Post-Build Thread: Froggy Bottom M - 1876 German / Figured Mahogany
 

This is a build thread for those of us with a generous bit of ADHD. You see, this guitar has been in the works for a loooong time (3-4 years) and now, the box is sitting in the living room! I haven't opened it. I have no idea what this guitar sounds like, though I have some vague idea of the appearance! Here are a few photos from along the way. . .


This guitar is an M Deluxe with Mahogany back and sides and a German spruce top. The top was actually logged in 1876. I don’t know the entire story, but I believe Michael purchased these tops many years ago from the legendary classical builder, Thomas Humphrey. I’ve had this top set aside for about 3 years.

I asked for “just mahogany” and got an email back from Michael with the headline “This good enough. . .?”*

https://i.imgur.com/JbgTrqFl.jpg

Yes, Michael . . . I suspect this may be “good enough” :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/DKhTPe1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6oBBXqu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ad1Q8Cn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SKvl47C.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Dy1kFQe.jpg


So why haven’t I un-boxed it?! Well, because I want you guys to come along for the ride. A friend will record this and I’ll post it here (late, late tonight or early tomorrow) for your amusement! See ya'll in a bit . . .

UPDATE:

Brian, congratulations...:up: I hope that it is everything you hoped for and then some.

Your story about the top coming to Michael from Thomas Humphrey reminds we of the story behind the German Spruce top that Nick Kukich used in my guitar. He bought the German Spruce tops in the 1980s from his friend classical guitar luthier Jeffrey Elliott. My top had a re-saw stamp dated “January 1968”. Old, but young compared to 1876...:)

Yaaaaasssss! Bring it...

NICE!!!!

I have a P12 and an H12... I'd love an M to round out the collection. I love how you are squeezing this build in before Michael rides off into the sunset.

I've never played a German topped Frog, but can only imagine how special yours will be.

Hopefully you can record with it and post a YouTube clip of it when you get it. I really dig some of your other clips on YT!!!!

Looking forward to the rest of the build!!!

Like a kid a Christmas!

Big grins! I am so happy for you my friend, the box should be openable by now right? We need look!

A fun way to introduce this beauty! I'll stay tuned and look for more today/tomorrow. Thanks for posting!!

What a stunning set of mahogany ... looking forward to the photos!

Very nice. I’ll enjoy seeing and hearing... My M is being built, it will ready in June.

"Good enough"--yeah, WOW!

But now you're just teasing us--last night and early this morning have come and gone...

Thanks for that. Nice, nice guitar. Hope we get to hear it soon!

Nice guitar. Congrats!

I’m not a big fan of the 80/20s either. I use either Pearse phosphor bronze, or DR Sunbeams when I want to crank up the richness and overtones.

So, lovely. I have alway loved the M shape. I can't wait to hear your video of it. Thanks for sharing!

hans

That’s lovely.

I’ve been running John Pearse Nuages on most of my guitars. My Froggy L sounds particularly good with them.

FWIW, I do videos for some school bands with my Nikon D750 and the files are enormous. I have to run them through a video conversion program and create a somewhat lower definition version to get them small enough to send electronically or save on many posting sites.