In progress: Last guitars before leaving to Japan.

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estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

In progress: Last guitars before lea...

I guess we should get back to business on actual guitar making.

I'm going to post the last three things I'm working on before moving to Japan. It might motivate me to go faster.

As if I'm not already pushing to get this done.

In progress and I'll up date it now and then.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 3:04:17

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Pile-O-Stuff
And another Oud

I could say I build guitar making kits...and then assemble them. This is a classical waiting to be put together later this week. The oud is for a family member, just needs bridge.

The classical is a Rodriguez pattern bracing. The top is Western Red Cedar. The back and sides are California Nutmeg, a conifer that grows here and is similar to Yellow Cedar, but slightly harder. I picked the wood at lumber supplier a few years back an then resawed it myself and set it up to dry more, but it was already pretty old in board form. It got three years of aging in my shop so I feel comfortable building with it. It is super nice wood to build with. Easy to plane, like buttah! The dark wide strip through back is Flamed Claro Walnut. This guitar will have a 655 scale, be 4" deep at the heel and 4-1/4" deep at the tail. I expect is will be light and punchy and maybe a bit growly. This one is unspoken for. I'll post more details in the classified section.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 3:30:12

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

A twisty cutaway front and back views.

I'm not sure who made the first one of these twisty style cutaways. Now it's out in the world and you know how the guitar world is, once it goes out there it's fair game to ... copy..... I mean steal.

I've seen this twisty cutaway done by other guitar makers who did a very fine job of it, Eric Monrad, Glenn Canin, the Foro's Ethan Deutch. I guess it's my turn to try it. In fact I have to make another one in rosewood right after this one.

Guitarists have said this more open back gives better access to the upper positions because it really gets it out of the way of your forearm. I've never really been a cutaway enthusiast to tell the truth, but this style has a challenging sculptural aspect nthat compound curved plane of the treble side where it joins the neck.

As you see from the the front the outline is different for the back. This allows the line of the back cutout to swoop up into the heel cap in one hopefully graceful line. It is artistic and utilitarian, so it is interesting to me to build them.

We'll see how it turns out.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 3:41:05

Erik van Goch

Posts: 1789
Joined: Jul. 17 2012
From: Netherlands

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

ORIGINAL: estebanana

Do i detect some Picasso influences...or was it the other way around?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 13:46:34

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

I'm really diggin the Oud!

Is that bracing system unique to you?EDIT: Never mind, still learning how to read.....

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 14:17:36

britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

before moving to Japan

Did I read this correctly. You are moving to Japan; to live, and work???

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 14:58:24

Richard Jernigan

Posts: 3437
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to britguy)

quote:

ORIGINAL: britguy

quote:

before moving to Japan

Did I read this correctly. You are moving to Japan; to live, and work???

So he says, and I believe him

A month ago I passed through San Francisco on my way home from six weeks in southeast Asia. Stephen and his Japanese girlfriend suggested Ozumo, a Japanese restaurant in the financial district. Everything was really, really good, with some of the best uni (sea urchin eggs) that I have ever eaten, even better than some we had just down the street from the Tsukiji Fishmarket in Tokyo a few years ago.

The next day Stephen took me to the new DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. The special attraction was the exhibit of paintings and prints from the Dutch Golden Age, starring Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring." We also did the American, abstract, San Francisco and African collections. It was really great touring the museum with such an art history expert as Stephen!

I guess we'll have to get organized and visit them after they get settled in Kyushu...

RNJ

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 16:42:40

akatune

Posts: 188
Joined: Mar. 28 2008

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

ORIGINAL: estebanana

I guess we should get back to business on actual guitar making.

I'm going to post the last three things I'm working on before moving to Japan. It might motivate me to go faster. As if I'm not already pushing to get this done.

In progress and I'll up date it now and then.

That is the coolest golpeador I've ever seen. I can smack it with my pick without damaging the top. I also like the way it covers that big hole so my pick won't fall inside when it gets hung-up on the strings.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 19:36:23

britguy

Posts: 712
Joined: Dec. 26 2010
From: Ontario, Canada

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to Richard Jernigan)

quote:

Stephen and his Japanese girlfriend

AH HA!!! I knew it.

Had to be a lady involved in it somehow, somewhere.

And those Asian ladies are just devastating. . .

Good luck Stephen. . .

幸運

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2013 21:01:32

Ricardo

Posts: 15153
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

ORIGINAL: estebanana

A twisty cutaway front and back views.

I'm not sure who made the first one of these twisty style cutaways. Now it's out in the world and you know how the guitar world is, once it goes out there it's fair game to ... copy..... I mean steal.

