Kinnaird Student Build--CS-13 Adi/Padauk
 

In a couple of weeks I'm fortunate to be starting a student build with Steve Kinnaird and Ryan Middlebrook. I'm super excited to get to hang with these guys and build a guitar as well!

I decided I didn't want to invest too heavily in wood upgrades since who knows if my skills will be up to par. I've built plenty of houses in my time but never anything requiring the finesse and detail of a fine instrument. I'm primarily a rosewood guy that plays mostly with a pick, but I have the EIR camp pretty well covered. So based on my playing style of picking and strumming, and in conversations with Steve and Ryan, we decided to go with Padauk back and sides and an Adi top. I know, I know, I said I didn't want to go with upgrades, but I'm an Adi fan and feel it will lend itself well to what we have going on.

I wanted to go with the Kinnaird CS model as it seems to be a very versatile guitar with enough size to have some power but not so huge that it troubles my aging shoulders. We're shooting for a clean, clear tone with a lot of snap and a fair amount of power. We'll be making it a 13-fretter with a 25.4" scale.

Since it is a student build we'll be keeping it fairly simple due to the time we have with a simple wood rosette and moradora bindings (a very dark brown). It will have a black satin finish neck--I like the contrast it will have with the Padauk (and I know how much my buddy Tom likes them! :D). We'll also be using a Padauk fretboard and bridge.

That's about it for now. I don't know how much time I'll have during the build, but I will update things as I can and will definitely bring it up to speed once I get back after the build. I don't know if I can compare to the previous thorough student build threads, but I'll try to get the basics covered.

Here are a few pics to get things going...

The Padauk back set...

https://i.imgur.com/nsEaIkf.jpg?3

The back with the Moradora binding...

https://i.imgur.com/5pWUhjD.jpg?3

The Adi top (love this set!)...

https://i.imgur.com/Dhr9WzJ.jpg?2

And the Padauk fretboard...

https://i.imgur.com/wjIzNIC.jpg?3

Thanks for checking it out!

The woods look amazing so far. I just won't look at the back of the neck, that should work LOL. I am sure I will love it!!!! Congrats and have fun.

Take whatever number you have in mind and cut it in half. And the just to be on the safe side, divide that in half as well. :lol:

Kidding aside, congrats on joining the student build club and being the first CS! You will have a blast, learn a lot, and end up with an instrument that will hold a special place in your collection for years to come.

Kinnaird Student Build
 

Nice wood choices Kevin, I look forward to following along with the progress of your student build with Steve and Ryan.

Very excited for you, Kevin! You’ll have a great week with Steve and Ryan and a wonderful guitar as well. Looking forward to following along with you. Dave

Kevin, this is awesome and so special! Love the wood choices. I’m sure you will have an amazing time and come out with a fantastic instrument. Really looking forward to this!

I am sure that your journey will match the destination…:)

Woohoo!
 

This will be fun to watch!

Enjoy the thrill ride….

Have FUN

Paul

Looking forward to watching you become part of the club. I love your wood choices, and the CS model is such a great size. The 13 frets to the body is a great choice too. I will warn you though... when you're done, you won't be able to stop thinking about building another one! Just ask Vasu.

Excellent wood choices Kevin. I like padouk very much. It's got that rosewood snap without being rosewood heavy. Adi makes a great top. So nice woods, great working conditions, and excellent instructors, can't go wrong

Gonna be special. I'm sure fun will be had by all. Nice woods!

Beautiful marriage of the Paduak and and Adi. The Padauk fret board is gorgeous and ties everything together nicely. I am excited to follow along with your build since I am on the calendar to do a student build as well this July/August. Have fun in TX!

I love these student builds because there's a huge part of me would LOVE to get a chance to build a guitar. The woods look stunning. Enjoy the experience!

Martin, we have a very soft spot for Scots, especially residents of Edinburgh who love guitars. Special pricing for such, my friend!
But at the least, we’ll aim for vicarious blessing.

SK

Martin we are going to be in Edinburg for a few days in early July. Might run into each other. I THINK my brother Steve is coming on this trip. (Sorry about the thread hijack. As Paul would say "we now return you to your regularly scheduled program "