This is an instrument I built at the same time as Schizo-boy two posts back. The body is 15" across the lower bout and is 20" long. It has a 25.5" scale; the neck is 1.75" at the nut; string spread is 2.25" at saddle; 14 fret body join; orange cocobolo fingerboard, flat, bound with flame maple (my first bound fingerboard -- it was easy); mahogany back and sides; dark western red cedar top; flame maple binding; cantilevered fingerboard extension; brazilian rosewood bridge; standard martin style X-bracing. This guitar has a loud and distinctive voice, plays nicely, and is regarded by me as my most successful instrument so far.
Anyway, this buddy of mine was kind enough to play the thing last night. Per usual my tongue-tiedness prevented my explaining how useful it was to me as a luthier to (a) get the reaction of an accomplised player to my handiwork; (b) just HEAR the damned thing played well (it just don't sound the same from behind as it does out front); (c) get a handle on the requirements of an individual player for an instrument to work well for them. He was born and raised a classical player (most certainly NOT bound, however, by the conventions which plague the academic side of that pursuit), but wants to hear some of the clear, ringing harmonics of a steel stringer. He needs a neck dimensioned for a classical player, but wants more access (14-fret join, maybe a cutaway). Wide neck, but not deep. Big string spread.
By his own admission, he beats the hell out of his instruments. I'd love to just toss him this box, but that soft cedar top would be toothpicks in no time. Mahogany top? Also, he has amplification requirements. I know very little of this, but would like to learn. We agree that piezo pickups and soundboard transducers sound make your strings sound like rubber bands. Maybe one of those nifty magnetic pickup thingies that fit in the soundhole? They've grown more sophisiticated, and would sound great played clean with his amp.
These are the fascinating issues that feed my insomnia. But I cannot stop.
3 comments:
Man, that guy is handsome!
I get it now. It slowly dawned on me that you are doing research into your own instrument. A few times, I've had the pleasure of hearing my Brune played-it's quite different just listening, isn't it?
That guitar, the one that I liked, sure is sweet. YOU are on the right path, brother, and I know that with each instrument, you will only get better. Loved the tone, the sustain, the harmonics. Can't wait to hear it with my pick. Those large picks throw me. It's what you're used to.
One caveat: enter the blogging world with innocence and and open heart, but as you saw on my blog, there is the occasional negative passerby who spews meaningless poison. I read Fripp's diary all the time and he addresses this. It's very comforting to read because he has had to deal with all sorts of venom. Venom that comes out of nowhere-personal attacks. Much of this is by unthinking youth who know not of what they do nor speak. If they did, they would never post such hatred towards that man. They hate his position in life, his life, his fame and his guitar playing skills-all of which have come at a heavy price I would dare to say.
Love that damn guitar. need to play it tonight.
Thanks much for the kind assessment. I need all the props I can get!
Will blog eventually on a guy (forever unnamed in cybertopia) who functioned as a mentor, then psychotically turned on me and another luthing buddy. He purposely sought vengence for an attempt at offering thanks. After that, the odd passing knothead offering venom on a whim and just because the technology lets him (or her, I guess - though women are generally more supportive and less vindictive) will likely not throw me.
Blog all knotheads, tales of guitars and vengence!
Murder, mayhem and sides and tops!
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