Time for another Kostal build thread … Modified Dreadnought

[nobo]

P.S. On the end graft front, I'd asked Jason whether he might be able to do something symmetrical (across the centre line - i.e. along the axis between the top and the back), and maybe vaguely along the rectangular theme of Eric's recent OM, and ideally integrating ebony (and possibly walnut).

I suspect most of his customers are not so prescriptive and just leave him to get on with things, but the man's been very tolerant and accommodating!

Jason went with this amazing flamed Honduran mahogany, which I think works rather better than more walnut: it will tie things up with the neck, really lifts the end graft and acts as a highlight and focal point. I think he really came up trumps with this one! There's also rosewood in the central purfling layer for the mahogany rectangles, which links in with the outer ring of the rosette (which looks like it's also rosewood). Love it!

[justonwo]

Great wood choices. I think this is going to be a real jaw dropper. Has Jason ever built a mod D with walnut? I'm guessing this will be a first?

[nobo]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Great wood choices. I think this is going to be a real jaw dropper. Has Jason ever built a mod D with walnut? I'm guessing this will be a first?

Yes, he made one in black walnut (also German spruce, I believe) maybe 18 months ago, which is currently in France. I've not had the pleasure of hearing it; looks stunning though (I think Jason has photos on his website and/or on his facebook page). As far as I know, that's the only other walnut Kostal, but I may be wrong.

I was a little nervous going with walnut when I'd not heard a walnut MD or Kostal before, but my hunch was that it'd work well with the way Jason voices guitars...

[justonwo]

I wouldn't be nervous. You are in very good hands. My 12 string will be Jason's first but I trust him to make sure it's awesome.

[Zissou Intern]

Beautiful aesthetics in every respect. Stunning, truly. Thank you for sharing.

[nobo]

Originally Posted by nobo

Yes, he made one in black walnut (also German spruce, I believe) maybe 18 months ago, which is currently in France. I've not had the pleasure of hearing it; looks stunning though (I think Jason has photos on his website and/or on his facebook page). As far as I know, that's the only other walnut Kostal, but I may be wrong.

Here's that other walnut Kostal. I'm not sure whether it's black walnut or bastogne... (it's not claro). Also very, very lovely looking! The back makes me think of a waterfall. Neck spec, string spacing and headstock veneer apart - the specs are otherwise identical to mine. Enjoy!

[nobo]

Originally Posted by justonwo

I wouldn't be nervous. You are in very good hands. My 12 string will be Jason's first but I trust him to make sure it's awesome.

Safe hands indeed! I guess I'm usually pretty nervous about such things by nature, but I had a feeling that Jason's approach to voicing would work brilliantly with walnut. During the build, I've admittedly been a bit of a control freak, but at every turn, any suggestion from Jason's been spot on. So, yes, massive amounts of faith and no reason to be nervous!

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

Beautiful aesthetics in every respect. Stunning, truly. Thank you for sharing.

Couldn't agree more! You're most welcome. It's been my first proper custom build thread here on AGF and it's been my pleasure to share it and provide the vicarious thrill!

[steveh]

Jason in da UK house!

Hoping to have a beer with him +/- a few friends tomorrow night.

He needs some advice from me on how to brace your guitar...hahaha!

Cheers,
Steve

[rlxnply]

That end graft is beautiful.

[steveh]

Originally Posted by steveh

Hoping to have a beer with him +/- a few friends tomorrow night.

Had a beer with Jason the other night; great fun and he was on form.

He did say though that your guitar was damaged irreparibly on the way to the finishers and that he's starting another for you.

Cheers,
Steve

[nobo]

Originally Posted by steveh

Had a beer with Jason the other night; great fun and he was on form.

Sorry to miss him. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to Ian's do and see y'all there (if not before).

Originally Posted by steveh

He did say though that your guitar was damaged irreparibly on the way to the finishers and that he's starting another for you.

Cheers,
Steve

[nobo]

Confession time. Despite all my apparent positivity and enthusiasm for this build, I have been harbouring some doubts and niggles. I’m not sure I’ve steered Jason in the right direction in terms of features and aesthetics. I realise it’s a bit late in the day, and I know I’ve been a very difficult customer, but I talked all my worries through with Jason and he’s been very understanding.

He’s ploughed through all the changes amazingly quickly. Pics to follow...

[nobo]

I think Jason’s now finally on board with my vision...

























Only joking... here it is:

[nobo]

Back on track...

Attaching the neck and neck carving ...

[steveh]

"She's lookin' good Vern"!

Cheers,
Steve