A.J.Lucas Sweep Pavilion for Healdsburg

[AJLucas]

This the first of two guitars I'm taking to Healdsburg (the guitars have just about got there, I'll be following on next week). This is a prototype for this design, which is based on my Pavilion shape but with the deep cutaway which sweeps down from the upper bout and gives 18 frets clear of the body on the treble side. The top is heavily bearclawed European spruce, sides are English yew and the back is yew with a wedge of wenge in the middle to add density. The neck is a piece of wonderfully light and resonant Honduras mahogany which had a former life as part of a doorframe in a school. The fingerboard is Macassar ebony with holly nut and zero fret. The bridge is Madagascar rosewood and the purflings are pernambuco. The rosette is a single piece of yew incorporating heartwood and sapwood. Finished in French polish.

[Fliss]

It's another beauty, Adrian, I really like the yew rosette on both this and the classical, and the lines of the guitar are very pleasing to my eyes

Would love to hear what this one sounds like.

Fliss

[Howard Klepper]

Adrian, as a professional builder perhaps you would like to consider an AGF sponsorship. I hope to see your work at Hbg.

[Steve Kinnaird]

Looking forward to seeing this! I loved the Yew guitar you brought last time.

Steve

[AJLucas]

Thanks for the suggestion, Howard. I'll do that.

I look forward to seeing both your work at H'burg too.

[Simon Fay]

Adrian, the Yew headstock looks incredible!!! Beautiful guitar.

[kirkham13]

Body shape especially is exceptional-also like the yew knots and texture on the sides. Neck to body join looks comfortable and strong-very nice.

[Larry Pattis]

...and no one has mentioned the super-attractive/super-functional truss-rod access via the headstock!

No need for a cover-plate, no small screws to lose, instant access for adjustments....and beautiful.

Perfect.

[cmds]

Wow, just LOOK at those body lines. Amazing.

[ukrobbiej1]

Wow, Adrian that is amazing. Love the lines. Yew is a very special wood- my newest guitar is made of the stuff. Would one day like to try one of yours.

Are those Schertler tuners?

Robbie

[Steve Kinnaird]

Yes, I second Robbie's question--and wonder how you like that tuner?
(It is undeniably handsome.)

Steve

[ukrobbiej1]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Yes, I second Robbie's question--and wonder how you like that tuner?
(It is undeniably handsome.)

Steve

I only ask because my own guitar has them. They are very nice in the flesh, but have received some rather harsh reviews on the web, particularly with a view to the buttons.

Robbie

[AJLucas]

They are Schertler machines. This is the first time I've tried them and I like them. I've seen the reviews too. One of mine had a slight opening in the grain on one of the buttons but soon fixed with a drop of superglue and buffing with steel wool (the grain in the buttons is parallel to the shaft.) I chose them for lightness as this is a long neck and I wanted to avoid it being top heavy.

[colins]

Truly beautiful guitar Adrian, I would dearly love to actually see and hear it.
Hope Healdsburg goes really well for you.

Col

[ukrobbiej1]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

...and no one has mentioned the super-attractive/super-functional truss-rod access via the headstock!

No need for a cover-plate, no small screws to lose, instant access for adjustments....and beautiful.

Perfect.

Only just noticed that myself- ingenious- looks very elegant. Always thought truss rod covers can look a little ugly and cumbersome, this solves that without going the route of placing access via the soundhole, which I have found has other issues.

Adrian, I am pleased you like the Schertlers. So far I have had no problems with mine. I find them smoother than many other tuners I have used (especially 'vintage' ones like waverly) but not quite as smooth as gotoh 510s. A happy medium, and they look pretty cool too.

Robbie