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I've finally finished it. I am VERY pleased with the end results. I came very close to the sound and playability of the original. It's very typical of guitars from this era. Raspy with a lot of punch. Nasally and percussive. I had a chance to compare the two this past weekend. The orignal's action seemed a bit lower with a bit more buzz but I think that this is due to the top sinking a little through the years.
I don't have recording equipment yet but I think I'll just bite the bullet and buy something to put up a sample. I'm very proud of this guitar.
I tried to get as close as possible to the original. The only difference is the rosette and the bridge. The orignal had a traditional bridge with two pieces of bone for the inlay. Mine is a 12 hole with a tieblock I made that has two pieces of bone, a black veneer strip and a nice piece of flamed maple for the middle accent.
It is a 650mm with a 51mm nut as the original. It's quite comfortable. Spruce top, cypress back and sides. Cedar neck and ebony fingerboard. Gotoh tuners. Rosewood headplate, bridge and binding. The original had an amber tint so I shot this one in a vintage amber lacquer.
Santos Hernandez inspired me greatly so I dedicated this guitar to him. Cheesy I know but it's the only way I can thank him.
I have over 80 or so photos and I didn't want to take up foro space so I created a flickr slideshow. A few of the steps were left out because I forgot to take a photo of them. Also, these steps were already covered in Per's photo essay.
Grab a comfy chair, a cold beer and have a look. If you click on the little "i" icon, you'll be able to read the notes/description of the work.
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to TANúñez)
Hi Tom,
I am impressed, how long did it take you to build the guitar? If I recall correctly you started not more then 2 months ago.
The thumpnails look nice but I have not (yet) seen the fullsize pictures, dont know why but internet is slow, here and at work. But even with the small pictures it looks very professional. I'll have a better look later and hope for a better connection.
Wish I had a shop myself so I could continue my guitar, these pictures are realy motivating!
Posts: 2007
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to TANúñez)
Holy Moly! That looks so labor intensive! And what a great looking guitar! And my favorite part-it's a lefty!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would you consider adopting me and putting me in your will?
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to r0bbie)
quote:
Hi Tom,
I am impressed, how long did it take you to build the guitar? If I recall correctly you started not more then 2 months ago.
The thumpnails look nice but I have not (yet) seen the fullsize pictures, dont know why but internet is slow, here and at work. But even with the small pictures it looks very professional. I'll have a better look later and hope for a better connection.
Wish I had a shop myself so I could continue my guitar, these pictures are realy motivating!
Hope to hear from her soon! Rob.
Greetings r0bbie,
It took just a little over 3 months. I had to wait about 2 weeks for the lacquer to cure but the majority of the construction was right around 3 months. Some day to day family life things got in the way or I may have finished it in 2 and a half.
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to Anders Eliasson)
quote:
Its a very nice photo serie and a VERY beautifull guitar. I understand why you are very proud. I would be as well.
I like the light colored stripe in the back. It gives it character. Is it Monterey Cyprees?
Congratulations on a very good job.
Gracias Anders. This back and side set was purchase from an American wood vendor as "Spanish" cypress. However, judging by it's looks and workability, I will swear it is Monterey.
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to prd1)
quote:
Nice one Tom...looks great!
Are you going to keep this one for yourself or was it commisioned?
Hey prd1. I don't build professionally so it is mine. My former teacher who owns the 44' Santos would like to take it but I'd like a little more time to play with it and get to know her better.
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to TANúñez)
Tom, I can just download about 5 or 6 pictures at the beginning and then everything freezes... I've tried a few times now... Anyway, it sounds like one helluva project! Well done amigo!
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to TANúñez)
hiii Tom! this is beautiful work and guitar thank you for sharing photos. I have few questions if you dont mind! 1- did you follow the known plan of santos regarding the measurments..any changes you did? 2- in the plan the length from nut to 12th fret is 325 mm and from 12th fret to saddle is 327 mm...I wanna ask why is this 2 mm difference and why it is 2 mm and what things determine that 2 mm or more? 3- are the fan braces same in height and width? 4- if you make the fan braces connected to the transverse bar how the sound will be affected? 5- did you make the top thinner at boarders or thinner around the brigde or thinner below the bridge? thaks alot...waitting to hear your baby sings
RE: 1944 Santos Hernandez copy COMPLETED (in reply to TANúñez)
Very nice Tom, liked the slide show too.
Do you have any pictures which show that fret file tool you've made? Looks like a good idea.
That's quite a large foot on the heelblock, is that pretty much typical for a Santos? I think the foot in the Courtnall book is a fair bit smaller.
Look forward to hearing some sound samples, maybe you could also record something on one of your more "modern" built guitars (like a Reyes style or something else) as a comparison.
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