Build: Sam Radding Go-Guitar replica

AG123 · #1 03-12-2021, 02:02 PM

I was in the market for a travel guitar and was hoping to order a Go-Guitar from Sam Radding. Unfortunately, it looks like Sam retired a few years ago.

I then stumbled across a luthier who also has an interest in travel guitars. Several emails later, I decided to take a chance and commissioned a replica of Sam Radding's Go-Guitar (the Go-Grande).

Specs:

Indian rosewood back and sides (AAA)
Sitka spruce top (AAA)
Honduran mahogany neck (AAA)
Indian rosewood bridge and fretboard
Indian rosewood headstock
Paua (abalone) fretmarkers
Ebony and abalone endpins
K&K Pure Mini pickup

AG123 · #2 03-13-2021, 10:28 AM

Back and sides on, kerfing being glued, and rosette being installed.

AG123 · #3 03-14-2021, 12:26 PM

Starting to look like a Go-Guitar now. Back, sides, and kerfing glued.

Rosette installed (the green was chosen to complement the paua (abalone) markers and abalone/ebony endpins).

Cross-bracing being installed on the top.

AG123 · #4 03-15-2021, 10:49 AM

K&K Pure Mini installed and top closed. Next, bindings (in Indian rosewood) and purfling (to match the rosette).

AG123 · #5 03-16-2021, 11:49 AM

Body being readied for Indian rosewood binding and purfling (in the same colours as the rosette).

The bookmatched Indian rosewood back looks very pretty (given the size of the guitar).

AG123 · #6 03-17-2021, 12:23 PM

Binding (in Indian rosewood) and purfling to match the rosette.

AG123 · #7 03-20-2021, 08:39 AM

Headstock and neck taking shape. Mine is at the bottom (number 3). I've gone for Honduran mahogany (AAA grade) for the neck with Indian rosewood (veneer) for the headstock.

AG123 · #8 03-23-2021, 08:27 AM

Neck being attached to the body. You can now get a sense of what the finished guitar will look like.

TokyoNeko · #9 03-25-2021, 07:56 AM

Thanks for sharing this info. I just completed the agreement with Lindsay on my own build, for which I will make my own thread.

Lindsay did say that he is not yet comfortable with implementing a detachable neck on a Go replica, so mine will also have a permanent neck.

AG123 · #10 03-25-2021, 08:12 AM

Hi TokyoNeko. As you can see from my build diary, it's coming along. I have opted for a passive pickup and a fixed neck.

I'd love to hear about the specs of your build. I have an original Go-Guitar which I will be selling after this build is finished but they're great for sitting at home and practising.

AG123 · #11 03-25-2021, 08:27 AM

I forgot to attach this. It gives you an idea of the size of the Go-Guitar in comparison to the Martin Backpacker.

Note: the pickguard on the Go-Guitar is my own addition.

TokyoNeko · #12 03-25-2021, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AG123

Congratulations TokyoNeko. Lindsay has been a pleasure to deal with and has gently guided me through my first guitar build (including answering my silly questions).

As you can see from my build diary, it's coming along nicely. I have opted for a passive pickup and a fixed neck.

I'd love to hear about the specs of your build. I have an original Go-Guitar which I will be selling after Lindsay finishes my build but they're great for sitting at home and practising.

All the best.

Mine will also have a K&K. I use a Yamaha THR5A (which pretty much makes every pickup sound decent) on gigs, so I intend to use it for more than as a travel guitar. I'll be looking to buy a suitable dulcimer/lap steel bag.

My build will have a more austere look, which I prefer anyway. The woods will be Carpathian/Khaya, and the biggest difference from yours is that mine won't have a cutaway. I like symmetry, and hopefully more soundboard area and body volume will mean a fuller sound.

He'll start on mine in about a month or so, for delivery across the Atlantic in early summer. *Fingers Crossed*

TokyoNeko · #13 03-25-2021, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AG123

I forgot to attach this. It gives you an idea of the size of the Go-Guitar in comparison to the Martin Backpacker.

Note: the pickguard on the Go-Guitar is my own addition.

Good comparison. Actually, this isn't my first Go Grande. I had Sam's original before.

4 years ago, I called Sam to request a custom model similar to what I just commissioned (e.g. no cutaway), only to find out he retired about half a year prior. (I'm the one who broke the news of his retirement here.) So now I finally get to fulfill that quest.

AG123 · #14 03-25-2021, 10:20 AM

I look forward to seeing the photos from your build. Do let me know if you find any suitable cases as I've been looking for one myself.

TokyoNeko · #15 03-25-2021, 10:28 AM

This bag could potentially work. I think it will be a tight fit, but that might actually be the point. Some people list different dimensions on the Q&A section, but it might be close enough for a try.

The case is intended for this lap steel guitar. Its dimensions (33-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 1-3/4") are quite similar to a Go Grande, except for the height. But it looks like the bag is thick enough to accommodate a Go Grande.