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Very insightful views on top tuning! Thanks for sharing :) how does a luthier know when the braces are right? Do they have a "perfect pitch" for the tap that they look for in every guitar? I know some resort to methods like chaldni patterns, deflection testing, speakers, etc. But I believe many still stick to their hands and ears to feel and hear the resonance/pitch of the top?
And Larry seems like a great bloke! :D |
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The intuitive aspect of luthiery is quite amazing and somewhat mysterious. It seems to develop over time after building many guitars. Larry is (in my estimation) 75% intuitive, 25% analytical. e.g. he and I discussed the brace width for this guitar. Larry typically goes with .28", I asked him to consider .25". Factors we discussed were the stiffness of the top, the size of the body, the fact that it is a short scale. In the end, Larry mulled it over for a day, and ended up going with .25". Luthiers certainly run the gamut from intuitive to analytical. I suspect those who take a more analytical approach to building still rely on their intuition to make certain decisions. Yes, Larry is a very good bloke. Kind, patient, generous. A good friend. |
Body Shots
Larry has been busy the last week in his studio and catching up on repairs.
I dropped by and had lunch with him (Subway...lunch of champions), and got a few pics of the body with binding in place. It has not been sanded, but it's looking pretty good, if I do say so. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps5shvzsrd.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psyfkjomte.jpg Ribbons and beeswing, oh my! http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfpy58lbd.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psxl4rkdzm.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psaasppk1e.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psz85cy8uu.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psexacvlcd.jpg Here's something a bit different for those who like vintage electrics... While I was at Larry's, an older gentleman showed up to pick up a repair. He came in with a worn case, put it on the table, and popped it open... http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps9xxyqtmy.jpg 1955 Les Paul Gold Top, all original, original owner. Don't see that everyday... http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvzlk9v7h.jpg |
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That is a seriously nice looking guitar!! Coming right along!
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Fretboard/Headplate Glue Up
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Many thanks! I think we're looking at a June completion. Quote:
Larry glues the fretboard and the headplate to the neck. The FB is positioned, then nails driven in through fret slots 1 and 11 to anchor it in place. These holes will be covered by the frets. Using this method, the positions of the FB and the headplate can be accurately reproduced, thus allowing for FB and HP removal as needed. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pshxvy3cee.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfjyyzuxy.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psa1ikzz82.jpg The headplate is positioned using the nut blank as a reference. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pspwatujnj.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pskignbkax.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psytxgzmbj.jpg Here the anchor nail is visible in the headplate. The resulting hole is where one of the tuner holes will be. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psz5j6nzbt.jpg The headplate caul accommodates the anchor nails. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswykdsihz.jpg |
Fretboard/Headplate Glue Up 2
Larry installs the edge markers. This is standard white rod stock.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnha9ukq3.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbijn7qkz.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvoifbkcc.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps6rq3plwg.jpg Now rubberbands and clamps for the win. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pstt7v1ycu.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psb54nlwbu.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pss1mazthn.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psi0lidkkp.jpg |
Fretboard/Headplate Glue Up Completed
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Head w/ Logo and Tuners
Here is the head with the pearl logo inlaid.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psk7bpm9am.jpg Decisions, decisions... I have to decide on tuners. Which would you choose? Gotoh 300 Series Black. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvntuizxd.jpg Gotoh 510 Mini Gold/Black Keys http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps4wbatufv.jpg Grover Sta-Tite Gold Open Back http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps5goc88ci.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnquorf5n.jpg |
I kinda like the open backs for some reason on this headstock.
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Gotoh 300s have my vote.
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I feel the open gear tuners are the most appropriate for a traditional 12-fret guitar in a stylistic sense. However, all my other guitars have open gear tuners. I would like something different. As it turns out, the two styles of Gotoh tuners here are totally interchangeable. I like the black tuner bodies with the more modern black buttons. So I'm going that way. It gives the most spartan look to my eye. If I want to change, I can swap tuners, buttons, get some after-market buttons, etc.. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psygyafe3g.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psiirlh2ag.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psyodtpueb.jpg The final choice...for now. Gotoh 300 black tuners with the modern black buttons. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psdnfk9plc.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgtfqxvyw.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psuaqholwp.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psekq0iyfc.jpg |
Binding Leveling and Body Sanding
Larry levels the bindings and sands the body. I saw the body in person and it has a wonderful silky, ribbon-and-beeswing mahogany look. It popped nicely under sandpaper...should be even better under finish. ;)
The rosewood bindings are leveled to the body. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psznjtcigr.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psowydx96m.jpg The beeswing is poppin' a bit. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbq5lhbzw.jpg The LMI glue shows up under black light so the minute traces can be detected and sanded off. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pskxsdbfwh.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psn4kxbifo.jpg A few shots of the sanded body. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pslvnqczov.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps3ucpgh3y.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psiicxiikf.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psx80csxvc.jpg My 00-12 body and the body of the EIR/Adi dread currently being built. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psw1hjsze4.jpg |
Neck Shaping
Larry shapes the neck.
First Larry rough shapes base of the head for the volute. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswvdqqlwu.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psw7shfscm.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnx2gma42.jpg Now a bit of layout at the base of the head. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2kwakosc.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psmnfrk0ev.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pssnwwj64o.jpg Now the shaping commences. The top and middle of the neck are brought into close-to-final profile. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgk52j5hu.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnneqqrir.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgjtiip3t.jpg Note here that the heel end is still very square. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psebrcwonr.jpg |
I love a mahogany body with rosewood trim. Simply elegant.
