Official Luthiers Forum!

I am kinda 3/5 of the way through number 2...a cittern, loosely based on Dave White's Bealtine...

This is a FIRST scratch build...it seems to me that the first kit I built last year was almost like a jigsaw puzzle...the pieces were there, all I needed to do was to fit 'em. The constructive advice from you guys has been incredibly priceless.

I would rate this instrument as my first proper build. How I have enjoyed the challenges. Man, there are flaws, but hey....

Pre-finish, the end wedge....there are two irritating lines of CA glue stain I cannot sand out for love nor money, and I managed to get a beautiful fit with this flamed sycamore!!!



In the "white"



The neck, awaiting the heel cap and finish with Danish Oil...



The walnut from David Dykes is amazing. So lusterous. This is finished with French Polish.



The front of the body, hanging in the breeze for the FP to harden off.....sorry, it's another Celtic Rosette..



Closeup of binding, etc..

Lookin' good there, Sam!

I'd be willing to wager that once you've strung it up, you'll be so pleased that the CA stains will be all but forgotten.

Very nice work!

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

That's a lefty.......right

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Yup, you guessed it.

[quote]sorry, it's another Celtic Rosette.. [/quote]

    That's OK, just don't let it happen again!

    Very nice Sam! Even the Roses! Very nice work! I like the shape of it! Good Work! Can't wait to see it together.

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Sam, that looks really good.  From what I read here, CA has its advantages, and apparently its disadvantages.  too bad about the stains, but you really have to look hard to see them.  Maybe under finish they will be reduced in appearance.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Sam,

That's looking great. Lovely walnut and that Celtic knot soundport is something else - as is the rosette, or should that be knotette The top looks tasty too.

I'd leave the CA glue for the model aeroplanes next time. Good old titebond (or fish glue) works fine. Flaws are always present in the work of mortals. Only the divine reach perfection.

Looking forward to hearing it sing. I suspect you'll have your sounclips up before I get mine from Gavin - well it's only been 8 months, a mere moment for professional musicians

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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

Thankyou everyone.

Billy...thanks. Yeah, there might be more celtic knots in time...



Waddy...what is so annoying is that the wedge was a clean, clean fit, and the CA was applied to hold down some errant corner of the wedge

Dave....LOL...I'm sure Gavin's too busy with that beautiful Bealtine to stop and record her. I may post a sound clip sooner...

Hesh...thank you. I'm nowhere there yet with it, and I am making notes all the time as to what to avoid next time. Cannot sit on my laurels yet; I have the bridge to design/set and all that lovely precise neck alignment stuff that brings out the French...

BTW, the purfling was bought from Craft Supplies in the UK; advertised as b/w/b/w/b, but I am sure that centre strip is something like mahogany.

Sam, you do like to torture yourself with the Celtic knots, don't you? That one is amazing...
And, it should be said, the binding is a perfect match for the walnut sides/back.
Oh yes, your miters look just great.
Surely you've done more than two builds? Looks that way, anyway!

Great job,
Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Very cool knotwork (I have a tattoo that looks like your rosette!)

Sam, R U sure this is number two. Wow, I'm impressed. You definitely have a flair for woodworking. What a tight bend at the waist, amazing. I like the color of the rosewood and your side miters are really nice. Woolson was pestering me to get on with that myself. OH, all right, now I have to try it.   

Be proud Sam, be very proud.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

[QUOTE=Dave Rickard] That's a lefty.......right [/QUOTE]

I noticed that the soundhole was down too, but didn't know why. Dave, your intelligence is showing.   

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

"Having fun with number two"

Uhh,... I dont know about that title Sam,
but I do know that your guitar is looking awesome!!!!!
It doesnt matter if its the 245,345th celtic themed guitar when its done with dedication and patient loving attention, which this one certainly looks to have been.
Cant wait to see it finished!
Cheers
Charliewood

umm excuse me... my apologies..
a cittern, in fact!
Cheers
Cw

Way to go, Sam! It's just wonderful. Really nice rosette and good job on the tail wedge. I haven't tried to miter purfling yet. I'm impressed.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Very good work.
Just be careful of those compression marks on the left side waist !
Take your time bending -thin wood to .085 or less in that area!

looks like your on your way to a guitarmaking addiction like the rest of us !!!

WELCOME to the Clan !!

mike Collins

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Mike Collins

That is beautiful. I really like the rosette!

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53% of all statistics are made up on the spot
http://driftwoodguitars.blogspot.com/

Nice, Sam! You should keep doing this!

One can certainly appreciate the workmanship in your guitar. A labour of love. Well done.

I bet it's going to sound beautiful!

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Michael Lloyd

“I was born to ignorance, yes, and lesser poverties ...
I was born to privilege that I did not see ... I didn’t know it, but my way was paved” – John Gorka

Good work leftie

I do love the celtic theme...very nice and original.

Very good job Sam! It all looks so nice and I Really like the purfling and that gorgeous walnut.Its going to sound great! Hard to believe its only your 2nd build.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755