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Build Thread - Kraut OM
Hello AGF!
I've been a keen observer on this forum for a couple of years, but can't say I've contributed a huge amount in that time - just really enjoyed following other peoples' builds, and absorbing the huge amount of information shared by luthiers and players alike. However, I'm at last able to give something back, as, after a 2 year wait... ... my own build has started! Luthier I've made a few visits to The Acoustic Music Co. in Brighton, and have always been struck by the sheer number and quality of guitars/mandolins in stock there. Trevor has been unfailingly generous with his time & advice, and as a result I've had the chance to play guitars by makers I might otherwise never have had access to... which led to my playing a Ray Kraut OM there a couple of years ago. A completely unreal guitar, flawlessly built with a great aesthetic sense, and wonderful tone. I didn't end up buying that guitar (more fool me), but after an introductory enquiry from Trevor, then some email traffic between me & Ray, my own build slot was quickly secured! Ray states on his own website that the tonal world he inhabits is essentially that of Somogyi: there were certainly similarities in tone between his OM and the Somogyi Mod D that was quickly snapped up at TAMCO, although I'd happily sacrifice a little of that huge Mod D bass for the overall balance & slightly sweeter mid/treble response I found in Ray's guitar. Aesthetically, I think his work is absolutely beautiful, particularly the combination of fine linear elements and blocks of contrasting wood grain. Finally, Ray himself is clearly very knowledgeable, but is down to earth, has a great sense of humour & is always ready to discuss anything a customer might wish to. Specs After much discussion, and not a few changes of mind (!), we've settled on the following spec: Model - OM, with florentine cutaway Soundboard - Italian Spruce Back/sides - Ziricote (double sides, and lattice braced back) Fretboard/bridge - Ebony Neck - Mahogany, 14 frets to body Scale length - 25.25” (a little longer than standard, plus will be strung with mediums) Nut width - 1 25/32” Saddle spacing - 2 ¼” Nut/saddle - Fossilized walrus ivory Bridge - Conventional pinned Custom inlay - Rosette, end graft Which brings us to: The build Only just started, but I've a few pictures to start things off! Ray's pick of Italian spruce, with very even grain: Beautiful set of ziricote: Close up: Back joined & outline in place: Sides taking shape (doubled with peruvian walnut): I'll be posting more details, and pictures when they arrive! Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO Last edited by JonBarclay; 05-30-2015 at 07:57 PM. Reason: Update |
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Jon,
That's looking superb, and it'll sound even better (I played the OM at TAMCO too). Keep us posted - I'll be watching this build carefully! Cheers, David
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Wolfram Perfecting the interface between you and your guitar.
wolframslides.com Endorsed by Martin Simpson and Tony McManus. |
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Build Thread - Kraut OM
Congratulations on your build!
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Ray surely makes great guitars... Im sure you will enjoy your build
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The time has come Jon! Very cool, I'll be watching this one with interest
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
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I'm looking forward forward to checking this one out for a few minutes....
The last customer order I had from Ray arrived while I was on holiday so I didn't even get to see it.
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Trevor. |
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I have only played a few of Ray's guitars, but they were all very good. You can definitely hear the "Somogyi" influence (I have a lot more experience with Ervin's guitars). I have also only played one instrument with Ziricote back/sides (by Simon Fay) and thought it made a lovely guitar. Your Kraut build should be wonderful. I am looking forward to more pics as they become available. Congratulations!
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Bill Gennaro "Accept your lot, whatever it may be, in ultimate humbleness. Accept in humbleness what you are, not as grounds for regret but as a living challenge." |
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I see you went for OM rather than MD? IIRC you were thinking perhaps an MD at one time? If I was forced to chose between the two, an OM would be my choice also. Looking forward to seeing this thread develop. Cheers, Steve |
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Congrats, Jon! That's a beautiful set of ziricote.
I still remember trading PMs with you when I first received my OM from Ray. I can't believe over two years have gone by since then. Enjoy the journey! |
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David, that OM really was great, wasn't it? Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO |
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Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO |
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Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO |
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You're bang on, this was originally going to be a Mod D... However, my tonal preferences have shifted over time, I'll admit I've found smaller bodied guitars more comfortable to play... and not least I've spent a lot of time listening to OMs & Mod Ds, sometimes in direct comparison: yours was one of them, played by you and also compared to two other Kostals by Mr Watts a little while ago. The balanced sound, sheer responsiveness of what was a very new guitar, and downright beautiful timbre reminded me that it was - after all - an OM that set me on this path 2 years ago! Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO |
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I've already told Ray how much I liked your guitar - definitely a benchmark! Now I just need to learn to play as well as you... Jon
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Kraut Italian Spruce/Ziricote OMC Eastman E10-OO |
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Build Thread - Kraut OM
Congratulations, Jon! You've selected a marvelous luthier for your build. I'll need to make a few trips down to Eugene to see this one in progress.
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Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. Warren Buffett |