Russel Crosby- Multi-Scale Build

Feste · #1 02-24-2021, 11:12 AM

I have been down the baritone rabbit hole for a few years now, having bought and sold quite a few in that time. A couple were pretty darn close to what I was looking for, like the Kingslight baritone I sold a few months ago. However, there were things about each I trued that persuaded me that I should keep looking. You know how that goes. Perhaps that is the prime symptom of G.A.S. Then I just missed out on a Lowden that I thought would be right up my alley. So, I finally decided to commission a build. I considered a few different luthiers but so many were beyond my financial wherewithal. Then I got to know Russel Crosby from the woods of Nova Scotia. We began planning back in October. The idea was to build a multi-scale version of his FS model with a spruce top and Walnut back and sides. I kept thinking this will probably be my only shot at a custom baritone, so I decide to go all-in and found some really nice and reasonably priced Koa. Other specs include a cutaway, beveled armrest and a Manzer wedge. The neck is Walnut and the top is AAA Lutz. Russel is such a consummate artist and luthier and I think the results thus far bear that out.

TomB'sox · #2 02-24-2021, 11:23 AM

That is a beautiful set for the back!!!!

Teleplucker · #3 02-24-2021, 11:43 AM

That will be a very nice guitar. What will the scale length be?

Feste · #4 02-24-2021, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

That is a beautiful set for the back!!!!

Agreed. I bought that from Steve at Hawian Hardwoods Direct. He has quite a bit of older growth Koa. Great guy to deal with. I bought another set for a guitar that Brook Guitars is building for me. In fact, I borrowed some ideas from your latest Taran build... But that is for another thread

Feste · #5 02-24-2021, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teleplucker

That will be a very nice guitar. What will the scale length be?

27-28 inches

cigarfan · #6 02-25-2021, 04:54 AM

Exceptional set of Koa! Thanks for sharing.

colins · #7 02-26-2021, 01:18 AM

What a fine looking guitar, more pics soon please!

Feste · #8 03-16-2021, 09:28 AM

She is out of the finish shop waiting for strings

Guitars44me · #9 03-16-2021, 09:37 AM

Lovely Koa, and the entire axe is PRETTY!

You will love the bevel and Wedge. I am so glad they can be had!

Have FUN with this big bad boy.

Paul

fitness1 · #10 03-16-2021, 09:40 AM

I thought I heard some "whoops" from a couple hours away

Feste · #11 03-16-2021, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

Lovely Koa, and the entire axe is PRETTY!

You will love the bevel and Wedge. I am so glad they can be had!

Have FUN with this big bad boy.

Paul

Yes, once you've had a beveled armrest, it is kind of hard to go with on out on larger guitars. However, this will be my first Manzer wedge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitness1

I thought I heard some "whoops" from a couple hours away

And yes, you heard right Todd, although it was muffled a bit by all this “freakin’” SNOW!!!

cigarfan · #12 03-17-2021, 04:50 AM

Lookin' schweeet!

Feste · #13 04-07-2021, 09:40 AM

Looks like she's finished and ready to ship:

colins · #14 04-08-2021, 02:09 AM

Looks great, and that bevel is something else. Did he use veneers to get that effect?

Feste · #15 04-08-2021, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colins

Looks great, and that bevel is something else. Did he use veneers to get that effect?

I am pretty sure he used pieces from the top, back and neck wood, that was the plan anyway. I will ask him next time I talk to him.