hummingbird #1 Padauk-Sitka

[hummingbird]

Glued on the back last night.
Same pics as in another post
This is a dry run

[hummingbird]

Trimmed the overhang and sanded nice like.
Starting to look more guitarish :)

The 1" thick plank of padauk I used for this back had a great ring to it at the lumber store. After I thicknessed it to about .108 - .110" it rang even better. After bracing it rang out even more. Now that its glued to the rim the whole assembly has an unbelievable ring. Even just brushing up against it or picking it up will set it ringing.
My expectations were not that great at first since this is my first guitar and it does have flaws that I have not documented but now Im feeling good about this guitar's potential.

[hummingbird]

My daughter in law made me a nice label.
I had it printed on textured paper from staples.
Soaked it in Knox unflavoured gelatin and water (same as hot hide glue) and stuck it on. Im pleased with the result.
Hopefully tonight I can glue on the top.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Very very nice Alain.
Just remember to put the strings on the outside.

Kevin

[RnB]

That's going be a great looking guitar upon completion...! Very clean work on the interior.

I like Padauk & have built a number of shelves & picture frames w/ it, but never a guitar...yet. Seemed heavier than other hardwoods & it covered my shop w/ red dust...lol. I believe some big-name makers are using it on some of their models as well.

Rich

[Ken Hundley]

I think you will be very surprised at the sound you get out of it, especially since it will continue to improve and open up over the next several months. The padauk in the pictures you saw was the first compelted model I did with the hole off the soundboard, as well as the laminated braces, as well as the actual bracing pattern....lots of firsts, and I couldn't believe the sound it had....much I believe due to the wood choice. Yers will be awesome.

[hummingbird]

The top sounded a bit tight so I did a bit more scalloping before glueing it on. I hope I didn't take too much off.

[hummingbird]

Sides back and top ready to go

[hummingbird]

Last view of the underside before closing the box.

[hummingbird]

Gluing on the top.