#1 Finished...finally!

[Kyle909]

There were times where I thought I'd never actually make this post, but after almost 2 years persistence pays off!
This started as a SM dread kit to which I made some modifications:
Used a drum sander and took the top and back down to around .100" - was over .125 as delivered.
Used a forward bracing pattern and scalloped the braces a bit more.
Substituted curly maple for the binding, heel cap and end piece.
It's a bolt on but I removed the studs and used inserts/bolts instead.
Took a stab at doing some inlay.

I pore filled, but sent it to Joe White to spray the finish. And he did an absolutely superb job. Can't recommend him enough.

But the real surprise was how it sounds. I've owned many high end acoustics and right now have a Huss & Dalton, a Taylor, and an old Guild in the house, and this thing actually sounds better than all of them. Very deep, bell like resonance, but the highs are still there. Maybe all that time sitting on my workbench gave it a chance to mellow...lol. Seriously, I'll chalk it up as beginners luck.

I haven't been on the forum much lately but you guys were really helpful when I needed it.

Thanks
Kyle

[Kyle909]

1 more pic...

[johnnparchem]

Wow! It is gorgeous.

[mjmeehan]

That does look wonderful and I like the simple approach to the fretboard. What's the significance of the headstock inlay?

[naccoachbob]

Kyle, you did an excellent job. That's one killer inlay! Very, very well done.
And you're right about Joe White. I've seen some of his guitar finishes on some custom Stephen Kinnaird guitars and they rock.
Get to work on #2.
Super
Bob

[Kyle909]

The headstock inlay is the Hindu Om symbol. Really no significance beyond the fact that I thought it would make a good headstock design... of the precut ones I was able to find. I looked into it later and read where it's believed that when you chant 'Om' you become attuned to cosmic vibration... or something like that. Sounds fittingly apropo to me.

[naccoachbob]

Where'd you find it?
Bob

[Kyle909]

I ordered it from Andy Depaule. Check out his site, he has tons of inlays:

http://www.luthiersupply.com/

[Tony_in_NYC]

Kyle, The guitar looks great! Really nice job!
Andy DePaule has some nice stuff and does even nicer custom work for great prices. I have gotten a couple of custom made pieces from him and the work is flawless. One of the inlays he made for me is on the old forum archives. I am too lazy to find it right now though. LOL

[johnnparchem]

Thanks for the pointer I gave Andy a call and purchased a some inlays for my builds.

John