Custom Doerr Solace build

[charlieD]

I've always enjoyed build threads here on the Forum. So now that Tom Doerr is working on a custom Solace for me, I thought I’d start a build thread to chronicle the process.

The main reason I asked Tom Doerr to build me a jumbo-sized Solace is that I already have one of his mid-size Legacy models, a gorgeous cedar/cocobolo gem. It’s a wonderfully responsive guitar, so I thought it would be great to have a companion Solace from Tom as well. I play mostly fingerstyle, and the Legacy is a great guitar for that, with a haunting quality to the sustain that adds dimension to each note. I like guitars with different voices, and I enjoy the deeper tone you can get with a larger-body. That lead me to a conversation with Tom Doerr about building a custom Solace that would complement the Legacy.

I also wanted a guitar with some geezer-friendly ergonomic features. So when Tom decided to include a Ryan-style shoulder bevel in his Standard line, that made it an easy decision. As for tonewoods, I sent Tom a couple of soundclips, and after some back-and-forth considering other options, we decided on cedar and cocobolo, same as the Legacy. Even with the same woods, the Solace, with its larger body size, distinctive shape and Tom’s new bracing, will sound very different from the Legacy—louder, and with a darker timbre, but with a strong family resemblance.

Tom had on hand a couple of remarkably figured sets of cocobolo. One of them was especially striking, with strong striping, almost like a ziricote, and a swirling grain pattern that reminded me of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. I thought it would make a very dramatic-looking guitar. Tom used a very similar cocobolo set to make the cedar/coco Trinity (smaller model) that he brought to Healdsburg this past August. Anyone who stopped by Tom’s booth there got a look at a guitar that’s basically a smaller version of the one Tom’s putting together for me now.

Here’s a picture Tom took of the raw materials, including the ebony for the fretboard and bridge.



The outrageous cocobolo with the Solace outline, next to the cedar top.



This is why the cocobolo reminds me of a Van Gogh painting.





A study in contrasts—cocobolo back and cedar top.



Even though Tom had only been working for two days when he took these photos, he had gotten quite a lot done. Here’s the back pieces being joined.



The top pieces being joined.



Here’s the top being joined, with a view of the backs already together.



Tom’s been great to work with, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this guitar comes together.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Gorgeous Cocobolo. I do love great Cocobolo, both in appearance and sound. Your Cocobolo reminds me of the set I chose for my recently built Baranik Meridian.

Congratulations on the custom build. I'm a fan of Tom Doerr's guitars. I will be following this build thread, and can't wait to see the finished guitar.

I hope you enjoy the whole build process and the finished work of art.

[Diamondave]

Thanks for sharing, Doerr builds some of my favorite instruments, this will be exciting to watch come together! And what a set of Coco!

[fitness1]

Looks like it will be time for a visit again shortly

Tom's a great guy and a wonderful builder!

[michaelht1]

Congratulations on your new build, that is some beautiful wood and to my thinking and hearing, Tom Doerr makes one of the finest guitars in the market place.

[SuperB23]

I'm excited to see this getting started for you Charlie, its going to be an exceptional instrument!!! Thanks for sharing your excitement.

[islandguitar]

Charlie,
Congrats on the start of your "Starry Night"! Gonna love watching this come together. I'll echo what others have stated....Tom's great to work with! I think I'm up next so time is getting closer now. Super progress in just a few days.
Fred

[Nemoman]

Beautiful set of Coco--this should be a worthy companion to your Legacy! I love my Legacy, and I'm sure Tom will deliver a killer instrument for you--I'll be following this thread with interest. Congrats on your new build!

[Mark Hatcher]

Congratulations on your upcoming guitar. That is an awesome set of Cocobolo you've got there. Tom is an all around great guy and he makes wonderful guitars. I guess you already know that, as this is your second.

Enjoy!

[charlieD]

Thanks, everyone for the comments and support. I'm really happy with the way this build is progressing, and can't wait to see how it all comes together. I feel very fortunate to become a Double-Doerr owner, and it's no surprise that Tom has a solid following here on the Forum.

[drcmusic7]

Congrats! Tom's guitars rock!

I'm looking forward to watching how it progresses.

Kindly,
Danny

[charlieD]

Tom sent me high-res versions of the photos of the build getting started, so I swapped them out. It's great to see the textures of the materials in their initial state.

[sjgtime]

Gorgeous Coco!

Great combo, high kill-factor success rate

[cigarfan]

Good googa-mooga! That is some wild coco.

You got my attention. Thanks for letting us look on as this beauty comes together.

[mikealpine]

Looking so nice! Tom builds with such elegance.