Joel Michaud Build Thread

[Brendan688]

About a year ago I decided to upgrade my one and only guitar. I didn't know much about it and I found this forum. Originally wanted a Taylor, and was considering the BTO route. Several people convinced me to look into a luthier build, which I honestly never thought I would really consider. After contacting several builders, I found that I connected most with Joel Michaud of Calgary.
We've emailed many times over the past year, discussing different design ideas and options. I met Joel in person at the Woodstock guitar show. I must say that it was a major relief to try his instruments. They looked fantastic but sound wise I was going on reviews and clips online. I was a bit nervous, but the two he had at the show were amazing. I wanted to run out with them!
Last night I got the first build pics from Joel! It's almost a reality. Since this forum convinced me to go this route, only fair that I keep you updated.
This will be an OM-R size, with Joel's scoop cutaway, manzar wedge, sound port. Joel is adding a K&K mini pickup during the build. I never use electronics, but I'd rather have it installed now than want it in a few years.

Sinker Redwood Top


Walnut Back/Sides


Graf Tuners with Snakewood Buttons


For the neck, we went with Walnut, with a neck inlay. The bindings will be wenge. The neck and bridge are going to be ebony, so as not to take away from the Sinker top.

And finally; here they all are together


I'll be keeping this updated as it progresses. Big thanks to all that have advised me along the way, especially Marcus

[TomB'sox]

Congrats on the start of your build! I remember the early process and the choices you were faced with not only Taylor vs. luthier, but looking at different luthier's etc. It probably seemed like an eternity to wait, but it worked out great, you are happy with your choice AND more importantly got to meet Joel at Woodstock and play his guitars. That is the biggest thing that made the wait completely worthwhile for so many reasons.

It will come out great.

[Towzer]

wow that should be a fine sounding guitar

[RogerC]

This will be a really nice build! I've been looking over his website a lot lately, and his aesthetic sense really appeals to me.

[stuartb]

Another Canadian builder on the forum. Great stuff. Wood looks wonderful!

Stuart

[Marcus Wong]

Congratulations Brendan! I've been waiting for this thread for quite a while I'm sorry to say however, that the real wait starts now looking forward to the subsequent updates!

[Blitz49]

As a future Michaud owner congrats on the start of your build, it is going to be fun watching as Joel works his magic!

[J.R. Rogers]

Hello, Brendan and thank you so much for sharing the build pics with us. Joel is an outstanding luthier and every one of his instruments that I've played have impressed me. I also like that he's worked to incorporate the work of other artists in his craft, building some amazing pieces. I'm looking forward to the progress of this build.

JR

[CoolerKing]

Awesome! I'm really looking forward to following along.

[nootis]

I really like the looks of the redwood you chose. I was lucky enough to play Marcus' guitar in Memphis as well as the "metal" guitar Joel had there. Superb materials, superb guitars, superb luthier... Looking forward to this one as well.

[Michael Watts]

Congratulations! Joel is an amazing builder and we're very proud to represent him!

I have no doubt your guitar will be absolutely stellar ad I look forward to watching this thread develop

[Brendan688]

An update yesterday, the sides are being bent into shape; here they are ready to start:


Not sure what this thing is, but it looks cool with dials and buttons...I did tell Joel I wanted a fog machine and laser show built in, assuming that might be it:



And finally here they are all bent out of shape:

[JJI]

You really are gettin something wonderful.

[BBWW]

I'm loving this one.

[GaultierRedon14]

Congratulations on your choice of builder and materials! This one will be a classic!