Build Thread: Baranik Meridian

[riorider]

Originally Posted by jennconducts

Looks like it's a "race" between us to the end!

Ha! Yes, but a race with two winners!!

Phil

[jennconducts]

Originally Posted by riorider

Ha! Yes, but a race with two winners!!

Phil

lol Absolutely!

Jenn

[justonwo]

Ha. I think yours will be completed first, Jenn. In fact, Mike told me he's taking a break after this week to finish yours up.

I'm happy to watch the build process move along, though. And I love the unique wood combination Mike has chosen. The color variation is difficult to see in the rosette, but it's the same as the headstock (reddish wenge, black cocobolo, and green lignum vitae).

[justonwo]

And some more updates from Mike. Looks like Jenn and I are neck and neck.

[riorider]

well???

phil

[justonwo]

I know. I know. Mike just uploaded some pics today. I've been trying to wait patiently. We're in the middle of making some aesthetic decisions on purfling, so there isn't a whole lot to show. Just some bent sides.

Update: I think what Mike and I decided for the purfling is going to look absolutely stunning and very unique. Sorta like "Lava/Volcano" but with a green-ish theme instead of red.

[justonwo]

Here are some photos of the sides. Mike is using Peruvian walnut with the cocobolo for the double sides.




Here Mike has covered one of the sides with honey:





Mike uses this torture apparatus to break the wood into submission before incorporation into the rest of the build. The sides will be heated under torture and the hot honey will attract bears, which will then lick the sides and optimize the strength and tone.





Strangely enough, Mike found himself with enough time to build this wooden Matchbox car ramp. Not sure what that has to do with a guitar, but then again I'm not a luthier.





Here's one side right before the bears show up.





Another ramp

[riorider]

You're killin' me!!

I'll have to ask him what he used for the inside of the double sides of your guitar's evil twin...

Phil

[justonwo]

I think he mentioned he used particle board soaked in Aqua Net for the inside of your guitar. He decided to start using solid wood on mine . . .

[riorider]

You aren't old enough to remember Aqua Net! (or do they still sell that stuff? It was great for tennis ball cannons...)

And I think it was rare brazilian particle board!

[justonwo]

I wouldn't take that guitar within 50 yards of a campfire. You might find out why it was called "Lava!"

We used to use Aqua Net (stupidly) to make very cool torches when I was a kid. And, of course, my grandma used it to make a structural support on top of her head in case the ceiling collapsed.

[KolayaGuitars]

When i was in his shop back in September, he was building a coco meridian with tulipwood inner sides. I just love Mike's work, it is so perfectly clean, down to every last detail, you are a lucky man!!

[riorider]

Originally Posted by justonwo

I think he mentioned he used particle board soaked in Aqua Net for the inside of your guitar. He decided to start using solid wood on mine . . .

Just to close the loop, it was some blackish purple Mad Rose that Mike used on the inner sides of the "lava" guitar - what I call Volcano - the one he built for Montreal and Healdsburg 2009 - the one he brought down for you to play - the first production Meridian Concert!

And Kolaya - you are right - "clean" in that super-detailed sense typifies Mike's guitars!

Phil

[jennconducts]

You guys are cracking me up! lol

I've received news from Mike that this week is "assembly and spraying".

So, as I've mentioned here before, even though I live very close to Mike, I've purposely stayed away during this build, seeing it for the first time a couple of weeks ago when I took him the PU and strings. I've done this for two reasons: 1. I'm a believer in staying out of the way and letting the man work! 2. By staying a bit distant, I've hoped to avoid extreme anticipation symtoms! Well, now that we're this close, all bets are off! I want this thing TODAY! lol

News as it develops,
Jenn

[justonwo]

Your guitar is looking great. I'm sure you're going to enjoy playing it.