Julian Gaffney Mod-d build thread!

[Michael Watts]

So cool to see this thread up! I've been looking forward to watching this build unfold Howard and I can't wait to hear you play your new guitar!

all the best

MDW

[Howard F.]

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

So cool to see this thread up! I've been looking forward to watching this build unfold Howard and I can't wait to hear you play your new guitar!

all the best

MDW

Thank you Michael. It should arrive around July or Aug, and seems like you will play it before me...I hope you wont end up too attach to it because I am bring it home!!

[Howard F.]

Here's a few new rosette shots (not on my guitar, but still, very cool!), I decided to use Julian's older "3D" design with beautiful buckeye burls which is bolder compare to the new one. It's a tough choice as i like both, the new one is more delicate and I love those uneven segments. Would love to hear others thoughts, which one do you like?

New rosette




In case you missed the old "3d" rosette

[Marcus Wong]

I personally prefer the old rosette currently. However, if Julian is going to permanently transition into his new design, you might want to keep up with the trend

[Howard F.]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wong

I personally prefer the old rosette currently. However, if Julian is going to permanently transition into his new design, you might want to keep up with the trend

I agree with you regard to the old rosette, I still digging it after I speced the guitar a year ago! As for the new design, it's not a matter of permanently or one of. It's more likely aiming to develop more options for Julian's future projects, say prototypes?

[Howard F.]

Things are starting to get exciting! The back is jointed with ebony backstrip, sides were bended and I assume they might already be laminated by now! Julian said the inner side will be some equally amazing mahogany. As for the rosette, it will be the 3D rosette in Buckeye burl, green purfling and mahogany border. Enjoy!

[jmagill]

I like the larger (older) segmented rosette since, if you choose an interesting accent wood, the bigger segments show it off more.

I had to make the same decision with my Buendia, since Leo's also going with narrower segments these days.

I'm happy with my choice of larger amboyna segments:

[Howard F.]

Agree! Julian and I decided to use the bolder 3D one. I have to say Leo's take on segemented rosette is absolutely gorgeous, amboya is a great accent wood (apparently quite pricey too...)

[Marcus Wong]

This is looking so good Howard! I had Ambonya burl on my previous Michaud for the inlays, heard that it was expensive as well haha

[barcafan]

I for one am a fan of the new 3D rosette! Great choice on the woods as well, I'm sure it's going to be spectacular when it all comes together-

Bryan-

[Howard F.]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wong

This is looking so good Howard! I had Ambonya burl on my previous Michaud for the inlays, heard that it was expensive as well haha

Thank you my friend, Julian just finished building a tool for cutting the manzer wedge and the buckeye burl segements were finished as well, update will soon follow when I got some new pics.

Originally Posted by barcafan

I for one am a fan of the new 3D rosette! Great choice on the woods as well, I'm sure it's going to be spectacular when it all comes together-

Bryan-

Thanks Bryan!

[lizzard]

I love my MD! Coco/engelmann. Tough divorcealmost year and counting. Had to thin the herd: this one they can pry from my cold dead fingers. Been playing for 32 years: nuff said. Congrats!

[Howard F.]

Originally Posted by lizzard

I love my MD! Coco/engelmann. Tough divorcealmost year and counting. Had to thin the herd: this one they can pry from my cold dead fingers. Been playing for 32 years: nuff said. Congrats!

Thank you Chris, glad you enjoy your Mod-d, I played the Sitka/cocobolo and it was one of the BEST guitars I've played

[Howard F.]

It's been awhile since I last updated the thread - on a much needed vacation. The guitar is progressing with a steady pace, here's some more photo to enjoy!

The back with dyed black maple reinforce strip, note the two mahogany strip - they are not the main bracing, juct with the right radius cut into them to hold the maple strip in place.


The inner side and outside, One of the things that The Tree being known for is their gorgeous figure. That said, tradition old growth mahogany holds its own beauty. Julian acquired the ribbon stripped mahogany used for the inners from an older luthier who saddy passed away, and the stash dated back in the 80s, old growth & well seasoned by all means.


Figured wood can be very brittle, so bending sides can be utterly nerve wracking. In this case, laminated cheesecloth and marine grade epoxy resin on some sections can protect the wood as well as create a very strong side.


Here's the rim sitted in the mold nicely - No "Tree" is harmed during this process!


More to Follow!

[barcafan]

looking great howard!!

it's going to be a fantastic guitar- I spoke with a builder recently that was building a tree guitar and he mentioned that bending the tree sides was the hardest- most nerve racking thing he's ever done in luthiery career! Love Julian's approach, crafty-

-Bryan