Build Thread: Wren Remuda for TAMCO

[David Wren]

Hi Folks! Here are some shots of the instrument that Trevor from TAMCO commissioned. As you can see, I don't spend a ton of time taking the "build" photos ... I'm pretty zoned-in on the actual building at this stage. I take my time once the instrument is strung up and concentrate on the photography at that point.

I'm really excited about this one, the woods are spectacular and the top's tap tone is quite amazing!

Here's the specs:

* Custom Hybrid Model: Remuda body shape with Concert Model visuals
* 15 3/4" lower bout dimension
* 9" waist with 11 5/16" upper bout
* 25.4" scale lenght
* 14 fret neck-to-body joint
* Master Grade European spruce top
* Abalone shell soundhole rosette
* deeply figured Pommele Quilted Sapele back and sides
* side port
* 1 ¾” wide bone nut
* pinned dovetail neck joint
* tropical mahogany neck
* Pommele Sapele peghead veneer and backstrap
* bound peghead
* “Wren” fingerboard inlay on 5th fret : Brass, Copper, Turquoise, Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl
* Gotoh 510 tuners in Antique Gold finish with black buttons
* intonation compensated bone saddle
* ebony fingerboard with ebony binding
* 2-way adjustable truss rod
* ebony bridge
* wood bindings and purfling
* French Polish finish
* Hardcover “Build Diary” book with photos of the build process
* arched top hardshell case, plush lined













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[Bruce Lancaster]

I see that the back and sides are pomelle quilt sapelle. I'm not familiar with the term pomelle. I think that I've played some sapele guitars before but I'm not sure. Could you talk a bit about this wood and the figure. Do you have photos of it.

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lancaster

I see that the back and sides are pomelle quilt sapelle. I'm not familiar with the term pomelle. I think that I've played some sapele guitars before but I'm not sure. Could you talk a bit about this wood and the figure. Do you have photos of it.

Hi Bruce. I'm sure the term "Pommele" is applied to other species, but I've only ever seen it referred to with Sapele. It apparently is derived from the French word for apple ("pomme") in reference to the round nature of the quilt ... although paradoxically, most of the figure I see referred to as Pommele is not round!

Sapele (Sa-PEEL-lee) is sourced from huge trees up to 150' in height in Africa ... typically Nigeria, Liberia and Zaire. Unfigured Sapele is usually fairly dense, but the heavily quilted variety can be less so, and requires some experience to pull the best sonic qualities out of this spectacular looking wood.

I should have taken photos of the wood before I started the build, but the quality of this wood will become apparent as you follow this thread.

[David Wren]

Here's a few more photos of this instrument in progress.














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[Coffeeaddict]

I love the sound and feel of Sapele, it is a wonderful wood for guitars.

The figuring on the set you have there is stunning. Wish it were mine.

Colin

[Trevor M]

The sapele looks spectacular David. Its been my personal favourite back and sides wood for looks and tone for some years now.

[D.Kwasnycia]

Looking forward to watching this build David and that Sapele looks fantastic!

[Dewar Wilson]

Was the european top for any reason?

[nashmore]

It's nice to see someone still using just a hot pipe for bending. I love watching builds come together.

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by Coffeeaddict

I love the sound and feel of Sapele, it is a wonderful wood for guitars.

The figuring on the set you have there is stunning. Wish it were mine.

Colin

Hey Colin ... thanks for looking in at my thread! Yes, I love this super quilted Sapele too. Here's a shot of the last instrument I made with it.




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[David Wren]

Originally Posted by D.Kwasnycia

Looking forward to watching this build David and that Sapele looks fantastic!

Hey Dennis ... thanks for stopping in!

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by nashmore

It's nice to see someone still using just a hot pipe for bending. I love watching builds come together.

I've been using that same hotpipe since 1974 ... still does the trick!

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by Dewar Wilson

Was the european top for any reason?

Hi Dewar. The European spruce was requested by Trevor at TAMCO but I like the choice. The first hundred or so guitars that I made after leaving Larrivee were all European spruce, so I'm used to working with it. In my instruments, European spruce often brings some clarity (probably because it seems to scoop the midrange a bit) and adds some sizzle to the partials ... a nice match to go with the Sapele!

[David Wren]

Here's a few more progress shots!










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[David Wren]

Some more progress ... here's a few shots!