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Hi guys

I have a commission build I'm starting. The client chose a piece of Koa that I had in the workshop. Unfortunately I only showed him the back and when I got the sides out later I realised that they had some bad knots in them.

The thing is, this set has some really nice figure in it. I have another set of Koa but it has no figure at all.

Whilst the build is a commission, I am not charging professional rates and he will be getting a lot of 'bang for the bucks' on the finished guitar. Personally I think the figured Koa would be nicer but I'm not sure if the knots would spoil the look for a customer.

I'm assuming the knots will remain stable. I have wicked CA over them and will probably go over with some epoxy once they are bent etc.

Would you use this set?? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. I can of course talk to the client about it but would like to know what other builders think.

Many thanks

Mat.

It may or may not bend .. wont know til you try .. knots like to not (no pun intended) bend so well and may fracture, especially on the peak of the upper bout, or valley of the waist.

Before you even bother ... I would ask the client whether they are even suitable (from an aesthetics POV).

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

I would probably not and as Tony said, you must show the client before you use them.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Mat : Talking to your client and showing him/her the sides would be very much in order.Something like this may not be appreciated,on the other hand they may think it's super. Think if they give you the go ahead you should explain that these sides may break.No surprises,makes you look more professional.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Same for me. Talk to the client. Plus, then you won't have to stress over the whole thing.

Same as others. Might work out later as middle lam in a neck or can get some binding or purf out of them

I don't think I'd use those--unless--the side pattern could be arranged to eliminate the worst of those knots.
But totally agree with the others: talk to your client.
I bet you could buy some sides (some good ones) that would match the back almost perfectly.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

No. I'd chop it up for binding, rosette blanks, HPs...

As other have said... you shouldn't just assume the client will be ok with the knots...

However... When you have a chance to build a guitar on spec, use the knotty stuff and if it bends well and stays stable, you will have a cool looking guitar that you can stand behind and be proud of. I love using the stuff others may shy away from... but don't expect a client to foot the bill. I hope you do build with it and show us the result... I think it could be nice.

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

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Thanks for your opinions guys.

The fact that I asked the question shows that it is on my mind. I will of course check with the client but I really wanted to know how others viewed this first.

I love to see knots in wood sometimes. It adds interest and honesty to the material. I will definitely build with it. I might actually build the same guitar simultaneously with the two sets of Koa and let the client decide. That seems like a cool idea.

Thanks again. I'll be back in about 6 months with some pics

Mat

Mat,Glad you decided to build with knots.I do all the time and have never had a problem.Just try not to put them on a tight bend and you should be alright.I personally feel they give character to a guitar as well as beauty and add to the overall piece.Some people might feel otherwise, so do ask first.