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Well... all was not lost! I started trying to clean up the neck/head to see if it would work for the test mule build. As it were, after some tidying up and rearranging, I decided to keep it with this build. The headstock looks a little wonky in this picture, but it is the camera angle and shadows.


So, on to carving the neck! Happiness is a sharp chisel, and fragrant mahogany!

I'm finished with the neck. I haven't previously stained my necks, but I wanted to on this one as John mentioned liking darker necks. I didn't want to put an opaque stain on it, so I started digging around. Sixgunguitars had a video on youtube about using oil paint as a stain under tru oil. As it turns out, Windsor & Newton's Artisan series oil paints are pigment suspended in a linseed oil base--same as tru oil. I bought a tube of "burnt umber" at my local Hobby Lobby and tested it on scrap. It is VERY easy to apply, and did not have the normal issues of witness lines and blotchiness. It also filled the pores with pigment (I don't pore fill). All things considered, I'll definitely be using this technique again. I will let it dry for a couple of days prior to the first tru oil coat on the neck just for good measure. The youtube poster also mentioned that you can dissolve the oil paint in tru oil for a tinted finish. I may give that a try just to see what difference it makes. Here's a few pics. Looks like I'll be wrapping this build up fairly soon....

That looks good, I have a scrap neck or two laying around.

Just a quick update. Been working in spurts, but my dang day job is soaking up a lot of time.... Neck is finished, and bolted in place. I'll do some finish touch-up, and then glue the fretboard extension down, and put some lock washers on the neck bolts. It's close now....

Very pretty, sophisticated little guitar, that top is insane.

Slowly moving forward.... May have strings on by the weekend.

Neck is now on....


And preparing the top to glue the bridge....


I can smell the end now!!!!

Looking great, jay. Your logo is very elegant.

All done. Tinkering with fretwork and setup, but the tone is coming up nicely! Here's a teaser until I can get everything polished up and ready for good photography...

Thats exceptional, can't wait to hear a sound clip.

Great job!

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

You ever make a clip on this beauty, Jay?

Beth, I am still working on being able to upload a larger-framed version for the voting... but here is a sneak peek. It is much better in full-screen HD if you have a broadband connection. The pictures are much clearer in HD... Pictures and video to follow in voting thread.

Wow what a little monster!

It's magnificent, Jay. Well done. Your friend is going to be floored.

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Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgement.

Just…WOW! I want to see video of John getting the guitar!!!! Please post that.

I'm impressed with every part of your build…the combination of woods, the appointments (especially tying the rosette and purfling in with the end flash), and your fit and finish, but most importantly…the incredible range and sound. You definitely hit this one out of the park!
After seeing the quality of work done in this New Builder's challenge, I am amazed.
Thanks for the sneak peak! Beth

The look on his face right here made the whole build worth it. I drove to Ft. Worth and set it on the stage at one of his gigs--It was waiting for him when he got there to set up. I will post a video soon of John playing it...

That is so amazingly cool, Jay! Can't wait to see/hear that clip You should be so proud.

That's fantastic and surly going to be up there in the ranks!

Cute as can be!

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Beth,
I'm just now getting around to catching up on some housekeeping details. Here is a video of John being introduced to his new guitar. It is just a quick shot of him picking on it for the first time, and getting to know it. Since getting it in October, he's turned it into one of his regular acoustic gig guitars.



--Jay

Amazing little Blues maker you've created! And it's clearly in perfect hands with John….really great, Jay! Congrats again and thanks for including the clip. It's the most fun part!!! Happy New Year and here's to lots of future creations

Sweet Jay. Really sweet.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I know this thread is pretty old at this point, and I had seen the finished product in the actual challenge thread, but this is such an amazing little instrument I had to post my congratulations to Jay not only for having won, but for having built an exceptional guitar.

I'm working (slowly) on my first build, a Martin OO style, and this thread has truly inspired me to keep going despite setbacks.

Jay - how has the Tru Oil finish held up as Mr. Sprott has been gigging with the guitar? I have watched several "tutorial" type videos about it, and you achieved an absolutely beautiful finish. My only question was whether or not it would hold up under heavy use/gigging.

Congratulations again, Jay. Absolutely stunning, both in craftsmanship and in tone!

Justin, thank you for the kind words... I'll check with John to see on the durability of the Tru-Oil. Also, I read your small-body, glassy tone thread, and will reply this evening when I can attach some pics. Thanks again!!! --jay