The EDWINSON "De Profundis" : EPC-F1 Ancient Glacier Sitka/Bois de Rose

[GaultierRedon14]

Yes, due to it's uniquely dense and oily/waxy traits, Lignum Vitae has served a number of mechanical and industrial uses for centuries. My favorite, though, is the Wassail Bowl. Those same qualities make Lignum an excellent drinking vessel for hot adult beverages. It's good for sailing and wassailing! Here is a fine 17th century example:



I'll think of my English ancestors' wassailing revelries each time I run my fingers over that sweet strip of Lignum on the back of my guitar.

[GaultierRedon14]

Steve recently finished the top bracing. After considering some different options, he tested some very unique cedar that is exceptionally stiff, on par with spruces. He cut some braces and compared them to some primo Adi and some torrefied Adi, and decided that this cedar was the best choice to pair with the Ancient Sitka. I'm sure he'll add his own comments later to share his approach to the bracing here.
Notice that the asymmetrical bracing pattern is to accommodate the multi-scale configuration.





Here is a picture of a test fit--Steve says everything fits perfectly.

[TomB'sox]

Looking super so far...the top color is starting to grow on me for sure.

[Joel Teel]

Tom,
Do you find that it washes off easily.....or is it more like a stain?

Joel

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Looking super so far...the top color is starting to grow on me for sure.

[Joel Teel]

Wonderful, GR14...
I'll be there in 2 weeks, and am looking forward to seeing it in person.

Joel

[lizzard]

I hate (not really) to keep doing this but... If the check bounces (I'm just sayin')

Chris

[GaultierRedon14]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Looking super so far...the top color is starting to grow on me for sure.

I'm confident that Steve will make you a full-fledged De Profvndis admirer before this build is over

[GaultierRedon14]

Originally Posted by Wood Knot

Wonderful, GR14...
I'll be there in 2 weeks, and am looking forward to seeing it in person.

Joel

That should be a great time to see it--I think Steve will have finished the box by then. You'll have to post here after your visit, of course!

[GaultierRedon14]

Originally Posted by lizzard

I hate (not really) to keep doing this but... If the check bounces (I'm just sayin')

Chris

Well, I'm hopeful I won't face any calamity between now and then, but you never know...

[lizzard]

Originally Posted by GaultierRedon14

Well, I'm hopeful I won't face any calamity between now and then, but you never know...

Me too. You have collaborated on what looks to be a STUNNER!

Enjoy!

Chris

[theEdwinson]

I'm closing up the box today! Got the interior neatly sealed with shellac yesterday... I add a little talcum powder to the 2-lb. cut shellac, and spray it. The talcum cuts the glossy look of the shellac, makes it look almost like there's no finish inside.
I've also made the binding strips- we're using Lignum Vitae, with special Maple/Rosewood cross-grain/Maple multi-line purflings. I glued up a binding "log", with epoxy; then cut the binding strips on the tablesaw. They look great.

The purflings on the sides are going to match the inner and outer rosette rings, the sound port, and the bracing/purfling around the perimeter of the back, for a unified theme throughout. I'll have some new photos soon. Everything is going great!

[SJ VanSandt]

I'm curious, Steve: when you spray shellac on the interior, do you mask off the bracing? It seems to my unscientific mind that you might alter the sound otherwise. On the other hand, more finish = less water absorption.

I really love the looks of that glacial Sitka. This one is going to be super special.

[theEdwinson]

Originally Posted by SJ VanSandt

I'm curious, Steve: when you spray shellac on the interior, do you mask off the bracing? It seems to my unscientific mind that you might alter the sound otherwise. On the other hand, more finish = less water absorption.

I really love the looks of that glacial Sitka. This one is going to be super special.

No, I don't mask the braces.
I use my regular HVLP spray equipment to spray the back and sides- starting with an almost dry coat, to prevent the alcohol in the shellac from causing color bleed from the Bois de Rose; then when that first micro-coat is fully dry, I give the interior one overall even coat. It's super thin but enough to seal the wood. And using the talcum to reduce the gloss of the shellac, the result is a neat, clean, satiny interior.
Of course, the whole point of this is that sealing the interior adds some protection against sudden environmental shocks, like rapid changes of humidity. It sort of slows the "respiration" of the woods, allowing them to acclimate gradually, thereby preventing wood cracks or failed glue joints.
The shellac is very thin, and as it is the same stuff used for French polish finishing, it has no negative affect on the sound of the guitar.

[Zandit75]

This is looking great!! Can't wait to see more of it!

[invguy921]

This is becoming one very cool guitar. I'm anxious to see ti progress as well. It is always amazing to see what a master craftsman can do with some "basic hunks" of wood. Amazing stuff!