Build Thread, Osthoff Prototype
I decided to start a build thread based on a “prototype” guitar that I am building for an AGF member Chris Ruble. This new model is still evolving and even though Chris has a couple of Osthoff guitars already, he decided to commission this guitar adding to his collection based on speculation that this new model will complement his playing style. Thanks Chris for putting that faith in me. In a recent e-mail Chris referred to his Osthoff Slope Dread, “I think you are going to have a tough time building a better sounding guitar than the SD... It is an awesome fingerstyle guitar,” so I have a challenge in front of me, but I am up for it.
Anyway here goes. The story of this new model is referred to a bit over in this thread so I won’t repeat all those details here. Here is the outline we started with. Of course the rectangle for the bridge is just a “placeholder” http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...od/outline.jpg Some of the design parameters were shown in the other thread, but I will repeat them here
Kevin A (another AGF member) did a “quick” rendering of a potential look of what this guitar might look like. Although we have not finalized all the parameters this is nice way of getting a sneek-peek of some of the possibilities. http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...yrendering.jpg Even though we have made some progress and I have got a lot of pictures, I need to process them and get them uploaded but right now I should get into the shop. More to come. |
If I was ordering this lovely looking thing I would be tempted to make it a 13 fretter...but then I always think that about guitars with wide bodies and cutaways...
(and the cutaway would ensure that not much would be missed in playability...) |
Quote:
|
These are the sides prior to bending. The two pieces on the bottom and the top of the photo will be the outside of the guitar
http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...idesb4bend.jpg Here are the bending forms that will also double as the laminating fixtures http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...ndingmolds.jpg Here is the shot of the bender … in its current configuration and upgrade on that is in the works http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...mod/bender.jpg Getting ready for the side lamination requires a number of clamps. http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...oughclamps.jpg Here is a look at the non-cutaway side in the laminating fixture. http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...sidenoncut.jpg And a look of the cutaway side in the laminating fixture. http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...lamsidecut.jpg |
This is really cool...
John and I are talking a lot about binding/purfling options... Anybody have any great ideas? |
can't wait for this one! Chris, can't believe we are both in VA and haven't connected yet!
|
Eric,
I have looked at several of your threads about NoVA get togethers but haven't been able to makevthe dates work. I would love to try out your guitars... Especially that baritone coming up Chris |
I had to get back to work on a 000 that I am just finishing up, but I did manage to get a the sides out of the molds before switch back to the 000
Here are a couple more shots from the shop: http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images.../sidedone1.jpg http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images.../sidedone2.jpg Here you can see how well these sides "hold" their shape: http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...ldingshape.jpg http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...dingshape1.jpg http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...dingshape2.jpg Sometimes the rim will get a "ripple" going accross the side. As you can see from this shot, things really came out nice and straight. http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...destayflat.jpg Here is a couple of shots of the sides in the "building mold" http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...desinmold1.jpg http://www.osthoffguitars.com/images...desinmold2.jpg |
Are double sides new for you John?
|
Quote:
|
How much weight is added to the guitar by using double sides?
Chris |
Quote:
|
John, Chris - nice and thanks for sharing. I'll follow with glee!
Binding and purfling thoughts... with EIR and spruce you have the option of jazzing it up a bit if you wish.. at least in my mind putting too much figured wood on an already highly-figured B&S set could clash. Here you have the options of going in the "elegant" minimalist direction, or way out as far as you want to go! For minimalist, something like a thin light purfling line (maple, satinwood, koa) and an ebony binding is very elegant. For way out, spalted maple with black/maple/black purfling, or figured koa, or snakewood -- cool! I've seen guitars made with light contrasty bindings around the body, fretboard, and headstock, and something for me didn't click. Since then I've seen several with ebony fretboard binding and light binding on the body and headstock and I like how that fits together and doesn't seem to conflict. And it may be just me but I've always preferred darker fretboard binding! Some nice wood inlay on the top might be nice as well, depending on the binding scheme you guys pick... Best! Phil |
John,
That's looking great. Re bindings I am personally very fond of Amboya burl purflings with dark (ebony or rosewood) bindings. |
Looks great John!
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:10 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, The Acoustic Guitar Forum