Wilborn Build: The Blackbird-now completed NOW video and pics added

invguy921 · #1 05-24-2018, 12:54 PM

So, we're at it again. This one again an Ellie Belle design. This time however, I've taking the deep dive into that old aged stash of "Dad's Sitka" and some really sweet African Blackwood. We're gonna trim this baby out in some pretty Coco. Even adding an arm bevel!! More details to follow.

Should be a fun project!

lowrider · #2 05-24-2018, 01:40 PM

That is going to be beautiful. Ben makes fantastic guitars!

TEK · #3 05-24-2018, 04:46 PM

I believe you should have started with : "Hi, my name is Woody and I have a problem"

This should be a beauty Mike!
Travis

Montesdad · #4 05-24-2018, 05:12 PM

I talked to Ben a ways back about some of that stashed sitka, should make for a fine instrument.
Nice choice of woods, Ben is a gifted and skilled artisean.
Are you carving out that sapwood?

(like the 25 year limited warrantee on the woodset - - -)

invguy921 · #5 05-25-2018, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrider

That is going to be beautiful. Ben makes fantastic guitars!

Thank you. Ben not only builds great guitars, as we've all learned he makes it fun along the way. Not to mention, Ben nails each and every aspect of clean lines through a well thought out build process...machine like if you will. I told him once that his process looks like a threat to build builders like Taylor because he's automated the things that seem to need automation, and yet engages his colorful creativity at every turn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEK

I believe you should have started with : "Hi, my name is Woody and I have a problem"

This should be a beauty Mike!
Travis

Travis...

. I guess I can't even take a second to argue with that observation. But...as they say...birds of a feather flock together and I think I'm in some pretty good company with a number of fellows here. Remember too that I've been to YOUR house...I might even be able to suggest that YOU ole' buddy might need to come to the meeting this next week and confess your addictions

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montesdad

I talked to Ben a ways back about some of that stashed sitka, should make for a fine instrument.
Nice choice of woods, Ben is a gifted and skilled artisean.
Are you carving out that sapwood?

(like the 25 year limited warrantee on the woodset - - -)

Nicholas, Thanks brother. It might be time for you to take this deep dive into a custom!?! I'd love to see what you might have built, and it would be fun to follow.

Yes we are carving out the sapwood. Initially I thought we were using it. Upon further talking about it and thinking about it, Ben suggested we trim it out. I'm hopefully optimistic that the guitar will still be equally sensational and interesting to look at without it.

doodahdoug · #6 05-25-2018, 07:54 AM

Mike, this one looks to be another stunning build. Beautiful materials and in good hands with Ben. I look forward to following along.

Guitars44me · #7 05-25-2018, 08:15 AM

About that sapwood… Mike, please tell me you're not doing away with that beautiful center stripe of sapwood ! And it looks like there might be matching bits on the sides if you lined it up right

This one will be another beauty for your overflowing guitar room! Hah

Have fun boys! We will enjoy the process vicariously from the comfort of home...

Everybody have the finest of memorial day weekends and play lots of music!

Paul

cigarfan · #8 05-25-2018, 09:08 AM

Wow! Another Wilborn. Happy for ya Mike.

doodahdoug · #9 05-25-2018, 10:13 AM

[QUOTE=Guitars44me;5738412]About that sapwood… Mike, please tell me you're not doing away with that beautiful center stripe of sapwood ! And it looks like there might be matching bits on the sides if you lined it up right

I have to admit I felt the same way about this sapwood. It would make a beautiful natural center stripe. On the other hand maybe it just doesn't fit with the design you and Ben are cooking up for the back.

nootis · #10 05-25-2018, 10:44 AM

I too like the look of sapwood. However, I don't know if it is a universal truth, but a very reputable builder once told me that sapwood can be a weak point vs. the core of the tree. He prefers not to use it. Perhaps Ben feels this way too?

Either way I love the wood choices and this should be another beauty. Congrats Mike! I'll be along for the ride.

WilbornGuitars · #11 05-25-2018, 03:17 PM

[QUOTE=nootis;5738584]I too like the look of sapwood. However, I don't know if it is a universal truth, but a very reputable builder once told me that sapwood can be a weak point vs. the core of the tree. He prefers not to use it. Perhaps Ben feels this way too?

I think in this case, the Blackwood's sapwood was structurally fine- but it just didn't fit in with our vision of a dark, elegant, restrained guitar. By "we", I mean Mike and me. I haven't started using the Royal We or anything. So the sapwood is gone, my apologies to the Pro-Sapwood Coalition.

invguy921 · #12 05-25-2018, 09:03 PM

Hey y'all, thanks Paul, Doug, Dennis and nottis for the kind words on the guitar. You guys are all very discriminating guitar people and your thoughts are always welcomed. I think Ben is right and it will look pretty darned classy either way. The Blackwood is such a great piece that it will have that deep translucent look under finish.

Guitars44me · #13 05-26-2018, 10:41 AM

Dark, elegant and restrained is good!

Have fun

Paul

j. Kinnaird · #14 05-26-2018, 11:39 AM

[QUOTE=WilbornGuitars;5738839]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nootis

I too like the look of sapwood. However, I don't know if it is a universal truth, but a very reputable builder once told me that sapwood can be a weak point vs. the core of the tree. He prefers not to use it. Perhaps Ben feels this way too?

I think in this case, the Blackwood's sapwood was structurally fine- but it just didn't fit in with our vision of a dark, elegant, restrained guitar. By "we", I mean Mike and me. I haven't started using the Royal We or anything. So the sapwood is gone, my apologies to the Pro-Sapwood Coalition.

Apologies accepted...i guess. Blackwood sapwood is such an elegant splash of gold...i dont know if i actually can forgive you

I guess in time.

WilbornGuitars · #15 05-26-2018, 02:09 PM

[QUOTE=j. Kinnaird;5739512]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilbornGuitars

Apologies accepted...i guess. Blackwood sapwood is such an elegant splash of gold...i dont know if i actually can forgive you

I guess in time.

I do like sapwood. I do! I do! But, I like to have some on the sides if I have it on the back. And with the molten look of the cocobolo binding, I figured the yellow would be a distraction. And now, most importantly, it's too late- the saw has done his work.