NICK KUKICH (Franklin Guitar Co.) The OMC (German Spruce / Cuban Mahogany)

[cigarfan]

Looking good Bob. Going to be a schweet piece!

See ya at WILS.

[iim7V7IM7]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

Looking good Bob. Going to be a schweet piece!

See ya at WILS.

Hoping so.... See you tomorrow Dennis...

[mhw48]

I am impatiently awaiting more photos, but then I think: my impatience is nothing compared to what you must be feeling, wanting to get you hands on this guitar!

[David Wren]

Great build thread ... love it!

[LouieAtienza]

A bit late to the party Bob, but great thread, phenomenal woods, and excellent craftsmanship! Looking forward to seeing more of the process!

[iim7V7IM7]

Thanks.... I should have an update soon...

Originally Posted by mhw48

I am impatiently awaiting more photos, but then I think: my impatience is nothing compared to what you must be feeling, wanting to get you hands on this guitar!

Originally Posted by David Wren

Great build thread ... love it!

Originally Posted by LouieAtienza

A bit late to the party Bob, but great thread, phenomenal woods, and excellent craftsmanship! Looking forward to seeing more of the process!

[iim7V7IM7]

I think I may have spoken too soon. Nick’s computer is in the shop being serviced (), so he has no ability to send photos at the moment. I know that the guitar top has been braced and the braces carved at this point. I will share the next update when I get it...

[Harry O]

New to AG forum. I'm in Portland and Nick's shop is in my building (long story). Been watching your build! Looking good! I took delivery of my Franklin German Spruce/BRW OM just prior to your build. It's beautiful and sounds amazing...

[iim7V7IM7]

Originally Posted by Harry O

New to AG forum. I'm in Portland and Nick's shop is in my building (long story). Been watching your build! Looking good! I took delivery of my Franklin German Spruce/BRW OM just prior to your build. It's beautiful and sounds amazing...

Good to hear Harry, and thanks for the update. At least someone has seen it.... Congrats on your new Franklin and say “hi” to Nick...

[Portland Bill]

Looking good

[iim7V7IM7]

Here is a sequence of photos documenting how Nick created an interpretation of a traditional Style 40 type rosette. I asked if Nick could use maple instead of the traditional Ivoroid to match the bindings. The shell is Paua Abalone.

Inner ring.


Wrapping the rings I


Wrapping the rings II


Cutting a 3-7/8” diameter sound hole.

[iim7V7IM7]

Nick’s approach to the top has evolved over the years. He varies his top plate thickness on this German Spruce top from 0.120” in the center to 0.105” near the rims. In terms of arching the top is flat up until the sound hole and will gain some doming from string tension. The upper bout from the sound hole to the neck block is quite domed with a 22’ radius dish.

Notched Red Spruce braces with a Brazilian Rosewood bridge plate.


Rough x-brace, tone bars, finger braces and bridge plate hot hide glued on to the top.


Rough carving of the top braces.


Refined in their profile.


A-frame and flying upper transverse brace.


Completed top bracing.

[DamianL]

Brilliant set of pictures - like a text book!

[justonwo]

Whoa! He doesn’t skimp on the photos. Awesome. Keep it coming.

[iim7V7IM7]

Originally Posted by DamianL

Brilliant set of pictures - like a text book!

One of the great aspects of lutherie is just how many different approaches builders can take to achieve a great result. Luthiers develop their own methods, alone at their bench through trial and error. The top being the heart of the guitar is of particular interest...

Originally Posted by justonwo

Whoa! He doesn’t skimp on the photos. Awesome. Keep it coming.

There was a bit of a back log due to a computer challenge that Nick and Jeanne were having. They should come with a bit more regularity moving forward...