Fischer Concerto Build

[StringMeUp]

Originally Posted by ianLP59

I've recently had an email conversation with Keith Robson who has very kindly offered to build me a set of his matchless hand engineered tuning machines for this guitar. We are going with snakewood buttons as Keith has some very highly figured stuff stashed away waiting for a special project.

We shall be documenting the making of these tuners as part of this build thread which I think will provide some additional interest and may well be a first, in that I do not recall seeing the build process of hand engineered tuning machines before.

Cheers,

Ian

Thanks, Ian. I cannot wait to see the progress of the Robson tuning machines too.

[ianLP59]

HI All,

I got an e-mail a couple of days ago to the effect that Steve was starting on my guitar.

Steve has followed this up with some pictures. Things are obviously still at an early stage.

Heres the back with its inner binding strip...



Here are the back braces being glued to the back...



Here's the completed back with bracing...



That's it for now as far as the back goes. Next up, the sides in another post.

Cheers,

Ian

[ianLP59]

Now for the sides.

Here they are with the end blocks being glued in position...



Here are the sides sans kerfling...



Here's the kerfling being glued to the sides...



And finally, the completed sides with kerfling...



Finally, early stage work on the top sans rosette...



Steve tells me that the first stages of making the back, sides and top go reasonably quickly and things progressively slow down further into the build.

Exciting stuff...

Cheers,

Ian

[steveh]

Originally Posted by ianLP59

That is insanely good quality ABW given it's from small trees usually.

I though my Kostal was pretty near the top of the pile but you may have me beat here...

Can't wait to hear it!

cheers,
Steve

[ianLP59]

Originally Posted by steveh

That is insanely good quality ABW given it's from small trees usually.

I though my Kostal was pretty near the top of the pile but you may have me beat here...

Can't wait to hear it!

cheers,
Steve

Thanks Steve,

Mr Fischer told me that this set of ABW was way the best he's ever seen when he first sourced it. Obviously I'm rather happy...

Saw Martin last night who's been shipped a PRS 'Collection' Acoustic, also with ABW back and sides. So I'm rather looking forward to the inevitable comparison someway down the track...

You WILL get to play this guitar once it's over here...

Cheers,

Ian

[Trevor M]

That's a great set of ABW. I'm looking forward to hearing it. I had a chat with Martin about stocking PRS but they don't really fit with what I do.

[ianLP59]

Just had some more pictures from Steve

Top with rosette :



rosette :



carving top braces :



gluing top braces :



Cheers

Ian (more to follow)

[ianLP59]

More photos...

Completed top - note the hybrid bracing pattern, classic X-bracing combined with classical style fan bracing...



Now for the back and sides assembly...



Gluing the "box"...



The "Box"



Ready for binding...



That's it for now,

Cheers,

Ian

[Huckleberry]

Ian, this is looking superb.

That's the most spectacular ABW I've ever seen. I used to be pretty proud of the stuff on my Sheppard (which is excellent, but has sapwood) but that is unreal.

I love the tone of ABW - it contributes to the strong low mids on my Sheppard which make it a devastatingly good slide guitar - great, full tone without ever getting harsh.

I've not played a PRS or Fischer (though have obviously heard Martin Simpson's at close range), but all the signs are good - this one's going to be a winner!

[ianLP59]

Dave,

Thanks, I agree about the ABW set - total killer wood. I'm really rather excited about this as I know Steve will be pulling out all the stops for this guitar. Keith Robson has been in touch with Steve regarding the hand engineered tuning machines that he's making for the instrument. I'm hoping he'll document the process photographically so that I can include their construction in this thread.

Rather looking forward to the culmination of your TC slide project too...

Best,

Ian

[geordie]

The construction of the 'heart' of the instrument, it's interesting seeing how Steve's design differs from others. The hardwood / spruce / hardwood sandwiched bridge plate (had to enlarge the picture to see what was going on there)
and short fans with closing braces is interesting.
Thanx for posting

[ianLP59]

Ok folks,

Latest photos from Mr Fischer

Complete body - from the front...



and...from the rear...



Cheers,

Ian

[Trevor M]

Looking good Ian.

[ianLP59]

A few more photos courtesy of Steve...

He's started work on the neck - here's the rough neck blank...



And the rough neck blank routed ready for the truss rod with the headstock outline traced out. I've asked Steve to make the neck along the same lines as Martin Simpson specified for his PRS Angelus Signature guitar. So slightly wider at the neck and slightly wider string spacing at the saddle for maximum fingerstyle comfort. You can just make out the legend "Martin Simpson" pencilled on the neck blank as a reminder !



The neck blank with truss rod and the headstock shape carved out...



Finally, the headstock ready for binding...



Steve is currently gluing the fretboard on to the neck and the next stages will be carving the neck to the right profile, fretting and attaching the neck to the body ready for finish to be applied.

Cheers,

Ian

[UKPhil]

Lovely photos Ian, looking forward to the finish going on

(pct57)