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Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
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Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Not a lot of flash on this one. The decision was to go w/ "less is more". Back and sides of Honduran Rosewood, which looks a lot like Coco Olo. Top is a silky piece of Sitka. Bindings and back strips are dark Indian rosewood. Ebony f/b, African Blackwood bridge.
You've seen the 12th fret Cross & Crown inlay already.

As always, thanks for looking,

Steve

Oh yes--the rosette is a piece garnered from a wood collector which he called "Inka". Anyone ever heard of this species? It was chosen not for its mystery value, but because it matched the sides/back quite well.
Author:  JJ Donohue [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Nice, Steve...I love the 3 piece back as well as the great looking mitred purflings.

...and the sound?
Author:  KenH [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Beautiful guitar Steve! I love the fretboard inlay too!
Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Thanks JJ!
I'd love to know how this one is opening up sound-wise.
It was set up w/ light gauge strings, which sounded amazing right5 out of the chute.
Then I switched them out for some mediums, expecting even more.
Instead, it sounded convincingly constipated.
Then, I kid you not, in the space of 15 minutes, it began to open up all over again. I've never had that happen, and it threw me at first.
But as long as it continues to open up, it'll be fine.
I love Honduran, and Colin notwithstanding :mrgreen: I love Sitka.
It sounds well balanced, crisp and masculine. (And why not use that term? Since no one can really describe just what they're hearing to another, this term seems as useful as any, and more so than many.)

Thanks again,

Steve

Ooops Ken, we were posting at the same time.
Thanks for the nod!
Author:  SniderMike [ Wed May 07, 2008 12:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Very nice. The back is just beautiful.
Author:  Dave White [ Wed May 07, 2008 1:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve,

Nice one. Lovely use of woods and up to the ususal Kinnaird standard! Lots of builders seem to rate Honduran Rosewood in the Rio category - what's your impression?

The constipated sound was the result of the guitar undergoing a sex change when you upped the string gauges ("excuse me while I get macho and grow some . . ."). I think we need an OLF tutorial on sexing guitars 8-)
Author:  Colin S [ Wed May 07, 2008 3:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve, that is one seriously beautiful guitar! You've got the aesthetics down to a fine art, with the colours complimenting each other really well. That guitar immediately enters the top six 'OLF guitars I'd like to own' .

You see it's not that I don't like sitka topped guitars, I've played some seriously good sitka guitars, it's just that I'm total rubbish at building with it, I just bolt for my Euro comfort zone. Oh and I love light gauge strings, but then I'm a geologist, the hairy chested he-men of the science world so have no need to prove my machismo.

Yes that is one very beautiful guitar.

Colin
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Wed May 07, 2008 3:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Elegant guitar, Steve! [:Y:]
Author:  GregG [ Wed May 07, 2008 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Beautiful guitar, I love that HRW!

Cheers,
Greg
Author:  Marc [ Wed May 07, 2008 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve, really nice, beautiful guitar-refined. A lot of silk in that top and Honduran rosewood has become one of my favorite woods.
Author:  JJ Donohue [ Wed May 07, 2008 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve Kinnaird wrote:
It sounds well balanced, crisp and masculine. (And why not use that term? Since no one can really describe just what they're hearing to another, this term seems as useful as any, and more so than many.)



A very bold statement indeed, Steve! I think when folks try to describe tone they reveal more about themselves than they do the guitar anyway. So I wonder what will happen if you change back to lights? idunno

You may have one of those rare hermaphrodite guitars! laughing6-hehe
Author:  Dave White [ Wed May 07, 2008 7:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Just take it into a shoe shop and see what happens.
Author:  JJ Donohue [ Wed May 07, 2008 7:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Dave White wrote:
Just take it into a shoe shop and see what happens.


Great suggestion, Dave laughing6-hehe

Geeze...I sure hope this isn't one of those transference things and he has to change his name to Stephanie! wow7-eyes

This is getting creepy! [uncle]
Author:  burbank [ Wed May 07, 2008 8:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve,

Beautiful guitar, as usual! Simple. Love how the colors work together.
Author:  Anthony Z [ Wed May 07, 2008 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve, I guess I will step up and be the contrarian in the crowd. Frankly, this is one of the most disappointing guitars that you have ever posted here. Such a boring combination of perfectly and tastefully matched woods, elegant three piece back, tastefully personalized fretboard inlay, well executed and correctly sized tail wedge…..yawn.

I am just kidding you on.

I really like it! Whether you build with understated elegance with matching woods or lean more towards the avant-garde with shell and purfling appointments….they all without fail…impress.

The fretboard inlay is such a nice personalized touch. Nicely done friend. (I am looking forward to seeing the maple guitar you posted finishing booth pictures of in another thread).
Author:  Anthony Z [ Wed May 07, 2008 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
ToddStock wrote:
As to the difference between elegance and bling...went to an auto show a few years back, where the female booth staff for Ferrari, Lotus, MB, and others were in big hair, bigger makeup, spray-on tans, and outfits on the bleeding edge of designer fashion. Jaguar's sole booth model was a tall, slim brunette with that 'fresh cream' complexion of a native Welshwoman, wearing a modest, afternoon-length black cocktail dress, just enough heel to look you in the eye, and minimal jewelry/makeup.

Guess who got all the attention?


Todd, I love the imagery of your post. Though you know....somedays you just need to drive a Ferrari and others a Jaguar is just the ticket ;)
Author:  SteveCourtright [ Wed May 07, 2008 9:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Excellent execution and very harmonious design. I love it.
Author:  LanceK [ Wed May 07, 2008 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Simply appointed - classy and elegant instrument, executed beautifully! Just how I like them! [clap]

Excellent looking guitar Steve, how does she sound?
Author:  Hesh [ Wed May 07, 2008 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Beautiful Steve!!! [:Y:] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Late to the party, but that is a fine looking instrument, Steve. Nothing not to like about it, except it isn't mine! There goes my day - I coveted! [headinwall] [headinwall] [uncle]
Author:  matt jacobs [ Wed May 07, 2008 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
That is nice Steve. You are truly the master of the 3 piece back. Keep 'em coming.
Author:  Sam Price [ Wed May 07, 2008 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Steve,

You aren't just a master of the 3 piece back, you are also a master of the bling, non-bling and moderate bling.

This is a guitar I really like. It's stunning!!!
Author:  John Kinnaird jr [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Beautiful work Bro. Those colors really complement each other and the purfling work is purfect. Well done. What about the sound?

KBE
Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
Leaping lizards, you guys certainly are kind!
Dave, your comment about the sex change made me laugh!
Now, why did your mind run that way? (Though it is such an apt description?) So, Lance and John Jr, the sound is, as I tried rather unsuccessfully to state, fruity yet crisp, with raspberry overtones and a sparkling finish. idunno

You guys really are kind, and I'm proud to hang out here w/ such a nice bunch.

Oh, here's a shot of the head:

Attachment:
IMG_6718_WEB.jpg


And one closer shot of the rosette:

Attachment:
IMG_6726_WEB.jpg


Many thanks guys,

Steve
Author:  Dave Rector [ Wed May 07, 2008 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran/Sitka SJ (minimal bling)
That does it...I'm gonna quit building and use the money I save to buy a Kinnaird.
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