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Third Guitar just completed
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=13570		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Allen McFarlen [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:25 pm ]
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This one has been in the works for about 6 months while I was working on #2 and starting on #4. Attempted my first bound fret board on this one, as well as the first abalone rosette.

Body...Figured Cypress (cupressus macrocarpa)
Neck...Figured Cypress (cupressus macrocarpa) reinforced with carbon fiber and truss rod. Fully bolt on as described by Sylvan Wells
Bindings...Cocobolo with BWB purfling on top, back and sides
Rosette...Paua
Fret Board...Striped Ebony, raduised 10" at nut to 18" at soundhole
Head Stock Veneer...EI Rosewood with Paua Gecko inlay
Brace wood...Kauri Pine with solid kerfing
Bridge...EI Rosewood
Nut and Saddle...Mother of Pearl
Tuners...Gotoh Chrome Open Back with brass gear.
Finish...Miratone catalyzed lacquer



The cypress has takes on a beautiful red gold tone once a finish is applied.


I had to route off the bindings the first time around because there were too many large gaps. The second time around thy came out perfect. I bought the Stew Mac binding tape and it made all the difference.



I've decided to use this curved end graft on all my guitars. I'll post a photo tutorial of how I do it. Only takes about 15 minutes.



The back and sides are flitch matched and I liked the figure so much I didn't want to detract from it with a center strip.



Shameless self promotion.
Author:  bob_connor [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:44 pm ]
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Super looking guitar Allen. Very tastefully appointed.

How does the Cypress sound? There's a heap of it growing out in the Western Districts of Victoria and
I've often thought of chasing some down, but had never considered it for tops.

What's the action like on it at the moment? The reason I say this is that the bridge saddle looks a bit higher than I'd be comfortable with.

Any chance of posting some sound clips. I'd love to hear it.

Cheers
Author:  Colin S [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:27 pm ]
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Wow, that looks beautiful, I too would love to hear what it sounds like. Certainly a different take.

Colin
Author:  Allen McFarlen [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:34 pm ]
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I got the cypress from Victoria. It's a bit early to comment on the sound. It's only been strung up for a few hours, and I'm by no means good enough of a player to come up with a sound clip that would do any guitar justice. I just love building them.

The action is pretty high at the moment, I have to do some set up. The frets from 7 through 19 are giving my just a hint of a buzz on the high E and the first fret only on the low E. I think that it is mostly to do with my first attempt at the bound fret board and learning how to get the ends of the frets to lay down like I want them too. All part of the learning curve. Everything else is high like you noticed.

My fourth guitar also has a cypress top but with EI Rosewood body. Also with Kauri bracing so it should be a good comparison for tone difference.
Author:  MaxBishop [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:05 pm ]
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Allen,

Zounds! Absolutely stunning. I have worked a lot with Spanish Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) for my flamenco guitars. But I've never seen anything like the top on yours. Really, a beautiful instrument.

Congrats,
Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan
Author:  Peter J [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:35 pm ]
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Really nice work Allen ! The figure of the wood really pops under finish and is an eye-catcher. I like your curved end graft and will wait for your tutorial.

It looks as though you have finished the inside of the guitar as well. Am I correct?

Keep up the good work.
Author:  Kim [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:45 pm ]
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Great looking guitar Allen, cannot believe the figure in that top, tis stunning as is the whole guitar.

Well Done M8

Cheers

Kim
Author:  KenH [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:11 am ]
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This guitar is a real surprise. I have had a chance to purchase cypress several times and didnt because I thought ti was only for classicals. You have changed my mind with this beauty!


I would love to have a follow up post discribing the sound she's got.


good job!

Author:  Bill Greene [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:12 am ]
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Yeah, that's stunning mate...beautiful job. If you have time, I'd love to see a close up of that headstock inlay. Looks nice from a distance.
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:44 am ]
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Wow! that is a stunning beauty.  The way it all blends together is fantastic.   
Author:  SteveCourtright [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:27 am ]
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That is stunning stuff. And wonderful workmanship, too. Would love to hear it.
Author:  stan thomison [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:56 am ]
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Words for this one grace and class. i particularly like the finish.
Author:  Daniel M [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:15 am ]
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Great lookin' axe Allan... Love that top!
Isn't "solid kerfing" an oxymoron? Oh Where is that EDIT button!
Beautiful work.
Author:  Heath Blair [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 3:36 am ]
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dude, im so into that! my wife was like, "wait scroll back up. let me see that one again. i love this... i love that.... great work! i love the coco binding contrast with the cypress.  
Author:  phil c-e [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:24 am ]
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allen,
great job. it's a beauty. look up the recent threads about using thin aluminum 'L' stock to deal with the fret buzz. and it looks like you've got a big of room in the saddle to bring the action down a little. an hour more work and you'll have a hot rod!
and boy, the "paint job" on that thing is beautiful. gorgeous wood.
and i'm looking forward to the end graft tutorial.
phil
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:26 am ]
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A realy earthy classic beauty of a guitar. I love the way the natural woodgrain and color come through of both the top and the abalone. Just outstanding.
Author:  Kim [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:37 am ]
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Hey Allen,

I'll add to the call for a sound report, would love to know what the cypress sounds like, it looks stunning. Also, is it just the image, or is this a true flat top with no radius at all????

Cheers

Kim
Author:  Allen McFarlen [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:46 am ]
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Thanks for all the comments. Yes I do finish the insides with some shellac. Trying to keep humidity fluctuations under control living up here in tropical Cairns. Solid kerfings....hmmm....I could have sworn that I wrote linings.



The headstock as requested.
Author:  Allen McFarlen [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:50 am ]
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It must just be the image Kim. The top has a 25' radius and the back is 15'. When I get it set up I will try and get a friend that I gave the second guitar too play a little sound clip. Might take a while though. 
Author:  Anthony Z [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:00 am ]
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Allen, that is an absolute stunner! The top and its shimmer sure makes it an original...wow!
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 8:23 am ]
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Well, I'll be... Your #3???!!

I am deeply impressed, that guitar is fantasic! Salute!
Author:  LuthierSupplier [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:30 pm ]
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I'm impressed too! Fantastic job, and great selection of woods that really compliment each other. The rosette turned out great!
Tracy
Author:  Shawn [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:14 pm ]
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Great job Allen...a real looker...It came together very nicely.

I have built alot of flamenco's with Aussie figured cypress that I get from a friend who is a guitar building in Australia, Barry Kerr who has built a number of guitars with the same combination as yours and they sound great and sell well because of the killer looks.

I have not built any tops of Cypress as I only build classical and flamenco guitars but what I have heard of the guitars with Cypress tops sounded good.

For those not from Australia, the species is the same as Monterey Cypress in the US but was originally planted in plantations and as an ornamental tree. It is generally less expensive than the Monterey Cypress from the West Coast of the US, usually a higher grade, and when figured looks great.

For those that would try it as a wood for Flamenco's, the only downside is that Monterey Cypress does not have as strong a Cypress smell as mediterrean cypress and the smell it does have fades quickly by comparison. Other than that it is a great wood.

For players that are expecting for a Cypress guitar to have a "Cypress smell", they may be disappointed unless you properly position the wood up front. If a player is looking for a "blanca" and favors looks over smell, then Monterey Cypress is the way to go if you can find an Aussie source (Tim... can you get some of the figured Cypress?)
Author:  gratay [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:25 pm ]
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very nice allen, that top certainly has lots of character...great work
Author:  Steve Saville [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:30 pm ]
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Very nice Allen!

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