Hatcher's Studio 2018

[Mark Hatcher]

I got the back on:




So far, so good!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

The final steps voicing the guitar before closing up the body. This consists of shaving the braces to get the right flexibility and tap response in all the right places. It's best done first thing in the morning when your head is clear and it's quiet. That also leaves you time to glue it up so you don't start second guessing:





Thanks for viewing!
Mark

[printer2]

I am having a case of clamp envy.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by printer2

I am having a case of clamp envy.

Careful, first you just want to give them a try. Next thing you know you’re in deep and just can’t seem to get enough!

[Mark Hatcher]

I have the guitar's body closed now so I can hear how the back and top sound now that they have gone from single complex systems in to larger even more complex system:



Before I can bind the guitar the end graft and the binding on the tip of the cutaway need to be in place:





I'm using Macassar Ebony for binding and many of the other trim parts including the fretboard and bridge.

More to come!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I'm moving along with the binding. Here is a picture of the Macassar binding on the back:



Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I've got the binding and radial Ovangkol purfing set on the top now:



That leaves the finishing trim that will go on the arm bevel. We have a gorgeous piece of Macassar Ebony for the fretboard and bridge and I found another that is a close match to get the arm bevel trim cut:



Nice piece of Macassar, isn't it?

Mark

[cigarfan]

My goodness it sure is. Awesome!

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

My goodness it sure is. Awesome!

It will be fun to pick out exactly where to cut out the fretboard and bridge in order to best bring out the grain and figure. The Ovangkol has a lot going on and ultimately these additional charms will add some depth to the overall look.
You just have to love the infinite variability of woods!


Thanks for commenting!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I've got the fretboard cut out and the fret slots in. I like this color combination:



Here's a shot on the very unfinished top:



I also have the Macassar cut and glued for the arm bevel. I didn't put up a picture because I figured you've seen enough binding tape lately!


Mark

[Guitars44me]

My goodness that is a lovely wood combo!

Drooling here

Carry on and thanks for sharing

Paul

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

My goodness that is a lovely wood combo!

Drooling here

Carry on and thanks for sharing

Paul

Thanks Paul,

I'll have better pictures up of the guitar body when it's all cleaned up. I'll be getting the neck all together also.


Thanks for commenting,
Mark

[swiftz07]

So beautifully done Mark! Loving how you always manage to bring out the very best in wood. Awesome photos too!

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by swiftz07

So beautifully done Mark! Loving how you always manage to bring out the very best in wood. Awesome photos too!

Thanks swiftz07! Today it's sound port and clean-up!

[j. Kinnaird]

Beautiful wood choices. Very organic looking.