Official Luthiers Forum!

Thanks for the kudos! I don't know that I'll do very many of those, but this one was sure rewarding.

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

I've built to both extremes and each has their place. These have included style "45" guitars with elaborate pearl side purflings as well as classicals with only one binding/purfling strip top and back and pretty much everything in between.. 

I think it all depends on the aesthetic statement that you as a builder want to make with the guitar. Sometimes it is for absolute simplicity and utility, sacrificing nothing in the quality of wood or design. Other times the guitar might be for a special purpose which indicates a more lavish exterior. I think a good rule to follow is that the more elaborate the trim is on an instrument, the plainer the wood should be. Elaborate trim combined with wild grain patterns can result in a visual jumble. An elaborate trim scheme combined with the right wood can produce an austere and elegant visual result 

I've tried to stay out of this issue but in reality, I'm a purf man...always was and always will be. The more I can challenge my skills with mitres and separation, and techniques established by tradition the better I feel about my progress. Certainly my execution has a long way to go IMO. I separate the tone issues totally from the aesthetic issues. In reality,both are important pursuits to anyone serious about building.

Steve...I totally agree with your rationale.

And while this is a subjective issue, I'd be interested if someone could show a well-executed purf scheme (excluding shell) that they feel is over-stated and detracts from the finished product. Perhaps we all might learn a little more about design propriety.

Just for the record...IMO, the purfling schemes shown by Lance, Peter, Rod, Todd, Terry and Pat are prime examples of traditional treatments that not only enhance their designs but because of excellent execution also highlight their skills as luthiers.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

The more I build the more I like side purfling. I am a big fan of the craftsman movement in architecture and furnishings. Not to bold but finished detailing. Like I said before side purfling is sort of a finished detailing look to me. That said if over done it can be like the difference in Craftsman and Shaker furnishing. Both are fine examples of exquisite design and craftsmanship. Each has a it's place. One is simple but detailed the other minimalist but functionally detailed

That did not cone out right shold have read

The more I build the more I like side purfling. I am a big fan of the craftsman movement in architecture and furnishings. Not to bold but finished detailing. Like I said before side purfling is sort of a finished detailing look to me. That said if over done it can be like the difference in Louie 15 and Shaker furnishing. Both are fine examples of exquisite design and craftsmanship. Each has a it's place. One is extream detailed the other minimalist but functionally detailed

[QUOTE=terken] I've done the same side/binding wood several times and I agree, it looks very classy. (Got the idea from this forum)
Terry



[/QUOTE]
Yeah,This looks nice Terry and Very classy indeed.I might try rosewood when I do it.Or maybe Tiger myrtle would look good with a thin purf.   We shall see. Thanks

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

I like side purflings a lot.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

...I'm still waiting for someone to show where a side purfling was considered to be "over the top" and detracted from the guitar.

Is it possible for the Photoshop experts to remove side purfling so that we can vote on "A=with Purf" vs. "B=no purf"? This could be an enlightening exercise.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Hey don't look at me......today I  just installed some fairly elaborate side purflings (a meander pattern in Brazilian rosewood and maple).

The unusual thing I guess is that this pattern occupies the MIDDLE of each side......

 

  

[QUOTE=DP LaPlante]

Hey don't look at me......today I  just installed some fairly elaborate side purflings (a meander pattern in Brazilian rosewood and maple).

The unusual thing I guess is that this pattern occupies the MIDDLE of each side......

 

  

[/QUOTE]

Like FE08 you mean?

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

yes.

We want pictures!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Yes Dave -lets see some pics!

Thanks for all the input -BUT the player (buyer) is the deciding mind!
I do NOT build guitars for me!
I build them for the buyer!
If they do not want side purfs -then why would i do it!
Only one player in 30 years had to have them!

Guitarmaking for others is hard-I do not push any details on them -except playablity & tone!



Mike
www.collinsguitars.com

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Mike Collins

I, personally, like the look of natural purflings. I really dislike stark white
ones. I found that most of my customers DID like the side purflings when
they mitered into the end wedge and so forth. They tended not to notice
them if they did not. Here is a neat thing to do if you are not using side
purflings, but still like a little pizzaz...forgive the out of focus-ness.



and here is one with natural side purflings mitered ..again the focus is not
right on the endwedge....where it should have been...




And what's up with the guitars I see with HUGE end wedges? Is it just me
or does these enormous wedges look awkward?

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Another opportunity to show off your woodworking skills -- or not. Done well, it's possible that no one will ever notice, except another builder. Done badly and it will be the first thing your eye-candy oriented buyer will see.

I'm constantly amazed at the craftsmanship and aesthetic quality of OLFers' instruments.

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D..

If someone will post them here I'll send via email............??

Hey Mike, are you going to the Saratoga show this weekend? If so what day? (I'd still like to take you up on the fish glue.....!) 

[QUOTE=burbank]Meant to post this, but the upload button didn't work....



[/QUOTE]

Pat, can we see the butt end of this guitar?  Beautiful

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

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

[QUOTE=Hesh1956]Yeah show us your butt Pat [/QUOTE]

Hesh, this is for you!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

No reason why a boxed end graft has to restricted to a guitar without side purfling.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Neet Howard!!
What kind of Burl is that?
Mike

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Mike Collins

[QUOTE=Howard Klepper] No reason why a boxed end graft has to
restricted to a guitar without side purfling.

Nice Howard, looks pretty decent.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Howard, is that Madrone? Sure looks pretty! I do like the floating box.

Looks like Cocobolo, bound in Wenge, with a Madrone burl end graft. Now that is a unique combo!

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia