Joel Michaud Build Recap - Italian Spruce - Madagascar RW O-R

doodahdoug · #1 03-19-2018, 05:14 PM

It is my pleasure to roll out some pictures of my recently completed commissioned build with Joel Michaud, his O-R model. For this build we selected a Master Grade Italian Spruce Top paired with Madagascar Rosewood Back and Sides.

I had the opportunity to play the new O-R model that Joel debuted at SBAIC 2016 and was quite impressed with the beautiful tone and volume capable from an instrument this size. I already owned a 00-R and was thinking I'd go with his popular OM-R for my commission. However, after playing the O-R, and OM-R together in a quiet space at SBAIC I was deadlocked between the two. Ultimately, after discussions with Joel and because I already own a couple of OM/GA size guitars that are lifetime guitars, I felt the O-R would provide me with a small modern-voiced guitar that would best suit my needs.

Specs:

Top: Master Grade Italian Spruce
Back & Sides: Madagascar Rosewood
Rosette, Fretboard and binding: Rocklite
Inlays: Treated brass
Tuners: Gotoh 510 mini antique gold
Tuner buttons: Custom Ebony buttons by Burton Legeyt
Bridge: ebony
Scale: 24.7"
Lower bout: 13.5"
Upper bout: 10"
Depth at neck: 3.5"
Depth at tail block 4.25"
Width at nut: 1.75"
Spacing at saddle: 2.25"
Neck join: 13th fret

doodahdoug · #2 03-19-2018, 05:28 PM

The O-R model has a 13th fret neck join and typically sports a slotted headstock. I shared with Joel that I really prefered the more modern solid headstock shape found on his other models and he agreed to this modification for my build. This choice also allowed room for adding an inlay to the headstock. I had admired the dyed brass inlay work that he had used to wonderful effect on previous work and he agreed that it would be a good touch for this guitar.

more to come...

IBKuz · #3 03-19-2018, 06:37 PM

Mmmm ... a Madagascar Michaud, nice

doodahdoug · #4 03-19-2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBKuz

Mmmm ... a Madagascar Michaud, nice

Thanks Ian! I know you're enjoying your spanking new Michaud 00-R too.

The figuring on this Madagascar Rosewood set was so striking we considered having no back strip at all vs. a minimalist segmented inlay. After some thought, Joel created a concept we agreed would be complementary without being overstated. A treated brass inlay from the neck heel into the upper bout.

I had been moved by this painting by artist Paul Walden from a local gallery and sent an image of it to Joel for some inspiration when creating the color scheme to use for the inset treated brass inlays. He liked it too and I believe it ultimately inspired him to let a little of the natural brass show through the color in the inlays, which will revealed in a bit.

doodahdoug · #5 03-19-2018, 07:13 PM

For the Rosette we wanted to keep things simple: an ebony rosette with maple purfling and a small section of the treated brass inlay at the bottom of the rosette. This is what Joel drew up:

Some nice silking in the Italian Spruce top:

Top of the crop...rosette with inlay section routed:

stay tuned for more...

Marcus Wong · #6 03-20-2018, 07:49 AM

Doug, I saw this guitar box when I visited Joel in Calgary last year and remember telling him that this is my perfect set of Madagascar Rosewood. You are one lucky dude! Beautiful.

nootis · #7 03-20-2018, 09:45 AM

Congratulations Doug. I thoroughly enjoy Joel's work, and he's a hoot too. This looks like a stellar guitar!

doodahdoug · #8 03-20-2018, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Wong

Doug, I saw this guitar box when I visited Joel in Calgary last year and remember telling him that this is my perfect set of Madagascar Rosewood. You are one lucky dude! Beautiful.

Thank you Marcus. This set of Madagascar Rosewood certainly presents a beautiful spectrum of colors.

I'm glad you were able to visit Joel at his shop and provide me with an update on the build in progress!

doodahdoug · #9 03-20-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nootis

Congratulations Doug. I thoroughly enjoy Joel's work, and he's a hoot too. This looks like a stellar guitar!

Thanks Dan...yes Joel does indeed have a good sense of humor to go along with his building and design skill sets. Here's another shot of the box with binding going on.

Diamondave · #10 03-20-2018, 01:30 PM

What a nice build, couch guitar to the Maximus...!

virob · #11 03-20-2018, 02:06 PM

What a sweet looking guitar!
I'm really enjoying the Michaud OM you sold to me over a year ago. Just love Joel's work, and watching the various builds. Did the back panel on this guitar get flipped around after the initial design phase?

doodahdoug · #12 03-20-2018, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diamondave

What a nice build, couch guitar to the Maximus...!

Thanks Dave...it is a comfortable size for living room fun.

doodahdoug · #13 03-20-2018, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by virob

What a sweet looking guitar!
I'm really enjoying the Michaud OM you sold to me over a year ago. Just love Joel's work, and watching the various builds. Did the back panel on this guitar get flipped around after the initial design phase?

Good eye Mike, Joel did change the perspective of top and bottom. I think it looks better this direction with the back inlay that he came up with...(inlays coming soon).

Here is a shot of the front with the top now closing the box:

Safe and sound in the drawer for the evening with the fretboard:

JJI · #14 03-20-2018, 11:59 PM

Beautiful guitar!

doodahdoug · #15 03-21-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJI

Beautiful guitar!

Thank you Josh.

And now for some pictures of the guitar back from the finisher: