My first scratch build, J-45 style

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Dave D
Gidgee
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 pm

My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by Dave D » Thu Nov 17, 2016 1:04 pm

Hi all,
This is my first attempt at a scratch build, in the style of the famous Gibson J45. I used the Gore/Gilet books as my bible for the construction.
I went with a radial brace pattern on the back instead of the usual ladder bracing. I strung it up last week and have played it for a while each day. From a bit of playing so far,this is an awesomely loud guitar, but well-balanced from the lows to the highs. Sitka spruce top, cherry back and sides, and ebony fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood bindings and tail wedge.
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Thanks for looking. Any and all comments welcome.

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lamanoditrento
Blackwood
Posts: 585
Joined: Thu May 05, 2016 9:50 am

Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by lamanoditrento » Thu Nov 17, 2016 1:58 pm

Looks really great Dave. :cl :cl :cl What is the finish ?
Trent

Dave D
Gidgee
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 pm

Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by Dave D » Thu Nov 17, 2016 2:10 pm

Thank you. The finish on the body is rattle-can NC lacquer (Watco brand) overtop of a couple of light epoxy coats, sanded back (mostly to fill the rosewood bindings, but I did the body too). For the neck, I used epoxy to fill and then a shellac sealer coat, followed by many thin coats of Tru-oil.

seeaxe
Blackwood
Posts: 768
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:20 pm
Location: Auckland NZ

Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by seeaxe » Thu Nov 17, 2016 5:31 pm

Wow, that looks classy. Great job. Love the colours and the grain in the cherry. The purflings look pretty sharp too...
Richard

Dave D
Gidgee
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 pm

Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by Dave D » Fri Nov 18, 2016 5:27 am

Thanks Richard. Classy is what I was striving for! :D

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kiwigeo
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Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by kiwigeo » Fri Nov 18, 2016 7:48 pm

Nice work Dave. Is the top falcate braced?
Martin

Dave D
Gidgee
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:43 pm

Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by Dave D » Sat Nov 19, 2016 12:48 pm

Thanks Martin. It has regular x-bracing with tone bars and finger braces.
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pat foster
Myrtle
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Location: Eastern Washington, USA
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Re: My first scratch build, J-45 style

Post by pat foster » Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:43 am

REALLY nice, tastefully appointed, first scratch build or not!

Pat

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