000-18, my first kit w/some pics

[jrc127]

A couple of you asked for more pics of my first kit guitar. This is a Martin 000-18 from Blues Creek Guitars. I've been playing guitar for about 4 years (I'm 54 so, I'm about forty years late to the game). I like my Seagull Mini-Jumbo, but after taking the Martin factory tour last summer, I really wanted a Martin. I started looking at kits and discovered that John Hall is a very well respected luthier and only about an hour's drive from my home. John has been a great help as I make the kit in my spare time. (I saw on one thread not to call your work on a guitar a "build." I've built a couple of cigar box guitars and that's what CBers call it. What do you call the process of construction of a guitar?)

Here are the latest pics. I document the entire process on my Facebook page and got some friends interested.

[pete nardo]

Nice work James! it is a kick, eh? wait till you string her up for the first time!
Your lucky to be so close to John. I'm sure he'll help you w/any problems.
Regards.
Peten

PS I call my "assemblies" builds. some say it's not a "build" unless it's from scratch; but they can stew in their own juices! ;)
PPS u have a FB friend request.

[jrc127]

Thanks, Pete. The whole "assembly" has been enjoyable. It was a treat to be able to pick up the kit at John's shop and to be able to schedule shop time when I broke my first rim set (dropped a clamp on it!) I don't think this will be my last assembly or build. ;)

I'm getting really anxious to play it.

Nice work James! it is a kick, eh? wait till you string her up for the first time!
Your lucky to be so close to John. I'm sure he'll help you w/any problems.
Regards.
Peten

PS I call my "assemblies" builds. some say it's not a "build" unless it's from scratch; but they can stew in their own juices! ;)

[David L]

Can you give us some more details? What wood are the back & sides? I use several terms, project, guitar, or sometimes I refer to them In order, #2, #3 and so on.

David L

[tippie53]

this is honduran mahogany and sitka spruce top.

[jrc127]

John,

I think you told me it was African Mahogany, Khaya ivorensis (not to argue since you should know). But it's got ebony bridge and fretboard which really sets it off.

this is honduran mahogany and sitka spruce top.

[tippie53]

yes you are correct. African not honduran

[David L]

I really like the African Mahogany, sort of a lightish colored dark wood and you're right, the really dark bindings and FB really set it off, good contrast, can't wait to see it under some finish. Have you decided what finish you are going to use?

David L

[tippie53]

we built a number of African Hog guitars and all were surprising. Nice tone wood

[jrc127]

I really like the African Mahogany, sort of a lightish colored dark wood and you're right, the really dark bindings and FB really set it off, good contrast, can't wait to see it under some finish. Have you decided what finish you are going to use?

David L

I like a bit of a reddish tone to the sides and back and amber on the top. I'm still researching guitar finishing and trying to figure out what I"ll do. I like the low tech approach of French polish and don't mind taking the time. But I've been advised against it because of durability issues. I'd like to hear some opinions.