Baritone project

[Tim R]

Hello all,

As I move further along with by first build (000 12-fret) I am beginning to think about the next one. I would like to build a baritone guitar for #2 and would like to get group comments on my tentative plan.

Since I already have the 000 12-fret mold and building experience, I’m thinking of using that body style, perhaps about ¼” deeper, for the baritone. I’ll want it tuned optimally to C-C, which seems consistent with about a 27 to 27.5” scale length (see Taylor and Shabby Chic: http://www.shabbychicguitars.com/Baritone.htm).

I’ve done some string tension calculations and it appears that, using heavy gauge strings, the tension would be slightly less than the standard tuned OOO, so the usual OOO bracing pattern might work….(?)

Ideally I’d like to find a drop-in, bolt-on martin type neck just like the one for my current kit project, but of course with the longer scale. I don't think I'm ready to shape my own neck! It appears that LMI offers a 27.5 fretboard that I could order pre-slotted.

The bridge would probably have to be moved to a slightly lower position to accommodate the scale length (I could also perhaps do 13 or 14 frets to the body to partially adjust for scale length), but everything else would be basically the same as the standard OOO, it appears….

What do you guys thing about this general plan? Are there important considerations I’m missing? One alterative would be to use a mini-jumbo body much like that used by Lowden, but I kind of like the OOO approach if it would work and if the resulting guitar has the potential to sound good. See Shabby Chic for a commercial example of a baritone that is apparently built from a 12-fret 000 design.

-Tim

[darren]

Tim,
I think that you need to draw it out full size - this will let you see where the bridge lands in relation to the OOO bracing pattern, as well as how long your neck needs to be (nut - neck join) I don't think you'll find a premade neck unless you go a custom route. ($$$... you could go through several $35 neck blanks before hitting those marks, if that's important to you)

If you can build a guitar, you can build a neck, I suggest you give it a try. I've done 5 using hand tools, but am starting to make router jigs for the 'harder' cuts.

at any rate, keep us updated.

[darren]

after posting earlier I realized I had seen a baritone neck/headblock on ebay from Waldron - contact them using the banner to the left or use this link... http://www.ebay.com/itm/MS-6-String-Bar ... 50#vi-desc

;)

BTW Rick that is a beauty!

[Tim R]

Thanks for the comments and links Darren and Rick!

Rick, that guitar looks great and I’m sure it sounds great too. Is there any video/sound online of your baritone guitar? Is it tuned to B-B?

Darren, what body style do you use for your baritones?

John, Rick, Ken, or others: what molds are available that might be suitable for a baritone?

Regarding oddity of 000-12 fret with 13 fret to the body, see the middle guitar at bottom of this page.http://www.shabbychicguitars.com/Baritone.htm

My wife likes the middle one best. The left one is the standard 000 12-fret body. It’s subjective of course. I do like the look of the mini-jumbo style though.

Tim

[darren]

Tim I'm in the researching/planning stages of my first baritone, but it will be a OOOO/Grand Aud. size body. I did a multiscale OM but it was only 26.25 at the low E so not a baritone. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=702

The shabbychic bari is kind of unique that it uses a smaller body. I'm pretty surprised it uses the small pyramid bridge too. If you like that look and the way that guitar sounds then copy it. If it doesn't turn out perfect, make another. :)

[Herman]

Hey Tim,

Two years ago I made me a Baritone 28" Jumbo.

I too think a OOO is too small to bring you the desired low notes. On my homepage you can find the specs I used. Plus a pic of the bracings and a soundsample. Take a peak if you like. The suggestion Darren does to make a drawing is very useful. It gives a realistic view on how things will work out. The location of the bridge in relation to the bracing is crucial.

Keep us updated
Herman

[Tim R]

Herman, how do I get to your homepage? I’d very interested in checking it out.

I’m not particularly taken by the shabby chic, by the way, though it does fill a niche for a budget baritone. Its just appealing on one level to approach this by extending what I’m doing now and I came across that model searching around. The only audio I can find for that guitar is not high quality but the low notes do seem a bit muddy.

Tim

[darren]

Tim,
I would not build a OOO baritone unless I wanted one. not just because I had the mold already. When you factor in the time put into these guitars, the cost of the mold is rather small. If you want a baritone, find a body style you like that has proven success, and get the mold and bracing layout for that guitar.


just my .02...

[Herman]

Tim, each reply mentions "profile" of the member.
There you can see if a member has a homepage.

The page of my baritone is: http://www.hermanarendsenguitars.nl/baritone.html

BTW Rick, Soundsamples don't prove anything indeed. but to me they are fun. So I'll produce one now and then.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hermans baritone looks and sounds awesome. I would not hesitate a minute ( a New York Minute) to build one with his specs.

Kevin