Build thread: Stehr dreadnought

[JoeCharter]

With all the love that went into building this guitar, I sure hope you'll cherish it, Mike...

There's nothing I don't like about this guitar. So far it looks perfect.

[mikealpine]

Nemoman, thank very much! The soundport was fun to help design. Joel sent over a few options, and I roughly erased some lines and made a suggestion or two, and this is the result. That's been the most fun! I may not be able to shape or brace or do the lutherie, but I was still able to play a part in the design.

Mau, thank you very much as well! As someone who owns exquisite instruments, and plays them exquisitely, I truly appreciate this. And I will cherish it; I am planning on this being a lifer and an heirloom. Now you have to do two things, please:

1) Put out a CD
2) Teach me

[Luca Canteri]

wow, great work as usual Mr. Stehr!

[Sage97]

Wowser! Joel never ceases to amaze.

Congrats on a truly wonderful work of art!

[Tony_in_NYC]

That is a sweet looking guitar!

[mikealpine]

Thanks guys! Hoping Joel will chime in here at some point, but I will be a very proud owner and agree that Joel has terrific skills and artistic vision. It has been an absolute joy being part of the process. I appreciate all the wonderful comments!!

[Joel Stehr]

Originally Posted by mikealpine

Thanks guys! Hoping Joel will chime in here at some point, but I will be a very proud owner and agree that Joel has terrific skills and artistic vision. It has been an absolute joy being part of the process. I appreciate all the wonderful comments!!

I figured since I paid you so much for you to post all the nice comments I better lay low.

This has been a really fun guitar to build, and Mike has been amazing to work with! I just sent it off to the finisher today, so I won't have progress pics for a while. But, before long I'll be stringing it up and it'll be making buzzing noises, weird sitar like sounds and odd snapping noises when playing an E. Just the way Mike asked for it! I aim to please.

Thanks for all the nice comments, everyone!

Joel

[mikealpine]

Lol..I've been a pain in the butt! And Joel has been patient and explains anything I ask. Now the real wait begins. For those who asked, I can definitely tell you that time slows down as you approach the finish line, and the last 2 months are going to fel much longer than the year it took to get started.

[Kevin A]

Originally Posted by mikealpine

Kevin, just reread your post in the contentious thread they closed, and would love to see pics of your guitar(s). Feel free to post 'em up here! Happy to share space with a fellow cutaway dread lover!!

Mike, rather than clutter up your beautiful thread with other guitar pics, here's a slideshow link that display a number of the shots of my lefty cutaway dread: from conceptual ideas, to the build, to some finished pics. In random order, however...

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Guit...%20Dreadnought

Kevin

[mikealpine]

Kevin, that's a beautiful guitar!! Thanks for the link!

[mikealpine]

Not much to see until it is finished, although I will get some shots during the finishing process. Here is one after the pore-filling. Then it will get sealed and the glossy coats will go on.





Until next time...

Mike,

This has to be one of the nicest looking custom builds I've ever seen on AGF, and there have been plenty of stunning ones. I am so happy for you. Can't wait to hear what it sounds like.

I'm like you in that I like the contrasting colors.

[mikealpine]

Jon,

Wow...thanks so much for the high praise!! That really means a lot to me! Joel worked very hard, and it was worthwhile discussing the design elements. I'm thrilled so far. Joel says he's very, very happy with it and that I might have to pry it from his cold, dead fingers. I wonder if he says that to each customer, though...

Anyway, thanks again! Looking forward to your build as well!

Mike

[theEdwinson]

Brilliant work, as usual, Joel! You have one of the most distinctive and original styles in all of modern lutherie. And it seems like every new guitar you make raises the bar a little higher.
Looking forward eagerly to "the Healdsburg" in August, and seeing you and your guitars there. I predict you'll have the same success there that you had in '11.

[mikealpine]

And some additional photos in the finishing process. Joel uses Joe White, and from what I've read, his finish is very thin, yet durable. I'm really thrilled with how this is coming out. Now the excitement is really starting to build as it is getting closer and closer to being completed.









Thanks all!