I first started talking to John in 2008, in part because of the posts from fellow member, Jim Magill. I've played many examples of his work over the years, but it wasn't until 2016 that I received my first Circa - my beloved Adi/Madi OM.
I commissioned two additional Circas a few years ago with the firm belief that John Slobod was/is making the best vintage Martin replicas available today. Since my tastes are firmly rooted in that tradition, having started to evolve in 2012 after many visits to Schoenberg Guitars, it seemed like a great idea to queue a couple of builds with John to satisfy my passion for the vintage Martin sound in its various manifestations.
While I had many ideas for what to do on these additional slots, it wasn't until I played one of John's maple 000s two years ago that it became clear to me what I really wanted in my next build. John delivered a German spruce and maple 000-12 (non cutaway) to Schoenberg last year that so thoroughly blew me away that I decided to commission its cutaway-equipped twin. My review of that Circa can be found here. It was quickly snatched up by someone who I believe may have read the review.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=451997
Although I generally prefer red spruce, John felt very stiff German spruce would be a good pairing with maple. I wouldn't want to go against his advice. To me, the 000-12c is a fantastic guitar because it has the punch of presence of an OM but with a deeper bass and more girth.
Body: 000-12 with cutaway
Top: German spruce (Slobod "killer" grade)
Back and Sides: Euro maple (also Slobod "killer" grade)
Neck: One piece mahogany
Headstock: Slotted
Neck Profile: Medium C
Tuning Machines: Waverly
Frets: EVO Gold 55090
Bridge: Ebony pyramid
Fingerboard: Ebony
Binding: Ivoroid
Purfling and center strip: Style 28 center strip and herringbone top purfling
Nut spacing: 3 7/16"
Saddle spacing: 5 37/38"
Case: Hoffee
Here are some photos of the German spruce top, which is super stiff across and along the grain. Very tight grain spacing.
And the European maple, still rough sanded, but the flame comes through nicely.
