new build for a 1987 Reyes style flamenco

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Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

new build for a 1987 Reyes style fla...

Well, here we go again. This will be my second build for the 1987 Reyes style flamenco guitar. This model and the 2003 model have been the best I've done since 2004; not to say other patterns were lacking but that these two have been my favorites.

The seven brace structure on these models allow it to withstand heavier playing wear and this appeals to me. The little inserts on the 2003 model work well for the 1987. This helps protect the thin top from wrinkling at the bottom.

So I'll be starting the build this week, now that all of my other commitments are finished.

I'll try and give good videos for this one, and document step by step, all of the work, as much as possible.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 21 2018 9:32:59

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Here is the first installment this week-end and I'll keep you posted as I go with the build.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 23 2018 20:48:02

JasonM

Posts: 2052
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Nice, looking forward the build. That neck looks good. I would like to build a third neck because my heel didn’t turn out too good. but Boy are they labor intensive. Seems like a fair way to go if you are building to sell.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 23 2018 22:38:47

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to JasonM)

Here is another video for the ongoing build of a 1987 Reyes style flamenco negra.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 26 2018 2:02:49

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Here is a Manuel Adalid neck that I bought from LMI and I'm roughing in the heel right now. This wood is almost as hard as stone so it's going to take some time to get it perfectly shaped.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2018 16:14:22

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello again,

I got most of the heel done with a new machine that works well on this particular type of wood grain. My sharp knife would not make fine shavings but cut small chunks off when trying to do the curve.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 11 2018 21:23:38

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello again,

This is where the construction phase is right now and the parts will go together fairly fast when I complete the top. The LMI neck is good but not quite the same as the Reyes design with its peg hole width and length. However, it should work out fine, as far as the mechanical.

The heel was a real piece of hard work with its funny grain but it came out looking good by using the rotor-sander.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 29 2018 19:52:45

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello,

Just got notice that one of my previous Miguel Rodriguez models is for sale at Richard Brune's shop. Heck of a price if its still available.

1997 Tom Blackshear No. 249, (USA) 650 mm scale, 52 mm nut spaced at 44 mm 1st to 6th on center, cedar top, Indian rosewood sides and back, original French polish of shellac which has been padded over in the Bruné shop recently. Machines are a set of Schaller Hauser style gold plated which replace the original unknown set. This is a Miguel Rodriguez inspired model, which in our opinion represents the finest of Tom Blackshear’s work. He really understands the essence of these very Spanish sounding Rodriguez models and makes copies which in our opinion are usually superior to the originals, both in technical execution and musical performance. If you are looking for a well played opened up very Spanish sounding instrument with an easy to play 650 mm scale, look no further, this is your instrument. No cracks, no repairs, frets are nearly new, finish looks great, and the price is less than half the cost of a new Blackshear, assuming you could get one. $6500

http://www.rebrune.com/1997-blackshear-no-249/

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 31 2018 14:37:16

Perrate

Posts: 30
Joined: Jul. 23 2015

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

hi tom
thx for sharring your work. I made a reyes with the seven brace system as well. I`m super happy with the guitar. My guitarteacher Puchero was very stunned by the guitar too. At the moment I`m working on my guitar nr.5, as well a reyes model for my teacher. Here is a video form El Puchero. In the near future I`m going to post a video with him and my guitar. Enjoy.
https://www.facebook.com/barcelonaflamenca/videos/barcelona-flamenco-presenta-al-guitarrista/534981496519456/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 2 2018 6:49:13

FERREREZAKI

Posts: 64
Joined: Jul. 10 2013

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hi Tom,

Thanks for sharing.
I bet it will be yet another succeful reyes style guitarra.

Please keep posting.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 9 2018 21:53:41

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to FERREREZAKI)

This is my second build and its top is a little thicker so we'll see how it goes. I'm currently shaping the fan braces.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 10 2018 0:29:02

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

One thing about this new build is that I'm not going to put the little inserts toward the bottom of the top like I did with the last build. Also, the fan braces are going back to their original shape and thickness, due to keeping the top a little thicker

I'll ask my wife to take some pictures before this week-end is up, to show the progression.

Congratulations John, on the Granada competition.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 12 2018 11:04:28

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello again,

Here is the top completed with a little more polishing to do, before I bend the sides and start putting the guitar together.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2018 2:40:26

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

A little intermission riff until I get my sides bent and in the mold..........

