John and I had one of many long conversations we've had over the years today. He's fun to talk to and generous with his time. We nailed down the final specs for my guitar, which he will start as soon as the backstrip arrives.
For the most part, it will be a Style 30/34 hybrid, with a few minor changes for my specific tastes.
Model: OM with Venetian cutaway
Top: Red spruce
Back and sides: Madagascar rosewood
Rosette: Style 34 with inner/outer rings and and a pearl in the middle
Backstrip: Style 30/34 (from Howard Klepper, thanks!)
Binding: Ivoroid
Purfling: Style 30/34 (from Howard Klepper, thanks!)
Back purfling: Black with maple line
Side purfling: None
Endgraft: Ivoroid, boxed with end pin
Neck: Solid mahogany, medium C profile with EVO gold fret wire (tall and wide!)
Headstock: Solid
Head plate: Dark Brazilian with torch inlay
Nut width: 1 3/4"
Saddle spacing: 2 5/16"
Fretboard inlay: Style 42 snowflake
Fretboard binding: Ivoroid
Head binding: Ivoroid with black/white line
Tuners: Nickel Waverly
Bridge: Ebony belly
Bridge pins: Bone
Pick guard: Small tear drop
Coffee case
I've given John no real input on the sound other than to ask him to build with his favorite vintage Martin inspired sound and response. And we have decided to build with no truss rod.
Here is a picture of the Madagascar rosewood set . . .
