Build Thread: Two Brondel D-1c's, A New Model . . . and an A-2 for Good Measure

[cokezero]

Here's the one I played. Played like butter.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by cokezero

Here's the one I played. Played like butter.

That was the guitar that sold me on Brondel. That, and the mahogany A-2c I bought at Schoenberg. That guitar was magical.

[iim7V7IM7]

Still love my ‘015 mahogany/adirondack A2...

[cokezero]

Originally Posted by justonwo

That was the guitar that sold me on Brondel. That, and the mahogany A-2c I bought at Schoenberg. That guitar was magical.

Yeah, definitely.

[CoolerKing]

All this figured hog a2c talk is dangerous. To my wallet.

[CoolerKing]

Ergonomics aside, which are substantial, that back/top arch makes a huge difference in the signature Brondel.sound. It's like a Sobell, but more continental.

[justonwo]

Here are some progress pics on the A-2 and D-1c. Laurent told me, by the way, that the capped braces enhance strength on his relatively thin backs. So there you have it . . .

Sitka spruce bracing on red spruce and koa back, red on everything else, silver German spruce on the back braces of the A-2.

Silver spruce on this back.





Red spruce braces on the top of this D-1c




Red spruce braces on the top of this A-2



Back of the A-2 clamped to the rim





Completed A-2 top ready to close the box





Premium wing nut



Closing the box on the A-2



D-1c top glued to the rim





Gluing the koa back on the D-1c





Kerfing klose up for kerf sniffers

[justonwo]

Completed D-1c top with red spruce braces





Closed box on the D-1c

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

Still love my ‘015 mahogany/adirondack A2...

You better! Because that’s awesome!

[CoolerKing]

Looking killer!

[justonwo]

Laurent decided to change the A-2 from his pared down "Essential" model to a full trim model.

[justonwo]

This A-2 is about to move onto pore filling and finish. Laurent will use his standard oil varnish finish. There are a couple of other luthiers using this finish, including Bruce Sexauer. Not only does it go on very thin, but I find it's a natural and elegant finish. I like the feel even more than nitro. To me, it's like a durable French polish.

Laurent is using tortoise celluloid bindings on this guitar along with ivoroid purflings. I think ivoroid makes really elegant purfling when used cross grain like this.

[iim7V7IM7]

Beautiful, understated, plain ole elegant...

[strumming]

I don't have words except "Wow!"

[justonwo]

The rim of the Brazilian D-1.