My latest build. My signature parlor model

[WayneJohnson]

I have not posted in a while but I love this forum and have benefitted so much from all who have posted over the years.
This is my signature parlor model. I obtained this amazing set of highly figured koa from a wonderful builder who decided to retire. He lives close to me and contacted me about a few sets of wood he had and no longer wanted to build. He wanted his wood to go to another luthier and I was just fortunate enough to be the one he contacted. I was able to procure a number of fabulous sets of wood and I am so grateful. Here is just one example. One of the sweetest sets of koa I have ever seen let alone had the honor to build with. I recently completed this one and just in time as I have several shows coming up. In fact, I will be showing this one at the Wintergrass Music Festival this coming weekend. Wintergrass is a remarkable bluegrass festival that draws bluegrass enthusiasts from all over the country. It takes place in Bellevue, WA which is just a little over an hour from where I live. While many bluegrass guitarist prefer the dreadnought, I am finding a growing number gravitating towards the small body guitars too. I hope to have a sound clip available soon, but I can say I absolutely love playing it. Here are the specs on this one:

Koa back and sides
Swiss moon spruce top
ebony bindings
koa purfling on the top

upper bout 9 7/8

waist 8 1/2

lower bout 13 7/8

depth at the heel 3 1/4

depth at the tail 4 1/4

body length 19 1/2

string spacing 1 3/4 at the nut - 2 1/4 at the saddle

scale length 24.9

IrvSP-koa front 1mb.jpg

IrvSP-koa back full 1mb.jpg

IrvSP-koa-fnt and side 1mb.jpg

IrvSP-koa-side 1mb.jpg

IrvSP-koa headstock back 1mb.jpg

[nacluth]

Beautiful Wayne! That is some gorgeous koa. Good luck showing it off!

[datzus1]

That is a beautiful build!! Keep up the great work!

[Carpinteria]

Really nice, Wayne! That Koa is superb, and the Swiss spruce is a great combo with Koa. I hope the show goes really well for you!

[TomB'sox]

You are not kidding about that Koa, man oh man. No matter how you describe it, words will not do it justice.

[Nemoman]

Stunning guitar, Wayne--have an awesome time at Wintergrass!

[nootis]

Sweet little guitar Wayne!

[WayneJohnson]

I appreciate all the kind words and comments.
Here is a little sound clip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60B-lONDX1s

[TomB'sox]

Thought I would embed the video for you. Sounded great, lots of low end and big sound for such a small guitar. And....that koa....still can't get over that.

[WayneJohnson]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Thought I would embed the video for you. Sounded great, lots of low end and big sound for such a small guitar. And....that koa....still can't get over that.

Thank you Tom, I need to learn how to do that (embed a youtube link) Its much better that way. appreciate it.

[fpuhan]

That's a lovely guitar! I have a couple of koa guitars and can vouch for their sound as well as their looks! I also appreciate that you added a sound port. My custom Holst guitar has one (at the recommendation of Stephen Holst) and it adds another luscious dimension to an already wonderful guitar!

[WayneJohnson]

Originally Posted by fpuhan

That's a lovely guitar! I have a couple of koa guitars and can vouch for their sound as well as their looks! I also appreciate that you added a sound port. My custom Holst guitar has one (at the recommendation of Stephen Holst) and it adds another luscious dimension to an already wonderful guitar!

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I love adding the sound port, that comes standard with all my builds. I fully agree.