Sexauer/'16 (Chapter 2)

[Bruce Sexauer]

Originally Posted by theEdwinson

I predict a well-earned DECREASE in humility when you compare the tone of these two. Bruce, when I look at your signature top bracing pattern, it just looks smart. You've got structural stability taken care of, and vibrational excursion in the soundboard totally nailed. It looks like a lively, expressive top, from the get-go. I've heard your guitars; I know you've taken the art and science to a higher place.

Of course I hope you're right! And I appreciate that you apparently see what I see when I look at the two bracing systems. IF my system handles the forces as well as "we" think it does, it has the advantage of 4" less brace mass in the tone bars, and that is from the center area of the top where it matters most. I have made perhaps 50 guitars now with this bracing concept (this is the first conservative dread, however), so I know it works. Thanks for sharing.

[Bruce Sexauer]

Originally Posted by oliverkollar

Bruce.....I'm about an hour and a half away, and would be very happy to play both for you, to compare/contrast the respective tone in terms of the bracing! Being very selfish here....but man....I'm excited!

Good stuff!

If you time it right you'll be able to play the D-18 as well! I do not mind visitors at all, but if you want to be sure I have time to be gracious, a call in advance is a good idea.

The D-18 is about 3 weeks till strings most likely, and the D-28's are more like 5 weeks, with luck. I do not expect these to sell quickly, but you never know. I sure am having a good time making them!

[justonwo]

Looks great, Bruce. Thanks for the photos!

[Bruce Sexauer]

You're welcome! Despite having turned to lutherie and music early in life, I WAS raised right!

Even when building multiples, I do assemble each box individually. I closed the forst of these 2 D's a few minutes ago. This is the more adventurous of the two. It will have wood binding rather than celluloid, and a bit of wedging too. Also, riskier ribbons! The biggest differences are hard to see, but at a hint, it ought to weigh less.





I have titled every piece for many years, and most pieces since I started:


Your first glimpse of the sides, I believe:

[Nort]

Bruce, I like those ribbons, "classy"

[Bruce Sexauer]

I am just about to close the second more conservative D-28ish box. The first one is bound with Cocobolo sapwood and purfled similarly to my normal "Sexauer" standard trim; a bit fancy compared to Martin's standard. This one will still have wood purfling, but it will emulate Martin's graphics and will use Ivoroid for the binding itself.

Here is the second box, still open:

[Bruce Sexauer]

I completed both of the D-28 bodies over the weekend. I put them on the scale for these pictures, which may be of interest.

[oliverkollar]

Looking great!

Can't wait to try them out!

I notice the purfling and back strips are different.
Each harkens to different eras of a "traditional" Spruce/Rosewood Dreadnought.

[Bruce Sexauer]

I have not heard of Martin using mitered purflings/graft on a style 28, let alone Cocobolo sapwood for a binding material, but the back strips did have their day. This guitar has quite a few "improvements" incorporated into it compared to the other. If you look carefully at the scale, you may be able to notice that the body is 2/10ths of a pound lighter that the more conservative version. I would be very surprised to learn that the conservative version is not that much lighter that a typical Martin box, which would make mine at almost a half pound lighter than theirs. Of course I do not actually know what theirs weighs, but if so that's close to 20% lighter.

[oliverkollar]

Sorry Bruce....I meant binding......specifically the herringbone.

[Bruce Sexauer]

I strung up the Movingai' flamenco last night. My target was brigher/clearer (more flamenco, less classical) and I am feeling pretty good about it. Being as I don't know too much about nylon strings, I used old school Saverez red card high tension, and the new owner is welcome to do as the like. I expect to have it well sorted in a few days and say goodby on Monday. Here are a couple of pictures, and if you like them there are more here.





The D. tucurensis bridge's cap is Movingai' as well.

[iim7V7IM7]

Very nice...

[LouieAtienza]

The flamenco turned out beautifully!

[Bruce Sexauer]

I have been busy! The 2 D-28 wantabes have gone into finish and have their first coat of oil varnish dry enough to handle (but not dry enough to sand or I would be). Also, I have buffed out the D-18 wantabe and have glued the neck to the body.
















Then,

[justonwo]

Those both look fantastic, Bruce. I love what you've done on those two guitars.