You've got to be pretty excited, it's looking great! Steve |
Neck Shaping Continued
Now the heel is brought into close-to-final profile.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psiv5d8zgi.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszbd8eocm.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pschdqwmpa.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnaemsmdt.jpg Makin' sawdust...mahogany and maple dust from two necks graces the shop floor. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psi0ymaouv.jpg EDIT: Here is one more little detail I forgot to include. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvoottwox.jpg |
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Thank you! :cool: I can only take credit for choosing the aesthetic design elements. Larry is the artist and craftsman. I'll pass your compliment on to him. I, too, am digging the the brown-not-black look of the EIR binding, macassar fretboard, head plate, and bridge against the mahogany. I am excited, actually. I am really pleased with how this guitar has morphed into having more spartan front aspect, with the flare of the flamed neck in back (a visual treat for the player IMO). |
Final Neck Shaping and Heel Cap
The neck is brought into final profile.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pseloojkst.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgd9jbgpv.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbsjchluj.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psokmhdptz.jpg The EIR heel cap to match the binding is glued on. The heel shaping is then completed, bringing the edges of the heel cap into profile. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pshxrej1ok.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psokv239hs.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps84gm7flk.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psrgmtnxoc.jpg |
Making a Pyramid Bridge
In this sequence Larry makes a pyramid bridge from scratch. Well, he didn't grow the Macassar Ebony, but you know what I mean. ;)
The bridge blank is cut to size. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psxalmnrju.jpg Surfaces are squared. The bottom surface is radiused to match the top radius. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps6mtltew6.jpg A dime is used to mark the circles which will form the arch between the center and the pyramids. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps0dzy6xgn.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pskmulolpv.jpg The pyramids are marked. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pso01mk4et.jpg The Grizzly is carefully fed some ebony. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pso6pkumst.jpg And a pyramid bridge starts to take shape. She's rough yet, but coming into form. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psucyuhhuq.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psmrjhe4ry.jpg |
Making a Pyramid Bridge 2
The pin and saddle lines are drawn on the bridge, and the pin hole positions marked.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszfjf8ejk.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnxyeqfsa.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pspblf97om.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfrlognhy.jpg The pin holes are drilled. They will be tapered and chamfered later. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psmvtirzdx.jpg The arches are refined. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszaar1rzn.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psjdcutmpd.jpg |
Making a Pyramid Bridge 3
The facets of the pyramids are laid out.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswxpxbfee.jpg The Dragon Rasp is used for the rough work. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvbamrii4.jpg The coarse sanding lines from the rasp are clearly visible. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfqomcwwc.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps0r4d25fm.jpg A little fine sanding cleans it up. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psn4jqp4qn.jpg Both pyramids are formed. Larry has left the bridge tall, and will sand it to final height and contour as part of the prep for final assembly. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps7dp2sq6q.jpg |
Bridge Location
The bridge is now placed at the proper location. This is a critical measurement.
The 12th fret must be the midpoint of the saddle and the nut. The tool shown is adjusted to the length between the nut and the 12th fret, then flipped over to find the correct location of the bridge. Brilliantly simple and elegant. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psnoarnxdw.jpg The proper lateral alignment is established. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps5lwlti8r.jpg The bridge is temporarily clamped into position. Two of the pin holes are used as guides to drill position holes through the top. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psyeppydfk.jpg Small lengths of dowel are inserted into the bottom of the pin holes to allow accurate reproduction of the bridge position. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pse9ds3vqv.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszj4h6ech.jpg The guitar thus far, with its dreadnought sibling. Looking good. NOTE: The fretboard extension on my guitar will be contoured to the soundhole. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszkqyxwnr.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszrybepcd.jpg |
Finishing Has Begun!
The first coats of nitro finish have been sprayed! The wood...she pops! ;)
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psjpjrayli.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswgrss1g7.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfixmvd5m.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2c0r3kkm.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pstzlppsnj.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps7z45tzt9.jpg |
Pore Filler Applied
The pore filler has been applied. Once it is sanded, the last coats of nitro will be sprayed. Not too much new to see, except perhaps the subtle darkening of the mahogany with the pore filler in.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psymn9y4yf.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psqurtsyur.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psyf0qwzpf.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pspji2sm1p.jpg Medullary Rays... http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pszialtcth.jpg Mmmm...maple. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psvuarqamj.jpg |
Final Coats of Finish
The final coats of finish have been applied. It now hangs for three weeks.
In an earlier post I stated I was going with black tuners. I am thinking the gold tuners will tie in better with the back and neck. We shall see... http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psew4vlnwm.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswj23fwaa.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psdus7ajw8.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psmzrxy062.jpg Just Hangin'... http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pshpjymhkt.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psjkcdkdju.jpg |
Finish Cured
The finish has cured, and the guitar is waiting in the sanding and assembly cue. There is one ahead of it which Larry is preparing for a show. Should be another two weeks or so...
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps2oqrqp3k.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psa1vrkvbd.jpg |
Hi OMO, that's another beautiful looking Tahoe you're getting. Thanks to you and Larry for taking the time to share all the progress photos and explanations. Cheers, berf
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Looks great!
This should be a fine axe!
Appreciate all the pics and explanation! Have fun and enjoy her... Cheers Paul |
Buffed and Unroughed
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Thanks for the compliments. You're quite welcome. Glad you're enjoying the thread. Here's a few pics of the guitar with the finish buffed out and a related process. The buffer http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps60z3qtkw.jpg There's a nice mirror-like shine. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psup8ariai.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psj6wlzu1c.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pskio4pbm5.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psc8g3xyu3.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psqyzdxmje.jpg During the process of spraying the nitro, finish builds up in the tuner holes. In this sequence Larry cleans up a tuner hole prior to installing the tuner bushing. ASIDE: I am really liking the look of the EIR headplate. http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pslebz55ec.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...psi6me7asc.jpg http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...pss0ig3cl0.jpg |
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