Building Guitar Number 100.

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>Lutherie >>

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 > >>

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

Building Guitar Number 100.

Its been a very special summer for me. The death of Sole, my lovely wife, is all over the place. The last 2 month have been totally in the light and spirit of her last weeks, her death and what comes after. I´m not totally sure what comes out of this vacum, I feel that a new life is there around the next corner, but its difficult for me to see it or feel it. I know the answer is patience and that I have to take care of myself, which I do. Time will show what there will be.
BUT.... Things happened in the workshop during the last days of Sole´s life. I built my guitar number 100...... Just a number, I know, but a special one and because of the timing a very special one. It was built together with number 99, which can be seen on my blog. I was aware of the very difficult situation I was in, so I chosed to build both 99 and 100 as “free” guitars. They were not orders and when finished, they´ll be put up for sale.
I wasnt in the mood to write about number 100 back then. I didnt have the energy and I concentrated 100% in being with Sole and working when I had my hours off. The workshop was pure therapy and I know that it helped me through a very difficult period. I took a lot of photos of the process and I will SLOWLY post them and if I find the energy, write a bit about the proces. Its not going to be a “how to build a flamenco guitar” thread. I´m not that kind of person and I believe that we all have to find our own way.

So, I will start with a photo of where I am right now... Or more or less. This is the guitar in raw before French polishing. I´ve just started the FP. The guitar has been hanging in my workshop with controlled climate for 2 month and the wood has taken a little bit of color from the light. Thats very beautifull and will make the FP look deeper. Maybe I should do things like the old violinmakers did. Hang the instrument in the sun for some month, so that it takes its natural color before you start putting FP on it. It would look great with a couple of raw wood guitars hanging in my lemon tree.

Its a traditional Blanca with wooden pegs. (They can be changed to mechanical pegs) 650mm scale, 53mm nut, Its going to be natural color. There are a few minor extras in purfling, bridge and rosette. More about that later.
I chosed to build a Blanca with pegs for a couple of reasons: I like them. They are the “real” thing. Very vibrant and I cant imagine the history of flamenco without Blancas with pegs. Also, I´ve made a lot of them over the years. Maybe some 25% of my building has been pegheads. And finally, beauty... IMHO, its the most beautifull flamenco guitar.
Everything is standard. German spruce (master grade). Mediterranean Cypress back and sides, Honduran Cedar neck, Ebony fingerboard and a very pretty Caviuna headplate.

Just one final note, I will try to answer questions, but because of time and energy, I might not be able to answer all and the mental questions about what will happen if I move brace number 4, 2mm to the left etc. I will not answer.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 8:25:13

ralexander

Posts: 797
Joined: Jun. 1 2010
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Looks very clean and beautiful, Anders. Congratulations on your 100th guitar, that is quite an achievement!! And I like how you chose to go with a very traditional style instead of inlaying the neck with a giant "100" in abalone

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 11:49:00

Don Dionisio

Posts: 360
Joined: Feb. 16 2011
From: Durham, NC

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Congratulations on completing 100 guitars. I think guitars are some
of man's most beautiful creations and this one is quite beautiful.
I love the rosette and matching bridge designs.
Thanks for showing your new work of art to us.
May you find consolation in your work and peace in your heart.
Dennis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 13:52:48

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Beautiful guitar Anders. In my opinion, I think you should consider keeping #100 for yourself. For sentimental reasons. So many emotions went into this guitar.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 13:54:05

Flamingrae

Posts: 220
Joined: May 19 2009

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

and the wood has taken a little bit of color from the light.

First off, congratulations. 100 is a special number. You should be very proud and it looks, as ever, a corker in the Anders style.
FYI - I put the quote up because I recently took a viola out of a case that had been build 20 years ago. I never got around to varnishing it and the colour change was quite incredible. From a off white 20 years ago to an almost yellow ochre now - no light involved. I suppose from a practical point of view, this would never really happen in the real world. I'm going to give it a little dust and clean here and there and put it's protective jacket on. I'll lob you any info that you might need on varnishing, but you're probably info'd on that already.

Strength

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 13:55:50

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Beautiful, and I like how your rosette motif is evolving.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 13:59:41

gj Michelob

Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

I built my guitar number 100...... Just a number, I know, but a special one and because of the timing a very special one.

Congratulations, Anders. May I respectfully disagree that it is "just a number". People pray over numbered beads, exercise in numbered sets, graduate over numbered credits and play over numbered beats…. To reach your 100th instrument is a significant benchmark.

Your trade, your art and your chosen fashion of pursuing it has survived the test of time and production, while your competence as luthier is now firmly anchored to the strength of well aged experience.

You ought to be proud of yourself, as we are of you, with admiration and affection.

_____________________________

gj Michelob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 14:20:35

ralexander

Posts: 797
Joined: Jun. 1 2010
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to TANúñez)

quote:

I think you should consider keeping #100 for yourself. For sentimental reasons. So many emotions went into this guitar.

I absolutely agree with Tom on this. I hope you can afford to consider this. I very much enjoy your playing and I think you certainly deserve it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 14:30:00

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Very nice one Anders!
100 st. Is a lot....where is the time, still remember your early building posts on flamencoteacher....

I like the matching bridge inlay a lot.
Also the headplate is very nice.

