Starting a new build and have a question, need some ideas
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 5:39 pm
Hi gang
I have not been around much lately, but I'm retiring in 3 MONTHS and should have much more time to spend in the shop to build guitars, so I hope to share my projects with you all again starting with my next one.
I am about to start a new guitar, an OM, probably a cutaway. This will be my 16th. Some of you know I have some of my guitars living in India; at this time there are 5 there. India is a very harsh environment for guitars, especially in the area mine reside due to high heat, and high humidity....and lots of moisture during monsoon season. All of the guitars have suffered to some degree. The very first guitar has been there over 10 years now and held up very well up until just recently, where it was left unattended for 6 months and not cared for, now it is experiencing ill affects. I built that dreadnaught heavy on purpose and it has held up the longest. So, all that said, I have an idea for my next guitar which at some point may also be taken to India. I'd like to try and build it to better withstand at least some of what might happen; changes to the top and neck especially.
There is a luthier in Goa, India, Karan of Bigfoot Guitars who has looked at a couple of my guitars there. He made at least one suggestion that I'd like to give a try. Martin has used (not sure if they still do) on some of their guitars, my understanding at least, a heel block inside the guitar that has an extension attached that supports the top under the fretboard extension. It seems like this extension could really aid in keeping the top from sinking here from the downward pressure and force of the fretboard extension.
John you are the Martin guy so I'm hoping you will chime in also. I have never built with a heel like this but think I should give it a try. So I guess my question is this.
Have any of my fellow builders used this type of heel block and, is there anything I need to know about the geometry that will change how my neck angle is set, or what if any other bracing will be needed on the top above the sound hole in this area? I am also considering trying a screw down fretboard extension incorporated in this process, which I also have not done before. I can probably figure all this out as I go once I get into the build, but sure would appreciate any input, especially if any of you guys have used this type of heel block extension, and a screwed down fretboard extension.
And then, the isssue of bridge forward rotation. All the guitars are doing this to some degree. Any ideas on some other bracing other than standard X bracing, Martin style that might combat this problem?
It would be great if these guitars could be kept when not in use in an enclosure with a means of controlling the humidity, but that is not practical for most of them. The newest guitar I just finished this year is now in India, and my son in law is going to keep it in its case and use silica packs to try and keep it dry, but I don't think it will be regulated. Hopefully it will help..
Thanks for your input, comments and advise. I appreciate any and all. I know lots of you guys have much experience and I value it all. Fifteen guitars has not by any means made me an expert. I feel like I've just broken the surface on becoming accomplished at this craft. Its going to feel good to get this next guitar going. It is for my oldest granddaughter who will be starting college here in the US next summer, so it will spend its first year here in California.
Thanks again guys.
Kevin
I have not been around much lately, but I'm retiring in 3 MONTHS and should have much more time to spend in the shop to build guitars, so I hope to share my projects with you all again starting with my next one.
I am about to start a new guitar, an OM, probably a cutaway. This will be my 16th. Some of you know I have some of my guitars living in India; at this time there are 5 there. India is a very harsh environment for guitars, especially in the area mine reside due to high heat, and high humidity....and lots of moisture during monsoon season. All of the guitars have suffered to some degree. The very first guitar has been there over 10 years now and held up very well up until just recently, where it was left unattended for 6 months and not cared for, now it is experiencing ill affects. I built that dreadnaught heavy on purpose and it has held up the longest. So, all that said, I have an idea for my next guitar which at some point may also be taken to India. I'd like to try and build it to better withstand at least some of what might happen; changes to the top and neck especially.
There is a luthier in Goa, India, Karan of Bigfoot Guitars who has looked at a couple of my guitars there. He made at least one suggestion that I'd like to give a try. Martin has used (not sure if they still do) on some of their guitars, my understanding at least, a heel block inside the guitar that has an extension attached that supports the top under the fretboard extension. It seems like this extension could really aid in keeping the top from sinking here from the downward pressure and force of the fretboard extension.
John you are the Martin guy so I'm hoping you will chime in also. I have never built with a heel like this but think I should give it a try. So I guess my question is this.
Have any of my fellow builders used this type of heel block and, is there anything I need to know about the geometry that will change how my neck angle is set, or what if any other bracing will be needed on the top above the sound hole in this area? I am also considering trying a screw down fretboard extension incorporated in this process, which I also have not done before. I can probably figure all this out as I go once I get into the build, but sure would appreciate any input, especially if any of you guys have used this type of heel block extension, and a screwed down fretboard extension.
And then, the isssue of bridge forward rotation. All the guitars are doing this to some degree. Any ideas on some other bracing other than standard X bracing, Martin style that might combat this problem?
It would be great if these guitars could be kept when not in use in an enclosure with a means of controlling the humidity, but that is not practical for most of them. The newest guitar I just finished this year is now in India, and my son in law is going to keep it in its case and use silica packs to try and keep it dry, but I don't think it will be regulated. Hopefully it will help..
Thanks for your input, comments and advise. I appreciate any and all. I know lots of you guys have much experience and I value it all. Fifteen guitars has not by any means made me an expert. I feel like I've just broken the surface on becoming accomplished at this craft. Its going to feel good to get this next guitar going. It is for my oldest granddaughter who will be starting college here in the US next summer, so it will spend its first year here in California.
Thanks again guys.
Kevin