I've seen this twisty cutaway done by other guitar makers who did a very fine job of it, Eric Monrad, Glenn Canin, the Foro's Ethan Deutch. I guess it's my turn to try it. In fact I have to make another one in rosewood right after this one.

Guitarists have said this more open back gives better access to the upper positions because it really gets it out of the way of your forearm. I've never really been a cutaway enthusiast to tell the truth, but this style has a challenging sculptural aspect nthat compound curved plane of the treble side where it joins the neck.

As you see from the the front the outline is different for the back. This allows the line of the back cutout to swoop up into the heel cap in one hopefully graceful line. It is artistic and utilitarian, so it is interesting to me to build them.

We'll see how it turns out.

The neck is a little thick but I'd get used to it. Love the rosette sticker. Have you salted the braces already? Can't wait to see it sprayed parking cone orange!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 6 2013 1:18:53

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Ricardo,

If you see a cone you like let me know and I'll try to match the color. But it is difficult as all the cones are really varied and nuanced in tonality. I think these cones came from the Conde' parking lot in Guanglongdong.

I'm also offering special Salmon Roe colored finishes.

Saving the best stickers for you too.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 6 2013 2:54:47

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

This is my favorite place to leave a guitar before going home from the shop. Walk in the morning and start glue blocks.

britguy, yep I'm moving to Japan. As Richard said a woman is behind this nefarious plot. More to follow as I set up a shop in Kyushu. I was freaking out a bit last month, moving your shop to another country is unsettling to say the least, but I figured it out. I think in the end it will be better for me to work in Japan, except I will greatly miss my musician buddies and family here.

Richard, It would be nice for you to come visit once I learn my way around. We can cause some trouble, Texas style. Or at least eat some good meals in the country.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2013 7:09:43

Ricardo

Posts: 15153
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

britguy, yep I'm moving to Japan. As Richard said a woman is behind this nefarious plot.

Careful...I have heard stories of victims getting sold into 'white slavery"!!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2013 14:15:07

Solquemia

Posts: 8
Joined: Oct. 18 2012

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Great!

Kyushu is one of my favourite places, especially Fukuoka. been there many times and played at different places around the city. where in kyushu are you going to be and set up?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2013 20:46:59

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

I'm moving to a small town on the west coast called Akune about 40 -50 minutes from Kagoshima. Ironically it's cheaper than the city I live in in California...LOL , but that is not why I'm moving.

Tell me more about Kyushu, I've never been there. I've only been to the Tokyo area which I'm not too crazy about. I am excited to be near Miyazaki and the South tip of Kyushu, there are good surfing spots. Even in Akune they have the occasional storm surf, but it is too far up the West Coast to get swells from the Pacific. Kirishima also has an international classical music festival in July-August. Fukuoka is about three hours away, but I know they have a world class orchestra and I'll take the train up there now and again. My only concern is being isolated in Akune, I'm used to being in San Francisco where I can always see chamber music....but I suppose life is full or exchanges and it might take sometime to get used to being off the beaten track of concert tours.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2013 20:59:59

El Kiko

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

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

you will still be on this foro yes ??
and will you make flamenco guitars in Japan or you will swap for Shamisen, Biwa and Koto maker??

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2013 22:49:44

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Unfortunately for you guys I'll still be on the foro, they have faster internet in Japan than where I live.

My girlfriends dad is one of the youngest from family of ten. her aunt, his older sister, is 94 and she is a shamisen teacher. She also has boyfriend and spends a lot of time doing karaoke. So of I play my cards right I might get some shamisen lessons.

I'll probably focus about half and half on flamencos and classicals, as it is now I mainly build flamencos. I'll also build some cello bows for fun and profit as a second career to do as a change up from guitar making. I generally don't like the European flute, except for perhaps Eric Dolphy's playing, but I do like the Japanese flutes. That however is a lifetime project, I'll probably just listen.

It will be interesting to see how I connect to my girlfriends dad. He used to paint movie posters in the 60's and 70's and I am a fan of Japanese film making. Apparently he is quite the character.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 8 2013 0:09:10

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Sitting inside and looking down through bamboo go bars..Bamboobars.

That back is made in four pieces. Two book matched slices of flamed Claro Walnut in the center and two matched pieces of California Nutmeg on the outside. With three strips of Claro for back strips. I put some alcohol on it to see the flame pop out, it's going to be stunning. I have another guitar living up behind this one which is her twin sister with a four piece back same configuration.

