Build Thread, Osthoff Prototype

[John Osthoff]

I decided to start a build thread based on a “prototype” guitar that I am building for an AGF member Chris Ruble. This new model is still evolving and even though Chris has a couple of Osthoff guitars already, he decided to commission this guitar adding to his collection based on speculation that this new model will complement his playing style. Thanks Chris for putting that faith in me. In a recent e-mail Chris referred to his Osthoff Slope Dread, “I think you are going to have a tough time building a better sounding guitar than the SD... It is an awesome fingerstyle guitar,” so I have a challenge in front of me, but I am up for it.

Anyway here goes.

The story of this new model is referred to a bit over in this thread so I won’t repeat all those details here.

Here is the outline we started with. Of course the rectangle for the bridge is just a “placeholder”




Some of the design parameters were shown in the other thread, but I will repeat them here

• Spruce top (not sure on species yet )
• Indian Rosewood back and Sides
• Ebony fingerboard and bridge.
• My own designed titanium truss rod
• Carbon fiber reinforced neck
• Recessed Trussrod cover
• Laminated Side Construction (ala Somogyi)
• Carbon fiber reinforced neck and tail blocks
• Modified neck joint (bolt on)
• Mahogany back braces (not sure if it will have an X-brace on back or not)
• Symmetrical top bracing
• Venetian Cutaway
• Possibly a hybrid finish (more to come on that later)
• K&K pure Classical Pick-up
• Other typical stuff, logo, side fretmarkers, binding purflings etc.
  

Kevin A (another AGF member) did a “quick” rendering of a potential look of what this guitar might look like. Although we have not finalized all the parameters this is nice way of getting a sneek-peek of some of the possibilities.




Even though we have made some progress and I have got a lot of pictures, I need to process them and get them uploaded but right now I should get into the shop. More to come.

[DamianL]

If I was ordering this lovely looking thing I would be tempted to make it a 13 fretter...but then I always think that about guitars with wide bodies and cutaways...

(and the cutaway would ensure that not much would be missed in playability...)

[John Osthoff]

Originally Posted by DamianL

If I was ordering this lovely looking thing I would be tempted to make it a 13 fretter...but then I always think that about guitars with wide bodies and cutaways...

(and the cutaway would ensure that not much would be missed in playability...)

That idea of the 13 fretter has occurred to me and I am glad you suggested and brought that up , I think I will run that question over in the New Model, Input requested thread

[John Osthoff]

These are the sides prior to bending. The two pieces on the bottom and the top of the photo will be the outside of the guitar



Here are the bending forms that will also double as the laminating fixtures



Here is the shot of the bender … in its current configuration and upgrade on that is in the works



Getting ready for the side lamination requires a number of clamps.



Here is a look at the non-cutaway side in the laminating fixture.



And a look of the cutaway side in the laminating fixture.

[Ruble]

This is really cool...

John and I are talking a lot about binding/purfling options... Anybody have any great ideas?

[ericcsong]

can't wait for this one! Chris, can't believe we are both in VA and haven't connected yet!

[Ruble]

Eric,

I have looked at several of your threads about NoVA get togethers but haven't been able to makevthe dates work.

I would love to try out your guitars... Especially that baritone coming up

Chris

[John Osthoff]

I had to get back to work on a 000 that I am just finishing up, but I did manage to get a the sides out of the molds before switch back to the 000

Here are a couple more shots from the shop:





Here you can see how well these sides "hold" their shape:







Sometimes the rim will get a "ripple" going accross the side. As you can see from this shot, things really came out nice and straight.





Here is a couple of shots of the sides in the "building mold"

[Tim McKnight]

Are double sides new for you John?

[John Osthoff]

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

Are double sides new for you John?

Yup, this is my first "try." I hate to say it, but there may be no turning back.

[Ruble]

How much weight is added to the guitar by using double sides?

Chris

[John Osthoff]

Originally Posted by Ruble

How much weight is added to the guitar by using double sides?

Chris

~ 26 grams (less than an ounce)

[riorider]

John, Chris - nice and thanks for sharing. I'll follow with glee!

Binding and purfling thoughts... with EIR and spruce you have the option of jazzing it up a bit if you wish.. at least in my mind putting too much figured wood on an already highly-figured B&S set could clash. Here you have the options of going in the "elegant" minimalist direction, or way out as far as you want to go!

For minimalist, something like a thin light purfling line (maple, satinwood, koa) and an ebony binding is very elegant.

For way out, spalted maple with black/maple/black purfling, or figured koa, or snakewood -- cool!

I've seen guitars made with light contrasty bindings around the body, fretboard, and headstock, and something for me didn't click. Since then I've seen several with ebony fretboard binding and light binding on the body and headstock and I like how that fits together and doesn't seem to conflict. And it may be just me but I've always preferred darker fretboard binding!

Some nice wood inlay on the top might be nice as well, depending on the binding scheme you guys pick...

Best!

Phil

[Trevor M]

John,

That's looking great.

Re bindings I am personally very fond of Amboya burl purflings with dark (ebony or rosewood) bindings.

[Gerald Sheppard]

Looks great John!