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Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2017 8:15 pm
by ozziebluesman
Hi everyone,
Just finished these two acoustics.
One has been in the dry box in closed box stage for four years.
The 018 is for a friend in Brissy and started late last year.

018

Blackwood back, sides fingerboard and other appointments
Lutz Spruce top
24.9 inch scale
14th fret to the body
Concert

All koa and Indian Rosewood appointments
24.9 inch scale
12th fret to the body

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:05 pm
by Fisherman
Two great looking guitars that really showcase the woods used... I particularly like the rosette design on the koa one.

How is the all koa tone? Is it similar to an all mahogany guitar? I'm considering making an all australian red cedar guitar so am keen to hear your thoughts...

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 12:41 am
by ozziebluesman
Thanks Fisherman yes the all Koa is similar tot he all mahogany. The treble end is a bit thin and the bass is not strong but I think it needs to be played in but on the positive, long sustain. I did however voice it closing the the X a bit so it has a honky, bluesy tone. It is a copy of the parlour Scott Antes plan with a my extra little mods like a full sound hole patch and much lighter bracing than the plan and as said a closed X brace. The guitar is heavy also as the Koa is and I used a blackwood neck which is also a little heavier but the guitar is well balanced and no neck drop. With playing it will turn into a great little blues guitar even open G or open D tunings.

Just the opposite for interest sake the 018 is a feather weight and very responsive. Even with 10 to 47 string gauge as requested by the owner it still has a full tone and lovely sustain.

Thanks for you interest.

Cheers

Alan

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 9:35 pm
by Mark McLean
Hey Alan
Great looking guitars. The blackwood and the koa both look really nice. I like the satin finishes. I am about to do the finish on a blackwood and lutz instrument so I am really interested in how you did yours. Any pore fill? What is the finish?
The blackwood one looks like a deep body. Is it different from the average 0-size?
Two nice jobs at once.

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 10:05 pm
by ozziebluesman
Thanks Mark for your comments.
The blackwood, Lutz was not filled but the Koa guitar was with shellac and Koa dust.
My Shellac finish is blonde flakes bought from LMI. I have tried many brands and like their brand the best.
I sand to 400 grit and send lots of time on the prep before shellac application.
No secret I do a few wash coats first, rub it back with 400 grit cloth sandpaper.
http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Su ... apers.html
My Shellac mix is 1.5 pound cut and I apply with a syringe and use a rubber. I use pure ethanol as a solvent and apply a squirt of ethanol and a squirt of shellac mix to the rubber. Usually a session takes me about four hours where I go around the guitar four times. Let it dry, rub back with the 400 grit polishing cloth and so on, usually about six sessions. Leave four to five weeks to crosslink final rub out with the 400 grit, then the 600 grit and final 1000 grit polish cloth. Takes lots of time but worth the effort. No oils used in application of the shellac mix.
Cheers
Alan

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:38 pm
by Mark McLean
Thanks for the run-down on the finishing method. It is a lot of work, but looks like it is worth it in the end.
Cheers
Mark

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:15 am
by lamanoditrento
Very nice :cl :cl :cl I really like the three piece neck and unstacked heel

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 6:45 pm
by Jeremy D
I love the Koa guitar.

Re: Blackood 018 and Koa Concert Acoustic

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 8:22 pm
by ozziebluesman
Thanks Jeremy.
Lucky I bought the quilted set top back and sides in 2006.
It would be an expensive build today.
It is opening up and has a tone of its own.
I like the size it is intimate little guitar.
Cheers, thanks for your like
Al