Itzkin workshop 2022

[Itzkinguitars]

While herringbone isn’t terribly difficult to make, more time consuming than anything, Vasu’s request for this multi-pattern design didn’t quite work with the previous method I learned and used to make this style inlay. After a few weeks of talking it over with some guitar making friends and a few trial batches I decided on a different method which worked quite well. While I could just buy some sort of marquetry inlay material from one of the big supply houses I prefer to have total control of all aesthetic elements of my work with the only things I don’t make being the tuning machines and case. In the end I was quite happy with the design… despite using over $100 worth of veneer to create it.

On an unrelated note I thought I’d share that I’ve been asked to act as co-teacher for a month long intensive guitar making course run by my mentor Stephen Hill through his lutherie school The European Institute of Guitar Making (https://europeaninstituteofguitarmaking.com/). I had taken this course 6 years ago which greatly helped to jumpstart my career as a professional maker of classical guitars. It’s quite an honor to have been asked to teach alongside the maestro as we guide 6 students from around the world of vastly different levels of experience in the creation of their own classical or flamenco guitar. Also any excuse I can take to spend some time in the south of Spain eating tapas, drinking cervaza by the sea, and partaking in spontaneous flamenco jams in mediterranean bar rooms is an excuse I’ll use!

[Itzkinguitars]

In addition to Vasu’s guitar here are a few of the headstocks of the many other guitars I currently have in progress

[Itzkinguitars]

A flood in my workshop (the basement machine room, all the in progress guitars are completely dry) has kept me from working the past few weeks but I’ve just received the machine heads for Vasu’s guitar. These are a new option from Berlin based luthier Kris Barnett; featuring an 18:1 ratio, 6 bearings per string, and flawless fit and finish these are absolutely top notch on the level of Rodgers and Scheller. While not officially on the market just yet I’d highly recommend getting in touch with Kris if interested!

[Nemoman]

Wow--those tuners are stunning!

[canuck7]

Agree!!
Very cool, vintage looking tuners!!

[vpolineni]

To say I'm blown away by these tuners is an understatement. I can't thank Brian enough for telling me about them and for nudging me to decide on these tuner buttons! I'm looking forward to showing this to everyone at B.I.G!

[Itzkinguitars]

Considering how much Vasu liked the guitar I sold through Siccas a couple years back I decided to use a similar Bouchet inspired bracing pattern as that guitar

[vpolineni]

Thanks Brian for posting these pictures. I can't wait to see the top with your french polish and more importantly, hear how wonderful it sounds. If it's anywhere close the demo in the first page, I'll be ecstatic!

[steveh]

Originally Posted by Itzkinguitars

These are a new option from Berlin based luthier Kris Barnett; featuring an 18:1 ratio, 6 bearings per string, and flawless fit and finish these are absolutely top notch on the level of Rodgers and Scheller. While not officially on the market just yet I’d highly recommend getting in touch with Kris if interested!

Kris is always innovating, c.f. his Barnett guitar rest.
I know that these machineheads will be stellar.
He also has mad woodworking skills and his guitars are very keenly priced, hence the several year waiting list. When David Merrin saw mine the first thing he commented on was the extremely competent woodworking.

Good skills from Brian also on show on this thread!

Cheers,
Steve

[Itzkinguitars]

Figuring out a plan of action to bend the cutaway side and assemble the guitar took a bit of time but today i’ll install the peones and within a few days an assembled guitar will emerge from the solera.

[Itzkinguitars]

we finally have a guitar shaped object!

[vpolineni]

Truly a sight for sore eyes! Brian's craftsmanship and attention to detail is impeccable. I can't wait to show this off at BIG!

[doodahdoug]

I'm looking forward to seeing this one Vasu. The rosette and peghead look great. Brian is doing some nice work here.

[Guitars44me]

NICE!!!

Congratulations and enjoy it in fine health and spirits

Paul

[Itzkinguitars]

Starting to look like a guitar