer color tone. The figure in the grain more than makes up for the color on this one though!

Thank you OddMan- here is a closeup of the rosette. 7 different wood species but no shell on this one!

upload by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[JHumphrey]

Here is a detail of the padouk and purfling- this is where that gorgeous myrtle had a defect, and I thought this would be a fun way to deal with it.

Myrtle by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[JHumphrey]

Here is another view:

Just about ready to go into finish

upload by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[JHumphrey]

Final fitting the neck, getting ready for finish.

Getting close by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[GeoffStGermaine]

Very nice guitar! I used POC on an archtop build and fell in love with the wood. It has such a pleasant aroma when working it as well!

I like your way of dealing with the myrtle defect - looks very nice!

[bobernet]

As a near-native of Oregon (moved there when I was 3), I especially appreciate the choice of tone woods. This is coming along nicely. I love the commitment to making something perfect even out of imperfect materials.

I can't wait to see (and hear) the finished product!

[SJ VanSandt]

This is a stunner, Josh - I love everything about it. Please post a sound sample!

[JHumphrey]

Here is a picture after the first base coat. My good friend and neighbor Lloyd is holding it up. Lloyd is always there when you need him!
Lloyd with No. 61 Port Orford Cedar & myrtlewood by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[Steve Kinnaird]

Very attractive, tasteful rosette. Love it!

Steve

[JHumphrey]

And here is a taste of the geometric theme fingerboard inlay

Continuing the geometric theme by josh humphrey, on Flickr

[JHumphrey]

Carved and glued the bridge today and began frets. Should be ready soon- I am getting exited to hear it:

...and done! by josh humphrey, on Flickr