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That's all very very nice compliments guys.I built my jigs as I went along , so that took a about half my time,that and the fact that I'm a slow fussy worker (wish I wasn"t sometimes)
This is my first attempt with pics and a borrowed camera, so forgive the quality
We don't have Crocs where I am Ron, but I do have two kids !! That counts !
I went for the maple side purfs without really being aware of what I was letting myself in for with the florentine. I thought that the three way type miter would look best too!!. still,, I can do it now .
I used the Paua of course because I'm a kiwi , but loved working M.O.P.
The sound and playability is the best part . It's incredibly vibrant. Sympathetic partials and harmonics strongly ring off.It sounds incredible. I've never played anything like it in my 40 year involvement. It's so full and rich .A fantastic treble that really sparks off the 5th and 6th string partials.I wonder If it's my strong A Frame giving me so ,so much sustain.
Or is it the specially chosen african rosewood I used to make the bridge? The "Tusq saddle ? The bracing ?
My only fear is No.2 not capturing this sound. I have just reread here and can't believe how much of a pitch I just delivered. Sorry guys, It doesn't sit too well with me. I guess it's the " Just finished No. 1 " madness

No. 2 is partly in my head (undergoing design changes and adding and subtracting ideas ) I have some things on paper ,but they could all change yet too.

This first guitar posting has been something I've looked forward to for a long time. To show off to "The Family". A very very special moment. The talent and advise we have here on this fantastic unselfish forum.
You guys have become very special friends to me,

      Thankyou to you all


   KiwiCraig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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I am a Kiwi Dave, but have been enjoying Australia more than 20 years (Oh ! the sheep jokes ! )
Colin ,you don't seem to prefer the Florentine ? Previous guitar wound perhaps ?

This guitar building thing has kind of happened to me by fate. I'd always had it in my mind having played guitar since 10 yr. old (surprisingly average player),but always been a love affair. After finishing my piano tech. apprentiship I had a instrument repair shop for many years in N.Z. ,but resumed my trade when I moved to Australia.
Three years ago my wife had both legs amputated, which halted my piano work (not too sorry , after 35 yrs ) Concert work and Grand rebuilds = stress.
This did , however give me the oportunity to undertake my lifetime dream. I put everything I have into it. Mindlessly studying, experimenting,drawing on my own gut feelings and experience from my former lifestyle.
I have a workshop within our house (former piano shop) so it's very handy for me. Hey I gotta stop rambling.
I'm over-excited !! Never felt like this before!

   KiwiCraig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Holy...!

What can I say that has not been said already; a truly inspirational guitar.

Congrats!!!

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Hi kiwi!

i'll try to make it short here but just finished reading your story and it reminded me of mine except for woodworking skills that i didn't have and that i wish to improve this year to help me build a guitar that beautiful like yours. Your method of working seems to be flawless and it's to your advantage and wish i could live near by to see your family's pride in their eyes. You're gonna have great success friend and i'm just proud to be on the same forum as you ! Good luck for no 2, as i am sure it's gonna be everything you dream of!

Serge Poirier
Canada

STUNNING Craig!!! What a fantastic guitar!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

No, Kiwi, even the pictures are quality!

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

All your hard work sure did pay off!! I don't know what else to say that hasn't been said by everyone. Just a wonderful guitar,Way to go Kiwi

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

   That is absolutely awesome... Like everyone says, you just nailed about every hard detail of building on your first try! She's absolutely stunning!
   A close-up of the rosette, maybe?

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Amazing Guitar!!! And you say it's your first, you got to be kidding. Thats Amazing!!

WOW!!!!
thats it, Evan

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http://www.NewYorkGuitarRepair.com

Craig, this is a tremendous first guitar. I know why it took two years. You'll enjoy every time you see this baby. Great work. Did you know your initials are the same as Craig Lavin's.

Craig, what can I say? You created one beautiful guitar! And on your first try too. If you are ever in Oklahoma stop by and I'll show you my first. It's kept behind a chair in the office.

All kidding aside, that is a gorgeous guitar. Congratulations on a job well (very well) done.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

Craig,

That's amazing! You have to promise to never move to North America. We have to much competition over here already.   

Being a cat person I have to ask about the cat in the back ground of one of your pictures. Is that your family cat? What is its name?   

