Build Thread-Iris Guitar Company Smeck-Videos Posted.
 

Iris Guitar Company is a fairly new outfit out of Vermont consisting of a partnership of Adam Buchwald and Dale Fairbanks. Adam also owns Circle Strings Guitars and of course Dale owns Fairbanks Guitars. They have teamed up to make more budget friendly guitars based on the classics. This is the first Smeck inspired model coming from Iris Guitars and I’m grateful they are doing it for me. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a Professional Gigging Musician like myself (well, Pre-Virus) to get a high quality instrument from a small builder at a price that won’t break the bank.

Things are just getting started!

Good luck with your build! I know the quality will be outstanding. If you haven't heard it already, Michael Bashkin just did a really interesting with Adam on his "Luthier on Luthier" podcast. https://luthieronluthier.libsyn.com/

Thanks, I did get a chance to hear it!
Very cool!

Hi Pat,
That should be a very nice instrument!

They're almost done building a guitar for a very good friend of mine, Andy Pitt, who lives in Montpelier.

It's should be done within a couple of weeks. Last I saw it the finish was done, but perhaps needed rub out, etc. Then it's a matter of the bridge and the set up.

He's very excited!

Regards,
Howard Emerson

I’ll bet he is! Thanks, Howard.
Here is an update:

Dale Fairbanks is a genius. Smecks are awesome!

Thanks for sharing this build with us!

I'm a fan of the work of both Dale and Adam. I'm looking forward to following the process of your guitar.

Thanks, John! Sending you good thoughts on your healing journey.

Was waiting for them to start showing this off. This is gonna be killer. I'm glad you're doing it, too, cuz then I don't have to ;-)

Iris guitars are insanely great for the money.

I know, right? :D

Thank you! Today is day 14 post prostate cancer surgery. I'm taking my days one step at a time, and today plan on stepping 8 miles.

Get better fast!
 

John, Eight miles is a good long walk! Heal well and fully...

Smeck style instruments are very powerful and the tone on this should be great!

Tell us about the woods and neck, etc!

Looking forward to more!

Paul

I’ve got a Fairbanks Super Smeck in the world. Looking forward to it. My Fairbanks SJ is fantastic.

A Fairbanks Super Smeck?!? Be still my heart. I've played the original (Gibson only ever made one Super Smeck) and Dale's (then) only clone. Fantastic guitars, both.

You might consider moving the Super Smeck on to a worthy owner. :)

They only ever made one? I didn't know that. That makes it even cooler. Naturally, I'll have it sent directly to you since I'm most definitely NOT worthy.

Anyway, back to THIS particular Smeck. Smeck on!