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Old 04-18-2018, 02:02 PM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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Default Custom Build: Rocky Mountain Guitar "Little Bear"by Jeff Bamburg

I've known Jeff for a handful of years now as I used to have one of his JSB models. Now more of an "adult" with some funds, I wanted to have a guitar built for me since I've never done that before. Jeff was the first guy I wanted to call. He now has his own guitar shop in Salida, CO and also builds guitar under that name, Rocky Mountain Guitars.

We are actually building 2 guitars. This thread is for the first one. I had an idea of getting a smaller guitar with some special woods. Being a Christian, I was always interested in Sinker woods. Being that they were once left to sink in water and forgotten about, and then raised to life to be made into something beautiful and with a purpose. Cool, right? So Jeff and I worked to find some Sinker Redwood top and Sinker Mahogany B&S. An all Sinker guitar.

Here are some of the main specs:
  • Model: Little Bear (FSC Bamburg size)
  • Top: Sinker Redwood
  • B&S: Sinker Mahogany
  • Binding: Bloodwood
  • Rosette: Bloodwood
  • Tuners: Gotoh Mini 510
  • Nut: 1-3/4"
  • Scale: 25.5"

I'll start posting some pics of the project as it's being completed and Jeff will probably chime in here. Looking forward to these projects! Jeff builds top of the line guitars. I've owned alot of brands and his are up there among and mostly above the rest. A true master of his craft.

Here are some pics of the raw materials. Will post more phases in the comments.

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Last edited by Matt83YL; 04-18-2018 at 02:09 PM.
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Old 04-18-2018, 02:03 PM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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Back Bracing & Sides:

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Old 04-18-2018, 02:05 PM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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Top Thicknessing. Jeff uses a cool frequency machine and glitter to find the optimal top thickness prior to bracing. I'll let him answer questions.

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Old 04-18-2018, 02:41 PM
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islandguitar islandguitar is offline
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Oh, very cool! I'm a new owner of an FSC ( '14) and it will be fun to see how yours comes together.
Great combo on the woods.......
I've described my FSC as a "delicate beast"! LOL. Very "alive" with great tone and resonance.
I look forward to following along.
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Old 04-22-2018, 01:28 PM
Ernesto Ernesto is offline
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Congratulations, great choice!!! Jeff builds supreme instruments. I will follow with interest as I have a Bamburg build coming up later this year, an FSC in EIR-Cedar. The FSC is one of the most beautiful guitars out there for sure...

Last edited by Ernesto; 04-22-2018 at 02:21 PM.
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Old 04-26-2018, 12:34 PM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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A little work on the top bracing!

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Old 04-26-2018, 01:09 PM
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The Mahogany back is simply beautiful. Congrats. Could he not tune the top into a smiley face vs. a frown with eye wrinkles though?
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Old 06-12-2018, 09:52 AM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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It's been awhile since I've updated. Here are some more progress pics that Jeff sent over to me. Looking really good! He's not too far from being done with this one!

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Old 07-26-2018, 01:34 PM
Matt83YL Matt83YL is offline
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Here is an update. First pic is Jeff fitting the bridge and getting the right scale length. The 2nd is the body after 1st coat of finish. Almost done!!
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Old 07-26-2018, 01:39 PM
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That’s a Fine looking guitar!
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Old 07-26-2018, 01:49 PM
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GORGEOUS!!
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Old 07-27-2018, 08:24 AM
SoCalSurf SoCalSurf is offline
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So gorgeous! The bloodwood binding ties everything together nicely. I'll bet it is going to sound wonderful.
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Old 07-27-2018, 11:17 AM
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Smile What Tom said...

Quote:
Originally Posted by TomB'sox View Post
The Mahogany back is simply beautiful. Congrats. Could he not tune the top into a smiley face vs. a frown with eye wrinkles though?
Not sure about the face part, but I too LOVE that back. Sinker HOG! Yum

This will be fun!

Paul
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Old 07-27-2018, 11:48 AM
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Redwood and mahogany are nice choices ... this will be very nice indeed!
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Old 07-27-2018, 01:27 PM
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That’s a lovely top! Coming together nicely.
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