New custom build: Avalon jumbo, bearclaw Sitka spruce // ancient English bog oak

[JTmusic]

Hi folks,

Here's a WIP custom build I'm extremely excited for. I approached Avalon Guitars (based in Co. Down, N Ireland) to build me a bearclaw Sitka spruce/ancient English bog oak jumbo.

Here are the specs, and some photos of the build so far below:

• Body: Avalon L size (jumbo) with beveled cutaway
• Soundboard: Master grade bearclaw Sitka spruce
• Back & sides: Ancient English bog oak
• Rosette: Custom - Irish spalted sycamore and ancient Irish bog oak
• Bindings: Australian blackwood
• Purflings: Rosewood, maple, mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Bridge: Ebony
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 20-fret (jumbo frets)
• Headstock veneer: Bog oak

Ancient English bog oak set


Sides bent into shape


Back and soundboard


Rear of soundbox


Front of soundbox


Preparing the cutaway bevel


Aussie blackwood endpin wedge

[JTmusic]

View of the back with bindings and purflings




Soundboard with bevels complete in Aussie blackwood, with bindings and purflings

[Koda]

Pictures aren't showing up for me.

[JTmusic]

Hmm you're right Koda, I'll see if I can amend that. Thanks!

[Dyson Guitars]

Beautiful work and beautiful woods. Well done. I am very interested in the bog oak and how it works and sounds. I just acquired a few sets of my own and I'm excited to build one with it.
Thanks for sharing!!!

Blake

[JTmusic]

Thanks Blake! I can't wait to try it. I've played one or two bog oak guitars in the past, they're very special instruments.

[Koda]

Gorgeous woods & design. Avalons are functional art.
I have a custom S328 Avalon ArdRi with Madagascar & Alpine Spruce.
Steve and his crew were great to work with.
Enjoy the journey and the new Avalon!

[boombox]

You've made a great choice for a custom. Will be interested to hear what that sounds like. Whatever happens, it will be a real looker and beautifully made.

[JTmusic]

Thanks very much Koda and boombox! The colours of the bog oak back and sides are mesmerising to look at. They remind me of a pint of stout as it's settling...

[Nemoman]

Awesome build thus far--thanks for sharing it!

[TomB'sox]

This is going to be an epic guitar for sure. Congrats.

[SpruceTop]

It's Coming Together Nicely, John, and I'm Going To Follow Along On Your Build.

[JTmusic]

Hopefully I'll have a few more photos to share soon, I know the neck is due to be added this week.

[cigarfan]

Schweeet!

[Aspiring]

That looks awesome. I love my D300A but Bevels would make it even sweeter.