Worland Guitars Custom OM Prairie Build

[TokyoNeko]

Hello again everyone,

I've been away for over 3 years... A couple of job changes, a move to Hong Kong and back, being unemployed for over a year, thinning most of my herd, etc... It's been a whirlwind to say the least.

But I'm gainfully employed again, and am now striving to get one last great guitar to treasure the rest of my life. For that, I have chosen Jim Worland (who conveniently lives in the Los Angeles area now) to build me a custom based largely on his OM Prairie model, with the following specs:

• Engelmann Spruce top
• East Indian Rosewood back/sides
• Gloss top, satin back/sides
• 1.72" nut width
• Ebony fretboard, bridge and bridge pins
• Bone nut and saddle
• Rosewood rosette
• Ebony bindings

I do like the minimalist look of the Prairie for the most part, but I had to have the gloss top and a rosette around the soundhole, as it would look too plain otherwise.

So for starters, here're a couple of pics for the woods I have chosen in person at Jim's shop.





Looking forward to the progress in the coming months...

[TokyoNeko]

The work has begun... ETD of early May... *Fingers Crossed*

[TokyoNeko]

Jim is back in action, after surgery...

[Nemoman]

Looking good so far--beautiful set of EIR!

[TokyoNeko]

It is indeed. I think it'll show up quite well even with a satin finish, like the Taylor 400 series.

I have thought about going all-gloss, but in the end, tone is more important, and I wouldn't need to worry too much about swirls and fine scratches. I do want the gloss top, though, as the Engelmann surface could get dirty pretty fast otherwise.

[dlowry]

What sort of neck/body join does Jim use? The neck block has an unusual design, at least to me.

[TokyoNeko]

He uses a unique neck that has no heel, as seen on this video. I don't believe he uses the dual adjustable access on the back anymore, though.

[TokyoNeko]

Here's a written review of the base model of the guitar.

[TokyoNeko]

This is coming into shape... According to Jim, it won't be too long before the finish starts being applied.

[TokyoNeko]

The grain filler coats are being applied, after which the lacquer finish will be sprayed on. The rosewood finish, even as satin, looks like it'll come out really nicely.

[Pippin]

That's coming along nicely, Tokyo!

Interesting to hear your take when finished compared with the Pono OO.

Pp

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by Pippin

Interesting to hear your take when finished compared with the Pono OO.

Given that I'm paying about twice as much for this one, I had better like this one twice as much!

I have been planning to make a NGD thread once I get it. This is supposed to be my "it" guitar. It's got the exact wood combination I want, the body size I want, the nut width I want... you get the idea. There's always a bit of a risk with a custom, but those who know Jim's work universally acclaim it, so I have no reason to believe this will be any different.

But regardless of how this one works out, I think the Pono is a keeper. I can say without hesitation that it's the best mahogany guitar I've ever owned. I may never buy another instrument with that wood.

[TokyoNeko]

Finish applied, top glossed... Time to put the bridge and strings on.

[TokyoNeko]

Scheduled for local pickup tomorrow...

[Mark Lew]

Looks great Neko! I really like the rosewood grain. Very cool rosette, too. Hope to see the official NGD post soon!