Douglas, here's some more specific questions, if you please...
Where did you get the Francois Charles book? I hear it's out of print.
My In-Laws were visiting my wifes brother, who happens to live in Paris, so the went on a little day trip to the Charles's shop. They actually enjoyed the errand because it took them to a part of Paris that is not an obvious destination. They did not meet M. Charles, but had a nice visit with Madame Charles. I was only expecting them to pick up the plans, but, what with Christmas and birthdays on the calandar, the decided to treat me! Its a great book.
Did you use radius dishes for top and back? If so, what radius did you use?
No, I didn't radius the top. That isn't how they're done. There is a pliage, or bend, in the top, just below the bridge. I made up a work board out of MDF, its two pieces with a miter where the pliage is located, and braced underneath. Some people will use heat to bend it, some will score the underside, like a tiny kerf slot. I don't like the idea of the scoring method. Secure the soundboard on top and leave it as long as you can to help the pliage "set". The braces will secure it , again, later. Spruce has a fair bit of springback, so expect that.
Did you use the 670 mm scale length? How's that on the fingers?
670 it is! I wasn't about to start mucking about with the plans. The D-Hole version has a much shorter scale length, so if scale length is an issue, I'd suggest that guitar. I still plan on doing one. Funny thing about the 670mm scale length, it carries higher string tension, so the strings can be set lower. That, coupled with the zero fret, makes for a very playable guitar. Due to a spinal injury when I was younger, my left hand is very weak and lacks dexterity. As a result, there are many guitar that I can't play, this one, I can.
What kind of strings did you use?
You can get the proper brand, I know Elderly's carries them. I'm pretty sure that I used d'Darrio lights. I don't like changing strings as often as most, I like the sound better after they've been played in a bit.
Who did you get your tuning machines and tailpiece from?
LMI. The tailpiece is a beautiful thing! Its possible to get a cheapo version, but after all the work of building, a good tailpiece really sets it of. I used gold Gotoh vintage tuners, with the oval buttons.
Did you laminate the sides or use solid wood?
I used solid. While I could have laminated them, the Maple guitar used solid construction. The other Selmer models used laminated. Either method works. The only hassle that I had was getting the cutaway bent. I expect that a heating blanket would have helped, I have one on order now! Build it the way you will expect successful results.
I'd love to see a picture of your guitar
Enjoy! (OK, so I put up more than one...since when is one ever enough?)
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