Luthier recommendations for a specific build?

[Double O]

Originally Posted by tommieboy

Yes, I was surprised to see how close the two necks are on the backside. The real difference is what is happening on the top side. The Guild has more of a rolled edge along the length of the fretboard and a 12" radius at the first fret. Together all of these small tweaks add up to a fuller feeling neck in my hand.

Tommy

I hear you! I played an Ovation Elite for many years, and I'm trying to get in that ballpark with the neck on the custom parlor. I don't think the Ovation had a compound radius, but it was 10". So, as close as I can get to that would be sweet.

[tommieboy]

Originally Posted by Double O

....I thought FB used horsehide glue?....

Andy at FB just confirmed that they have never used HHG. That confirms what the various FB dealers have told me over the years.

Tommy

[tommieboy]

Originally Posted by Double O

I hear you! I played an Ovation Elite for many years, and I'm trying to get in that ballpark with the neck on the custom parlor. I don't think the Ovation had a compound radius, but it was 10". So, as close as I can get to that would be sweet.

I'm not sure where FB draws a line in the sand regarding neck/fretboard profiles/radiuses, but Andy at FB gave me the option of shipping my guitar to him to remove all doubt. In this particular case, I did not feel it was necessary.

Tommy

[jmat]

I have owned parlors from a few builders including Santa Cruz, Ryan, Collings and Brondel. They were all good but only the Brondel remains, a little B4. If you are close to DC you are welcome to try it out.

[Double O]

Originally Posted by tommieboy

Andy at FB just confirmed that they have never used HHG. That confirms what the various FB dealers have told me over the years.

Tommy

Thanks a lot for confirming that. Not a deal breaker by any means, but good to know.

Originally Posted by tommieboy

I'm not sure where FB draws a line in the sand regarding neck/fretboard profiles/radiuses, but Andy at FB gave me the option of shipping my guitar to him to remove all doubt. In this particular case, I did not feel it was necessary.

Tommy

I invested in one of those contour gauges from StewMac (cool lil item), so now I can show FB or any luthier what I'm aiming for re. neck profile. Thanks again for the idea!

Strongly considering Slobod's waitlist (I'll have some dough by summer to drop a deposit). His work is stellar, and I have a feeling he may be more accommodating regarding neck specs. We shall see.

Originally Posted by jmat

I have owned parlors from a few builders including Santa Cruz, Ryan, Collings and Brondel. They were all good but only the Brondel remains, a little B4. If you are close to DC you are welcome to try it out.

Thank you kindly for the offer! No where near DC but much appreciated.

[Gordon Currie]

I would highly recommend checking out Irvin Guitars.

My partner was looking for something a tad smaller than a typical small jumbo. Most parlor guitars she has tried have been hopelessly boxy and 'small' sounding.

She already owns a gorgeous Irvin SJ and loves the sound and feel.

Wayne just added a parlor design to his offering. She commissioned one with moon spruce over koa. It is superlative - so much so that I encourage her to play the parlor over the small jumbo when we perform.

[PastorReed]

If you are ok with going up to a OO I would recommend Jayson Bowerman. He builds a model called the Oregon Opal. He is a good dude, a phenomenal builder, and has a killer selection of woods. If you are interested I would say check out his Facebook page. He will easily fit into your budget.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by Double O

Hello,

I was hoping some of you might be able to recommend some luthiers for me to contact for a build I'd like to do in the near future. I'd prefer someone with a waiting list that isn't several years long. Budget is 14K max but would happily spend less.

The type of guitar I'm thinking of is primarily for blues. I was imagining a parlor like the Froggy Bottom P-14 with Adi top and Mahogany b/s. Venetian cutaway. 1 11/16" at the nut. Low profile neck with a compound radius (12" - 16"). If not compound, then a short radius approaching as close to 10" as possible.

Obviously, I'm considering Froggy Bottom, but I'm not sure if they would build me a guitar with neck specs like I described above. So trying to explore other options as well.

BTW, I welcome any build suggestions you may have for this blues machine. Thanks.

Froggy Bottom A or C are superb for Blues and Ragtime.

FYI I would second Jason Bowerman as a builder.