Construction Diaries
All Steel String Builds
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Johnb's Sitka & Koa Guitar
A falcate braced Sitka top with Koa back and sides, built on commission. My first guitar incorporating CNC-built components.
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Ann's Parlor Guitar
First in a series built for nieces and nephews, based on 1905 Martin Parlor plans — essentially a Martin O sized X braced guitar.
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Acoustic Bass Guitar
Built from a Waldron Instruments kit following Mark Stanley's bass plans. Sounded great — a bass player snapped it up before I had it long.
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Sarah's Bubinga & Redwood 00
Another in the family series. Martin 00 plans with waterfall bubinga back and sides, sinker redwood top, X braced.
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WRC & Koa Cutaway 00
One of my own everyday guitars — featured in the top video. X braced Martin 00 with my first cutaway and arm bevel per Kent Everett's DVD.
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EIR & Sitka D28
My first commission — a Martin D28 plan Dreadnought for a bluegrass player. Built for that characteristic big Dreadnought sound.
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Falcate Medium Body Steel String
My first falcate guitar, built from Trevor Gore's medium size steel string plans. My classical instructor loved how it sounded and responded.
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Philip's Cocobolo 00-14
Commissioned after the client spent an hour playing my 00. Falcate braced, 14 fret, cutaway, arm bevel, stunning cocobolo set.
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Brian's Claro Walnut & Torrified Spruce
Commissioned as a birthday gift by my nephew's spouse. X braced Martinish 00 with claro walnut and torrified spruce.
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Katie's Spruce & Cocobolo 00
Another guitar for a niece — an X braced spruce and cocobolo 00.
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Falcate 000 Indo Rosewood
Commissioned as a birthday gift. Falcate braced 000 with Indo Rosewood back and sides.
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Falcate 00 12-Fret
Started for fun, sold before completion after a photo went viral in the family. Highly figured wood later developed surface cracks — being stabilized.
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Falcate 12-String — My Best Work
My favorite project. 12-string falcate guitar based on Gore medium size plans. Loved every design challenge. By far my best work.
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Koa & Bearclaw Spruce 12-Fret 00
Martin sized 00 with traditional X bracing, built on commission. Wood choices and headstock design guided by the client.
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