Hatcher Penelope Crossover

[musictag]

Wow! What a beautiful instrument. Very distinctive! I really like the tuners. It gives the guitar a wonderful, old-fashioned look without sacrificing functionality. I'd love it even more if it was a 640 or 645 scale! 650 or 25.5 is just a tad too long for me especially in a classical, even if it is a crossover.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by musictag

Wow! What a beautiful instrument. Very distinctive! I really like the tuners. It gives the guitar a wonderful, old-fashioned look without sacrificing functionality. I'd love it even more if it was a 640 or 645 scale! 650 or 25.5 is just a tad too long for me especially in a classical, even if it is a crossover.

Thank-you Musictag,

The scale lengths, as well as the nut width and saddle string spacing, are all typically client's choice. I guess you could say that's part of what makes a custom guitar.

Thanks for your comments!
Mark

[wuzzo]

A work of fine art, Mark, congratulations on your talent.

I'm ignorant with regard to ' crossover ' guitars. Is it simply a matter of neck radius and nut width ?

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by wuzzo

A work of fine art, Mark, congratulations on your talent.

I'm ignorant with regard to ' crossover ' guitars. Is it simply a matter of neck radius and nut width ?

Thank-you wuzzo,

I don't think there is a set definition of a crossover guitar other than it's somewhere in between. As the steel string guitar and the techniques of those playing them evolve, I believe, so does the appreciation for what the classic guitar and players have been doing for hundreds of years. In this design I'm hoping to capture some of the sound qualities of a nylon stringed guitar in an instrument that is accessable to someone raised on steel strings.

Thanks Again,
Mark

[wuzzo]

No, thank you . Can crossovers take either nylon or steel strings ? Can they have a truss rod ?

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by wuzzo

No, thank you . Can crossovers take either nylon or steel strings ? Can they have a truss rod ?

A nylon crossover is made for only nylon strings. In building a nylon string guitar the challenge is to bring out the highs and upper midrange to a good overall balance. With a steel string it's the bass and lower midrange that need to be brought up to balance. I don't believe it's possible to build one guitar that could do well with both. In fact, it's hard for a luthier to master both!
The steel strings also have much more tension and would be overbuilt for nylon strings. A responsive nylon string guitar would likely collapse with steel strings. A truss rod can be used on a nylon crossover, but it's weight needs to be accomodated in the design.

Thanks
Mark

[Kindness]

Just stunning. I really like a non traditional looking decoration around the soundhole. The headstock is divine, and your choice of woods is extraordinary.

Mark, congrats.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by itself

Just stunning. I really like a non traditional looking decoration around the soundhole. The headstock is divine, and your choice of woods is extraordinary.

Mark, congrats.

Thanks Lisa,

I was fortunate to come across this Koa board. This is the first guitar I've made from it and it has yielded backs and sides for 5 more. I have high expectations for the sound quality of this combined with the Swiss Spruce top.

Thanks Again,
Mark

[msr13]

What a stunning guitar. I'll echo the general appreciation of the headstock. I love the look. It really balances both a modern look with the "old world" feel.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by msr13

It really balances both a modern look with the "old world" feel.

Thank-you msr13,

Your making it easy for me to come up with things to say when I put this version of Penelope up on my website!

Thanks
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Hello,

I finished this Penelope crossover and will be shipping it out this week. I'm hoping to get Danny Combs to play it for us.













Thank-you for viewing!
Mark

[hazmuz]

now i know what GAS means

[drcmusic7]

It arrives tomorrow! I can't wait

Kindly,
Danny

[DamianL]

One of the most beautiful guitars I have ever seen.

FACT!


Damian

[fnesnor]

Excellance in design and finish. I am really hoping to hear how she sounds.

Nicely done Mark!