Official Luthiers Forum!

Thanks Bill and af_one. 'preciate the kind words.
Don you are just reinforcing Craigs mania.   Thanks

Af-one, That is just a shape I came up with back when I did not like the boxiness of the dreadnaught but wanted something similar in size. So, it is kind of original and kind of derivative and if you want a tracing, I would be happy to make you one.

I'm out of here Craig.

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www.handcraftinlay.com

Man, that's nice, John. So smooth and flowing, really nice design.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Nice John, way nice.   

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Hey John,

That is a beaut!! Have you tried placing something over the soundport and "strumming a few chords" to see if you can get a sound that allows you to compare it with others you have built?

Again, that is an outstanding guitar!!

Shane

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Canada

Hey, do you think Mr. CFMartin (Sr.) ever had those moments when he put together a really plain guitar--right after a really ornate one--and then said to himself "You know, I like this just as well (and maybe a bit better)" ?

I bet you can see it happening, can't you?

Looks sweet, bro. Since it's going to GB, double the price....

KBW

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

[QUOTE=John K] Thanks again guys
Hmm Colin
   Lets see, all I have to do is send you some guitars and then you will sell them for me. Sounds like you could be giving Dennis a little competition.
   I know what you mean about strumming. I actually have two of your lute pieces on my I-pod. Quite impressive.

[/QUOTE]

Oh no John I wouldn't sell them for you, just have them here and play them, and have them 'available' for other potential customers to see. Sort of like a shop window, but with none of the goods in the window for sale!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thank you Thank you.

   Colin, I dunno, I gotta think about this, maybe ask my brother if its a good deal. Somehow....
   Bro, you are right. I seem to be gravitating away from pearl. Strangely then next four guitars have been commissioned by a guy who not only wants lots of pearl he wants lots of thick pearl.   
   Shane I wish I had thought about doing what you suggested before I shipped the guitar. Drat!

Great looking guitar John!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Great guitar John. I do like the blingless look!
I like that Honduran Rw back too.    

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Lucious, John! I especially like the headstock...and you know I'm a sucker for slotheads!

At what stage did you make your soundport...before or after bending?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

and, did you clean out that compound in the slots before you shipped it?  

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Another home run John!

long

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"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” -Heraclitus of Ephesus

thanks all
JJ I cur out that cutout after bending. I am afraid to weaken part of the sides before the bending occurs.

Waddy, I am afraid that I did not, but I did email instructions on how that is done. I will also forward some paper towels via express mail.

John

John, you alluded to there being no shell because it was going to London. Are there new "no-shell" regulations for England that I don't know about? We keep shipping instruments over that have Paua shell dots and/or purfling...

No Rick
   Just a lighthearted reference to a generality that seems true of so many of the guitarists in the UK, that they really like their instruments unadorned. As far as I know, there are no anti-mollusk regulations.

I am now properly jealous of Dennis- sweet work, John!

[QUOTE=John K] Anthony this is the first guitar with a sound port I have ever played. I tried to decide if I could hear anything in particular from the port but really could not tell. I will say that this guitar sounded better than I thought it would. I was afraid that it was over braced and would need some sort of remedy. So, who knows, there are so many variables.
[/QUOTE]

John I have played a number of ported guitars now. The thing I consistently hear is that the guitar projects better not only to the player but to your audience as well. Last February I attended a talk given by Grit Laskin...he played one of his ported guitars and covered then uncovered the guitar. Thinking it was an anomoly associated with Laskin's guitars I had the opportunity to do same at Tony Karol's with one of his and then same with one of his students. Same result. That is a sufficient sample size to convince me that ports enhance the sound.

Notwithstanding, it doesn't hurt if the guitar is a quality instrument which I suspect is the case with yours.    

Terrance, the refinish job is done and the guitar is back. Pics coming soon as soon as the bridge is put back on.

Thanks for the info Anthony. Based on what you are telling me and my own limited experience, I plan to do another of these ports. Perhaps a port with door.

John

[QUOTE=Rick Turner] John, you alluded to there being no shell because it was going to London. Are there new "no-shell" regulations for England that I don't know about? We keep shipping instruments over that have Paua shell dots and/or purfling...[/QUOTE]

As John said, Rick, it's just a matter of preference. UK builders and players tend towards a less up-front style of guitar. Generally you'll only see wood, usually from the same tonal pallete, no pearl or abalone. There are exceptions of course, but we tend to like muted and harmonious rather than contrasting and obvious.

As that is the style I like, the biggest compliment I pay on this forum, for peoples' guitars, is that they could have been made in Britain!   This one of John's is a prime example, could have been made in Britain.

That said, the archlute I'm working on at the moment has copious mother-of pearl, and gold wire inlay on the front and back of the neck!

There are no retrictions on mother-of pearl and abalone.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

John,

Great, great, great looking guitar! I think I like it largely because, in its simlicity, it is more remeniscent of classical and flamenco guitars, which I am more used to seeing. The wood and the workmanship are the main visual attractions.

Regarding sound ports, I recently played a flamenco made by Robert Ruck with sound ports and it was a revelation. It was like being immersed in the sound. I am now a believer and my next will have them.

Congrat's again,
Max
Brighton, Michigan

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Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

[QUOTE=John K] Thanks for the info Anthony. Based on what you are telling me and my own limited experience, I plan to do another of these ports. Perhaps a port with door.
John
[/QUOTE]

John for what it's worth, a port with a door has a "cool" factor but it isn't really practical as the player will invariably always keep the "door" open. Laskin now discourages his customers from ordering a door as it's another days labour and an added cost that isn't practical. Also it adds weight to the guitar. If you'd like to see some cool ports with doors check out Manzer's site.

Thanks again Anthony. You have saved me from wasting time making a useless door. I had as soon forgo the cool.
I will include a roll of mahogany colored duck tape in the utility box of the case for the curious.

I appreciate your remarks Max. More evidence supporting the sound port. I am fast becoming a convert.

Colin, "could have been made in Britain" I take as a high compliment indeed. Obviously there are different rules for Lutes.

John

Hi John,

thanks, just shoot me the pics when it's done!

Terence