Build Thread: Circa OM-42 Adi/Braz

[justonwo]

Yeah, I know. Another Circa build thread?! What could you possibly do with another Circa, justonwo? Torture it within an inch of its life, of course!

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of John Slobod's guitars. In the last several years, he's formulated a recipe that really appeals to my tonal aesthetic; he focuses on volume, headroom, and mids, while letting the bass blossom over a longer period of time (which it does after a year or two, or sooner, depending on the instrument). A fundamental part of this sound has been John's use of a slightly taller X brace. I now have four Circas built in this paradigm. I have three OMs, all with Adi tops. Two with rosewood and one with mahogany back and sides. And a German spruce and German maple 000-12. And while I love all of them for various reasons, I probably come back to the OM-28 for one reason or another.

Having waxed poetic about John's luthier kung-fu with various friends - among them our own USB Chord, who is extremely well versed in all things Circa - we have often pondered a Circa that returns to the original recipe, which was more of a vintage Martin replica. A looser, more bass heavy variation more reminiscent of John's earlier work (or so I am told, I have played only one or two from the pre-tall X brace era).

While John and I wait for the style 30 purfling to come to life for my triple 0 project (0-12, 00-12, and 000-12), I thought it would be exciting to round out the Circa collection with something a little different. And by a "little different," I actually do mean just a little different.

So I've asked John to undertake an OM-42 build with a looser, bassier feel. Probably not too dissimilar from my Brondel OM-42, to be honest. I'm going full Tammy Faye Bakker on this baby, with Adi and Brazi draped in full style 42 regalia. And while this OM is unlikely to ooze eyeliner like TFB, I am fairly certain it will ooze a most holy-rolling tone. Watch the magic as laser-perfect miters and birds beak craftsmanship unfolds! In the words of John Slobod (and also Garth Algar), "I just hope you don't think it sucks!"

Body: OM, non-cutaway
Top: IPGUG Red Spruce
Back and Sides: SYKG Brazilian rosewood
Neck: Bird's beak mahogany
Bridge: Is there anything other than ebony pyramid??
Scale length: 25.4" of course
Nut width: 1 3/4"
Saddle spacing: 2 5/16"
Tuners: For sure
Frets: EVO Gold 55090, the only way to fly
Ajustable truss rod: Heck no!
Case: Probably a good ol' Ameritage. Bulky, but it does the job. I have enough solvent-releasing Toxee cases in my life.

And without further ado, I give you . . . the tonewoods. And . . . a center strip. We decided to go for a set of Braz with a little flair.

[iim7V7IM7]

Beautiful Woods + Great Builder = Watching

[jt1]

Oh, my!

This will be wonderful.

[Vaillant75]

Yes Yes Yes!
Banjo tuners to get the whole 42-style goodness?
Just got my own OM 42 from a fellow AGFer and I am stocked with it. Indeed it's a 2018 model and there is a splash of "modernity" in the way the bass blooms.
Your addiction makes for our own enjoyment
Best.

[brianlcox]

Originally Posted by Vaillant75

Yes Yes Yes!

Banjo tuners to get the whole 42-style goodness?

Just got my own OM 42 from a fellow AGFer and I am stocked with it. Indeed it's a 2018 model and there is a splash of "modernity" in the way the bass blooms.

Your addiction makes for our own enjoyment

Best.

I had heard from a mutual friend that that circa had made it's way to Europe! Excellent choice! Enjoy it in good health!

[justonwo]

I had also heard that about the OM-42. Congrats!

No banjo tuners for me, I'm afraid. And no bar frets either. Although banjo tuners look cool and retro, I much prefer the function of simple Waverly tuners.

[JCM615]

When you get it, and it's so good that you don't care to play anything else, can I have 1st dibs on the OM-28??

[justonwo]

Originally Posted by JCM615

When you get it, and it's so good that you don't care to play anything else, can I have 1st dibs on the OM-28??

I'll probably just put it out on the curb for someone to take. It will be dead to me by then . . .

[JCM615]

Pay no mind to the unaccustomed vagrant in the black convertible hanging around your curb. He's a bit off-center but relatively harmless.

[Kenny B]

Looks really nice, would love to get on his list someday for a future build.

I think this will be a most amazing guitar once it is done.

[cigarfan]

Nice start. You are one lucky dude!

[FormerFoodie]

Drool...

I'm going to look forward to this thread as this beauty comes together.

Love that Braz!!!!

[Nemoman]

Those woods are ridiculously beautiful--what an awesome build!

[Diamondave]

I love that set, this is gonna be a primo 42, exciting...!!!

[usb_chord]

Congrats, bud! Really excited to see this one come together.