Build - 2022 Circa OM-45
 

I have been on John's schedule since the Artisan show in 2019. His initial guess'timate was a start in 2022 so imagine my surprise when he called recently and said he may be able to include my guitar in the large batch starting now and finishing up towards the end of the year. Been anxious to own a Circa and I've decided to go all out (or in depending on how you look at it). This build will be an OM-45, as close to a 1929 Martin OM-45 as we can get. Of course there will be slight variations but we are keeping those to a minimum. I will likely take delivery at the Artisan show Spring 2022.

These are the specs we have discussed to so far.

Specs
Model: OM-45 (with a vintage 1929 Martin OM-45 as the target)

Woods, Trim & Other Materials
Top Material: Master Spruce (still deciding the variety)
Back & Side Material: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck Material: Honduran Mahogany
Rosette, Purfling and Binding: Abalone/Ivoroid (Style 45)
Headstock: Paddle w/Torch inlay
Headplate: Brazilian Rosewood
Bird's beak volute
Neck with graphite rod and Plek'd fretboard
Fretboard Inlays: Abalone Snowflake (Style 45)
Fretboard Side Markers: 14K Gold dots
Heelcap: Ivoroid (Style 45)
Back Strip: Multicolor (Style 45)
Nut & Saddle Material: Bone
Bridge: Belly Ebony w/snowflakes
Bridge Pins: Mushroom shaped bone w/4mm Abalone dot
Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose w/ satin neck

Measurements
Nut Width: 1 25/32"
Saddle String Spacing: 2 5/16"
Scale Length: 25.4"
# Of Frets Clear: 14
# Of Frets Total: 20

Other Features
Possible Tuning Machines: Rickard Cyclone High Ratio Tuning Pegs for Guitar with Boxwood Knobs (10:1)
Strap Pin: Gold
Pickguard: Tortis (as close in shape to '29 Martin)
Electronics: K&K Pure Mini
Case: Mainstage Burgundy w/Gold interior

We picked the BRW for back and sides a while back. Going for the best quartered set with the best tap response. Although boring to some, the set we chose ticks all the boxes for me. Probably won't punch under finish but considering all the 45 appointments, that won't matter much. In a couple years when this guitar settles in, schweet tone is what I expect.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...aea54d_o_d.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1f6188_o_d.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c0744e_o_d.jpg

And the Rikard banjo tuners we are considering.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...57ec4d_o_d.jpg

More to come when John begins in earnest.

Wow. What I would do to be a fly on the wall when John builds this guitar (or any guitar)
Look forward to more pics of the build and finished product.

At least you have a few nice (understatement) guitars to play while you wait.

How’d your travels go?

Amazing set of BRW, Dennis--this will be a fun one to watch!

That will be an impressive guitar!

Now that's what I'm talking about. Great choice Dennis!

Congrats Dennis (watching along)...:up:

That’s an incredible set of Brazilian. My kind of graining!

Wow that Brazilian. Congrats Dennis can’t wait to follow along.

WOW!! That is going to be one amazing guitar!! Congrats:guitar:

Nothing boring and dull about that Brazilian at all! Has John ever done a 45?

Yeah, there are still a few nice git fiddles hanging around. But their numbers are shrinking. Maybe I'm missing something. Did I travel somewhere?

Glad to have you following Kevin! See you at B.I.G.! :guitar:

Thanks Randall. Glad to have you following along.

Thanks Michael. Glad you approve!

Thanks Bob. Glad to have you following along.

Thanks Paul. Glad to have you following along.

Thanks Mr. Hanter. Glad to have you following along.

Thanks Fred. Glad to have you following along.

Glad you feel that way antsdmb. Excites the heck out of me!

And yes, for certain John has quite a few 45s under his belt. In fact, I was privileged to play one he was delivering to a different customer at Artisan in 2019.

Think my poor heart skipped a beat when I laid eyes on that Brazilian. Not to mention the extra nut width spec. You've got a serious guitar otw, brother. Can't wait to see it move forward.

I might be getting my wires crossed, but I seem to remember you posting a thread near the beginning of the "lock down" (so it was a while ago) about a pending road trip. Some folks were giving you grief over the trip and others were supportive. I was in the supportive (but cautious) group. In fact i asked what guitar you were bringing :) Might have been someone else :)

Oooh. This is going to be good!

Really looking forward to this one Dustin. See you at B.I.G. my friend! :up:

Actually, you are right. I was talking about attending B.I.G. 2020 and would have if it had not been cancelled. :(

Yeah buddy! Stellar is more like it! :)