Thanks,

A great lookin' guitar, great first effort.
But- the heck with the guitar, I want to play in your back yard! It's cold, dark and nasty here in Michigan.

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Mark Swanson
Swanson Guitars
http://www.MarkSwansonMusic.com

That's a wonderful first effort! Great job on all the little details, too!

I was going to play "spot the cat " Graham but you have beaten me to it. But, can you spot the aussie fly ?
She is called Ginger (original name). We have a few cats, 4 dogs, 8 peacocks,chooks,sheep (of course),and a clever horse by the name of Dollie. I have a dog called Dollie also. When the name is called ,there is confusion !
You mention George Lowden, Colin. He is one of my heros.I have read all I can about him and his work.A very gifted builder.
Hi Dickey, My first post was under the name Craig L. until I realised there were two of us. Craig has helped me along the way with inlaying questions.We are certainly lucky to have him and his wonderful talent on board.A big Hi to you Craig ! what's the verdict on my inlaying ? (ducking for cover now ! )
Dave , I like that "Lord of the Strings " tag. Can I use it ? I also admire your guitars.
All your replies thus far have overwhelmed me. I didn't expect such a response. Your all very kind and generous people !

KiwiCraig....." Lord of the Strings "

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Craig,
I agree with the above: awesome job!

WOW ! ! !

That's incredible! Congratulations...fantastic.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

There are no superlatives I can add. The pictures say it all. Man, number two has a lot to live up to.

Beautiful work.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

Craig...great job....successful on many levels.

Mahogany is just the right choice for this one and the grain orientation on the back looks great. French Polish was also a great choice and looks great. All of the design elements came together really nicely and the level of craftsmanship is excellent. All of the thought and effort to pull it together came together really well...just the right balance of bling versus straight up look...has to feel really great! Enjoy

Sheesh! You set yourself an incredibly high standard. How does anybody improve on that?

Absolutely fabulous, Craig!

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Alain, Could only get this crap blurry pic. together.

I've had many a meal of Paua . Mmmmmmmm Paua !     My father used to gather them. The shells were very popular as ashtrays !


Hey Larkim, where are you situated in Australia.? Love to hear from you sometime . Thems flattering words you sent me

Infact that goes to all you guys. You have made this most memorable moment so very special for me. I'm so very grateful to you all.

I'd be pleased to discuss the build if anyone wants.

No. 2 is whizzing around in my mind still. I want it to be shockingly brilliant. The best ever ! with artistic and performance elements never known before .That probably comes across as " Craig has lost his marbles " right ? I've got to better this one and man , I'm obsessive. My other aim is to be as fussy but faster , if that's possible.

KiwiCraig... "Lord of the Strings"

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Good day mate, if you wanna tell us about the buildin' part, my eyes are wide open since i can't hear your great accent

You'd probably love my accent too!

Anytime you feel like it, ready for it!

Serge

Hi Serge,
           To tell you about the build in total would almost become a book!.
I had a few issues along the way , but overcame them , just as others do I suppose ,but not without a bit of headscratching .On reflection ,I think I probably made it a little hard on myself by including the cutaway , miters , A frame bracing , inlays etc. . I could have finished it in less time otherwise. My next build won't demand me building so many jigs ,as I now have quite a few. That in itself saves time. There are still other jigs I want to build though, and reckon that will always be the case .
Like most people I think , I found the finish and the binding to be tricky .Luckily for me ,I have some previous experience with shellac ,but that doesn't make me an expert. (practice on scrap!!) How many times do we hear that !
The type of cutaway miters I used were also a trial, but I worked out a method that worked . Too big to describe here and demands another thread with pics , which I'll get round to.
I used the Lowden type A Frame. Also tricky. The braces ( 1/2/" X 3/8" ) are let into the headblock. the transverse brace and A frame brace are notched into each other ,and finally , paraboliced ( ya know wot I mean) down and tapered down to meet up with the upper cross braces. Some folk only use 1/4" type braces and only have to notch the transverse . My feelings were that this is a heavy load area and nothing would be lost sound wise by using the heavier bracing .It did however ,make it more difficult to line up everything
I spent many hours on design,and I think that's a really important and fun thing to do.To turn something written on paper into reality is always a buzz and satisfying.
   Serge, I wish you well on your " journey " and thankyou for your very kind remarks.
These things are difficult to build . Anyone that can build one in any shape or form has got my vote !

KiwiCraig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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