CigarFan's 2020 Cuban/German 0

[cigarfan]

Some secrets will never be told. I am lovin' everything about this build. Amazing work Bruce. And that hellcap …. schweeet!

[TomB'sox]

I was going to edit that post for you Bruce, but the whole thing has taken on a life of its own, so hellcat it is.

[mcgr40]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

Here's the HellCap:

Alas, a senior moment for me I was reading hellcap, but thinking of the backstrap. I'm afraid I may need one of those heart valves....

[Nemoman]

This is coming along wonderfully, Dennis--looking forward to seeing it in person!

[Bruce Sexauer]

SEALER - POREFILLER - SEALER - 1ST COAT OF VARNISH

and that is how far I am, but I can't handle it at the moment so you'll have to be happy with a picture of the logo installed on the back of the headstock.

Like the torch, I skewed it to suit the asymmetry of the headstock. Because I cut every logo uniquely for each guitar, this was not much of bother. Now if I could just learn to focus the camera . . .

[cigarfan]

A schweeet "S" indeed. You better take it easy my friend. Don't overdo it!

[Bruce Sexauer]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

A schweeet "S" indeed. You better take it easy my friend. Don't overdo it!

Where lutherie is concerned, I seem to operate at just one setting. Eventually I will probably have to make some adjustments, but not yet, apparently.

Here are some pictures of the body with its first coat of oil varnish not quite dry enough to handle.

Minimal visible runout was a specification, and I am feeling good about this!


Cuban is rarely very deeply flamed, and this is no exception, but it is stunningly beautiful to me.


I am getting better with each of my last pieces at lining up the graft purfling with the backstrip purfling.

[iim7V7IM7]

Looks GREAT guys...

[The Bard Rocks]

I find it interesting that someone with the deep experience Bruce has can say he is getting better at anything. But my father said (paraphrased), "If you are not getting better, you are falling behind". Perhaps a measure of greatness is the ability to realize that you can still improve.

PtP ("Pardon the Philosophy")

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

I find it interesting that someone with the deep experience Bruce has can say he is getting better at anything. But my father said (paraphrased), "If you are not getting better, you are falling behind". Perhaps a measure of greatness is the ability to realize that you can still improve.

PtP ("Pardon the Philosophy")

Andrés Segovia was still touring towards the end of his life, and he lived a long time! A young interviewer asked him, "maestro I understand you practice every day. May I ask why? You're already the best in the world at what you do."

Segovia replied "I have every intention of being much better before I die."

I consider these words to live by....

This dang guitar is disgustingly beautiful !!! Way to go Bruce!

Paul

[cigarfan]

The thin Maple purfling has some nice shimmer to it as well. In a way, almost looks like shell. Sure hit the mark for "no runout". Lovin' that Cuban and German combo!

[Bruce Sexauer]

I have been using the highly flamed perfectly quartersawn big leaf maple as my “standard” purfling for many years now. The closer you look, the more interesting it is. I have often referred to it as “poor man’s” abalone. There is no up-charge for it, but my relatively inexpensive WRX line has less of it.

[iim7V7IM7]

Dennis, I love the way that your FT-0-C-JB/2 is coming out...

Albeit different than my FT0-C, I love the choices that you and Bruce have made. It also reinforces that each of Bruce’s instruments are truly unique (as it should be!). The Guhl top looks great and the Amazon Rosewood binding with curly maple purflings really pops nicely against the Cuban Mahogany now that we can see it under finish. Bruce’s asymmetrical birds beak joint is really a testimonial to his mastery as a handmade luthier. The angled paddlehead with angled torch is a elegant, yet subtle tribute to tradition with a modern (and the 1/4” multi-scale is functional tilt). I suspect the fast attack and strong mids/trebles on this guitar will knock you over.

I can’t wait to check it out @ Artisan...

[cigarfan]

Thanks Bob. I too am quite pleased with the work so far. I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on it. Not only gorgeous to look at but I truly believe I am in for a tonal treat. From my first experience playing a Cuban Mahogany guitar I've been looking forward to having one. And now, I have one coming from Bruce Sexauer!

[cigarfan]

We have now entered the "wait for paint to dry" phase.

I'm getting itchy!