NBT: Kraut 00

[Sturob]

It's my very own New Build Thread! I've had the pleasure of a couple of great builds from Jay Lichty, but I honestly didn't know the etiquette of posting a build thread. My slot has come up with Ray Kraut, so after asking him about it, I thought I'd try my hand at sharing a build thread.

I'll be posting photos as I work my way through how to do that using Photobucket.

I got on Ray's list a few years ago and chose a set of The Tree mahogany for the back and sides. It wasn't suitable for a modified dread because of the location of a knothole. I was thinking I'd get an OM, until Ray started building his 00-sized guitar. That sounds perfect!

So far, the specs are more or less as follows:

00
No cutaway (I don't think he does a cut 00)
1 23/32" nut (his "standard" width), 2 1/4 @ the bridge
24 3/4" scale length, orthodox frets
"The Tree" hog back and sides
Italian spruce top
Brazilian fretboard and pinless bridge
Slotted headstock
Titanium truss rod

I'll be posting pics as I get them into Photobucket and figure all that out.

Stuart

[ericcsong]

Congrats on the build! Ray makes fantastic guitars

[OddManOut]

Most excellent! I find build threads help me to maximize the enjoyment of the build process. I hope you find it equally rewarding.

Sounds like you're going to get a beautiful guitar!

[steveh]

Originally Posted by Sturob

I'll be posting photos as I work my way through how to do that using Photobucket.

Don't fret (pun intended); If I can work it out I am sure you can.

Will be subscribing to this thread for sure.

Do you know how the size of Ray's 00 compares to Jason Kostal's - I played that recently and it was fabulous, and not at all small sounding.

Cheers,
Steve

[hreboredo]

Very excited for you. Played Ray's Koa 00 at Memphis and the guitar was very alive and present. I love the Tree. Sounds like it will be an incredible instrument.

[Sturob]

I think I figured it out!

The back. You can see the little defect(s) which preclude its use for a larger instrument, but who cares, I want a double-0:



Top and back:



Bridge blank and fretboard:



Ray has clearly chalked in one idea for the inlay on the fretboard. I'm thinking it's a very rough idea.

Stuart

[Sturob]

And, an action shot: the sides, now bent, being laminated. I think it's a hog-hog double-side, but I don't know that for sure. Pretty sure.



Look at me, so boss with the pic posting. I'm totally into it now.

I'll post more as they happen . . .

And thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the build.

Stuart

[OddManOut]

Beautiful woods!!!

[Sturob]

Originally Posted by steveh

Do you know how the size of Ray's 00 compares to Jason Kostal's - I played that recently and it was fabulous, and not at all small sounding.

Only from comparing the specs from both their websites:

Scale length: 24 3/4" on both.

Body length: Kostal, 19 1/4"; Kraut, 19 1/2"

Upper bout: Kostal, 10 1/4"; Kraut, 10 1/2"

Waist: Kostal, 9"; Kraut, 8 1/2"

Lower bout: Kostal, 14 1/2"; Kraut, 14 3/8"

Depth: Kostal gives 3 1/2" at neck, 4 1/4" at end. Kraut gives upper bout depth of 3 1/2", lower bout depth 4 1/4".

Body length: Kostal, 19 1/4"; Kraut, 19 1/2"

Very, very similar. Tighter waist on the Kraut with broader upper bout and narrower lower bout. Depth is very similar. So, very comparable sizes.

For comparison: the Collings 00 has a body length of 19 3/8" with a lower bout measurement of 14 1/4". Collings gives a depth of 4", scale length 24 7/8".

From the look, the Kostal is curvaceous, the Kraut is curvy with shoulder pads, and the Collings has a narrower-appearing upper bout. They're all of very similar size, each having a visual appearance which complements the design features of each "brand."

Stuart

[Marcus Wong]

This is going to be a build to watch out for. I'll definitely be following it real closely! Is Ray going to go with Ebony binding on this one too? His other Tree guitar was really classy in Ebony!

[Trevor M]

I tried Ray's OO at the Memphis show. It was amazing, this is going to be a beauty.

[BBWW]

Looking forward to the build too. Always fun to watch Ray's guitars come together.

[JonBarclay]

Congratulations Stuart!

You're going to love this, the process, the guitar...

Keep us posted, you've picked a fantastic luthier to work with.

Jon

[Billy Boy]

Congratulations on your build. I'm looking forward to watching this thread as the build progresses. Marvelous woods!

[Welshboy]

I really like the sound of this. I shal watch with interest.