The mighty L1

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John Steele
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The mighty L1

Post by John Steele » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:16 pm

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"Originally Posted on:Sun Nov 15, 2009


I have had this going for a bit. Actually had it strung up and playing for a month or so. L1 numero 3. Top, back & sides all " California Koa" (ok, walnut) I picked up the wood up in Chico, CA quite a while back. Built a couple other instruments but not recently. Walnut is a fairly local wood from old orchards and homesteads up & down the CA central valley. Anyway, I'm about finished, been trying to get two other boxes closed up before winter here.
img~

I really like the maple fingerboard. The bridge, eh, imagine it's ivory.
img~

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Nick
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Nick » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:16 pm

Beautiful contrasts between the timbers John, a little stunner. That Claro's nice, any more 'grain porn' pictures for us to dribble over ?

Joe Sustaire
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Joe Sustaire » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:17 pm

Gorgeous combination there John!
Yeah, we need more pics!

Just started a Stella type long scale 12, but I believe the L1 from your plans is next in the rotation.

Thanks,
Joe

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Kim
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Kim » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:17 pm

Looking very special John, more detailed pics please m8.

Cheers

Kim

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Lillian
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Lillian » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:18 pm

John, you've had time for your morning coffee. Stop being a tease and grab your camera.

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John Steele
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by John Steele » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:18 pm

I had to take some. For the life of me my photography skills sux!
Anyway. A couple more..
img~
img~

Peghead. Maple as well
img~

Maple bridge

img~

I had that vintage Ivory FB & bridge in my mind for a look. Maple always seems to go with walnut. Must be all those high school chessboards we made. I've played it for about a month or so, and then broke it down to do a final finish which is still ongoing. The walnut top worked out pretty well I think. The body on this one is about 5/8" deeper all around than the first two. The maple neck & fingerboard give a nice feel to it.
thx for the kind words.
John

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Taffy Evans
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Taffy Evans » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:19 pm

Nice guitar John, a real eye catcher and I love the mix of timbers. Those extra photos really show the effect better. How will you finish the fingerboard? it would be a shame to see finger marks all over it.

I have enough walnut for two backs and not enough for rims, you have given me the idea for a Walnut back and top and a different timber, possible NGR for the rims. Thanks for that.

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Lillian
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Lillian » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:19 pm

John, that walnut is gorgeous. The maple compliments it very nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing it finished. How did it sound?


If you like this combo and want to try something a bit different, contact Mr. Spittle about getting some cheesewood. It's interesting stuff. He sent me a sample of it and I really like it. It reminds me of old ivory that's yellowed a bit.

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Re: The mighty L1

Post by SuperDave » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:20 pm

I love the contrast of the maple neck. Excellent work! Do you find Maple hard enough for a fingerboard?

-Dave

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John Steele
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by John Steele » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:20 pm

Taffy, I think the best finish for a finger board is finger oil. I guess I consider it a blues guitar so any discoloring is fair wear & tear. Hopefully the discoloring will be on the whole neck. :lol:
Lillian, TY, I like the figure of walnut also. I've seen a lot of wood on this site with as much or more figure. Walnut looks to me like some of the Aussie woods I've seen on this forum in a sense. as for how it sounds; It sounds ok. Its was fun to play and pleasing to my ears. I wouldn't say it has a weak voice.
Dave I think maple will be fine for a fret board. All those Tele's & Strat's can't be wrong! Its has very closed pores and does not hold finger goo in my opinion.
Its also feels very 'fast' to me.

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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Hesh1956 » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:21 pm

Man that looks nice John and the overall dark top, back, and sides look great together. Great job M8!!!

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Re: The mighty L1

Post by pat foster » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:21 pm

Yow, that's pretty. That koa's got nothing over that fine walnut, IMO.

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Dave Anderson
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Re: The mighty L1

Post by Dave Anderson » Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:22 pm

I like the contrast of the maple and walnut too.
Just an all around beautiful guitar !


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