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Ok, so this was "unveiled" at the January NEL meeting. It is my first guitar from scratch. I've previously put together two kit guitars, one from Music Maker Kits and the other from Martin, so I thought it was time to graduate to the big boys.

I originally had in mind building two guitars at once...well..that didn't work out. The original idea was to be one for me and the other to be auctioned off to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital at an event this March. This is the one that may be auctioned off.

Woods used are EIR from Allied for the back and sides. The top is from ebay, nothing super special. The fretboard, trim, headstock plate and bridge are tulipwood from our own Bob C. (Thanks Bob).









I borrowed design elements from so many on this forum, hope you don't mind.

The good: It sounds great...this is actually what I was most worried about.

The bad: The bridge is lifting already and the neck angle is still a little off...hopefully not too hard to fix.

The ugly: The finish...I struggled mightily with the finish...it is just not up to snuff.

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

What kind of finish was you struggling to apply? I like the overall look and design. That's a great headstock and "flora" or fleur delis, I'm not sure how to spell it not to mention pronounce it, but it's cool! Nice job and a very nice jesture. Where's the clapping hands? Clinton

J, that looks great from the pictures. The issues must be small. You are a generous person to give away that much time and effort. Kudos to you. :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks guys. The finish is KTM9 on the body. I used tung oil on the neck because I don;t like how the KTM9 feels...I think it gets tacky.

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

Joe,
Great job on all the design elements - and if you say the finish stuggles, we can fix that. The sound is what counts on the first few guitars and you say you are happy with that - KUDOS!!!!

As I wrote earlier, you are only a couple hours away from me - if that - I'd be happy to spend a day with you going over finish processes and alternatives...

Nice job on the guitar my friend!

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Mitch

I really like the Tulip Wood.
SKIN

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Great job Joe! That first one seems to take forever, doesn't it?
It's a great accomplishment to build your first from scratch!
Way to go! What's next ?

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Great job Joe and a great motivation/cause as well - hats off to ya bro!!!!!!

My first scratch built guitar was also after two kits and it fought me every step of the way. It was like one of those slow nights at the bar where you decide to go ugly early..........

But yours looks great and you should be very proud!!!!! To borrow from my pal Waddy: CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP

I like the tulipwood fretboard and binding! Nice rosette very lean! Sorry to hear about your finish probs!

Good Job Joe!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

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

Looks mighty nice from the pictures! Well done and GREAT idea on the donation too.

Love the headstock!

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Reguards,

Ken H

Nice first guitar Joe! I hope mine comes out even a fraction as good as yours!!

Cheers,
Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"

Hey Joe,
Long time no see. I wish I had not missed that meeting!
That one looks like a keeper!
Keep an eye on the tulip wood. If it's exposed to dry for too long you may see some shrinkage, especially if it has not been seasoned long enough before your build.
My fretboard exposed the fret ends after a hard dry last year. My bad..
I just had to file and re-dress them and they have been fine ever since.
Great job Bro!

Wade

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Wade
Nashua, NH
http://www.wadefx.com

it looks fantastic, i love the bridge and the headstock desgin!

Yes, Joe. It's a great first effort. The neck set and bridge issues can all be fixed in less than a day's time. I recommend scheduling a one-day class session with Al up in Newport. I've done that a couple of times and it has always been worth the trip. Let me know if you decide to do that and I'll ride up with you.

Nice work Joe!
I really like the endgraft!

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