Hatcher Greta GA model gets a makeover

[Mark Hatcher]

Hello,

Here are some pics of the sides comming together. The neck block, end block, and kerf are glued into place;









Thanks!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Hello,

Here I'm setting up the top so I can start the voicing process. The first shot is the top mounted. The next two pictures are the initial rough carving of the braces. I try to get this all set up so it's ready first thing in the morning to do the final carving and voicing. More than anywhere else, the final voicing session is where the sound of the guitar is developed.







Thanks for following my thread!
Mark

[gstring]

Thank YOU for taking so much time to entertain, teach and tempt us.
I am watching this one closely.

daniel

[needspeed]

+1

Your work is looking great. Thank you for this detailed build thread.......Steve

[fransoos]

Originally Posted by gstring

Thank YOU for taking so much time to entertain, teach and tempt us.
I am watching this one closely.

daniel

+1,
Altough I do not post frequently, I always watching your building progress and enjoys it
very much.
Keep them coming Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Thanks Steve, Daniel, and Fransoos,

More pictures will be up soon!

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Hello,

I finished voicing the top today. The guitar top is now getting final inspection from the rest of the team. This is Enzo, my shop cat

[needspeed]

Great pic.......Thanks.....Steve

[gstring]

This Greta is truly the cat's meow !!

daniel

[Jeff Scott]

Very cool photo of Enzo! Got a matching car with the same name?

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

Very cool photo of Enzo! Got a matching car with the same name?

No Enzo car. One Enzo cat is enough!

One of the things you commonly see on even the most expensive guitars is what is called "black wood fiber" which is used for the fine lines you see in purfling and binding edges etc. I have had an increasing annoyance with "black wood fiber" because it isn't particularly "black" and it has a tendency to roll over when you sand it creating a bit of a ragged edge.
I'm splitting hairs here but, you can become a real detail wonk building guitars. The African Blackwood I'm using on this guitar is really dark and I'm using black ebony for the binding. "Black Wood Fiber" is just not going to cut it. My solution has been to put together a custom order for an upgrade and throw out my "Black Wood Fiber", replacing it with actual "black wood".
The bonus being a little cleaner edges. This is now my new standard for all guitar builds;

[mikealpine]

Fantastic use for a cat!! I'm gonna stuff a few in my guitars and see how that impacts the sound!! (PETA folks...only kidding)

Love that rosette!!

[gstring]

Deposit sent.
DgD

[Mark Hatcher]

Hello,

Here are some update pictures. I've laid out the lattice bracing, joined, and glued them up. I've also finished prepairing the sides for closing up the box.














Thanks for checking it out!
Mark

[ukejon]

OK.....someone make him stop. This guitar is just too frikkin' gorgeous! It arouses GAS in folks who are trying hard to deal with their malady.