2 x 12

[K Trespass]

Thought these might be of interest.....

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[K Trespass]

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[N K Forster]

First one looks like a Sobell archtop. We never used 510s when I was there, so what year is it?

Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com

[cigarfan]

Second one is a Kostal. What year is it?

[K Trespass]

Originally Posted by N K Forster

First one looks like a Sobell archtop. We never used 510s when I was there, so what year is it?

Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com

Quite right Nigel. Good spot especially as the arch isn’t that clear in the pic although I guess you have the inside track.

It is 2016, BRW back and sides, usual top. Tremendous clarity and separation for a 12er and all round superb.

Greg

[K Trespass]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

Second one is a Kostal. What year is it?

Again, on the money, Cigarfan. 12 fret 12 string in quilted sapele and Jason’s usual spruce top. Just arrived so 2017. Initial impressions are pretty immense. Great balance, clarity and warmth.

Greg

[N K Forster]

Made one of those myself recently for a chap in the US. Here is are a couple of photos he sent.





It took a while to settle on the design given the things he wanted - initially it was going to be an archtop with a tailpiece (a cittern shaped version of your Sobell) but when he stressed he needed something loud as well as clear we gravitated towards the HO cylinder top design. Glad to say he's over the moon with it. Wish I'd taken some posh pictures of it now...



Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com

[K Trespass]

That looks very interesting Nigel. Great piece of craftsmanship. The double courses can sometimes be a bit too chimey and blurred. You will know more but I think the arch top helps with that clarity and separation.

[JoeCharter]

This is one seriously tasteful pair of twelvers. Congratulations!

I can't think of many builders who would've come with such attractive instruments.

Beautiful woods on both guitars. No top run-out... Very well done.

[K Trespass]

Thanks Joe.

[cpabolting]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

This is one seriously tasteful pair of twelvers. Congratulations!

I can't think of many builders who would've come with such attractive instruments.

Beautiful woods on both guitars. No top run-out... Very well done.

Some are still building with two tone/run out tops and they get defensive over it LOL. There is plenty of great tops out there!

[K Trespass]

Great craftsmanship on both.

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by cpabolting

Some are still building with two tone/run out tops and they get defensive over it LOL. There is plenty of great tops out there!

Yup. Guitars selling for $20K or more and they still use less than mastergrade top woods. Frankly unacceptable.

But these two in this thread are terrific. I'd take them both!

[N K Forster]

it's worth noting that the Sobell 12 string is an archtop. And archtops, by definition, have a lot of runout - ie: exhibit short grain. As does every archtop, cello or violin ever made. Unless the top is pressed or laminated as some cheaper instruments are.

So the comment about the two guitars having "no runout" I'm afraid only applies to the Kostal.

That said, it does look like a nice top. Stefan knows how to select wood. He selects the stuff that he believes will make the best sounding instrument. And that isn't always what people now refer to as "Master grade."

Nigel
www.nkforsterguitars.com

[JoeCharter]

Thanks for your explanation, Nigel.

I understand what you mean.

From a consumer's perspective, what most of us mean by "run-out" is actually a two-tone top (or "TTT"). It's a less elegant description but perhaps a more accurate one in this context.