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  #1  
Old 04-29-2022, 11:00 AM
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invguy921 invguy921 is offline
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Arrow New build: Morrissey SJ Bearclaw Swiss Moon Spruce/Madagascar Rosewood

I'm proud to say that my next custom is underway. A shout out again to Tom B'sox for introducing me to Patrick Morrissey a few years ago. For those who don't know who he is, he is not a newcomer to AGF, just not a frequent "poster" (something I'm trying to help with lol). Patrick and I have worked together in the past, and certainly he builds an exquisite guitar. Below are a few preliminary pictures of the woods we're going to use, as well as a "peek" into Patricks shop. Not only is his shop complete with some of the latest equipment, but some of the most amazing technology to get everything very precise...CNC comes to mind.

In my first build thread with Patrick here on AGF, here is what I said "Upon researching some of Patricks work, I realized that he is not only a great craftsman, but also super creative given his background as a Graphic Designer. Not to mention, presumably from some of Tom's "clean" pics Patrick is somewhat of a "neat freak". He tells me he has vacuum systems everywhere in his shop to keep it immaculately clean given the type of work he does. Now I'm not all that neat, nor do i think it is an essential quality , but seeing how attentive Patrick is to detail combined with his neat approach, I became really interested in how that might follow into his builds. Hearing some of Tom's sound clips caused me to take further notice. Apparently over 15 years of building guitars he has learned how to sprinkle the essential magic dust into the tonal aspects of his builds."

First, this is a new size/shape for Patrick.
He and I worked for several months finetuning this shape in a slightly more "modern" design, and yet still very traditional. I wanted something slightly bigger than an OM, and yet smaller than a grand auditorium size guitar. We originally called this the Grand Concert Grand VS. I thought we should call it the M/B SJ (of course the "M" being Morrissey and the "B" relating to my last name ha!!), but the final name is the Morrissey SJ. You'll see the mold below and the dimensions.

The Master grade woods are also below. The first in the mix is a really cool figured Swiss Moon Spruce with bearclaw...and of course that kind of figure is not often seen these days. The back and sides are some gorgeous Madagascar Rosewood that Patrick found...pricey but boy howdy does it ever "check" my boxes lol!











Here are a couple of pictures of the bridge woods we're evaluating...all Brazilian Rosewood, as well as the Faceplate and the fretboard. Starting to see a theme here huh??

Bridge options:



Faceplate:





One other thing...if you didn't see the shop well enough in the earlier pictures, check this out. Although this is a picture of a guitar that Patrick has for sale, in the background you'll see his shop. Neat as a pin and very complete with some great gear to build guitars. Impressive by any measure!



And here's yet another angle of the shop. Looks serious to me!!


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Last edited by invguy921; 05-08-2022 at 07:03 AM.
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Old 04-29-2022, 02:43 PM
Nemoman Nemoman is offline
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Looks like some awesome woods to start with, Mike.

And the new SJ shape looks like it will be a winner--looking forward to following along!
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Old 04-29-2022, 07:13 PM
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Shout out heard and appreciated. Those are beautiful woods, that top is pretty amazing and the back is outstanding. The guitar for sale doesn't look too shabby either!
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Old 04-29-2022, 09:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TomB'sox View Post
Shout out heard and appreciated. Those are beautiful woods, that top is pretty amazing and the back is outstanding. The guitar for sale doesn't look too shabby either!
I was thinking that, as well!
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Old 04-29-2022, 11:03 PM
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Smile Sweet!!!

Go, Mike, Go!!!

Glad to see you at it again…. Spectacular woods, and a very organized shop for sure.

Looking forward to a review of this eventually.

Thanks, Tom B. Another match well made, by Tom.

Cheers

Paul
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Old 04-30-2022, 05:18 AM
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Another special guitar in the making. Congrats Woody!
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Old 04-30-2022, 07:07 PM
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Beautiful texture on the Madagascar Rosewood, and those molds are really cool, too : )

I look forward to following this one along.
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Old 05-01-2022, 07:39 AM
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That is a nice, spacious looking shop Morrissey has there.
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Old 05-01-2022, 08:09 AM
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Funny, this builder has not been on my radar until this post. He looks to be the real deal and an absolutely master craftsman. No joke here. Congrats on your build.
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Old 05-02-2022, 06:53 AM
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Thanks to all of you who have commented, I appreciate it as I’m sure Patrick does as well. Here’s a quick update as this build starts coming together starting with the back.









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Old 05-03-2022, 12:36 PM
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Update: Patrick tells me that we had a slight mishap in the shop and as a result we'll need to choose another top for the guitar. I'll update the thread as changes are available
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"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold."

Woody (aka: Mike)


FOR SALE: Kinnaird Brazilian!!

Last edited by invguy921; 05-09-2022 at 07:43 AM.
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Old 05-12-2022, 07:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by invguy921 View Post
Update: Patrick tells me that we had a slight mishap in the shop and as a result we'll need to choose another top for the guitar. I'll update the thread as changes are available
Ouch - sorry bud.
I'm certain a suitable replacement is not beyond reach - - -
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Old 05-12-2022, 02:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TennesseeWalker View Post
Ouch - sorry bud.
I'm certain a suitable replacement is not beyond reach - - -
Brother Tennessee...

Yep...sad but true. That particular piece was very special and as you know the very cool figuring is irreplaceable. But...life goes on, and yes Patrick had several other choices. We've selected one of those and I'll be showing some pics of it soon as well as some pics of the rosette design we went with.
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FOR SALE: Kinnaird Brazilian!!
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  #14  
Old 05-13-2022, 08:00 AM
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Default Updates on Rosette

One of the things I enjoy with some builders is what I call "photo Friday"...ie: a weekly update on progress when there is progress that seems interesting enough to post. Here is the new bearclaw top...I'm hoping there's more bearclaw than this photo shows albeit the figuring is uniform which was a "must have" for me.



Also here is the progression of the building and installation of the colorful rosette. The radial purfling that goes around the perimeter will use this same wood/effect.











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"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold."

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FOR SALE: Kinnaird Brazilian!!
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  #15  
Old 05-13-2022, 08:03 AM
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Beautiful rosette for sure!
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