Congratulated!!

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 14:31:50

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Thanks everyone. The guitar will be for sale. I have number 1 (my dad has it) and 2012 has been a tough year, so it´ll be for sale when finished and tested.
Besides, number 101, 102, 103 etc are going to be very special ones as well. Oh, and I really like the esthetics of 99, a 2A negra.

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 15:36:27

Gimar

Posts: 39
Joined: May 13 2012

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

#100!! congrats Anders

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 16:10:13

koenie17

Posts: 438
Joined: Feb. 25 2011
From: España

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

She looks beatifull!! One day I´m gonna have myself an Anders Blanca

Congratiolations Anders!!!

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 16:20:38

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

congratulations Anders!!
I hope that many other people like me have the chance of playing your guitars!....your guitars that are not only pieces of art……their sound touches the heartstrings.

Gentlemen and Luthiers like you, with your personality, culture and skill, there are few!....... and in a world where money makes rotting everything, you remain an invaluable richness.

with great admiration,
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 17:00:52

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

So here is where it all started.

The neck blank I had prepared the summer before. Sometimes, I prepare some 8 - 10 necks, half of them with the headplate glued on and the rest without. Its a good feeling to have them ready.

This one was only with the scarf joint made and nothing else. On the first photo, I slowly make some very thin shavings in order to make the head totally flat and ready for the headplate. On the second, the headplate is glued on.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (2)

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 21:12:24

Tomrocker

Posts: 404
Joined: Apr. 18 2010
From: Italy

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Nice guitar Anders. Can't wait to hear it ringing between your hands.

_____________________________

This is hard stuff!
Don't give up...
And don't make it a race.
Enjoy the ray of sunshine that comes with every new step in knowledge.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 21:27:28

Jeff Highland

Posts: 401
Joined: Mar. 5 2010
From: Caves Beach Australia

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

A beautiful classic look for your 100th.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2012 23:32:07

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Anders:
Very nice, your work has always been impressive and your dedication inspirational.
Always look forward to your post.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 0:56:15

dararith

Posts: 120
Joined: Jun. 4 2010
From: Oakland, CA

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Quite a gorgeous guitar! A special number to you that has many qualities in a guitar that YOU like -- traditional blanca with pegs. Stunning!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 3:21:49

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Next step is to sculp the headstock. First you see a template on the square head. I cut it all by hand. I dont like setting up routers, jigs etc and besides, I like the organic look of a not totally perfect headstock. I like when you can see that its been made with hands.
2nd photo is of the finished head with 6 - 6mm holes, where the pegs will be. That piece of Caviuna is really pretty and it´ll get a very deep color when French polished.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (2)

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 15:48:39

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Cool, congratulations looks cool. Is that a new head design or you did that before? I remember a point.

Ricardo

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 17:35:33

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

hey, good to see you're keeping up with the "therapy"

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 20:04:56

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Looks sood Anders, your signature rosette keeps getting better and better.

_____________________________

https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2012 21:37:53

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

I cant remember when I changed headstock design. I think its some 1,5 or 2 years ago.

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 7 2012 9:31:31

El Polaco

Posts: 155
Joined: Sep. 29 2005
From: Singer Island - Florida

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Congrats Anders! Very nice indeed.

I hope I live long enough to build 100 guitars! I'm on number 4 right now. :)

Keep up the good work!!!

_____________________________

Jorge

Guitarras Artesanas Españolas
www.jorgedezofia.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 7 2012 13:50:28

KMMI77

Posts: 1821
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Congratulations Anders, 100 guitars is a major achievement! Not to mention the combined happiness they would have given their owners.

Btw, even though the guitar in the pic looks the same as the other guitar i commented on, This one reminds me of milk chocolate rather than the brown slacks guy

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 7 2012 14:00:23

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

The making of the heel begins.
First glue a block of cedar on the neck. Make sure that the surfaces are level. This I do by rubbing the neck blank and the block on a flat sanding board.
Next is to make the cut for the sides.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (2)

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 8 2012 8:07:08

El Kiko

Posts: 2697
Joined: Jun. 7 2010
From: The South Ireland

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

I wonder who is going to get guitar No100...? is it already sold ?...
but whoever it is tell them they have to come on the foro with a clip of it being played ..............

_____________________________

Don't trust Atoms.....they make up everything.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 8 2012 9:28:39

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

The guitar is not sold.
Even though I dont play much these days (if at all) I can imagine that I´ll do a recording myself and post it. Its a good and natural way of rounding off the thread.

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 8 2012 14:55:26

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

The making of the Heel.

So here we go with some more sculping. This is a part of the building that I really like a lot. I like to play with sharp handtools and when I was younger I did fencing as a sport (touché)

Again, a lot this can be done with jigs and power tools, but I prefer the organic feel of a handcut heel. It might not end up being perfectly symmetric, but is that important? I prefer when it looks good and handmade.
At first I cut the ramps on both sides with a chisel, then I raw cut with a whitling knife and finally the whole thing is finished of with scrapers and sandpaper.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (3)

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 9 2012 9:06:03

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Building Guitar Number 100. (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Nice. When I made my aborted build, I found a rolling-pin wrapped in sandpaper very effective for the curves of the front of the heel.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 9 2012 9:33:52