Aboudib crossover build thread

[s2y]

Coming soon-ish. Aboudib nylon crossover.

Basic specs: wenge back/sides and Englemann top. Cutaway. This will include a piezo (TBD) and a truss rod. Aware that nylon stringed guitars don't need a truss rod, but this is because I'm very particular about settings and I want to fine tune it. Michel will be doing some sort of fancy rosette. There will be inlays on the fretboard.

My goal with this is to have a good classical/flamenco type sound. I'm primarily a fingerstyle player and wanting something that basically bridges the gap.

[cigarfan]

Congrats on the build. I'm sure Michel wll knock it out of the park.

[Carpinteria]

Nice wood combination! Will the neck/fingerboard specs be narrower than on the usual classical guitar?

[runamuck]

Are what appears to be thin strips of carbon fiber on there to prevent cracking?

[s2y]

Originally Posted by Carpinteria

Nice wood combination! Will the neck/fingerboard specs be narrower than on the usual classical guitar?

Same bridge and nut spacing. Same overall neck dimensions as a classical guitar.

[s2y]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Are what appears to be thin strips of carbon fiber on there to prevent cracking?

Not sure. I'll ask.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by s2y

Same bridge and nut spacing. Same overall neck dimensions as a classical guitar.

What makes this a crossover if the neck is the same?

[s2y]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

What makes this a crossover if the neck is the same?

I use the term loosely. For me, it's more about something more friendly to a fingerstyle player without nails. I doubt I'll need higher action for concert volumes, etc. This guitar will break more than a few rules.

TBH, I've been entertaining the idea of an SJ with a wider nut and bridge down the road and this could allow me to "experiment" a bit.

[s2y]

Regarding the back strips:

No, they’re strips of veneer. The backs on my guitars are usually pretty thin. So I use Ervin’s technique to reinforce them across the grain.

[nootis]

This is great Sam! I love the wood combo too. Some day, I'd like to commission a crossover as well. You've got me thinking.

[Bruce Sexauer]

I have been making and playing classical/flamenco hybrid guitars for several years now. I play with a flat pick and carry that over as well. SO EASY to play compared to a steel string! My mother gave me a terrible nylon strung guitar when I was a teen, and it turned me against them for a long time, but that had little in common with what I’m doing now.

What a hybrid means to me is a narrower nut than a classical (49 mm instead of 52 mm), a lower auction as on a flamenco, but a higher bridge as on a classical, and a thinner and lighter body to give response and liveliness rather than formality and projection. Also, there are many woods that work very well, no need to stick with the ever-present rosewood of the classical format.

I had one such (Madrone and Adirondack) on my table at LaConner last weekend, and it got plenty of attention. I hope our steel string player market moves in that direction as they discover the joyous ease of such instruments. I am sure you will love what Michel comes up with.

[s2y]

Originally Posted by nootis

This is great Sam! I love the wood combo too. Some day, I'd like to commission a crossover as well. You've got me thinking.

Do it!!!!

Wenge was a good excuse to try something different. Englemann theoretically would add a touch of treble to my playing style. Looking forward to the results and revisiting my neoclassical metal roots. It's too bad I lack the hair of my youth.

[Dustinfurlow]

I look forward to seeing this come together!

[s2y]

A little progress.

[sinistral]

Very cool! Working with Michel on the design of the rosette on my guitar has been the most rewarding experience. I like how you combined inlay with hand carving. Was there a particular inspiration for the shapes?