Madrona Guitars Workshop Updates

[Joe Whitman]

Originally Posted by Carpinteria

Very nice work all the way, Joe! Both guitars look great. Dave

Thanks Dave! I cant wait to put the sealer coat on the outside of the Purpleheart one, I usually wait until the binding is done and sanded. So not too far off.

[Joe Whitman]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

Joe are you bringing any instruments to Wintergrass in Bellevue this coming February? It would be great to see you there!

Thanks for the encouragement! I’m shooting to have these ready for display LaConner so Wintergrass is probably a little too soon for my schedule. I will probably just be a spectator this year and hopefully be able to exhibit next year.
Hopefully I’ll see you in LaConner I have my table booked there already.

https://laconnerguitarfestival.com/luthiers

[Joe Whitman]

I spent a few days at the beach with my family and couldn’t help from eyeballing the drift wood and thinking of guitar building. It would be interesting to build a guitar strictly from reclaimed driftwood.
I saw curly and quilted maple and even this huge chunk of old growth cedar. With half of it in the sand it is probably over six feet across.


Another interesting thing is this log. If you have ever wondered what one means when they talk about run out in bracing or top wood, then check out the way this log grew in a spiral. Imagine cutting a guitar top from this log, you can follow how the grain would “run out” instead of running the length of the board. This is why riven braces are so much stronger as well.






Well back to the shop. Thanks for stopping by!

[Joe Whitman]

Things have been a little slow on the guitars this week, but I have been making progress on the bindings. Started cutting the channels today. Which for me is probably the most stressful part of building so I like to slow down and make sure everything fits just right.

[Joe Whitman]

A few update shots, tail grafts are in, binding coming soon. The wild grain on the Purpleheart made cutting the channels a little fun. But everything came out well.

[Joe Whitman]

Here are some purfling shots from my Purpleheart Sucia. I had to leave the Purpleheart line a little thicker than usual and plane it down after assembly to mitigate the effects of the wild grain. But it all came together beautifully.

[SaintClarence27]

Wow, this is going to be beautiful. Still enjoying working with the purpleheart? I bet the customer is going to love it.

[Joe Whitman]

Originally Posted by SaintClarence27

Wow, this is going to be beautiful. Still enjoying working with the purpleheart? I bet the customer is going to love it.

Thanks SaintClarence27! Yes I’m still enjoying working with the Purpleheart. I’ve always been drawn to figured woods. The added beauty and surprise of what it will actually look like under finish keeps me excited to keep picking up my tools in the morning. The added challenge of getting the wild grain to do what one wants is also rewarding when it works. And I’ll admit a little stressful when it doesn’t.

I have a set of quilted Sapele that I’m making plans for soon. I have a feeling this may be a “fun” build as well.



Perhaps I’m just a glutton for punishment.

[SaintClarence27]

Originally Posted by Joe Whitman

Thanks SaintClarence27! Yes I’m still enjoying working with the Purpleheart. I’ve always been drawn to figured woods. The added beauty and surprise of what it will actually look like under finish keeps me excited to keep picking up my tools in the morning. The added challenge of getting the wild grain to do what one wants is also rewarding when it works. And I’ll admit a little stressful when it doesn’t.

I have a set of quilted Sapele that I’m making plans for soon. I have a feeling this may be a “fun” build as well.



Perhaps I’m just a glutton for punishment.

I think a lot of us are excited for what this one will look like under finish, but I suppose none more than you and the buyer. Have you ever worked with (American) Sycamore?

[Joe Whitman]

Originally Posted by SaintClarence27

I think a lot of us are excited for what this one will look like under finish, but I suppose none more than you and the buyer. Have you ever worked with (American) Sycamore?

I haven’t worked with American Sycamore, it is on my radar when looking for sets to work with. It is beautiful stuff especially if you can find a good set with the strong medullary rays.

[Joe Whitman]

Here are a few more progress shots.





I really need to put the finishing touches on these two tenor ukulele’s. So I have been splitting my time with these, as well as a new spray booth. Apparently I like to have multiple projects going at the same time.

[Joe Whitman]

There was some nice light coming through the windows this morning. A extra spritz of CA hardener gave a nice preview.

[Carpinteria]

Beautiful ‘Ukes, Joe, and great work on the purfling. All those miters are a challenge!

[Joe Whitman]

Originally Posted by Carpinteria

Beautiful ‘Ukes, Joe, and great work on the purfling. All those miters are a challenge!

Thanks Carpinteria!

I got what is probably the most challenging piece of binding in this morning. I leave the binding a little wide so I can level everything out and preserve a uniform reveal. This little piece has to follow the curve, the arch and fit the miters. These picture frame clamps are a real help.




Thanks for following along!

[SaintClarence27]

That purple heart is going to be so cool