It's been a long time coming, but I've finally strung up my fifth guitar. While it has a few warts, this is my first built completely from scratch and I'm pleased with the results. It's a 12-fretter, made from an adaptation of Michael Collins' popular J-45 plans. The top is sinker redwood from Lance and the back and sides are curly walnut that I purchased many years ago from Bruce Hermann. I made the stacked neck from Peruvian walnut from LMI. The bridge, fingerboard, headplates, bindings, etc. are ebony.
The playability and intonation were quite good from the start, needing only slight tweaking. Based on my previous efforts, I expect to keep making adjustments as things settle in. This is my first time building with anything other than spruce/mahogany or rosewood and I'm still trying to figure out what is different about the tone of this one. Considering the dimensions of the guitar I was expecting a fairly prominent bass and there is definitely a nice roundness to those notes, but so far it feels like a full and lush midrange may define this guitar's sonic signature. I like it very much, as there is an overall smoothness across the spectrum that I find quite pleasing.
I owe a big shout out to Stephen Zeigenfuss for helping me add a logo to my headstock for the first time. I'm not sure if I'll stick with this design or not, but Stephen was great to work with and his efforts produced excellent results.
I've learned a tremendous amount since joining the OLF and want to thank everyone here for all the support and inspiration you share so freely.
George :-)
P.S. I'm not much of a photographer and have only a fairly basic point and shoot camera on hand. I couldn't get any close ups in focus, so this is the best I can do for now:
