Fairbanks F-20 Nick Lucas - Build

jjarrell · #1 04-19-2014, 10:46 AM

Hello everyone,

I don't believe I've ever seen a Fairbanks build thread, so let me be the first. Its been seven months, but it feels like a lot longer. Dale was close enough for a personal visit and I enjoyed the time with him as I spec'd out my build.

The basic specs were

F-20 Nick Lucas style
Mid-depth for comfort
Brazilian back and sides, fretboard, and bridge.
Adi top (standard for Dale's builds).
1 3/4 nut
Neck carve similar to my H&D 00-SP (that I love)
Sunburst top

Last August I polled the members of this forum to help me pick the braz. It was virtually unanimous that everyone liked set 1, so that's where we start. It's not as red as the picture would indicate.

jjarrell · #2 04-19-2014, 10:51 AM

I let Dale pick the top. It's going to be sunburst anyway, so it's all about the tone.

jjarrell · #3 04-19-2014, 10:54 AM

Get sides into the mold.

And the neck block.

58spdstr · #4 04-19-2014, 11:47 AM

Dale is building outstanding guitars. I also have a Brz/Adi NL and it's an absolute gem. Thanks for posting, don't think I've seen a Fairbanks build thread

jjarrell · #5 04-19-2014, 11:55 AM

At night, who knows what is lurking in the shop...

Now, it's starting to look like a box.

jjarrell · #6 04-19-2014, 11:58 AM

Now, it's a box, standing tall.

Baby's got back.

jjarrell · #7 04-19-2014, 12:00 PM

Gibson's are known for chunky necks.

ChuckS · #8 04-19-2014, 12:20 PM

Looks like a beauty so far. Amazing looking woods. Congratulations!

CoolerKing · #9 04-19-2014, 12:30 PM

Loving the BRZ. Looki forward to following along.

jjarrell · #10 04-19-2014, 12:37 PM

It's all here. Just making time to organize the thread.

Let's clean up that neck.

Bridge needs a touch more work.

And a nice carve on the heel.

jjarrell · #11 04-19-2014, 12:40 PM

More on the neck carve.

Ready for finish.

Early in the burst.

jpd · #12 04-19-2014, 01:09 PM

Oh how I like this Lucas style! Going to be a beauty!!!!!!

jjarrell · #13 04-19-2014, 01:48 PM

Now, it's getting cool.

Relaxing in the sun...

jjarrell · #14 04-19-2014, 01:50 PM

A few shots to review the details...

I love the headstock in this shot.

jjarrell · #15 04-19-2014, 01:55 PM

Coming to a conclusion, I promise.

A family photo.

H&D 00-SP, Fairbanks F-20NL, 1961 016-NY.

Missing is 1965 - 00-21NY that I have in for repairs.