Steve Fischer Concerto - An October Surprise

AZ Slacker · #1 07-02-2013, 10:39 AM

I've told myself for a number of years that my current guitars are really all I need and should I add another, I'll never do it sight/sound unseen again. Moving forward to the present, I've commissioned a build from Steve Fischer. I've played with the idea after hearing Martin Simpson, Tony McManus, and Ricky Skaggs discuss the PRS acoustic guitars, that I'd like to play one someday; they sound great and nearly all reviews are quite positive. Then I heard about Steve Fischer through the AGF, and I thought, "Who would know the sound I like better than someone who has worked with Martin Simpson to design a new guitar?" So I called Steve and now have an order placed. I'll try to get some pictures posted once the build begins. It's due around October which will make a nice 61st birthday present to myself.

Details: cocobolo back and sides, Lutz spruce top, spalted maple purfling, ebony binding, gold fret wire, gold Gotoh 510's, and small gold dots on the edge of the neck for fret markers, spalted maple rosette. Headstock will have cocobolo veneer, and maple and ebony at the edge as well as the ebony fingerboard. The cutaway is standard on the model. This should be elegant without 'bling.'

Steve

AZ Slacker · #2 07-16-2013, 03:42 PM

Choosing the wood is the first step. This Concerto will feature Cocobolo back and sides, and a Lutz Spruce top. In the rough....

I like the blend of straight grain and figure on the back, and some great looking sides.

AZ Slacker · #3 09-20-2013, 04:21 PM

Got a picture of my 'wood kit' this week from Steve. We selected a top and the build has begun. I will post photos of the process as I receive them. Steve has been great to work with. I definitely want a particular sound; like that you hear Martin Simpson playing on his PRS. Who would know that better than Steve who worked with Martin to design that guitar. Steve obviously got it right as I see Martin with his PRS constantly these days both for recording and in concert. He's really sounded me out on my ideas and some of his own. I'm excited about the outcome, and plan to drive to Utah to pick it up in person.

This build will have beauty in simplicity. Cocobolo back an sides, Lutz spruce top that is creamy white and looks perfect in appearance. Spalted Maple purfling, ebony fretboard, Cocobolo headstock veneer, wide neck profile, 25.25 scale, Gotoh 510 21:1 tuners, ebony binding, spalted maple rosette, gold fret wire, and small gold dot markers on the side of the fret board (fret board will be plain). It will have an L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system installed.

cigarfan · #4 09-20-2013, 04:28 PM

Sounds great. I'm all eyes on this one.

Nemoman · #5 09-20-2013, 08:22 PM

Really great looking set of coco--looking forward to seeing this build progress!

AZ Slacker · #6 09-20-2013, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemoman

Really great looking set of coco--looking forward to seeing this build progress!

Not half as much as I am.

I hope I get some good pictures along the way.

AZ Slacker · #7 09-27-2013, 09:59 PM

Joining the top

Profiled sides

Bending the sides

Gluing neck and tail block

Sides

Installing rosette

Gluing kerfing
Gluing back braces

Rosette

Gluing back graft

Completed back

AZ Slacker · #8 09-27-2013, 10:00 PM

Gluing top braces

Voicing the top

Completed top

Gluing the box

The box - back

The box - front

Looks like a couple of pictures didn't post. I think we have it covered with these.

steveh · #9 09-28-2013, 04:46 AM

I've played a few of Steve's guitars and all have been great and a lot of instrument for the money, esp compared to the PRS versions.

I've recently seen Martin Carthy with a PRS in his hands, so that has really piqued my interest.

Looking forward to seeing what you think of this next to your Greven - John's guitars are some that I've yet to try. I'm betting they'll sound completely different - old vs new school.

cheers,
Steve

cigarfan · #10 09-28-2013, 11:29 AM

AZ, that coco is some of natures best. Beautiful. This thing is really coming together. Looking good!

AZ Slacker · #11 09-28-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigarfan

AZ, that coco is some of natures best. Beautiful. This thing is really coming together. Looking good!

I agree. It's looking great. Steve has been a great guy to work with, easy to communicate with, and I really think he knows what I want; a relatively plain looking instrument in terms of 'appointments' and everything focusing on sound and playability. I'm really enjoying watching the build progress.

ianLP59 · #12 09-30-2013, 03:04 AM

Hi AZ, you've definitely made a great choice in having Steve build you a guitar. Steve built me a wonderful Concerto last year - European spruce / African Blackwood and it's a great instrument. And I totally agree with your comments about how great a guy Steve is to deal with. I'm sure that you will be more than happy with the guitar that Steve is making for you. Keep the pics coming...

Cheers,

Ian