The gift of craftmanship from Tim McKnight

Doubleneck · #1 06-25-2017, 09:56 AM

I'm just back from the McJam this morning and picked up my McKnight Slope Shouldered Dred. New strings, played a few of my old 60s favorites, I don't think I will ever grow up, don't have to now I'm retired. LOL But on a morning after you realize what a wonderful instrument he creates, it makes me a better player. It also fits my style and makes my imitation "Neil Young" palm mute just boom and ring forever. There is a precision in the neck and frets, there is a wonderment in the combinations of woods that produces this tone the instrument helps you shape. Its the only instrument I own that I can't do without. I'm wondering a lot these days why I am keeping the others.

TomB'sox · #2 06-25-2017, 12:31 PM

Congrats, sounds like a perfect match has been made!!!!

fitness1 · #3 06-25-2017, 08:11 PM

Odd - I thought I'd responded to this but it didn't come through, so here goes again...

Tim and Mary's instruments are pretty darn magical. I've played as many as most folks and find something very appealing about them all.

There was a little mahogany 12 fret the last time I visited that caught my ear and I kept going back to. I understand some lucky Mcjam attendee got it!

My little Koa guitar has beat up some dreads for volume, has clarity and sustain for days and makes me smile big every time I pick it up.

Glad you have a little big of magic for yourself.....

cigarfan · #4 06-26-2017, 03:00 AM

Couldn't before, but now I can identify with what you are saying! I'm the lucky guy who nabbed that 12-fret Mahogany Skeeter. What a fun little instrument. Huge sound for a 14" lower bout. Figured African Mahogany Tim told me. Sure is purdy.

Sure was fun to meet you. Glad to meet someone who can sing those Neil Young tunes!

ukejon · #5 06-26-2017, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

....Its the only instrument I own that I can't do without. I'm wondering a lot these days why I am keeping the others.

That makes perfect sense....so can I please have your Emerald doubleneck?

Mary · #6 06-26-2017, 06:39 AM

Cigarfan, that has been a special guitar to Tim and me for quite some time. We tend to grow attached to some guitars and wonder if we can ever really give them up, but there are occasions when the time comes. Maybe you can show pictures of your guitar.

Doubleneck · #7 06-26-2017, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukejon

That makes perfect sense....so can I please have your Emerald doubleneck?

The carbons have their unique appeal but sonically they just don't compete with wood guitars in this class. Tim kind of put the kabash on my carbon phase.

cigarfan · #8 06-26-2017, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary

Cigarfan, that has been a special guitar to Tim and me for quite some time. We tend to grow attached to some guitars and wonder if we can ever really give them up, but there are occasions when the time comes. Maybe you can show pictures of your guitar.

Well, I certainly don't want to hijack Doubleneck's thread, but here's a couple Mary. These are some quickies with a cell phone. I'll get some better shots up in an NGD later on. (My NGD post)

A McKnight Skeeter now lives at my place and I am excited. Based on the original Nick Lucas this one is African Sapele Mahogany and Red Spruce completed in May 2013. Only way to put it ... the tone is huge. And plays like a dream ... I mean a McKnight!

fitness1 · #9 06-26-2017, 08:54 AM

That's a cool guitar - I'm not sure I'd seen that one before (which is strange)

The one I was speaking of was less ornate (inlays) with a Sitka top, I believe.

Glad you found one that spoke to you.

Steve Kinnaird · #10 06-26-2017, 11:18 AM

I first came to know Tim and Mary through a builder forum, the OLF. Since then, I've had the pleasure of visiting at several guitar shows. And you are right, they (they are a team) build wonderful instruments. And they are as nice as they are talented. Usually after visiting their table at these shows, I want to go throw sticks at my own work. And if those sticks were rosewood, I'd do it.

One day I'll make a McJam. They often have distinctive door prizes!

Steve

jaymarsch · #11 06-26-2017, 11:43 AM

Sweet! I have played a number of McKnight's over the years at festivals and have enjoyed having the opportunity to play them and get to know Mary and Tim. I hope that you enjoy yours for years to come.

Best,
Jayne

Mary · #12 06-26-2017, 12:18 PM

Thank you all for such kind words.

Steve/Doubleneck, if you can, please, show a picture. Once McKnight guitars leave home and get adopted by their new family I like to see pictures of our "stringed out kids" as they grow up.

Steve Kinniard said we often have distinctive door prizes! This past weekend sure proved that.

David Wren · #13 06-26-2017, 02:06 PM

Hard to lose with a McKnight. What a spectacular guitar!

Tim McKnight · #14 06-27-2017, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Its the only instrument I own that I can't do without. I'm wondering a lot these days why I am keeping the others.

Gosh Steve, I'm truly humbled by your thread! Thanks for taking a chance on McKnight Guitars and I am happy to read that it has turned out to be a success. We are blessed to call you our friend as well as an extended member of our growing McKnight Guitar family.

Eire · #15 06-27-2017, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

I'm just back from the McJam this morning and picked up my McKnight Slope Shouldered Dred... Its the only instrument I own that I can't do without. I'm wondering a lot these days why I am keeping the others.

Aw, Steve. You are in such deep, deep trouble, mate. Because what you say is true: You can't live without your first McKnight guitar. And then you realize you can't live without a second McKnight guitar. And so the saga begins, and never ends....

Love my McKnight guitars. Love the McKnights even more. Good folk tucked into a small Midwestern town. Grateful for the McJam and the chance to see and share with others who appreciate fine guitars and people.