Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Well almost. Just have to do the saddle intonation.

Myrtle / Englemann

13 fretter , 24.9 " scale

More pics, more pics!

Looks fantastic kiwi.

I like the inlay in the bridge matching the fretboard, nice touch.

Looks like you've got a new label in there too.

Now give us more pics and stop teasing us!

Thanks Paul,
Yeah, The bridge looked a bit plain ,so I inlayed it with the same ivory I have around the fretboard

Kiwi mate, I was wondering how your second guitar could possibly top your first. This one looks a little more refined to my eye. Beautiful work.

You nailed it, congrats.

WOW WOW WOW and REWOW!

AWESOME!

excuse me for a second please, i'll just pick my jaw off the floor!!!

Craig, we need a soundfile of that one mate! WOOOO HOOOO!

Absolutely bloody beautiful Craig.

What did you finish it with and did you spray it?

Can't wait to hear what it sounds like.

The ivory around the headstock looks very schmick.

I reckon you should have a or two on the strength of that effort.

Bob

Cheers Paul, and thanks a heap Serge .

I used the U-Beaut hard shellac Bob . I started out french polishing ,but the weather got ugly and couldn't seem to make the conditions right artificially . This is my first go at spraying . Despite making a piss poor effort with the gun , it came up like glass after leveling. I think it suits this guitar , but I do like the french polish look of my previous .

I like the soundport guys ! . I find it really "in your face"

Fantastic work! Really came out well!

The Ubeaut seems to be very forgiving as long as you don't get any runs in it Craig.

We've just tried thinning it 50% and the results are much better. Better flow out and less sanding back.

Bob

Well I definatley got heaps of runs ! . I did let it cure for a long,,,,,,,long time , and a week previous to leveling , scraped the runs with a single edge razer blade made into a scraper.
As a sprayer , I'm %$*&@#! AWEFUL.

I'll thin it down a little next time seeing that your getting better results

Beautiful. How does she sound?

Fantastic! Talk about clean interior, oh man.

Craig can you describe the effect of the sound port? I'm thinking of one for my next bass (or maybe the next one after that). I've been trying to pluck up enough courage to have such a piercing for several years.

I know it is supposed to direct more sound to the player. But does it actually work? And if opened, how does it affect the projection of the guitar to listeners from the front?

You a piano tuner? My brother's a piano tuner. Martin in Tassie.

Beautifully done Craig ! Very nice clean lines . Great looking Myrtle !
Very impressive inside too . An inlaid neckblock ? WoW ! I really like the look of the purfling . Great Work !! :serg

G'day Matt,
The soundport is a first for me . I think it would be very suitable on a bass as you are a fair ways away from the soundholes.

Others have reported it to be subtle, but I beg to differ. To me, it's really in your face . You "hear "the instrument . I don't play with it closed , so that should tell you something. Being a piano tuner , maybe I'm more sensitive to tonal changes.

I calculated my main soundhole to be a little smaller to allow for the extra opening . The soundport when open , raises the main resonance a semi tone, but I can't detect any drop in bass response . I asked my son ( my only audience at this stage ) if he noticed any change out front , and he reckons if there is, it's hardly noticeable. It's as a player you notice it most . I backed the soundport area with three veneers .

Alan Carruth has performed a lot of testing on soundports and reports no real increase in volume ( About 1 d.b. ) . He has also found some of the higher frquencies to be more pronounced . When playing , it does appear much louder however. Seems more 'full' in the tonal sector.

The soundport affect varies according to how close it is placed to the main soundhole/s . Closer the better. The upper bout shoulder seems to work well.,,, Hey ,I think I'm sold on the idea , but don't think I'll be drilling holes in all my other instruments any time soon . Better to build and design the instrument with a soundport in mind .

You might be the first bass builder to have a soundport !

Cheers Dave , The inlaid Kiwi in the headblock can be seen through the soundport .
It's a bit mad, I know , but it looks kinda cool.

Matt ,I don't know your piano tuning brother . Is he some kinda wierdo Too ? poor bastard

Absolutely bloody beautiful Craig,

Man your work is first rate and I must agree wholeheartedly with all that has been said above, especially Paul's post. How the bloody hell did you manage to top your first???? Yep you nailed it alright my friend outstanding craftsmanship, well done M8 .

Cheers

Kim

Wow Craig this is an incredible guitar and the Myrtle really looks killer too.

Looking inside the box is a real treat and you are the most detailed builder that I have ever seen.

It's all over the top in the best of ways - fantastic work Craig!!!!

Craig, that is an absolutely wonderful looking instrument!!! I've been waiting patiently to see your #2 as I was so impressed with your first. You are quite a craftsman, my friend. That guitar is stunning, and your attention to detail is fantastic. The wood is awesome.



I LOVE it !!!!


Ron