Official Luthiers Forum!

Ken, I've never played a Mac. Ebony Guitar. What does it sound like? With ebony being dense as it is, What kind of sound do you get?

By the way, Stunning work! Keep that one!

Ken,
   That is a beautiful guitar in every respect. The cutaway has a reallt
unique look as it can, at a glance appear to be Venetian, but has that very
ccol subtl point.

   I also really like the staggered bridge pin pattern, It adds a very
interesting look to the bridge.

   What can be said about the rosette. It's stunning! and works well in
pulling the very well thought out design balance of the guitar together.

   It really is a gorgeous guitar in every way. Thanks for posting
photos...they're inspiring.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

Ken,   Super nice guitar in every way! Man, You have outdone yourself on this one.I love the rosette and that cutaway! Gorgeous woods ! Just one of the nicest I've seen here! I too would like to know how she sounds? WTG

_________________
Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Bob, the Peruvian walnut is really that dark, no stain. I think it gives a vintage look to the neck IMO. The end grain is especially dark.

The owner wanted a bright sound so I worked the bracing and top thicknessing in that direction. Here's what he had to say, "This is the best sounding, easiest to play, most beautiful instrument I’ve ever owned. I have a $15,000 custom made Brazilian Rosewood guitar that is 5 years old and doesn’t sound or play like this." I'd send a sound clip but I shipped the guitar last week.

Thanks for the positive comments. I'm really proud of this one and I wouldn't have made some of these decisions if I hadn't been influenced by the player's desires. He wanted the macassar ebony, a dark neck, a cutaway that I hadn't used in a while and tiny thunderbirds on the fretboard. So I got my feet wet on some inlay which I had never done before and I refined the shape of the cutaway. BTW curly macassar is not so easy to bend. I think colaboration with the right person can work to the player's and maker's advantage. This one sure stretched my envelope.

_________________
Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

Mark, the macassar had a nice glassy sustaining tap to it. It didn't seem as damping as I thouhgt it would be. Maybe Al can chime in on that since I've never worked with it before. A player I know has a macassar Mcpherson and it has a deep rich sound so going for a brighter sound was also a challenge. Macassar would probably sound great with any top wood but the Italian spruce is a an excellent match. Here's a picture of the bracing.

_________________
Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

Beautiful guitar Ken, an absolutely stunning composition really.

Some day you'll have to show us how you make up the logs for the rosette. I agree with Kevin, it sure visually pulls the whole guitar together nicely.

Ken,

That's a lovely guitar. Works really well visually and great craftsmanship.

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

What a great inspiration! I love the wood rosettes and you have given me a few ideas that I want try.

Thanks again for letting us see this outstanding effort!