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2018 22:50:45

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Just finished bending the sides and gluing the end block. I plan to install the outside end design into the sides before I install the top this time. Sometimes in the past I would cut a little too deep for the end block design and then have to use wider purfling to cover the top edges. We'll see how it goes.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2018 19:19:18

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Like your cable tensioner used in reverse as a clamp. Very cleaver, Tom!

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Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2018 19:29:25

JasonM

Posts: 2052
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to SephardRick)

When you encourage the bridge to rock forward by sanding the struts how much compensation do you add to the scale length?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2018 23:32:20

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to JasonM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JasonM

When you encourage the bridge to rock forward by sanding the struts how much compensation do you add to the scale length?

If you are referring to the 2003 Reyes pattern, then about a good half millimeter. You'll see it on the 2003 plan.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2018 23:55:06

JasonM

Posts: 2052
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Well I was referring to your build and the video where you relieved the struts in the region above the bridge patch to encourage the bridge to rock forward. I wasn’t sure if this caused the bridge to rock farther forward then normal . Or , just to ensure it does indeed rock forward

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 19 2018 17:07:31

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to JasonM)

Jason, you can use that technique on both models the same.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 19 2018 19:15:48

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to SephardRick)

Rick,

I've seen this technique used by other guitar builders. Thought it was a good idea.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 20 2018 18:42:04

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello again, I have the neck anchored into the sides and everything is ready to install the two piece solid lining, and then to install the top right side up. It takes a little different technique to do it this way but this makes it easier to get certain angles with the solid lining, which I'll show you later this week.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 25 2018 8:50:37

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Here is a preview on the Brune shop that I feel would be very interesting for the list.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2018 16:49:12

JasonM

Posts: 2052
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Interesting story about about fishing line guitar strings and luthiers trying to adjust their guitars to accommodate nylon strings

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 2 2018 1:41:02

Echi

Posts: 1131
Joined: Jan. 11 2013

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

They are really good in what they do. They clearly stated they would like to focus their business in the more profitable field of refurbishing historical instrument.
I found very interesting the remark of the bridge as the main element to make a copy of a certain instrument and the influence of Ramirez III.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 2 2018 19:02:44

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Echi)

quote:

I found very interesting the remark of the bridge as the main element to make a copy of a certain instrument and the influence of Ramirez III.

I agree with this mention, as the bridge is the finish off to do a correct replica on any master built guitar.

I have tried to tell Ron Hudson in Houston Texas, the distributor for the Francisco Navarro Mexico guitars; that Poncho should build an exact replica of the Reyes bridge, but the latest I've heard is that Poncho hasn't done it.

I bought a 2003 copy for Juan Cadena to practice on while he is setting up his shop to build guitars, and I have to admit, that although I respect Poncho's work, it was a toy compared to the first Guitar that Juan made in my class, based on the 2003 Reyes flamenco model.

And do I think Poncho is a good builder,Yes but he should take more time to get things right, including making a correct bridge to fit the Reyes style.

It's surprising how many builders think this doesn't matter, but it does.

I might add that this 2003 Reyes model is the only critique I give since I know this model intimately. It should not reflect toward Ponchos other builds.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 2 2018 20:10:19

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

The lining is almost finished and the top will go on very flat except for the bottom curve which will be lifted a little on its taper toward the bottom block to give a little curve around the sides between the bridge and bottom of the guitar.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 3 2018 3:11:31

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Hello again, this lining adjustment it very telling about how the top is installed with different angles.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2018 19:02:11

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

Just a little thought about the top graduation:

When my top is installed on the sides the basic angles are set by the way the lining curves the flat top.

When the guitar is together and everything is ready to graduate the top thickness, I will usually install the bridge and string it up and play it for awhile.

Depending on the way the top flexes I may want to sand a little off the top in the center area around the bridge to loosen up the top to be receptive to the string torque.

To do this I have to remove the bridge and take a little off under the bridge for the top to pull up tighter under string torque. Usually, one time is enough for me, as I've learned through years of practice how much to take off the thickness to get what I'm looking for.

This took me sometimes 5 times to get right in the past, so I glued the bridge with glue that was easy to remove with a little heat; being careful not to heat the center seem under the bridge.

Nowadays I find that one adjustment usually does the trick; leaving the bridge off and finishing the top before I reinstall the bridge.

For those who can finish around the bridge with a clean appearance, you can always sand around the bridge to get the desired sound and torque you are looking for. But I have found I can get a slightly bolder voice by relieving thickness under the bridge, for my taste.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 10 2018 16:58:48

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1672
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: new build for a 1987 Reyes style... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

quote:

Sometimes in the past I would cut a little too deep for the end block design and then have to use wider purfling

I did that once.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 13 2018 23:23:18