Hatcher's Studio '19

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by GeoffStGermaine

Another stunning one! That Koa is ok...

-Geoff

Thanks, I think of Koa as the most exotic of the domestic woods.

Originally Posted by Lonzo

..neither can I ... want to hear it.
Am hooked by the beauty of it... that ambonia burl and that headstock, the all so fitting and matching tunerknobs... this to me is the best looking piece of acoustic art I’ve seen.... ok.. I am a wood guy... but that knocks it out of the park. A bespoke build I assume? ... I hope it is... else I need to check what‘s left or print some....

Thanks Lonzo! Those are my custom tuner buttons from the same burl the headplate came from. This is a custom build for a fairly light touch player so the top voicing and the choice of a very lightweight cedar top will give the guitar loads of response. Lonzo I do have a lot more of this Amboyna Burl...just say'n .

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

the two tone Amboyna Rosette on the Western Red Cedar top Is by far the most beautiful all wood rosette I have ever seen!
And the rest of the guitar is STUNNING!
Way to go!

Paul

Thanks Paul! I am really proud of that rosette too. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing more.

Thanks Again!
Mark

[Lonzo]

Hi Mark, have sent a PM... just sayin’ ��

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Lonzo

Hi Mark, have sent a PM... just sayin’ ��

Great! Thanks
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

The Koa Penelope has got the frets on and the neck is attached. I shot a few details as this guitar is coming together:



As you can see this has a satin finished neck which has a very nice feel. Cigarfan's enthusiasm for satin necks has definitely rubbed off on me and since doing his the majority of guitars coming out of my studio have them,



You can see the cross grained center strip hasn't change. It is Brazilian Rosewood in this case. I bordered it with Padauk purfling lines to add just a touch of red to the neck.

As is my way, another feature is a purfling line under the fretboard which also is Padauk:



That purfling line goes on under the nut and headstock overlay:



The neck is 200yr+ old Honduran Mahogany which is lightweight, stable, and is a nice color match with the Koa:



Thanks for Viewing!
Mark

[Nemoman]

I've got a satin neck on two of my guitars and really love them.

This one really looks special, Mark--keep up the great work!

[Stevied63]

Wow, just gorgeous!!

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Nemoman

I've got a satin neck on two of my guitars and really love them.

This one really looks special, Mark--keep up the great work!

Thanks Nemoman!

Originally Posted by Stevied63

Wow, just gorgeous!!

Thank you Steved63.

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

There is a lot of Brazilian Rosewood on this guitar used for components and trim. The binding, headstock back plate, heel cap, center cross grain neck laminate, and fretboard are BRW.
Today I made the BRW bridge. It starts with a selected blank and a pencil line:



The profile is cut out and I am using my new jig to cut the back slanted saddle slot:



The bridge top is then radiused to match the fretboard and it is sculpted into shape and sanded. This part may look tedious but, if you were actually looking over my shoulder here and could smell the aroma that comes off BRW when you work it, you'd likely be asking if you could help!:



Similar to how the saddle is tilted back I also tilt the end pins and the bridge is ramped up from the back. Here I am drilling out the initial end pin holes:



I'm pretty far along:



Thanks for following along!
Mark

[IBKuz]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

The profile is cut out and I am using my new jig to cut the back slanted saddle slot:

Mark, what is the bit you are using here? The tip looks to be what I would see on a drill bit, but the shaft is closer to the spiral on a cutting milling bit. I'm am assuming you are routing the slot here and not just drilling holes and clearing the material between manually.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by IBKuz

Mark, what is the bit you are using here? The tip looks to be what I would see on a drill bit, but the shaft is closer to the spiral on a cutting milling bit. I'm am assuming you are routing the slot here and not just drilling holes and clearing the material between manually.

Hi Ian, You’re correct, I am using a drill bit there. I am installing an 11/64ths thick saddle. I am drilling an 11/64ths hole on either end of the slot to set the floor depth and width of the slot. This also gives me nice round ends. I then come back with an 1/8” router bit to cut the slot using the holes as reference.

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

And on goes the bridge:



M

[Lonzo]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

I just got this "Tree" back and side set in to acclimate in my shop for a commission I will be starting in November:





I love that perfectly placed diamond shape figure in the middle of the back:



I won't even try to guess what TomB'sox can see in that shape

... I clearly see a dwarf.. pointed hat and beard, 2 short arms and legs

Anyway... what a set ... to dream of !

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Lonzo

... I clearly see a dwarf.. pointed hat and beard, 2 short arms and legs

Anyway... what a set ... to dream of !

That figure is crazy. I usually keep the woods for scheduled builds displayed on my back wall. Not this one, it is too much of a distraction!

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I have the Cedar/Koa Penelope strung up now and did a round of photos:





I particularly liked working working with the two toned Amboyna Burl on the headstock, tuner buttons, and rosette:









So far the guitar sounds great. It has a requested 1 7/8ths nut and 2 5/16ths saddle string spread which I find very comfortable to play.

I will try to get some sound clips up this week!

Mark

[DanR]

That guitar really resonates with my personal aesthetics. It is absolutely beautiful.