Kostal Modified Dreadnought The Tree/German/Wedge - Page 5

guitarsanyone · #61 12-24-2010, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

You could try that, although Ervin's bracing has constantly evolved through 40 years of building and what you'd see in an older guitar would not be the same as in today's instruments. It's not really a case of proprietary bracing, more the process itself and methodology behind it as pertains to THIS particular instrument.

Of course Jason Kostal uses the same techniques as his teacher, but that doesn't mean he's looking for the same results.

There are many luthiers who would be less than happy to see the insides of their work splashed over the internet and I can fully respect that.

I think your plan has one fatal flaw though, once you'd bought your second-hand Somogyi guitar (of any period) it would be a real challenge to give it back when the three days were up!

You are probably right about the giving it back after three days.

If Kevin Ryan is okay openly showing his bracing, and Kevin is about as proprietary as they get, should not be a big deal either way.

DamianL · #62 12-24-2010, 05:51 AM

I haven't had any hands-on experience of Ryan's new bracing but I really do love the way it looks!

Michael Watts · #63 12-24-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhistlingFish

Why bother? For any aspiring luthier, surely it's far more important to gain an understanding of their materials and the mechanics of what's driving the top.

The vast majority of modern guitars don't depart significantly from Martin's standard "X" brace and the two tone bars below it. That being the case, why is that guitars with such a bracing layout span the range from OK to stellar. I'm sure the results would vary to the same degree if luthiers lacking Somogyi's skills and knowledge were simply to cut across to his current bracing layout.

Very well put.

moga · #64 01-04-2011, 02:31 PM

I met with Jason on new year's eve for few hours.

EricSong invited me to see him. They are visiting their family in Falls Church, va..yey.. we are blessed.

He explained lots of stuffs on tops and wood, Mr.Somogyi, guitar...

I am confidence that he can build player's guitar. (he also a great guitar player, so he knows what player really wants).

I should visit his and Mr.Somogyi's shop sometimes before Jason finishes his apprenticeship ..

Michael Watts · #65 01-04-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moga

I met with Jason on new year's eve for few hours.

EricSong invited me to see him. They are visiting their family in Falls Church, va..yey.. we are blessed.

He explained lots of stuffs on tops and wood, Mr.Somogyi, guitar...

I am confidence that he can build player's guitar. (he also a great guitar player, so he knows what player really wants).

I should visit his and Mr.Somogyi's shop sometimes before Jason finishes his apprenticeship ..

Jason really is a great player and he has been absolutely incredible to work with throughout this build.

You should definitely get out to visit him, are you coming to Healdsburg this summer?

moga · #66 01-04-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

Jason really is a great player and he has been absolutely incredible to work with throughout this build.

You should definitely get out to visit him, are you coming to Healdsburg this summer?

Yes, i am planning to go there.. My aunt lives 1 exit down(santa rosa)..

see you there

~

Michael Watts · #67 01-05-2011, 03:53 AM

Yes indeed you will!

ericcsong · #68 01-06-2011, 10:38 AM

I wanted to take time and say that I had a chance to spend a few hours with Jason and he is a top notch guy, player, and builder. He is one of the upcoming builders that you really have to watch for! The biggest thing for me about Jason is that he is an accomplished player as well. He will build a guitar then play it and then go back to building again to compliment his playing. He knows what he is looking for in a build and that will translate to the consumer because they are players as well!

He also told me that since he is building guitars with Ervin, the only two people you can go to now if you want the current Somogyi voicing is either Ervin or him!

Jason is also very kind to take time out of his personal vacation time to visit with me. I emailed him a few weeks back and he said he'd be in my area for vacation and we were able to meet New Years eve. But what a joy it was to meet him. He was able to listen to me play and was able to play my guitars as well. He said one thing after playing my "go-to" guitar. he played, let the notes die out, then he paused and said, "I get it".

Its hard to find someone who gets your playing style and gets it. Its even harder to find a builder who gets it as well. And its even harder to find someone who gets it and builds for/with Somogyi. Jason seems to be that man!

Michael, congrats on your build and thanks for taking time to share your thoughts with me via pm. I am still talking with Jason and hope to decide soon whether or not to take the plunge!

Huckleberry · #69 01-12-2011, 04:51 AM

Michael, if your Kostal sounds anything like the Somogyi at TAMCO, you're in for a real treat!

Michael Watts · #70 01-12-2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huckleberry

Michael, if your Kostal sounds anything like the Somogyi at TAMCO, you're in for a real treat!

Newsflash! Ervin Somogyi makes incredible guitars! who knew?!

Michael Watts · #71 01-18-2011, 04:13 AM

So, new pics just arrived! Jason had told me that having routed the binding channels he had seen the mahogany bordered by the ebony underneath and had had to sit down and just look at it for a while...

Now the binding is in place the mahogany is really popping

The box complete with binding and rosette is haunting my every waking moment!

Butt-wedge time next and then the neck!

I am really quite excited at this stage!

riorider · #72 01-18-2011, 08:56 AM

Michael, that is looking very sweet!!

Best,

Phil

Huckleberry · #73 01-18-2011, 09:49 AM

Not too shabby

ericcsong · #74 01-18-2011, 10:22 AM

Michael, wow wow wow! looks awesome! I have to have one!

Michael Watts · #75 01-20-2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riorider

Michael, that is looking very sweet!!

Best,

Phil

Thanks Phil! Yes, it's looking rather tasty! I'm looking forward to seeing the neck on, then it's just a question of screwing a bigsby into the top and a P-90 at the neck and I'm good to go! ahem, or maybe not...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huckleberry

Not too shabby

Yes indeed! Looking forward to your build from Mike Baranik!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericcsong

Michael, wow wow wow! looks awesome! I have to have one!

Yes you do! And look at that, you will!

Fantastic news Eric, congratulations!