Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Well I see it was some 9 months ago when I posted a question on what woods to use for a classical build, so thats how long this one has taken. Lutz and blackwood was the recommendation so here it is

It is (almost) finished, I am waiting for it to settle down, so I have not glued the fingerboard on, its a bolt on neck joint. Nevertheless, it sounds good and looks pretty. It compares well with my low end Yamaha classical, although the Yamaha has a more bassy sound.

Woods are Lutz Spruce top and tas blackwood sides and back. Ebony fretboard, mahogany neck and tas blackwood bridge (from Tim S – stunning figure in the wood). Blackwood bindings from Tim also. It has very sweet trebles. Just to be different it has a zero fret and a spilt saddle.

Cheers and thanks for the recommendations Martin.

Richard

Oooooh yeah that's a beautiful looking classical.....nice work Richard.

Wow, this is a very lovely and beautiful guitar. The blackwood binding on blackwood sides looks extremely elegant!
What kind of burl is the headplate made from?

BTW, very nice photographs too. I like all of them, but the first one is my favourite here. Nicely composed picture!

Cheers,

Very, very nice. That blackwood is stunning and you have used it beautifully. Great job!
Mark

Thanks people, very kind as always.

Markus the headplate is a York Gum burl ( I think). I got it from Tim S, as well as the binding, which is indeed lovely stuff. I would definitely use blackwood again.

The best description I have heard so far of the blackwood is "hokey pokey wood" - for those unfamiliar with NZ ice cream, its got lovely golden crunchy bits in - pure sugar of course - thats about the colour of it. It looks like someones poured treacle all over it.

Cheers

Ooh! Nice looking instrument Richard.

Regards

Lovely guitar Richard. The Blackwood displays beautiful figure and I am a big fan of Lutz. Most examples I have seen all have that silking which I really do like. Fine craftsmanship there mate. Thanks for sharing with us.

Cheers

Alan

My favourite timber (Blackwood) Nice job Richard, workmanship top notch as usual and I like the slightly blonde or lighter look to the whole instrument, makes a refreshing change from the IRW look, not that I have anything against IRW B&S but a change is always refreshing & the Bindings add a touch of class.
One slight problem though is the strings are on upside down & the soundport is on the wrong side!

Beautiful work. Bet it looks a darn sight better than your Yamaha too

seeaxe wrote:
The best description I have heard so far of the blackwood is "hokey pokey wood" - for those unfamiliar with NZ ice cream, its got lovely golden crunchy bits in - pure sugar of course - thats about the colour of it. It looks like someones poured treacle all over it.

Cheers

Bloody hell after reading this post yesterday Ive had hokey pokey on my brain all today....ended up buying a huge tub of hokey pokey icecream and half of it's gone already.

Before and after pics..

in 2012 and in 2018

Like the Blackwood. Great result.

Wayne
https://wjguitars.wixsite.com/mysite-1

The lutz has taken on a nice golden glow. It is great to see how well it has developed. Has the sound changed much in six years?

Wow, the difference is stark