R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135 
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 19, 2015 18:01:07 GMT
All mdf and cascamite; no nails in that, either!
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leoroberts
C.O.G. 
Posts: 26,142
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on May 19, 2015 20:32:25 GMT
It's a seriously good looker, R the F... |
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Post by Mike Floorstand on May 19, 2015 21:07:38 GMT
Great design and a fine looking instrument - I like the way the headstock mirrors the "Einstein's moustache" bridge. Very intelligent use of old doors and table tops!
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ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 35,722
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Post by ocarolan on May 19, 2015 23:07:55 GMT
Looks lovely - well done, very fine looking instrument. Are you pleased with how it's turned out? Anything you'd do differently next time? There are plenty of folk here who would be happy to help in evaluating it - why not (as davewhite and Rory Dowling ( taranguitars) have done) send your instrument out on a Road Trip around a chain of several Forum members willing to play, record and review your instrument? Sorry, being a bit cheeky there. Maybe the radiator cover instead....?  Keith |
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 20, 2015 7:58:30 GMT
Kind offer, Keith, but I don't have as much confidence in it as I might seem to have and I don't want to embarrass people who have to pass judgement. Better I ask a few locals first.
I'm very pleased with the way it's turned out - the fact that it's still not folded in half after 18 hours in tension is a good start. Next time I think I might change the back bracing since it has caused very slight undulations in the back if you look very carefully. I think I might try a wooden fretboard - laburnum - since I found the Rocklite marked rather easily when I was being careless with filing frets. A hundred and one processes I have learned how not to do or how to do more efficiently next time - but it might be boring to go into them here: e.g. drill the shallow ball-end-housings on the base of the bridge before drilling the access holes through from the top - see what I mean?!
Thanks for the encouragements of all who like the look of it and have said so. I'll try to post some sounds soon but my tape recorder/microphone seem to have developed a nasty loose connection somewhere along the line...
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 20, 2015 15:18:40 GMT
Found the audio fault but - would you credit it - all my possible pluckers are indisposed today so I've staggered through a couple of ditties myself. Not really sure this is the sort of music it was built for so I'll add something a little more soulful when a more soulful player becomes available.
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/sdm-thtcbh
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Post by vikingblues on May 21, 2015 6:25:26 GMT
One fine looking guitar and the sounds are promising too.  I like the rather different and bold design of the bridge, and the split saddle and lack of plastic scratchplate appeals to me too. The skill in building in acoustic guitar leaves me in awe of anyone who can make a success of it. Especially when they haven't slavishly followed a blueprint by someone else and come up with ideas of their own. I'm intrigued by your bracing pattern. I look forward to hearing more of its sounds.  Mark |
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 21, 2015 7:37:04 GMT
Do you know I hadn't thought about a scratch-guard. I suppose it'll need something to save it from the angrier guitarist. Is it feasible to slot something over the bottom edge of the hole which doesn't touch the face of the soundboard but rests on the edge (at the waist)? Could even make it out of wood and match the soundboard. I imagine someone's already done it somewhere.
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Post by vikingblues on May 21, 2015 17:54:06 GMT
There's also the clear thin scratchguard idea like Lowden use - almost impossible to see and leaves the beauty of all the wood in view.
Gryphon Strings.com video on installing one - no doubt this is just one of many ways to do that:-
Mark
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 21, 2015 18:44:19 GMT
That's probably the way to go, isn't it. Mine's french polished with a wax finish; I suppose it'll stick to that. Tempted to follow ColinS and do an oil finish next time, though. Wonder if he ever puts a guard on his.
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Post by nkforster on May 22, 2015 17:38:10 GMT
Looks like you've been reading the luthier blog! Well done, smart looking guitar. nigel |
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 22, 2015 22:13:33 GMT
I’ve read just about every other lutherie blog available on line (including your own excellent offering, by the way) but this one had escaped me, as it happens. But, as he says, “I do not see any sense for myself to repeat and copy what thousands of other guitar makers and guitar factories are doing”; apparently, you don’t either. Perhaps, this is the origin of “thinking outside the box”! Anyway, your interest is much appreciated,
Rob
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 23, 2015 10:52:11 GMT
Mike up the road has had the guitar for a day or so and has recorded some examples of how the guitar sounds. He got quite academic about it so not many tunes, I'm afraid, but enough clear sounds to give you a good feel for it, I hope. His opinion is that it sounds a bit "milky", by which he means rather compressed and lacking in very high frequencies. I wonder if this could result from over-engineering: I am aware that it has a very rigid structure with all the main bracing being locked onto the bits that count together with fairly severe arching of the front and back plates. Anyway, if you're interested, forget everything Mike says and make up your own minds - and try to stay awake!
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/open-strings-re
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/scale-re
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/chords-re
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/riffs-re
https%3A//soundcloud.com/rthef/tunes-re
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Post by lavaman on May 23, 2015 14:14:45 GMT
You've built a lovely looking guitar. Now comes the fun part; playing it all day and every day. I bet the more you play it, the more the guitar will open out. You'll also develop subtle nuances in technique to get the best sound out of it. Enjoy your truly unique guitar.
I listened to the sound clips. On the single string scale runs, you can hear the other strings vibrating in sympathy, so the top is definitely moving. I suggest recording again in 3 months and comparing with what you've posted today.
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R the F
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 1,135
My main instrument is: bandsaw
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Post by R the F on May 23, 2015 15:14:42 GMT
The best possible response. Thanks for your positivity, Iain, and really helpful tips.
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Jo whoever he is.
