New Wilborn Guitars Warhorse - Page 5

WilbornGuitars · #61 02-13-2019, 05:59 PM

OK, the ribs are all glued up with the blocks, bevel blocks, and kerfing strips.
These laminated sides are kind of amazing to work with. Usually, I am quite careful about not cracking the sides before they are all glued into the rib structure. But these things are very tough, and very rigid. Its a lot of work to get them laminated, but there are some obvious benefits right off the bat. Also, I won't need to install side braces, and the soundport is already reinforced, so all that is already done.

The blocks are Honduras mahogany, the bevel blocks and kerfing strips are Spanish cedar. These strips I made here in the shop. Here are the bevel blocks:

bevel shrimp 2.jpg

I've done quite a lot of bevels, and I love them. I've learned that they don't need to be big, grotesque chamfers to create the comfort that you want from a bevel. In general, I find most elements on a guitar can be reduced surprisingly, and still deliver. And I find that understatement always elegant looking, too. It was only a couple of bevels ago that it occurred to me to kerf the bevel blocks. Before, I would struggle and fight to get a perfect fit. Then, DUH, it occurred to me they could be slotted, and that flexibility would make them easy to fit, and provide perfect contact. So here:

ready to kerf 2.jpg

With the kerfing in, and all faired in to meet the blocks, I think it looks pretty cool. I especially like that racing stripe of the maple between the rosewoods.

whole kerfed.jpg

detail kerf.jpg

cutaway.jpg

j. Kinnaird · #62 02-13-2019, 06:45 PM

That looks very cool Ben. Love the tidy look inside and the white racing stripe.
Pretty work!

j. Kinnaird · #63 02-13-2019, 09:27 PM

That looks very cool Ben. Love the tidy look inside and the white racing stripe.
Pretty work!

Guitars44me · #64 02-14-2019, 09:22 AM

I love big bevels and I cannot lie…

Bevels and ports! Man they make the players experience nicer. Glad to see some here! The lucky owner will be thrilled.

CU at B.I.G.

Paul

mcgr40 · #65 02-14-2019, 11:30 AM

As I think about the "rotated location" of the bridge on the top, and the corresponding location of the bridge plate, it makes me wonder if that is why your Frientor Sexauer sometimes uses an asymmetric lower bout(rotating the x-braces a bit). Perhaps you know this answer, since you have a Frientor not too far away(at least your on the same side of the Mississippi). I don't know why I think about such things. But it suddenly seems an asymmetric bout makes more sense than I had considered.
That lack of symmetry bothered my rigidity, but I think I can see a justification today.

WilbornGuitars · #66 02-14-2019, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j. Kinnaird

That looks very cool Ben. Love the tidy look inside and the white racing stripe.
Pretty work!

Thank you! Too bad it will be hidden for ever. But actually, where I cut the soundport, it will be seen, so I guess it's worth it.....

WilbornGuitars · #67 02-14-2019, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

I love big bevels and I cannot lie…

Bevels and ports! Man they make the players experience nicer. Glad to see some here! The lucky owner will be thrilled.

CU at B.I.G.

I could not agree more. Especially the port- there is no bigger bang-for-your-buck feature. It completely changes the player's experience for the better. That's why they come stock on my guitars!

See you in Texas!

Paul

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgr40

As I think about the "rotated location" of the bridge on the top, and the corresponding location of the bridge plate, it makes me wonder if that is why your Frientor Sexauer sometimes uses an asymmetric lower bout(rotating the x-braces a bit). Perhaps you know this answer, since you have a Frientor not too far away(at least your on the same side of the Mississippi). I don't know why I think about such things. But it suddenly seems an asymmetric bout makes more sense than I had considered.
That lack of symmetry bothered my rigidity, but I think I can see a justification today.

Yeah, I am still stuck in symmetry land myself. This guitar has an asymmetric headstock, though, and bridge location so perhaps I am moving in that direction. Aesthetically, I like a mostly symmetry, with a little asymmetry for spice. I can see why Bruce rotates the whole shebang, though.

cigarfan · #68 02-14-2019, 04:35 PM

I think that may be the coolest looking insides I have seen!

WilbornGuitars · #69 02-14-2019, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigarfan

I think that may be the coolest looking insides I have seen!

Thank you! I hate to cover it up. Maybe Dale will settle for a plexiglass top instead of adirondack....

Zandit75 · #70 02-14-2019, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilbornGuitars

Yeah, I am still stuck in symmetry land myself. This guitar has an asymmetric headstock, though, and bridge location so perhaps I am moving in that direction. Aesthetically, I like a mostly symmetry, with a little asymmetry for spice. I can see why Bruce rotates the whole shebang, though.

I look at symmetry as being balanced, not rigidly exactly the same from one side or the other. Feel/see the balance!!

WilbornGuitars · #71 02-14-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zandit75

I look at symmetry as being balanced, not rigidly exactly the same from one side or the other. Feel/see the balance!!

Ultimately it's all about the feel. Without that, you have nothing. Even great tone won't make me play a guitar that feels bad!

Joel Teel · #72 02-14-2019, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilbornGuitars

Ultimately it's all about the feel. Without that, you have nothing. Even great tone won't make me play a guitar that feels bad!

Yet, great feel, void of great sound...a conundrum does one have.

theEdwinson · #73 02-14-2019, 07:18 PM

Ben, I'm really looking forward to seeing you and your gorgeous instruments next month. I've been admiring your work from afar for some time now, and look forward to experiencing your guitar vibe in person. Keep up the great work, and see you in a few weeks! -Steve

TomB'sox · #74 02-15-2019, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilbornGuitars

Thank you! I hate to cover it up. Maybe Dale will settle for a plexiglass top instead of adirondack....

Or the one sided post and beam constructed parts guitar!!!!

WilbornGuitars · #75 02-15-2019, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel Teel

Yet, great feel, void of great sound...a conundrum does one have.

Of course- I was being silly. But you know what I mean. That feel, that buttery feel, of a well set up guitar is delicious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theEdwinson

Ben, I'm really looking forward to seeing you and your gorgeous instruments next month. I've been admiring your work from afar for some time now, and look forward to experiencing your guitar vibe in person. Keep up the great work, and see you in a few weeks! -Steve

Thanks so much. B.I.G. is going to be a blast! I'll have a couple of juicy specimens with me....