The liner for the rim is also Claro Walnut, a very underrated instrument wood me thinks.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 8 2013 21:44:41

HolyEvil

Posts: 1240
Joined: Nov. 6 2008
From: Sydney, Australia

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

I like the back with the black stripe down the middle mate..
I find ligher sides with a darker middle on a guitar back is much prettier compared to dark sides with lighter middle.

hope i can get down to melbourne to try out your guitar soon!

good luck with the move! Send my love to jason yaelisa and rachel! =)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 9 2013 21:47:45

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to HolyEvil)

quote:

good luck with the move! Send my love to jason yaelisa and rachel! =)

Thanks, I certainly will pass it on. I know they loved Australia and look forward to returning.

Little Rachel is starting to play guitar more and more and she is jamming. And also getting taller and taller. She's a really nice kid and she does some really funny stuff. Jason and I just hooked her up with a leftie set up strat. And she likes the Rock & Roll.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 9 2013 22:45:14

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Two assembled and ready for the next step. The next few days I'll assemble the third one and then begin binding them all in the same run when #3 is a box.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 11 2013 4:26:11

Florian

Posts: 9282
Joined: Jul. 14 2003
From: Adelaide/Australia

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

quote:

before moving to Japan.

Wow dude ...really ? apologies if you covered this before haven't been around much but that's a big move ...what made you decide that ?

to me this looks like a porno thread for guitarists....looking inside other peoples guitars

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 11 2013 5:22:58

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Juan the Bomber came over to the shop today to shoot the mierda, but instead while we were waiting for this back strip to dry we made art with the go bar deck.

Three cheers for Juan's progress as a photographer!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 14 2013 4:46:09

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to Florian)

quote:

Wow dude ...really ? apologies if you covered this before haven't been around much but that's a big move ...what made you decide that ?

Oh don't worry Florian. I decided to go home with my girlfriend, she 's moving back to Japan after being in the US for twenty years.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 14 2013 4:48:42

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

I have not updated this for a while, partly out of laziness and partly out of dread.

Here are the triplets, as I've been calling them, as they lay on the table today. I'm moving out of my shop today and tomorrow to a temporary work space until the end of April, at which time the GF and I get on a plane to Tokyo, Haneda airport. She wants to stay in one of these hotels in Japan called 'Love Hotels' she says they might be bigger and better than the airport hotel. I said yeah sure whatever. The next day we get on a flight to Osaka, takes 90 minutes or so, then we catch this local flight called The Peach Run from Osaka to Kagoshima.

I keep making jokes about Kago- shima, but no body gets the joke, I find it very funny every time I say Kago- shima. I make up variations on the theme:

Mi kagoshima en la ostia! or .... Mi Kagoshima en tu leche!

But only I laugh and then go back to eating my sushi rice and sliced raw fish.

Kagoshima has a volcano called Sakurajima, so I will when in Kagoshima refrain from too many poop jokes lest the mountain get angry with me. From Pooposhima we go by bus to our final home, a small fishing town called Akune. It is so small Google Earth ignored it.

In the mean time I have to finish the triplets. Triplet number one on the left is up for sale. She would be the deep bodied babe with the walnut back strip and cedar top.

Konbanwa

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 31 2013 2:33:46

mlau

Posts: 12
Joined: Jan. 26 2013

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Love hotel, huh?

She must really like you.
When are you officially flying to Japan?

I have yet to buy you lunch.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 31 2013 4:41:38

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

I'm in the home stretch, last quarter mile on three guitars. These are my temporary digs out in the Sacramento River Delta staying at a friends house the last two weeks in US. Notice the US map with Texas framed, I did not plan that.

Good news, I am likely going to keep the big blonde & walnut guitar for myself as my own guitar. Be very afraid because I sorta feel like playing again.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 11 2013 5:10:13

estebanana

Posts: 9413
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Here's fast and dirty snippet of JMG taking his new maple cutaway for a test drive.
he will make a better video next week. He picked it up last night and is taking it on a tour starting today to break it in.

Along with his other fine guitars made by Ethan Deutch and Glenn Canin, he'll now have two of mine and all of us will have a spot on his new CD where he will play one of our guitars.

Whew...I can leave town now....almost..

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 18 2013 20:50:17

ralexander

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

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Beauty - looking forward to hearing more from that one. How many maple guitars have you built? I've played many nice maple steel strings, and I really like the idea of a maple flamenco. Nice sound on this one out of the gate.

You'll hear mine again soon in the Solea challenge - I'm overdue to post a review as well

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 18 2013 21:42:19

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: In progress: Last guitars before... (in reply to estebanana)

Guitar sounds and looks great, maple huh..........that's pretty interesting, I like maple.....Jasons playing, of course supernatural as usual, my only critique.........Blue Moon?????

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 18 2013 22:01:54