S.Kinnaird 00 Indonesian Rosewood/CO BlueSpruce

[TuckerRE]

Steve's use of marquetry on this build is totally consistent with Martin's history and in particular the '00' as these photos of instruments from circa a century ago, point out:











All at or before the time 'herringbone' became quintessential in Martin's mystique.

[TuckerRE]

So, the soundhole gets cut out and some purple(heart?!) gets put inside to add to its [caution: highly technical term to follow:] super-way-coolness ...

[Steve Kinnaird]

Bob, I love the old Martin pics. Where did you find those? Rich with suggestions for future builds. Thanks mate!

Steve

[TuckerRE]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Bob, I love the old Martin pics. Where did you find those? Rich with suggestions for future builds. Thanks mate!

Steve

That was a few days ago… So I don't remember anymore… But I likely googled them. It's an age old thing… Or is it an old age thing?

[Steve Kinnaird]

Ah, our good friend Jazz Bob came to the rescue:

http://vintagemartin.com/styles27_30_34.html

Thanks, both Bobs!
Another word of thanks to Don Musser who supplied the Colorado Blue Spruce top. It looks stunning in that shot above. It's easy to forget when covered in the grime of construction just how pretty the wood is underneath.

Steve

[TuckerRE]

The obligatory picture of the top braces being glued on:

[TuckerRE]

So to hear what a nice, old Martin 00-21 can sound like, try this:

[TuckerRE]

Work resumes...and here's the top braces carved:

[TuckerRE]

Step-by-step: how to build a pyramid bridge...









And along side it's sister, the ebony bridge for the prototype:



And on the soundboard:

[cigarfan]

Looks awesome! Thanks for the lesson. Always enjoy that!

[Steve Kinnaird]

Indeed, thanks Bob. I can refer to these pics when I forget how to do one of these.
About this bridge--this is a copy of the bridge on my Grandfather's guitar. It isn't a "pyramid" bridge quite like Martin makes. The inner edge is not faceted, rather scooped. I had never seen another quite like it until the Arlington Guitar Show. Across from our table was a gentleman who dealt in really old instruments, and he had a guitar with a bridge exactly like Grandad's. Of course, I was drawn to it. Conversing with this dealer, he assured me it came out of the Italian school. Meaning there were old world immigrants here building guitars that had this particular bit of flair to their work. Their shop supplied a number of large dealers across the States. It's a lovely story, even if non-verifiable. But I like the small bit of distinction from Martin's pyramid, so that's what you're getting Bob!

Thanks again,

Steve

[TuckerRE]

As is traditional, luthiers sometimes pencil-in autographs and sometimes other pleasantries, on the backside of the soundboard, before closing the box.



Sometimes they are too nice!

[Welshboy]

The prototype looks wonderful, Steve. I love a good sunburst too and that one looks gorgeous.

[Steve Kinnaird]

Originally Posted by Welshboy

The prototype looks wonderful, Steve. I love a good sunburst too and that one looks gorgeous.

Richard! So nice to see your name pop up again. Hope all is well, and that you aren't having to travel too much. Thanks for the kind word!

Steve

[Welshboy]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Richard! So nice to see your name pop up again. Hope all is well, and that you aren't having to travel too much. Thanks for the kind word!

Steve

Hi Steve,
Not so much international travel these days - just a quick trip to LA early in June. I'm travelling back and forth to Yorkshire on a weekly basis though, which is pretty tiring!
Love the look of this 00. My OM continues to put a very satisfied smile on my face