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I finally completed my first hand built guitar. There is nothing so sweet as hearing the notes from your own built instrument. Took me 8 months and many mistakes but it is finally playing. CocoBolo back and sides with a cedar top, Soundport and a few custom features like an enclosed headstock. The rosette and headstock design I adapted from some of the mosaics at the Alhambra. SO far it sounds great. I would highly recommend anyone to build their own guitar.
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RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
very Moorish, beautiful looking flamenco guitar! I have not seen anything like this before. I will listen to the sound later, as i dont have headphones now. i have to say that this islamic architecture !!!
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
Isnyman I am very impressed. This is your first guitar? excellent craftsmanship. I have never seen an enclosed head before. The woods you used are very nice. I also liked the way you shaped the bottom of the head were it transitions into the neck.
How did you like working with Cocobolo? did you have any kind of allergic reactions to the dust? I absolutely LOVE Cocobolo. However, it makes my hands itch if I'm not using some sort of gloves.
What type of bracing pattern did you use? did you follow a plan like the Hernandez, Barbero or Reyes or perhaps came up with your own design? What kind of finish did you use?
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
quote:
There is nothing so sweet as hearing the notes from your own built instrument.
Whether this is because it sounds good or for the same reason as <a face only a mother could love>. I cannot cut wood precisely, I don't even do baseboards at home, so in my case it would be the second reason above. So.... not if I built it ;)
You cannot look at this guitar and not be compelled to write something. It is just as fancy as everything else I have seen you build, the cejillas and the sound hole covers. And just like these, this guitar is a work of art and creativity. Nice work.
Posts: 2697
Joined: Jun. 7 2010
From: The South Ireland
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to vigrond)
Wow , I can see this was a real labour of love there is so much happening in the design of the guitar, definatly not minimalist eh ? I see that you have a lot of patience,.. this is a real one off guitar,... very busy , be careful not to put too much on one guitar, I wish I could here it "live" as it were......
there should be a vid of you taking it for a test drive as well...............¿?
Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
That's impressive! I imagine taking this guitar to a gig and only getting to play for a few minutes until people came over to ask about the guitar I notice that you held back on the bridge. I was expecting something heavily carved.
You have really created a very cool guitar. It sounds quite dry and old school in the video. You should be able to make some nice music and sounds with this. Ole!
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
Thank you for the feedback. Yes its not minimalist but it's mine lol. Tom, the cocobolo is great looking but hard to work with. I did not get any allergic reactions but the color bleeds easy and you have to repeatedly wipe the oils off any area you want to glue. The end result is worth it though. Nextvone will definitely be a blanca and will be for sale, so will be more sudued.
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
I had to keep wiping down the cocobolo with acetone to get rid of the oils long enough while I was gluing. I also used epoxy instead of wood clue. What did you use? Your right about the bleeding too. It's beautiful wood but she makes you work if you wanna play with her
RE: My first hand built guitar - so ... (in reply to lsnyman)
Yeah, also used lots of acetone, but I used white luthiers glue and it workrd ok..i had to remove the back once so thank goodness I didnt use epoxy. First time I glued the back I didnt clamp the neck properly and the angle was wrong. 2nd time was a charm though, lined up perfectly and did not have to taper fingerboard at all.
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I notice that you held back on the bridge. I was expecting something heavily carved. 
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