Build Thread – McKnight HighLander

[matt1992]

Greetings everyone. I am excited to journey with my first ever custom guitar with McKnight. I met Tim and Mary on a late night call and instantly felt so comfortable with them. The level of detail and patience they provide is second to none. After a few conversations, we finally managed to figure out the Specs as well as the design of the guitar. Little secret: Harvey Leach is doing the INLAYS!!!!!

Anyway, i will be taking you on my journey with Team Mcknight

Top: Andirondack
Back and sides: Zircote

[matt1992]

Tim kept this beautiful piece of Andirondack for 19 years :O omg. And he was willing to part ways with it. It sounded so good.


Zircote Back


Back & Sides


More .....


I was really going for a White cream look for the (Pure) look. While having a dark wood top. Just feels sexy! haha!

[Mary]

Matt, it is nice to see your McKnight custom build thread is up. We will be in touch with you as often as we can be concerning the McKnight guitar. Of course, you will see our number on your phone as there are times I'll text you a picture or two (or more) with questions and comments.

It's always fun for me to share pictures of Tim at his bench in the workshop. I understand there is a little boy side of you seeking the gift all packed and ready to open when it is completed. There are times you will wonder if the guitar will ever get to you. After it is in your hands you will glance back from time to time to know ALL those emails, text message and a phone calls went by fast. That's when I tell you we can start all over again if you want to put your name on the wait list again.

You hang in there. The members who have already had custom built guitars by us and by others remember their own excitement during many those many steps from conception to the delivery date. That's when the role reversal comes into play as luthiers are pleased to sit back and watch your McKnight guitar grow up with you.

To everyone who looks at the pictures Matt chooses to add to this thread, Tim, Matt and I thank you. We can assure him there are many who only look at guitars and threads and choose not to dig into conversation. However, I have seen his eyes gleam when he speaks of this guitar so I know Matt will be tickled to read your comments.

Enjoy the adventure, Matt. I lurk around here now and then, too.

[matt1992]

thank you Mary! you have been a blessing in helping me find what i really want. Without you, the inlay art work wouldnt have been possible. Im excited for the world to see it!

Anyway, today was kind of intresting. Got to choose my Zircote rosette. Guess which one i chose

[matt1992]

i chose #3. As i felt it was the most consistent in color and grain direction.

[Treenewt]

Matt, congrats on your new build with the McKnights! I met Tim and Mary several years ago at the IBMA festival in Raleigh, and they are truly wonderful folks! The woods you've chosen are top shelf, as well! Thanks for sharing the journey with us!

[matt1992]

hi Treenewt, yes. Mary and Tim are beyond Guitar Makers. They are such beautiful human beings. And thus, the experience of making my guitar felt so effortless. I hope others may get to experience what we have. It is truly something special.

[matt1992]

Body Style: Highlander - OM
Depth: 4.1" - 4.25"

back and sides: zircote
top: Andirondack
Rosette: green abelone
Top purfling: Green abelone
Body side binding: Macassar Ebony
Body binding side purfling: Maple

Neck wood: Honduras Mahogany
Neck truss rod: Two way truss rod
Neck profile: Std semi round
Nut width: 1-3/4"
Nut material: Bone
Nut color: Tea stained
Back of neck shaft finish: Satin
Neck strap button: Metal Gold
Neck heel cap: Macassar Ebony
String to FB edge spacing: Standard 3/32" inward
Fret Wire: Evo Gold
Fret end shape: Beveled ends

Headstock back inlay: Knight script, green Ab

Inlay: Harvey Leach

[cigarfan]

Superb choices Matt! Enjoy your journey because, as Mary said, it will seem that it goes by quite fast. You've picked a couple of the nicest people on earth to work with. I will be following along.

[Rodger]

You're in the best hands possible Matt. I've known the McKnights for about 15 years beginning with the 1st McJam (2007 ?). I hope you have plenty of computer storage as Mary will send you a deluge of photos!

Between my wife and I, we have 4 McKnight guitars. My wife has a Highlander (Adi/walnut).

That zircote looks amazing! And you can't go wrong with an Adirondack top.

Enjoy!

[Nemoman]

Looks like some awesome woods to start with--this will be a fun one to follow along!

[matt1992]

Thank you all for your generosity and heart felt comments. Today we have some more pictures from the shop I'd like to share.













Back and Sides are Bending as well

[matt1992]

Im so happy how to rosette turned out! Mary is a genius.



Sides of the guitar is coming into shape

[Treenewt]

Love that rosette, Matt. Going to be one heck of a guitar!

[Mary]

Matt gives Mary more credit than she deserves. Mary will admit it is Matt and Tim who are the geniuses.

But I'm glad you thought that, Matt.