The Acoustic Guitar Forum - Build Thread - McKnight Mini Mac (SJ) !

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Build Thread - McKnight Mini Mac (SJ) !

It actually has been a while since I've ordered this guitar from Tim. Back in 2019, I talked to Tim about building a custom guitar and was surprised by his knowledge and the beautiful art pieces exhibited on his website. So I decided to make one my own.

However, the covid-19 has made several changes to my life and I have to move back and forth. In that case, I was unable to continue the plan with Tim...

Luckily, things are getting fine this year. So we got back in touch, and now I am getting my first custom guitar ever this spring!

Here are some specs of the guitar:

Straight grain cocobolo B&S
1950 Vintage Redwood Top
Mini Mac body shape (close to an SJ)

I would also love to share a picture of the maple rosette we pick together!

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

It's always an enjoyment to talk to Tim and Mary. They are so patient people that will explain every single detail you asked about the guitar, from the damping theory of woods to the design ideas behind bindings.

In addition to that, there are always billions of pictures posted by Marry every day that make me feel engaged in the project (even though I am actually doing nothing but sitting in my office).

https://i.imgur.com/oDWe7aJ.jpg

Congrats on your build! And very cool rosette...

But come on--we're gonna need to see a pic of the back and sides! :D

Yow. Substitute LS for the '50s redwood, and you have my first build with Tim and Mary from 2008, right down to the spalted-maple rosette and cutaway. If your build comes even remotely close to what Tim created then, you're gonna love it.

Congrats on your build. Enjoy your journey with Tim and Mary. Can't say enough good things about the Mini-Mac. I cherish mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eire (Post 6905917)

Hi Kurt! Some of the conversations Phillip and I have about the guitar is much like yours and mine. You both have a nice design eye.

Now the back and sides are together! More updates are on the way!!

I am out of words describing how I love the color of the cocobolo!

https://i.imgur.com/JmRy1bs.jpg

Cocobolo really is a beautiful wood. It's a funny word to hear little kids say.

I have learned to wait a few hours to enter the shop after Tim has spent his morning with this wood. Past experiences have taught me to use wisdom. I know after the dust has settled I can spend the rest of the day in the wood shop. By the time Tim has added a few coats of spray to give it a mirror finish this guitar will be safe in your hands. It am sure it will bring joy to your heart for many years.

Cocobolo has such a sweet "almost" cinnamon fragrance. I'm not in there while he is sanding, but the oil's in cocobolo allow that sweet fragrance to linger in the air.

I like it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilipY (Post 6905728)

That's a great story! You sound like you've known the McKnights for a long time. Have you been to a McJam?

I understand your challenges all too well. Sadly, I don't think I'll ever be able to commission a guitar with them - though they've indulged me for the last 15 years. I count many of their guitars as several of the ones that got away and the two that are currently in production give me that pang of not quite GAS but longing. Cocobolo sure is pretty and I've often wondered how it would pair with cedar or lutz, though redwood is a good choice as well.

OTOH, to borrow one of my 81 year old mother's phrases: "I'd love be a fly on the wall" and envy Mary almost as much since she gets to not only see the work but experience all five senses involved in the process.

Sorry Mary, I couldn't resist! FWIW I LOVE the smell of cedar and will take your word for it on cocobolo.

With that said, as with every other McKnight build I will be watching this one with great interest and am excited to share this journey with you.

Just to add more pictures to the thread!

The redwood top
https://i.imgur.com/P2vxKWy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eYpqEGh.jpg

The bindings are being bent!
https://i.imgur.com/5E2OMYK.jpg

I have been busy these days and Tim is finishing his art so fast. To my eyes, it's almost done, and I realized that the guitar is even more attractive in looking when it actually comes out

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

Here just a pic for the B&S
https://i.imgur.com/nVUOEma.jpg

and this is the top
https://i.imgur.com/iWmK6Bk.jpg

Your build is looking awesome so far!

Speaking as someone with a cocobolo/tunnel 14 redwood guitar, I know you are going to love this wood combination!

Commercial break:

McJam - June 24 and 25, 2022

The #15 McJam is coming this June and you can help us celebrate our 30 years as McKnight Guitars. I am now seeking donations as door prizes from any business or individual.

You can send your choice of any item(s) and your business card so we can advertise for you. No item is too big or to small. It may be new or slightly used. What can you share with us? Everyone enjoys a freebie!

I am always looking for something, which need not be musically inclined, so we can educate the McJammers and share in the information and lessons we each learn.

Contact me ([email protected]) anytime before June 15 so I know your item is on the way.

Our little girl with her little girl - It's always a welcomed moment to take a kid break. Adrianne is not making a guitar at this time but she does have one "The TREE" she has finished and is ready to sell if there are any interested parties. Just let Tim know.

https://i.imgur.com/QJfoCu3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0PZrP99.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zAAUz8K.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8IjHtLU.jpg

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