Grand Concert for Freegift, Builder Swap

[Joe Sustaire]

Glad you're liking it so far Dean.
I got the braces on the top carved today, just tapping and carving and listening till I get a nice even reverberating tone across the top. I still feel kind of lost doing this, haven't done enough tops to be sure of what I'm looking for. And of course the other tops are now finished guitars, so you're just relying upon memory and gut(intuitive) feeling for what's right. May the force be with me!

Basically at first the top is resonant in some places and kind of dead when tapped over the braces, so I carve away until the dead spots are gone and it has a nice even tone all over. And here's what it looks like.







So keep you're fingers crossed Dean, and holler if something doesn't look right to you!

Joe

[Dean Kumbalek]

Nice....

After following a few of your builds and Haan's I got the Larson Brothers book.. and am very interested in various bracing schemes. Looks very cool from my perspective Joe! I see another article in FRETBOARD on the Larson's.

Dean

[gilmoreguitars]

Joe
Your bracing scheme is very elegant! I like that you are using your gut for this part of the process. It gets to a point where you just know when you have taken away enough material. It's one of my favorite things to do as well.
It's looking really good...actually...I have been looking in on both this and Deans builds and am a bit jealous!
Cheers
David

[Joe Sustaire]

Dang it Dean! Now you went and cost me money. I didn't even know there was a book on the Larson bros. guitars, I'd just been watching what Hanns has been doing. So naturally I had to go and hunt up the book also, actually got lucky and found a new hardbound copy from a seller on amazon, the first 56 pages are busted loose from the binding but none are missing and the cd is still sealed, no bookjacket, but got it for $12.99. Right in my price range, so now I can study up also.

Thanks for looking in David and I welcome your thoughts! I know you "pro" builders don't have time to play like this, but yes, we are having fun! You might want to squeeze in a fun build when you can fit it in. Thanks for your comments!

Joe

[Dean Kumbalek]

I enjoy your bracing pics Joe. That is cool to really see it before assembly! Very integrated and organic. I'll post a few too.

You will enjoy having that book in your arsenal.

Dean

[DaveAnderson]

Looking very good Joe.I really like your bracing!

[Lefty]

Wow Joe.

That is really looking nice. Gonna be a real looker.

Lefty

[garydemos]

Joe - your bracing system is certainly unique. You've indicated that you've used this pattern before. What do you like about it in terms of sound? How does it sound different than conventional steel string bracing? Ladder bracing usually produces a punchier tone and quicker response in small classical guitars. how is the bass response?

Thanks, Gary