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that makes one want to build their own guitar...I've got it! I have been playing guitar for over 20 years and have always wanted to build one, and I am finally in a place in life where I can get started. The past month or so I have been preparing a work area and have been doing a lot of research and reading through posts on this forum. Wow, have I got a lot to learn.

I have obtained a copy of Cumpiano's book and have ordered the OLF SJ plans. I have also been talking with Bob at RC Tonewood about different wood combinations. I think I have landed on Engleman/Myrtle combination. My primary playing style is fingerstyle and I already have a wonderful cedar/walnut so now I want something a little different. I have always loved the look of Oregon myrtle wood and have read a few posts here that it is pretty easy to bend and a good choice for a first time builder. I had considered EIR but that has always been a little lush sounding for my ears. My hope is that using Engleman will warm up the myrtle just a bit. At any rate, I am extremely excited and just ready to get started. My plan is to take it very slowly and ask you all lots of questions (after reading through the archives first of course ).

Dan

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Dan

Hi Don and a big welcome to you to the OLF!

It sounds to me like you are doing your homework very well and your wood choices sound great too. Bob, aka The Zootman and Uncle Bob has been instrumental (pardon the pun please) to many of us and he is a superb resource for excellent tonewood AND caring personal service.

The OLF SJ plans make an excellent guitar and the design and plans are from our very own Michael Payne a highly contributing member here at the OLF and one hell of a great guy too.

Let us know how we can help. You will find some of the finest builders on the planet here and everyone is very generous with advice and information.

Great to have you here my friend.

Welcome to OLF, Dan. Sounds like you have a plan. Nothing like doing to learn how. Just experiment with scraps before you cut the good stuff.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Welcome to the OLF Dan!

Sounds like you are on the right track. Waddy's suggestion is a good one and will build your skills and confidence level too. Nothing like diving in head first to get your excitement going. The only thing I can caution you about is that building guitars is highly addictive. you never can build just one.

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Reguards,

Ken H

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

I promise to keep you posted on my progress with lots of pictures

Dan

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Dan

Dan,
Welcome and the combo you picked for the SJ is a good one. Your plan sounds reasonable and thought out One thing will say about taking your time. There are times that certain tasks need to bee done in a timely manor. One of those is the stage from gluing up braces to a top or back plate to the time the top or back plate is glued up to the rim assembly. It is important to get the braces shaped; plate tuned and attached to the rim is a reasonable time frame. Changes in humidity and temp can reek havoc on a braced plate just hanging around.

Lots of luck, enjoy the project and were here to help where we can.