Build: Baranik Meridian, Sick Cocobolo/Blue Spruce

[Cocobolo Kid]

Thanks for the support Eric and Kevin.

Kevin, yes I am getting the adjustable neck version. I believe this is standard on the Meridian now, and Mike really recommends it. Even if you don't plan to use the feature (like if you're strictly a home player like me), it may come in handy down the road if the guitar settles to avoid a neck reset. I think it will also be useful to keep the action the same for drastically altered tunings.

Trevor, according to Mike, the Black Cocobolo he has used on a few guitars in the past was unique in its sound properties. This was due to the fact that the log/tree had soaked in a mineral filled body of water for some time and had absorbed a lot of the minerals. I'm guessing this is where the dark color came from. When Mike sanded the Black Cocobolo, he noticed a strong smell of iron. He also said the wood was much denser than typical Cocobolo. I believe the sound properties of the Black Cocobolo was akin to that of the best African Blackwood in that it reflected a lot of the soundboard sound producing clear highs, rich dark overtones and good volume. Mike may still be able to obtain a set or two of the Black Cocobolo, but according to him the upcharge now would be in the thousands of dollars.

No new updates from Mike yet...

John

[jennconducts]

Congrats, John! If you would like, when it gets strung up, I'll run over there and play it; you know, just break it in a bit!

Jenn

[Cocobolo Kid]

Jenn,

I really enjoyed meeting you at the gathering. Since you were kind enough to let me play your Meridian that day, I'll certainly return the favor. You're certainly welcome to take my Meridian for a test drive if you just happen to stop by Mike's shop that day. Just don't eat ribs and cheetos beforehand or wear your Michael Jackson zippered jacket.

However, if you take me up on this, there is a downside (and an upside for Mike), as I'm sure you're going to want Mike to build you another new guitar sooner than you may have wanted.

Take care,
John

[colins]

John,

Darn it, I’ve drooled on the keyboard. That is seriously beautiful wood!! It makes my ziricote JX look plain. Great that it is happening and I hope we get the next gathering or something similar organized so I can see it when it is finished.

Cheers
Col

[justonwo]

The adjustable neck is one of those features I never thought is use but it does come in handy when you need to change the action. And it is ROCK SOLID once you set it. It's executed very elegantly.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Originally Posted by colins

John,

Darn it, I’ve drooled on the keyboard. That is seriously beautiful wood!! It makes my ziricote JX look plain. Great that it is happening and I hope we get the next gathering or something similar organized so I can see it when it is finished.

Cheers
Col

Colin,

I'm planning on bringing the Meridian to Healdsburg, and hopefully I will see you there. I always look forward to seeing you. ...and your Ziricote JX will never be called plain.

John

[jennconducts]

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

Colin,

I'm planning on bringing the Meridian to Healdsburg, and hopefully I will see you there. I always look forward to seeing you. ...and your Ziricote JX will never be called plain.

John

I'll be bringing mine as well.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Here's the top being glued:


Not much more to report.
John

[racman]

This is going to be great John, I look forward to seeing it come together...

[Cocobolo Kid]

Mike has been finishing up on a couple other guitars, and now he is ready to continue working on my Meridian. Here are the first photos Mike has sent me.

Top being cut:


Top cut:


Back being cut:


Back cut:


Back braces being glued:


Well, that's it for now. I'll upload more photos as Mike sends them to me.

I've been through one other custom build before, but for some reason the anticipation on this one is really killing me.

John

[El Conquistador]

John,
Looks great. Can't wait for more pics.

Steve

[justonwo]

Why does he cover the back with pie dough?

[Nemoman]

Originally Posted by justonwo

Why does he cover the back with pie dough?

LOL--it does appear that way doesn't it? That vacuum press really sucks down tight! Outrageous Coco on this one--can't wait to see the progress...

[riorider]

Nice, John... but you know that!

Thanks for posting the pics..

Phil

[Fngrstyl]

Gorgeous!!