McNally Dreadnought build - Adi/Mahogany. (pics)

[Coler]

I’m ordering a dread and I’m finding it hard to decide between Sitka on Mahogany, Adi on Mahogany, or either on EIR…

This guitar will be used for backing trad in pub/unplugged sessions/accompanying my own singing unplugged, or I’ll use a sound hole pickup.

Previously my favourite Dread was a D18 Modern Deluxe. Before that it was a D17M (also Sitka on mahogany) I own a 000-28 (Sitka on EIR obviously) and I do also love that guitar…but that said I always preferred my D18/D17M to any D28 I ever tried.

So I’m very much leaned towards Adi or Sitka on Mahogany…does anyone have any pointers on things to consider when making this decision? The cost differential is not an issue.,

[warfrat73]

It's really just personal preference.

Conventional wisdom, for whatever that's worth, is rosewood B&S more for rhythm, mahogany B&S more for lead and recording. Adi more power, sitka more warmth.

But there are lots of counter examples, and those are just averages.

[justonwo]

Hard to say. Depends on how the builder builds them and how active the backs are. In general, you’ll get more mids and fewer overtones from mahogany. I happen to like mahogany on those bigger guitars. Too many overtones can get in the way.

As for Adi vs Sitka, it probably comes down to the individual piece of wood. I tend to prefer Adirondack for the power and headroom, but it can be sweet and responsive, too.

If it were my guitar, mahogany for the back and sides and then Adi if the builder had a really exceptional piece of it. But it can be very personal.

[Coler]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

It's really just personal preference.

Conventional wisdom, for whatever that's worth, is rosewood B&S more for rhythm, mahogany B&S more for lead and recording. Adi more power, sitka more warmth.

But there are lots of counter examples, and those are just averages.

Originally Posted by justonwo

Hard to say. Depends on how the builder builds them and how active the backs are. In general, you’ll get more mids and fewer overtones from mahogany. I happen to like mahogany on those bigger guitars. Too many overtones can get in the way.

As for Adi vs Sitka, it probably comes down to the individual piece of wood. I tend to prefer Adirondack for the power and headroom, but it can be sweet and responsive, too.

If it were my guitar, mahogany for the back and sides and then Adi if the builder had a really exceptional piece of it. But it can be very personal.

Thanks guys, those are very helpful comments.

The builder here is a really top quality luthier so I think I’ll ask him to look at what he has in his cupboard and pick the best of his selection of sitka/Adi, and I am going to go for Mahogany back and sides. Going to be a really great guitar.

[Coler]

I'm just bumping this in celebration of having specced and paid for the guitar. Went with Adi/Mahogany and delivery is expected/hoped for in November, so, something very much to look forward to.

[Coler]

Getting real now - final spec signed off on. Might have it before Christmas.

[justonwo]

Good choice on woods! Any photos of the progress by chance?

[mikealpine]

I’m a dread fan, so looking forward to seeing this. Who is the builder?

[Coler]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Good choice on woods! Any photos of the progress by chance?

Thank you. No pics as such but in fairness I did not ask for them. Pretty sure there are se glimpses in Ciaran's social media though.

Originally Posted by mikealpine

I’m a dread fan, so looking forward to seeing this. Who is the builder?

Ciaran McNally (McNally Guitars). You couldn't ask for a nicer guy to deal with and I already know he makes stunning guitars. I love playing Irish built instruments.

https://instagram.com/mcnally_guitar...d=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by Coler

Thank you. No pics as such but in fairness I did not ask for them. Pretty sure there are se glimpses in Ciaran's social media though.



Ciaran McNally (McNally Guitars). You couldn't ask for a nicer guy to deal with and I already know he makes stunning guitars. I love playing Irish built instruments.

https://instagram.com/mcnally_guitar...d=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Not sure which is which, but they all look great!

[Coler]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Not sure which is which, but they all look great!

They surely do. A serious craftsman.

I did get some great pics of the early stages of the uild in my inbox there yesterday but I'll hold off posting for now. Just great to know that timber is starting to learn how to be a guitar.

[Dmeeg05]

Looking forward to seeing this one!

[Coler]

A couple of quick pics from the very start of the build - the back and sides. Nice pieces of Mahogany. I didn’t want heavily figured, personal preference. These are distinctive but low key

I know these will come up really nicely in the finish for Ciaran. He has some great videos explaining his attitude and approach to building including use of the CNC machine on his website https://mcnallyguitars.com/the-workshop/

[Coler]

A couple of pics of the top, and the rosette - very happy with this timber (Adi)

[Dmeeg05]

Oh that Adirondack looks super! The dreadnought is the only model from Ciaran that I've yet to play. The videos of on YouTube sound incredible!