Kerry Char - 000 - Pernambuco & Moon Spruce
 

Building a Keeper

This is my first build thread, but I am a long-time AGF’er. Be gentle with me!

Along with being a big fan of vintage instruments, I’ve been blessed with many wonderful builders in my life – Frankie Montuoro, John Greven, Robert Steinegger, Nick Kukich…and Kerry Char. This is my third build with Kerry, the Portland, Oregon, namesake of Char Lutheries. He’s probably best known for his restoration work (he’s among the best in the country) and his authentic recreations of steel string and other instruments. He’s a world-class uke maker as well. I’m also honored to call him a good friend.

Kerry is probably in his prime as a builder right now, having crafted 400 or more guitars in his career, on top of his other instruments.

For this build, I wanted something different. A keeper. Like most of us, I’ve flipped way too many guitars over the years as I find what I like and what fits my body as I age. I’ve now settled on 12-fret designs and very light builds. For this particular build, I asked Kerry to make me a 12-fret 000 – probably my favorite size – but with something different in woods. I also wanted a very light and resonant build.

Step one – wood selection.
I’m a fan of traditional and elegant woods most of the time, but was hoping for something different. Out we went to Kerry’s wood locker as he’d just landed something special that might fit. Among the marvelous Koa (he’s from Hawai’i), rosewoods, mahoganies, ebonies and other fabulous selections, he pulled out two sets of Pernambuco. I picked one of the two sets and a marvelous top of Moon spruce that was so creamy and the tone tap was fabulous. Lots of chatoyance, which my photos don't show well here...but here goes.

Looking forward to watching this! So glad you are going to have a new toy soon!

That Permabuco looks outstanding:D

I too have been thinking about a "built to the point of implosion" 12 fret 000 - probably with a cutaway and mahogany.

I love Kerry's work.

More photos of early build
 

I forgot to add that this build is loosely based on a 1920s Martin 000, with slotted headstock and 24.9" scale.

Woods: Canadian Moon Spruce, Pernambuco B&S, Cocobolo binding and recreation of a 1920s zipper back strip.

Bob

Thanks for starting the thread, Bob.

That set of Pernambuco looks amazing!

Choice wood selection. Congrats and thanks for posting your build.

Thanks for sharing and congrats on the new build! Love the selections!

Char Build, part 2
 

The build is almost finished, so I need to move on with a few more photos of progress during the 8-month build. Like many luthiers, Kerry makes 2-3 guitars of similar size during a build. He typically makes about 15-20 guitars, ukes and now a harp guitar in any given year.

Some more shots of woods, building the top and back, and materials used to make the purfling. This purfling was based on a 1920s 000 and was hand assembled into the finished product from 5-6 separate pieces.

Kerry Char - 000 - Pernambuco & Moon Spruce
 

I took in a char guitar on a trade, knowing nothing about it. It has become one of my favorites. It’s a Larson mauer replica, very lightly built, enveloping bass and balanced.

Nice!!!
 

Lots of love for Pernambuco around the CS lately! For good reasons no doubt!!!

This looks like a Fab axe coming. Enjoy it in great health and spirits

Salud

Paul

Char Build, part 3
 

Due to Covid, I wasn't able to be present for every build step, but between updates from Kerry and a few socially respectful visits, was able to keep up on the build...a ray of sunshine during a tough 2020 for everyone.

Here are a few more process steps...towards what will be a 12-fret, 000, slot headstock, magnificent Cocobolo binding and bridge. Specs are 24.9" scale, 2-5/16" spacing and 1-3/4" nut width.

I've included a few photos with the first couple coats of lacquer, with more finish photos to come.

Happy Easter.

Wow - that's really taking shape - going to be beautiful!

Looking really good! :up:

Coming together nicely, love that orange color under finish. Having never played a pernambuco guitar, can you tell us what you're expecting tonewise once this is strung up....

Pernambuco tone - I'll defer to the master luthiers
 

Thanks for the question about tone. From what I've read and listened to (primarily from Bruce Sexauer's web site), I would expect the tone to be clear and articulate. I'll let somebody else here weigh in on their experience. I'll do a NGD later this week when I receive the guitar.

The top is a unique piece of spruce that was compared to a similarly special Englemann and Lutz. I'd expect the guitar to come in well under 4 pounds.

Happy Easter and spring. Here's to a more normal coming 12 months!

Bob