Guitar building course

[Zandit75]

Day 10: Part 2
Chocolatey earthy goodness!!


Don't get used to this truss rod cover, I split it into pieces trying to drill a hole in it. Can't save it unfortunately!




Starting the setup, drilling all of the holes etc, and installing the pickup.


Gotoh 510 machine heads in Cosmic Black


The head stock looks a little bland without a logo. Might have to come up with something when I get home.


Dogs I mention how much I love this guitar??!!






Tomorrow will be my last day. Finish up the setup and put some strings on it!! If the other two builds are anything to go by, this is going to be a killer guitar!!

[TomB'sox]

Fantastic job, the cutaway did come out sweet! One difference I noted, it seems like most builds I see do not have the bridge glued on until after the finish is applied. They cut away the finish after and then glue the bridge on. Is the way you did it sort of a time thing or was there an explanation given?

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Fantastic job, the cutaway did come out sweet! One difference I noted, it seems like most builds I see do not have the bridge glued on until after the finish is applied. They cut away the finish after and then glue the bridge on. Is the way you did it sort of a time thing or was there an explanation given?

Yep, you've picked it out straight away. I mentioned the exact same thing to Aaron when we were gluing on the first bridge, and it's purely a time constraint. Aaron does his own guitars as you described.
Thanks for the kind words too, most appreciated!

[nacluth]

So good. Looks great under finish.

[mountainguitar]

Congratulations! What a beautiful guitar! And to be able to play something you made yourself- that is just so cool...

Please keep us updated as you break this one and hear how it sounds-

beth

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by bmh1

Congratulations! What a beautiful guitar! And to be able to play something you made yourself- that is just so cool...

Please keep us updated as you break this one and hear how it sounds-

beth

I certain don't want to break this guitar, unless you are referring to breaking this one in??![emoji23][emoji23]

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by nacluth

So good. Looks great under finish.

Thanks Ryan!!!

[mountainguitar]

I shouldn't post before coffee!! Yep= the breaking in thing

beth

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by bmh1

I shouldn't post before coffee!! Yep= the breaking in thing

beth

Bahahaha!!!

[Deft Tungsman]

Awesome, dude! You deserve to be very proud!

[Zandit75]

Day 11!!!
Been there, done that, even have the t-shirt to prove it!!

What an awesome, easy going day. The other guys finished and said their goodbyes yesterday, so it was just me in the workshop this morning. No pressure, no deadlines, just easy going conversation, music and guitars!!

Started the day installing the new Fishman Matrix Infinity Mic Blend pickup, and seeing how lucky I was to perfectly match the grain patterns at the back of the guitar!


And then some strings






Those first sounds coming out as the guitar finally realizes it's no longer a tree are weird at first, but it doesn't take long for my new baby to start finding its voice.


Me, finding a sharp edge on the saddle that will need addressing!!


New truss rod cover made from East Indian Rosewood to replace the old blackwood one that split in half yesterday when I tried to drill it!
It's actual a much better contrast to the original one.


A fine job by Rob the hand model for showing us the full front


Very comfy in its new Hiscox case






Then a quick break for lunch!!

[Zandit75]

Day 11: Part 2
And then it was jamming time!!
Aaron putting it through its paces.
Fantastic sustain, even so soon after stringing it up. Brilliant balance between the bass, mids and highs. I'm also hearing what I'm assuming are overtones, I'm not just hearing the 6 strings being played, it's almost like a chorus effect






This has been the most fulfilling time of my life(apart from being married of course!![emoji16]), and I certainly hope I get the opportunity to do this again some time. A huge thank you to Aaron and his wife, Stacey, for running a fantastic school where nothing was a hassle, and the camaraderie was everything you could ever need!




Almost forgot the t-shirt photo!!


Thanks again for following along, and for everyone support.

[colins]

Absolutely awesome! Love to see our Aussie woods used so skillfully, and that finish is so good at bringing out the colours of the Tassie blackwood.

I'm sure you loved every day of the course and now you have an amazing guitar....doesn't get much better!

If you don't post again before you head home, have a safe journey.

Col

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by colins

Absolutely awesome! Love to see our Aussie woods used so skillfully, and that finish is so good at bringing out the colours of the Tassie blackwood.

I'm sure you loved every day of the course and now you have an amazing guitar....doesn't get much better!

If you don't post again before you head home, have a safe journey.

Col

Thanks Col, for following along, and your continued encouragement!
One correction to your comment though, it's not Tassie Blackwood, just Australian Blackwood. This particular set apparently came from Victoria.

[mikealpine]

This has been a real joy to follow. The guitar looks fantastic! I hope you can post a sound clip at some point. It must me amazing to play that guitar, knowing you crafted it with your own hands. What a great experience! Thanks for sharing the journey. It makes me want to find something similar around here.