I did it !

[J-F C]

I made the move and commissioned my first custom guitar. How exciting ! Fred Tellier (AGF member fetellier) is the luthier I chose and a build thread shall follow sooner than later.

But this post is specially for those who might be considering having a guitar custom built, but might be hesitating for some reason are. I say do it if you can !

Just like preparing for a nice vacation/trip is as much fun as doing the trip itself, all that comes before the actual building and delivery of the guitar, gets you involved in a fun process where you can learn a lot. So there is "magical" aspect where you imagine the guitar to be built, and then the learning that comes with having to make the best educated choices you can. In this regard, I must say that Mr. Tellier is helpful, generous and kind, even if I'm rather ignorant of the whole science and mechanics of the guitar building, just like he could help a much experienced player than me. I guess that is one benefit you might not easily find in any guitar store, even when looking for a high end guitar...

Being at the beginning of that (first) adventure is a lot of fun and I can imagine how exciting it'll be to follow the building process. So I encourage anyone considering spending money on a high end Gibby, Martin, Guild etc. to take the time and talk to some luthiers and see if you could experience that fun and interesting trip that will turn your dream guitar into a real your guitar.

Two words on the luthier I chose ; I've met Fred Tellier at the Montreal Guitar Show in 2012. He was sympathic, calm and easy to talk to. His guitars where elegant, of a simple and understated beauty, and felt and sounded soooo good, that I could have just stayed in the booth and play them all day. That made the choice easy for me.


Enough for now, I'll get back with the building thread pretty soon, but wanted to share the joy and excitement !

That is indeed very exciting news! My first guitar commission was in 2007 and I've been addicted ever since. It's amazing how many talented luthiers are out there, and it's great you've found one you've connected with as a person as well as with his instruments. I have subscribed to this thread and look forward to coming along this journey with you.

Btw, I visited your SoundClick page...beautiful stuff! You will really do this guitar justice I'm sure!

[cigarfan]

Couldn't agree with you more on the commission. And it just so happens my first is on a brown truck listed as "out for delivery" at this very moment. I'm beside myself!

Congrats on getting started. The first journey is one you will cherish.

[J-F C]

Originally Posted by GraceGuitars

... and I've been addicted ever since.

Now I can see myself infected with that virus now

BTWcgraceguitars thanks for the kind words.

CIGARFAN congrats ! Now you know we'll be waiting for pics !

[Tstalcup]

I just ordered an Osthoff myself...I am sure we will commiserate as we wait on the lengthy build queues....

[J-F C]

Originally Posted by Tstalcup

I just ordered an Osthoff myself...I am sure we will commiserate as we wait on the lengthy build queues....

Well, I ordered at the right time and the waiting won't be too long.

Is that your first custom order,like me?

[Tstalcup]

I've got to wait about a year, I think, for my build slot...some other forum members are getting Osthoff's ahead of me.

And yes, first custom build as well...actually first guitar of any significant value at all since i've been playing only three years (90-120 minutes a day, 7 days a week but still...). This guitar will vastly exceed anything my abilities deserve but I expect to grow with it.

[johnny196775]

Thanks for the idea.

[fetellier]

Jean, it has been a blast so far and we have barely begun the journey. I look forward to your emails every morning and really enjoy our discussions. As to the build thread I should have some photos to post real soon. Anyone wanting to see some previews I have a photobucket album that I am using right now to show Jean options and progress but these pictures will not necessarily remain
http://s190.photobucket.com/user/fet...?sort=2&page=1

[cigarfan]

That is an incredible set of quilted maple! Gorgeous.

[J-F C]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

That is an incredible set of quilted maple! Gorgeous.

Thanks !

Yeah I do think so. When I talked to Fred about doing a maple bodied guitar he told to have a look at his wood stash...Boy it wasn't long that these exuberant pieces of maple were the one I wanted !

Beautiful! I know this sounds cliche in this forum subsection...but it's true...This is really going to be a special guitar.

Ok, maybe I missed it...but what did you choose for the top wood?

[Tstalcup]

J-F-C;

I'm also interested in your choice of top wood. I'd enjoy hearing what your thought process and influences were in selecting materials. In your first post you explained the choice of luthiers; what directed the choice of maple (beyond the obvious aesthetics of that piece of maple) and how did you combine that with the choice of top wood and other options (ports, bindings, wedges et al)?

[J-F C]

Originally Posted by Tstalcup

J-F-C;

I'm also interested in your choice of top wood. I'd enjoy hearing what your thought process and influences were in selecting materials. In your first post you explained the choice of luthiers; what directed the choice of maple (beyond the obvious aesthetics of that piece of maple) and how did you combine that with the choice of top wood and other options (ports, bindings, wedges et al)?

Well I have to admit that it 's not all rational ; But does it have to be ?

My guitar hero is Alex de Grassi, and I always appreciated the bright sparkling tone of his maple guitars.Also, I already have a rosewood guitar. There is something I like in the idea of showing the beauty of a "local"(non exotic) wood.

We chose Englemann, as it shall give a little warmth and overtone to complement the maple body.

The small jumbo format guitar, should have ebony binding (including a beveled armrest),bridge and fretboard. Other details are left to futur inspiration from Fred and me.

[mikealpine]

Sounds like it is going to be beautiful! I'm a fan of contrast, so the ebony on Engelmann and maple should look awesome. The back and sides are also stunning. I love the look of maple. Had a maple Taylor GS that sounded great, too. This will be a great guitar. Thanks for sharing the ride!