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I Posted a few pics of this guitar in progress, On Sunday I had the honour presenting it to My Customer at his sons wedding, this had special meaning as my customer John is unfortunately terminally ill, and this was a project him and his son wanted to complete before his departure.

I must say a big thank you to my good friend ColinS who in very kindly made the beautiful brazilian rosewood bridge for me.

Some Pics :

Nice work Russell!! A very noble cause as well!

Great story and guitar. I'm sure it was a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. I do have a question though. What is the lite colored piece in front of the bridge and what is its purpose?

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Beautiful job, Russell. There must have been a lot of pressure to do this one right. Looks like you did!

That's a beauty Russell! And a very meaningful one at that! Excellent work...I'm sure it'll be cherished!

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Way to go, Russell, that's really fine.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

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

Very Very Nice Russell
It will be cherished

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Russel, i am touched once again by that story and by the beauty of your guitar that is now in their posession, must have felt like magic surrounding you all when you delivered the guitar to him!

That's great, Russ.
I like the "Always in our hearts".
Was that your own idea, or one of the family's?

I bet that was a rewarding project.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Beautiful Russell, I know we've discussed this quite a lot, but it is a joy to see that it worked out so well. I'm sure that it will be a very warm memory for his family in the future and that your guitar will become a cherished family heirloom. I know you went to a great deal of trouble for your customer and also I know that he is very lucky to have found you as his builder.

Is there no end to your talent?

I'm also honoured that you allowed me to play a very small part in this. Did I say that I particularly like the bridge

Colin

Colin S38904.4473726852

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

That first picture in the thread says it all; what a moment.

Once again a beautiful, elegant instrument. It is facinating to see someone with a distinct style like you have continue to develop it and create ever more interesting instruments.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Russell,

Well done - very nice!

Time to make a lute methinks

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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

Russell, I think the back of this guitar is one of the most beautiful ever. Congratulations on such a fine piece of workmanship. Okay, I'm saving these pics in case I ever do a classical. Great story to this one, thanks for sharing it with us.

Thank you Everyone, Your Comments are very much appreciated.

Don

The customer had the wood to make this guitar from for 30 year, and the top is a beautiful piece of German Spruce, but there was a small crack in the top which I closed with glue, but during final sanding it kept roughing up an I realised it went nearly all the way through, I discussed changing the top, but my customer wanted me to use the original, so I put the spruce patch along the front of the bridge to give it some reinforcement as I was worried it might open up in the future.

Carlton

I was hesitant to take it on when they first approached me, but Colin encouraged me to go for it, and they got no joy from a couple of other makers they approached, I was worried he wouldn't like it, but I have since had an email raving about the sound, playability and look.


Steve

The always in our hearts was a request from the family, the reason it's on a little plaque is, John didn't know about it so I made it removable just in case, it also has his signature inlaid into the headstock.



Hesh

It took 9 Weeks, but I was building several others at the same time, mind you I was still setting it up at 3am on Saturday.

Colin

Yes the bridge is the nicest bit

Russell, is that top purfling S175 and S6? If so, that is what I have just ordered, it seems that you are copying me, well OK you came up with it first, so it looks as if it's me copying you!

Colin

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

Yes it is Colin.

Russell, a fine guitar and what a wonderful story as well. Thanks for sharing. This guitar will no doubt be a cherished family piece for decades to come.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Top purfling from where? Karin Rost, Touchstone?

That's a gorgeous guitar, Russel. What's the finish? The more I see satin instuments, the less I want to keep shooting gloss...

HI Mattia

Its from Karin Rost

Its French Polish, but taken down with OOOO Wire Wool.

Very nice, Russell. What a priveledge for you to be part of that family's story. That they chose you says a lot.

Beautiful finish. Makes it look like wood!

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

Very nice guitar and a heart warming story.

Really great looking classical, I like the traditional woods and bold rossette.

Russell that is awesome, I have started my first every Classical as well, so I might light up the PM's as I run into challenges, great work!

Mike
White Oak, Texas