Pics of my progress and introducing me...

[stevegr1102]

Hi folks. I've been lurking for a bit, sucking up your wisdom, and enjoying your pictures. I recently began building one of Ken Cierpilowski's kits - AA size - 12 frets to the body - slot head neck - pyramid bridge - walnut back and sides - spruce top - maple binding.

It's my second guitar, though it's been about 7 years since I did that, and I did that one standing next to William Cumpiano from scratch. That (and William) was also a real pleasure, I might add. I thought I'd ease back into this via a kit. Ken has been terrific, responsive, patient with me. And his process is quite clever. Kudos to him and his support. And I've gotten great support from a couple of folks he introduced me to (TONY bears many thanks!). It's going well. So far - I have not needed to bring out the board stretcher (knocking on LOTS of wood).

Anyway, thought I'd say hi and post a few progress pics.

[tippie53]

nice ,

[stevegr1102]

Thanks John! And nice to make your acquaintance.

[Ken Hundley]

Welcome to the ganag...beautiful work so far, keep us up to date!

[David L]

Hey Steve, welcome to the forum, nice clean looking work there, keep posting pictures and progress reports.

David L

[Darryl Young]

Welcome Steve. You are doing a great job. Is that a 00 sized body? Not sure what you meant by AA.

[stevegr1102]

AA is my brain freezing. Of course I meant 00 size.

What I am working up to (several guitars out) is copying an old Maurer (Larsen Brothers) guitar that I own. Thus, I figured I'd get used to working at roughly the same scale.

And thanks to all for the nice comments and welcome.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey Steve, good to have you around. It is looking good.
Question, is Cumpiano really as eccentric as he sounds in his book?

Kevin

[stevegr1102]

:-) Bill is a character - but who isn't!?

He is an amazing craftsman, builds beautiful guitars, and he is a wonderful generous human being. There are lots of approaches - Bill has one that he learned from a number of teachers who also built great guitars. But remember - the Cumpiano/Natelson book was written a LONG time ago. And at that time, people were writing books with advice like using epoxy to join necks to bodies! His work was (remains) a very important book.

Bill is constantly innovating - still. I realize he is a lightning rod for some people - he is opinionated, but you will never hear me say anything but great things about him. And further, everyone is opinionated - at least he is not like a "guy in a diner' with an opinion about everything but a total blowhard in reality. HIS opinion is worth hearing as it is based on years of experience. Do I agree with everything he says blindly, ignoring all other opinions - no way! Ken, for instance, has a very interesting approach to building. I am very impressed. I am a student - and the chance to work with a master - any master - is a real gift - and be clear, Bill is a master. The two weeks I spent with him were delightful, meditative, and very satisfying. I think you'd enjoy him very very much. I follow his blog and posts.

Here's a pic of the guitar I built with him - a Maple OM body, curly mahogany binding.

[David L]

That is a beautiful guitar, the back is clearly maple, what are the sides? Just so you know, it is my opinion that I'm not opinionated!

David L