Michel Aboudib MA-D Sapiens I (Fall) Build Thread

[MThomson]

That looks absolutely incredible.

[TomB'sox]

That looks absolutely wonderful!

[Nemoman]

Shazam--looking good!!!

[doodahdoug]

Originally Posted by MThomson

That looks absolutely incredible.

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

That looks absolutely wonderful!

Originally Posted by Nemoman

Shazam--looking good!!!

Martin, Tom and Kevin thanks for the kudos for Michel's work-in-progress and believe me, I share your enthusiasm!

Gluing on the Ebony Fingerboard:







More to come....thanks for viewing.

[cigarfan]

Looking schweeet Doug! Excited for you!

[doodahdoug]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

Looking schweeet Doug! Excited for you!

Thank you Dennis, it is a fun ride for sure. Below are some additional progress photos from Michel. I'm very pleased with the way the bridge turned out!


Finishing the Bridge:

1. Shaping
2. Sanding
3. Finished bridge without oil
4. Finished bridge with oil






Below are some more progress photos.

Michel shaping the headstock:

1. Carving the headstock bevel.
2. Filing the headstock bevel.




1.-2. Fingerboard after sanding with very fine micro mesh.





Coming up next...carving, shaping and sanding the neck. Thanks for viewing!

[Aspiring]

Wow I really love that bridge! That is going to be a gorgeous instrument.

[Lonzo]

Originally Posted by Aspiring

Wow I really love that bridge! That is going to be a gorgeous instrument.

I agree ! ... that is a very nice and uncommon bridge, with lots of character and obviously quite a bit more sculpturing work going into it compared to bigger brands.. as it seems more ‚normal’ for handmade luthier guitars...very nice !

[Aspiring]

Originally Posted by Lonzo

I agree ! ... that is a very nice and uncommon bridge, with lots of character and obviously quite a bit more sculpturing work going into it compared to bigger brands.. as it seems more ‚normal’ for handmade luthier guitars...very nice !

The detail that has the saddle slot lined up with the dark grain is also another nice touch.

[TomB'sox]

I concur with the rest, Michel is doing a great job here. The wood choice for the bridge as well as the carving is really special. I like how there is so much true handwork being done here. Wonderful Doug. Let me know when you want to sell it to me!!!!

[Carpinteria]

That bridge is a spectacular work of sculpture. Really impressive!

[doodahdoug]

Originally Posted by Aspiring

Wow I really love that bridge! That is going to be a gorgeous instrument.

Originally Posted by Lonzo

I agree ! ... that is a very nice and uncommon bridge, with lots of character and obviously quite a bit more sculpturing work going into it compared to bigger brands.. as it seems more ‚normal’ for handmade luthier guitars...very nice !

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

I concur with the rest, Michel is doing a great job here. The wood choice for the bridge as well as the carving is really special. I like how there is so much true handwork being done here. Wonderful Doug. Let me know when you want to sell it to me!!!!

Originally Posted by Carpinteria

That bridge is a spectacular work of sculpture. Really impressive!

Aspiring, Lonzo, Tom and Dave, thank you for your complements for Michel's work on the bridge. I am very impressed with the artful woodwork and the aesthetic this bridge will bring to the overall look of the guitar.


Shaping the Neck:


I find it remarkable that Michel did most of the neck shaping with a knife which he forged himself. Here's what Michel had to say about that:

"A bit of blacksmithing can be very useful when you have time...and a forge! By far, this is my favorite tool for carving the neck. I used two other tools but mostly it was knife work...and A LOT of sanding!"


1-2. Shaping with his forged knife -




3-4. Two other tools used -





5-6. Let the Sanding Begin! -





Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[nootis]

Awesome handcrafted work there. This is turning out great thus far Doug. It's also amazing because it just seemed like the other day that you were contemplating purchasing his guitar at B.I.G., and now you almost have another!

[doodahdoug]

Originally Posted by nootis

Awesome handcrafted work there. This is turning out great thus far Doug. It's also amazing because it just seemed like the other day that you were contemplating purchasing his guitar at B.I.G., and now you almost have another!

Hey Dan, thanks for your comments. It was good catching up with you at B.I.G. and getting a chance to play your excellent Kinnaird Student Build.

Here is a shot of Michel doing some pore filling on the guitar in preparation for applying his finish.


Pore Filling:




I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving weekend.

[doodahdoug]

This guitar will feature a different finish than the "Vulcan" (Euro-spruce - Cocobolo) MA-M guitar that Michel brought with him to Tom and Kathy's B.I.G. event in September. That guitar featured a French Polish top and a very light "violin finish" for the back, sides and neck.

For this build, we went with a gloss look for the the top, back, sides and neck while retaining the light vignette color variation for the top. Below is Michel's description of the finish process for this MA-D build:


"Regarding the top, I like plain light colored, with small variations like the Vulcan, which has a slightly colored varnish (but this one will be shiny)...basically a light vignette.
I think a little variation like this adds depth. I will keep it light so it draws the eyes toward the rosette and brings a little focus and warmth."

"I used a very thin finish made from shellac and other resins (here mostly Sandarac and Gum Benjamin which smells like vanilla and caramel). I either apply it with the French polish method or with a spray gun or both.

For your guitar I used both methods for the top and only spray gun for the rest. For the top vignette...I used cherry shellac applied using the French polish method.

The outcome is a shiny finish. It has a very unique shine and clarity, very different from lacquer or polyurethane. Also, it is not a mirror flat finish, mostly because it is thin and because I prefer that look.

For the top of the headstock I used the same process as for the bridge: sand until I get a natural sheen, then oil."



Guitar Finish Process:







Thanks for viewing. More to come soon!