Build Thread – McKnight HighLander

[matt1992]

[matt1992]

In My opinion this wood choices looks soooo FINE!!! Thank you!

[Nemoman]

I agree about the wood choices--looking so good!

[Tim McKnight]

I received a private PM that I thought I would share here.

"Hi Tim,
I was wondering why you added the 4 extra dark strips on the back of the ziricote guitar. Are they additional protection against cracking. I have heard that ziricote is more prone to cracking from humidity changes than other woods."


My response"
Yes, Zircote has a reputation of cracking. When we exhibited at Healdsburg in the late 90's or early 2000's there were 3 Zircote guitars which cracked DURING the show. Granted the conditions were brutally dry in that venue but I did witness it and it made quite a few of us take notice. The show promoters brought in some portable humidifiers but its was too little and too late.

Since then I have added very thin cross grain reinforcement strips (mostly to Zircote) and have yet to have any of those guitar backs crack. The black strips on this guitar are made from African Blackwood. The sides are doubled so there is no chance they will crack. Humidity doesn't seem to be as much of a problem as drying conditions. This guitar is going to be shipped to more humid conditions on the other side of the globe so that climate is better suited for Zircote than say Arizona or Africa. BTW, those additional strips don't negatively damp the back vibrations or affect the tone.

You might also notice that I am spraying sealer on the inside of the back, sides (and top). The sealer doesn't completely stop moisture exchange with surrounding conditions but it does drastically slow down that exchange. Its rapid changes that adversely effect wood movement but if wood is allowed to slowly acclimate to its surroundings then slower movement usually isn't as much of a concern and the wood is able to adapt to those slower changes more easily.

[jjhturbo]

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Yes, Zircote has a reputation of cracking. When we exhibited at Healdsburg in the late 90's or early 2000's there were 3 Zircote guitars which cracked DURING the show. Granted the conditions were brutally dry in that venue but I did witness it and it made quite a few of us take notice. The show promoters brought in some portable humidifiers but its was too little and too late.

Since then I have added very thin cross grain reinforcement strips (mostly to Zircote) and have yet to have any of those guitar backs crack. The black strips on this guitar are made from African Blackwood. The sides are doubled so there is no chance they will crack. Humidity doesn't seem to be as much of a problem as drying conditions. This guitar is going to be shipped to more humid conditions on the other side of the globe so that climate is better suited for Zircote than say Arizona or Africa. BTW, those additional strips don't negatively damp the back vibrations or affect the tone.

You might also notice that I am spraying sealer on the inside of the back, sides (and top). The sealer doesn't completely stop moisture exchange with surrounding conditions but it does drastically slow down that exchange. Its rapid changes that adversely effect wood movement but if wood is allowed to slowly acclimate to its surroundings then slower movement usually isn't as much of a concern and the wood is able to adapt to those slower changes more easily.

Thanks for sharing, Tim! Your wealth of knowledge and insight is tremendous. Keep up the amazing work. Best to you and Mary!

[Mary]

We welcome questions as the customers of our guitars might have the same questions but they didn't cross their mind so they wouldn't know to ask. The one thing Tim and I have learned is to never say never. We are all students. Think back in your golden school ages. I have been in many school lounges where teachers are talking about something an average grade student said. The staff often openly admits they gain a a higher education from the students. Sometimes as much or more than the students learn from the teachers.

We appreciate you being aware of the things you see us do to make our guitars what they area. We all can gain the knowledge. Just like many of us did at the California guitar show that we loved attending. The other luthiers taught us something from their own experiences. Tim still sometimes tweaks something on our spec guitars to see if he wants to begin doing something new that our custom build so customers can receive the gain.

Because of your question Matt now knows an answer he would have not thought to inquire about. Thank you!

[matt1992]

these pictures get me excited everyday!! Thank you Mary and Tim

[Tim McKnight]

Sorry for the delay. I started to cut the binding channels last week and my binding channel cutting bit was dull so I attempted to sharpen it (big mistake). In the process I ruined the router bit so I had to order a new one which arrived yesterday so we are back up to speed again. Just another example of “stuff happens”.

[canuck7]

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Sorry for the delay. I started to cut the binding channels last week and my binding channel cutting bit was dull so I attempted to sharpen it (big mistake). In the process I ruined the router bit so I had to order a new one which arrived yesterday so we are back up to speed again. Just another example of “stuff happens”.

I thought I was the only one who did that!!

[Mary]

Originally Posted by canuck7

I thought I was the only one who did that!!

We can probably give lessons on how not to sharpen tools shop tools. We are back in gear now. Pretty exciting to be back in the shop and hearing the sanders, vacuum and ... noise.

[Mary]

Commercial break:

McJam - June 24 and 25, 2022

The #15 McJam is coming this June and you can help us celebrate our 30 years as McKnight Guitars. I am now seeking donations as door prizes from any business or individual.

You can send your choice of any item(s) and your business card so we can advertise for you. No item is too big or to small. It may be new or slightly used. What can you share with us? Everyone enjoys a freebie!

I am always looking for something, which need not be musically inclined, so we can educate the McJammers and share in the information and lessons we each learn.

Contact me ([email protected]) anytime before June 15 so I know your item is on the way.

[Mary]

The neck is ready for attention.







Sanding for the proper fit. The neck slides back and forth manually on sand paper. Tim adds a little muscle to it.










Measuring the fit for the fretboard. Checking the fit once, twice, thrice ...