wikiotic.com: March 2012

March 31, 2012

Temporary mold to hold sides

Cut out the inside form and put temporary band clamp around sides. Just trying to hold the shape of the sides.

March 30, 2012

Preparing the foam core form

Transferred the dimensions of the body from the plan to the foam board.

Feeling a little intimidated

I unpacked the contents. Doesn't look much like a guitar.

Smaller than I expected but it seems everything is in there. No strings or tuners included but all the wood required. I am awaiting a bunch of tools I ordered from Harbor Freight but will start building the foam core mold this weekend.

March 18, 2012

Building an acoustic guitar

Below you will find my current collection of guitars. I have decided to take the plunge and build an acoustic guitar from scratch. I bought a set of parts on eBay and will document my attempt from start to finish. It is mahogany and spruce and includes many Martin genuine parts from their factory. Wish me luck. I am following directions from Bill Cory's book and online forum.

Yamaha FG-430A

One of my first guitars - now in my daughter's room. It is a solid, easy to play and has a great sound for the price. Here are some reviews.

Taylor 310

Product Description

Solid African mahogany backs and sides and gloss-finished Sitka spruce tops provide a clear, balanced tone, while wood fiber binding, pearl fretboard inlays, and chrome Taylor tuners streamline the look. The 300 series is a great introduction to premium-quality, American-made, solid wood guitars.

The 310 is a dreadnought that typifies the Taylor experience: solid wood construction, impeccable detailing, and a clear, distinctive tone.

Features
The warm tone and open midrange of African mahogany balances the bright and snappy characteristics of a Sitka spruce top. The resulting combination provides the perfect guitar for strong, rhythmic playing styles.

Dreadnought -- A traditional shape refined, Taylor combines classic dreadnought volume and bass response with the definitive Taylor sound: clear trebles and an open, airy midrange that Bob Taylor's signature design accentuates. Dreadnoughts respond especially well to flatpicking or light-to-heavy strumming.

Satin with gloss top -- The finish used to create this guitar's textured satin back and sides and lustrous gloss top was developed at Taylor for maximum durability and resistance to cold-checking. This ultra violet-cured finish is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lacquer finishes. Available in natural finish.