TWO Simon Fay Model One guitars build thread...video pages 13-15.

[JonBarclay]

Originally Posted by Luca Canteri

Fantastic clean work, really loving this build. Those back braces are so beautiful.

I second that... all of the woodwork on this looks exacting to the nth degree... it's mesmerising!

It's a change to see top bracing pictures included too: I completely understand peoples' reluctance to publicise this aspect of their design - this is where the bulk of the mojo is hidden I guess - but it would've been a shame not to appreciate that sweeping upper transverse brace alone.

Thanks Larry & Simon!

Jon

[jmat]

Hi Larry -

I checked out your web site and appreciated the composition, performance and the instrument on 'TOMMY TOMMY 123'. Nicely done.

I also took a look at the video posted from Pierre Bensusan's Master Class. I was aware he is one of the giants but I didn't really know much about him. I had tried searching for some videos of his some years back but I recall I couldn't find much at that time. Interesting artist who has really thought his way into solutions that he can articulate to others. If this was easy to do it would be done more!

Thanks for posting those, I look forward to checking out your site in greater detail.

Congratulations on your new commissions.

JM

[David Wren]

Hi Larry ... good to hear that you're back playing and touring!

Really enjoyed reading this build thread ... gorgeous guitars!

[Larry Pattis]

Okay.

Hmmm.

You know, the thing is, I am all about sound & tone.

The other thing is that I love to hold a beautifully-made *and* beautiful-sounding guitar in my arms. I am destined, shortly, to be a rather happy man. I mean, I'm already happy, but this, and the BRW OM are jaw-droppingly beautiful...the quintessential definition of "understated elegance".

I'll start w/the Cocobolo/German:

[Larry Pattis]

A few more of the Coco showing a bit of what the finished-wood will look like:

[mc1]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

...

i no expert, but it appears to be missing its neck! other than that, it looks very nice.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by mc1

i no expert, but it appears to be missing its neck! other than that, it looks very nice.

Dang it, I'd better call Simon!

I was hoping for a neck.

[mc1]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Dang it, I'd better call Simon!

I was hoping for a neck.

you'd probably still make it sound good. is that usual for the whole body to be basically finished (without the actual finish applied) before the neck goes on?

[Tony Done]

I had no idea you had had all those medical problems. Anyway, I'm very pleased you're back into it, and I hope it continues good.

[Larry Pattis]

Things are good.

I also heard that I'll need a bridge on each of these guitars.

The funny thing is, I had a single chunk of BRW from a purchase I had made in about 1995, and it was enough for one bridge.

This will go on the BRW guitar...and Simon says (I've been meaning to use that) that there was enough left-over for a bookmatched headstock overlay. Happy day!








This is a subtle change from his earlier bridge design...I'm not sure I can tell the difference...but that's what makes art art. Subtle. Beautiful.

I guess Simon will also have to slot the bridge, and drill pin-holes...but it sure is pretty, as-is.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by mc1

you'd probably still make it sound good. is that usual for the whole body to be basically finished (without the actual finish applied) before the neck goes on?

Yes, it's usual.

Simon uses a bolt-on neck, and the finish is applied separately to body and neck. I'm not sure where the necks are, in-process-wise...but they'll be done all according to plan, and then off to finish at the same time (but in two separate pieces, neck & body).

BTW, I have had dovetail neck joint guitars where the finish was applied after the top and body were joined. Guess what happens when you have a neck-set issue? Major finish re-work issues, on top of the other work.

Never again.

Don't get me started on those stories...this is a happy thread.

[fountainhead]

Larry-
Absolutely stunning! I am a huge fan of simple, elegant design- and I am being educated on how wonderfully Mr. Fay's guitars embody this! Thank you for sharing with us.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by fountainhead

Larry-
Absolutely stunning! I am a huge fan of simple, elegant design- and I am being educated on how wonderfully Mr. Fay's guitars embody this! Thank you for sharing with us.

You're welcome.

Simon wanted to add just a bit more on the BRW, so let's dive right in...

[Larry Pattis]

More.

Yes, there are more...












Sigh.

That was nice, eh...?

[Sage97]

Fantastic looking guitar. Congrats.