Build Thread :: Kraut OM BRW

m_reese · #1 09-04-2013, 10:08 AM

Specs

OM
Brazilian Rosewood / Euro Spruce
Custom Rosette (of course)
Custom back-of-neck Inlay
Custom End Graft
Possibly a 1-piece neck... still up in the air

http://krautguitars.com

********

New to the neighborhood. So why don't I start things off with a little build thread of my own? Hope you guys enjoy.

Background
I'm an admitted traditionalist. I don't like things that are overdone. Another poster on this site is a really good friend of mine and when he first told me of this dude named Ray and what he does to guitars, I was skeptical to say the least. Crazy designs, custom inlays, and fanned frets was blasphemy in my book. And then I saw one.

Not only that, but my friend and I made the trek from Dallas to Eugene to do some design work on his guitar and I was able to see behind the curtain of Ray's process. It really is incredible the amount of detail and thought that he puts into every aspect of an instrument that comes from his shop.

I also had the pleasure of playing a few of his instruments. Needless to say, to that point I had never played a guitar of that level and was in love. I had to have one.

Vision
I had a few ideas and thoughts on the guitar but ultimately when it came to specs I just wanted a Kraut guitar. I want the woods he recommends, the scale he recommends, and the tone that he produces well.

As far as design goes, in all of the inlays I looked at of Ray's, he had not yet done any "bleeding" from one canvas to another. For example, the rosette bleeding up into the fretboard or the end graft wrapping around to the back. In my mind, that would be a KILLER look.

Other than that, I give Ray full reign.

Photos
So, without further adieu, here are the photos that I have so far...

Fngrstyl · #2 09-04-2013, 10:10 AM

so jealous!! Congrats, and welcome aboard!

Nemoman · #3 09-04-2013, 10:26 AM

Congrats Mark--I'll be following this thread with interest! Beautiful woods--the rosette Ray posted on FB looks great. Really looking forward to seeing this progress...

iim7V7IM7 · #4 09-04-2013, 10:38 AM

Congrats on your new build. You have partnered with one of the best. I hope that the journey of construction and the delivered instrument is everything that you hope for (and then some!).

m_reese · #5 09-04-2013, 10:46 AM

More pictures of the rosette. In somewhat of a surprise to me Ray included a couple of thin red lines in this rosette. I was shocked, but this goes to show the insight that Ray has and his understanding of my aesthetic. Also, it will match my office walls perfectly, ha.

JamesO · #6 09-04-2013, 11:49 AM

Love it. This is going to be gorgeous. So what scale length are you going with?

rcmaccallum · #7 09-04-2013, 12:20 PM

Another amazing looking guitar by Ray, congrats. With a build due to start this winter with Ray seeing these photos is helping ease the wait.

m_reese · #8 09-04-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesO

Love it. This is going to be gorgeous. So what scale length are you going with?

Ray's standard scale length is 25". I'm going with all standard specs except for the nut width, which will be a little narrower at 1 3/4".

JoeCharter · #9 09-04-2013, 01:06 PM

Congrats, Mark!

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_reese

More pictures of the rosette. In somewhat of a surprise to me Ray included a couple of thin red lines in this rosette.

My favourite part of the rosette actually. Love the red lines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_reese

Ray's standard scale length is 25". I'm going with all standard specs except for the nut width, which will be a little narrower at 1 3/4".

Well, I thought that my OM had a 1 3/4" nut -- but perhaps I should double-check with Ray...

CoolerKing · #10 09-04-2013, 01:21 PM

Beautiful top, super tight grain. Carpathian?

m_reese · #11 09-04-2013, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

Well, I thought that my OM had a 1 3/4" nut -- but perhaps I should double-check with Ray...

Ray's standard nut width is 1 25/32". It's a tiny difference, but it makes a fairly large impact for me.

I'm more of a flat-picker so I don't need the crazy string spacing that all you finger stylers need.

Billy Boy · #12 09-04-2013, 03:01 PM

Congratulations on beginning this journey...you're in for an excellent ride...

Antipodean Ed · #13 09-04-2013, 06:52 PM

Congratulations! If this ends up sounding anything like Mau's Kraut OM BRW (JoeCharter), you will have the most beautiful and amazing sounding guitar. Look forward to hearing it when finished!

m_reese · #14 09-05-2013, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewpartrick

Beautiful top, super tight grain. Carpathian?

No clue on where the top is from, only that it's European. I've been an electric first guy so all of the subtleties of the acoustic world are still a bit foreign to me.

All I know is it's going to look and sound great.

iim7V7IM7 · #15 09-05-2013, 07:58 AM

Likely the most factual statement made about a top that I have seen in a while.

A skilled luthier purchased the top. He listened to you describe your playing style and sonic goals for the instrument and suggested that he use that top. That's all you really need to know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_reese

No clue on where the top is from, only that it's European. I've been an electric first guy so all of the subtleties of the acoustic world are still a bit foreign to me.

All I know is it's going to look and sound great.