Build Thread: Fairbanks Super Smeck
I was really impressed with Dale's work on my SJ and have spent quite a few hours picking on that guitar. I've been wanting to commission another from him and have been going back and forth between a Nick Lucas with maple back and sides and a Smeck. When I chanced on photos of the "Super Smeck," my decision was made.
Specs: Top - Red spruce Back and Sides - Figured maple Scale - Standard 24.75" Nut spacing - 1 3/4" Saddle spacing - 2 5/16" Fret wire - EVO 55090 Fingerboard inlays - Parallelogram Pickguard - Outrageous Tuners - Art Deco Finish - Everything bursted Case - Whatever she comes with Here's an example of this (very rare) guitar. I'm sure JT will chime in with more background about this unique piece of Gibson history. http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/S...xample_003.jpg http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/S...xample_002.jpg http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/S...xample_001.jpg I opted for non-torrefied wood in this case. http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/F...Smeck_001.jpeg http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/F...Smeck_002.jpeg |
Hey Juston, Great Choice and congrats. I know it will be a GREAT instrument. Mine is the 2nd Super Smeck Dale built. It is just an incredible guitar and a joy to play. Please keep us updated on its' progress.
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Cool project, Juston! I'm looking forward to following the build.
As you know, this is Dale's interpretation of the one and only Super Smeck that Gibson built: a 1935 Roy Smeck custom ordered in maple with Super 400 trim. I've played both the original and Dale's first Super Smeck. Both are absolutely fabulous instruments. |
Following...:up:
You do know that I will need you to have Dale tell you what type of Maple he is using..:). In Michigan, traditionally there was plenty of Black, Red and Silver Maple. |
Here's a picture of Dale with the original Gibson Super Smeck (right) and the first one he built in 2016 (left).
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Juston - I will be eagerly following your build! I spoke with Dale last week and it sounds like they are finally settling into the new shop. I believe that he's gradually getting used to working with other people around and 'slightly' misses the solo days ;).
best, Rick |
I've never seen a Fairbanks guitar in the flesh (or sould that be wood) but they look wonderful and I had a long search for a Roy Smeck style guitar, finally resolved by importing my santa cruz "RS"
As I felt that the sound of the Roy Smecks was all about the rumbling bass -so I'm surprised at the choice of maple - but I'm sure it must work, as well as looks great. If I were commisioning a Fairbanks I'd ask for less ornamentation but Nick Lucas fret markers, and a firestripe style pick guard, oh, and a 1 &13/16" nut width. If interested, this is my SC - |
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I mean, how many times have we heard, "I was pleasantly surprised when I heard xxx maple guitar?" That being said, I don't have a particular tonal target in my mind's eye. I am open to being pleasantly surprised by the unique sounds of this instrument. I am much more hands-off on builds than I used to be. But I really love Euro maple and have had good experiences with it. I love the 400 Super 400 trim, but also dig your suggested appointments. |
You are afflicted! And I am excited to follow along.
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http://jus-tone.com/misc/fairbanks/F...Smeck_003.jpeg |
Love a Fairbanks build thread, this will be cool.
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I will follow the progress of this build with great interest, and look forward to your first video playing it !! |
Could not agree more about Maple. I don't know how long it will take before it loses its bad reputation. To me it is one of the very best tone woods out there especially in the hands of the right luthier!
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Maple
IMO Maple gets a bad rap because so many factories built Maple guitars with the same architecture as rosewood or Mahogany instruments.
It needs a bit of finesse to deliver its best tone. I know Andy Powers did a complete makeover of the maple (6) line for Taylor ... John Kinnaird nailed my maple/Cedar OVERLORD. It is a cannon and has a Ton of bass. And all the notes are FAT. And Maple is such a beautiful wood! Salud Paul |
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