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Old 03-27-2021, 05:18 PM
Howlin Bob Howlin Bob is offline
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Default Kerry Char - 000 - Pernambuco & Moon Spruce

Building a Keeper

This is my first build thread, but I am a long-time AGF’er. Be gentle with me!

Along with being a big fan of vintage instruments, I’ve been blessed with many wonderful builders in my life – Frankie Montuoro, John Greven, Robert Steinegger, Nick Kukich…and Kerry Char. This is my third build with Kerry, the Portland, Oregon, namesake of Char Lutheries. He’s probably best known for his restoration work (he’s among the best in the country) and his authentic recreations of steel string and other instruments. He’s a world-class uke maker as well. I’m also honored to call him a good friend.

Kerry is probably in his prime as a builder right now, having crafted 400 or more guitars in his career, on top of his other instruments.

For this build, I wanted something different. A keeper. Like most of us, I’ve flipped way too many guitars over the years as I find what I like and what fits my body as I age. I’ve now settled on 12-fret designs and very light builds. For this particular build, I asked Kerry to make me a 12-fret 000 – probably my favorite size – but with something different in woods. I also wanted a very light and resonant build.

Step one – wood selection.
I’m a fan of traditional and elegant woods most of the time, but was hoping for something different. Out we went to Kerry’s wood locker as he’d just landed something special that might fit. Among the marvelous Koa (he’s from Hawai’i), rosewoods, mahoganies, ebonies and other fabulous selections, he pulled out two sets of Pernambuco. I picked one of the two sets and a marvelous top of Moon spruce that was so creamy and the tone tap was fabulous. Lots of chatoyance, which my photos don't show well here...but here goes.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Char_MoonSpruce1.jpg (21.4 KB, 333 views)
File Type: jpg Char_B&S.jpg (43.7 KB, 334 views)
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Old 03-27-2021, 05:21 PM
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Looking forward to watching this! So glad you are going to have a new toy soon!

That Permabuco looks outstanding

I too have been thinking about a "built to the point of implosion" 12 fret 000 - probably with a cutaway and mahogany.
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Old 03-27-2021, 06:09 PM
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I love Kerry's work.
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Old 03-27-2021, 09:01 PM
Howlin Bob Howlin Bob is offline
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Default More photos of early build

I forgot to add that this build is loosely based on a 1920s Martin 000, with slotted headstock and 24.9" scale.

Woods: Canadian Moon Spruce, Pernambuco B&S, Cocobolo binding and recreation of a 1920s zipper back strip.

Bob
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4166.JPG (40.2 KB, 303 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_3818.jpg (32.5 KB, 293 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4138.jpg (34.5 KB, 297 views)
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Old 03-28-2021, 01:07 AM
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Thanks for starting the thread, Bob.

That set of Pernambuco looks amazing!
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Old 03-28-2021, 04:55 AM
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Choice wood selection. Congrats and thanks for posting your build.
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Old 03-28-2021, 05:14 AM
BlackKeys36 BlackKeys36 is offline
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Thanks for sharing and congrats on the new build! Love the selections!
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Old 03-29-2021, 10:13 AM
Howlin Bob Howlin Bob is offline
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Default Char Build, part 2

The build is almost finished, so I need to move on with a few more photos of progress during the 8-month build. Like many luthiers, Kerry makes 2-3 guitars of similar size during a build. He typically makes about 15-20 guitars, ukes and now a harp guitar in any given year.

Some more shots of woods, building the top and back, and materials used to make the purfling. This purfling was based on a 1920s 000 and was hand assembled into the finished product from 5-6 separate pieces.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Char_backstrip2.jpg (61.5 KB, 243 views)
File Type: jpg Char_000_back joined.jpg (37.3 KB, 242 views)
File Type: jpg Char_back strip.jpg (39.3 KB, 243 views)
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Old 04-02-2021, 06:34 AM
Hasbro Hasbro is offline
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Default Kerry Char - 000 - Pernambuco & Moon Spruce

I took in a char guitar on a trade, knowing nothing about it. It has become one of my favorites. It’s a Larson mauer replica, very lightly built, enveloping bass and balanced.
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Old 04-02-2021, 12:21 PM
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Guitars44me Guitars44me is offline
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Smile Nice!!!

Lots of love for Pernambuco around the CS lately! For good reasons no doubt!!!

This looks like a Fab axe coming. Enjoy it in great health and spirits

Salud

Paul
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  #11  
Old 04-03-2021, 12:48 PM
Howlin Bob Howlin Bob is offline
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Default Char Build, part 3

Due to Covid, I wasn't able to be present for every build step, but between updates from Kerry and a few socially respectful visits, was able to keep up on the build...a ray of sunshine during a tough 2020 for everyone.

Here are a few more process steps...towards what will be a 12-fret, 000, slot headstock, magnificent Cocobolo binding and bridge. Specs are 24.9" scale, 2-5/16" spacing and 1-3/4" nut width.

I've included a few photos with the first couple coats of lacquer, with more finish photos to come.

Happy Easter.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Char_bracing1.jpg (59.9 KB, 142 views)
File Type: jpg Char_000_back joined2.jpg (53.9 KB, 144 views)
File Type: jpg Char_boxed up.jpg (39.3 KB, 143 views)
File Type: jpg Char_000Back1.jpg (46.9 KB, 144 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4166 - Copy.jpg (36.8 KB, 141 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4427.jpg (28.4 KB, 146 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4161 - Copy.jpg (34.9 KB, 143 views)
File Type: jpg Char_headstock.jpg (39.1 KB, 142 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_9323 - Copy.jpg (44.9 KB, 143 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4460.jpg (38.5 KB, 143 views)
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  #12  
Old 04-03-2021, 12:58 PM
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Wow - that's really taking shape - going to be beautiful!
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Old 04-04-2021, 05:31 AM
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Looking really good!
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Old 04-04-2021, 02:45 PM
roberts roberts is offline
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Coming together nicely, love that orange color under finish. Having never played a pernambuco guitar, can you tell us what you're expecting tonewise once this is strung up....
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  #15  
Old 04-04-2021, 06:32 PM
Howlin Bob Howlin Bob is offline
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Arrow Pernambuco tone - I'll defer to the master luthiers

Thanks for the question about tone. From what I've read and listened to (primarily from Bruce Sexauer's web site), I would expect the tone to be clear and articulate. I'll let somebody else here weigh in on their experience. I'll do a NGD later this week when I receive the guitar.

The top is a unique piece of spruce that was compared to a similarly special Englemann and Lutz. I'd expect the guitar to come in well under 4 pounds.

Happy Easter and spring. Here's to a more normal coming 12 months!

Bob
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4388.jpg (34.9 KB, 86 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4386.jpg (30.0 KB, 84 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4394.jpg (32.4 KB, 86 views)
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