Build Thread: Fairbanks Super Smeck

[Mark L]

Wow! Makes me really interested in Fairbanks.

Any special bracing or string spacing considerations for fingerstyle, or is this one aimed at flatpicking?

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by Mark L

Wow! Makes me really interested in Fairbanks.

Any special bracing or string spacing considerations for fingerstyle, or is this one aimed at flatpicking?

No, it’s not aimed for a particular style of music. Most of my favorite builders are able to build a guitar that has enough headroom for flatpicking. My other Fairbanks is lovely for fingerstyle, and you can beat the hell out of it with a pick.

[srick]

Juston - Y’know I’ve always wondered how Dale has achieved such consistent results in his guitars. I never got the impression that he tap tunes, and I’m not sure if I ever have seen lots of calipers around his shop. I do know that he is very aware of the thickness of nitro that he sprays. Do you have any idea?

Rick

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by srick

Juston - Y’know I’ve always wondered how Dale has achieved such consistent results in his guitars. I never got the impression that he tap tunes, and I’m not sure if I ever have seen lots of calipers around his shop. I do know that he is very aware of the thickness of nitro that he sprays. Do you have any idea?

Rick

I didn't know so I asked Dale. He doesn't tap tops. He builds mostly by feel and will adjust the braces and top thickness to get his desired deflection, which I understand he just does by bending the wood. So pretty tactile.

[srick]

I didn't know so I asked Dale. He doesn't tap tops. He builds mostly by feel and will adjust the braces and top thickness to get his desired deflection, which I understand he just does by bending the wood. So pretty tactile.

Amazing. That's actually what I thought. As I've gone down the rabbit hole of reading about building techniques and the science of the build, nothing beats the luthier's magic touch and experience.

Dale has promised me some more pictures upcoming of my build and said, "Completion is imminent." Fingers are crossed.

[justonwo]

Bursted all over the place.

[mikealpine]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Bursted all over the place.

One of the prettiest bursts I’ve seen. Gorgeous guitar!

[fredsj200]

WOW Juston!! That is just looking amazing.

Being a Super Smeck owner myself, I know this will be quite an awesome instrument. I am really stoked for you. However, part of this is just my jealousy showing (LOL) as my Fairbanks build is in the "on deck circle". I can not wait for yours to be completed knowing then mine will hopefully follow shortly.

[Rwpierce]

Juston your killing it again, truly spectacularly looking guitar! This is my favorite build thread on the forum. Looking forward to your review after you’ve had some time with it.

[Dotneck]

Looks like Fairbanks builds in batches?

[srick]

Looks like Fairbanks builds in batches?

My guess is that the majority of the guitars in the background are Irises. The room that you see is a massive spray booth that was left behind from the prior tenant, an auto body shop. I can’t say for certain, but I suspect that when Dale goes into a spray session, he likely does several at once. The shop has a full time CNC going, plus a PLEK. It will be interesting to see their work flow.

Hopefully, next month, I will be up at the shop and providing AGF with a photo tour of the home of Circle Strings\Fairbanks Guitars\Iris Guitars and Allied Luthierie.

But it looks like Juston’s Super Smeck is gonna beat my Fox to the door. Soooo jealous…..

[justonwo]

And Dale shares shop space with a bunch of other builders.

[fredsj200]

Yes, I believe there’s Fairbanks, Iris, Circle Strings and Allied Lutherie all sharing space. I was up there in July and quite a nice facility. Most impressive was the plek machine and the massive (state of the art) spray booth. No clue why I did not take any photos

[jt1]

Be still my heart. That's as beautiful a guitar as I've seen.

I'd ask you to play it in good health, Juston. But I'd prefer that you send it to this old, cancer-riddled body to play in whatever health is possible (and a lot of health is possible: I've been taking names of hills kicking their tails on my bicycle).

Again, what a guitar. I covet it.

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by jt1

Be still my heart. That's as beautiful a guitar as I've seen.

I'd ask you to play it in good health, Juston. But I'd prefer that you send it to this old, cancer-riddled body to play in whatever health is possible (and a lot of health is possible: I've been taking names of hills kicking their tails on my bicycle).

Again, what a guitar. I covet it.

Come out and visit. Let's ride and play guitar.