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Hi guys

My first post with pictures and something to show. I finished them within two weeks of each other. One is a kit bought from Mr. John Hall (amazing!) and the other is a scratch build made with a local luthier Mike Regan (also amazing guy).

The kit is a 00-17 stika spruce top, honduran mahogany back and sides. Learnt so much from this, it's full of imperfections and as for the finish (shellac over tru-oil), it was so difficult, it really is an art in itself. Looking at what some of you guys are producing and I am envious. BUT, really happy with the tone - she punches way above her weight and should really sweeten over time. It was my first and it was a gift made specifically for my mate (didn't know till I handed it to him, boy was he chuffed!)

The other is a classical Romanillos based build - Englemann Spruce, and Kingwood back and sides, cedar neck. This was just an amazing experience with a wonderful teacher - a real privilege for me. It took over a year, a few hours a week. Again, real happy with this and the finish, Mike did a lot of the lacquer spraying.

A quick thanks to John Hall for all his help and to Bill Cory for his great instruction book and for all the inspiration on this site.

Michael, These two look amazing! Great job and add to the fact that you finished them within 2 weeks of each other and you are now going to have to start another project. Keep them rolling!

Very nice! I like that Kingwood.

What's the story on the uke?

glad we could help . Amazing work and thank you for posting and sharing

Nice pics, great looking guitars, keep on rollin'!

David L

Michael you did wonderful work there. They both look great.
Thanks for sharing. What is next?

Kevin

Great looking guitars and ukelele! I like the classical bridge.

Aww! How cute! Your new guitars mated and had a little Ukulele as a baby!

Beautiful work on both. I am sure they sound as nice as they look! How did the uke sneak in there?

Dont' bother the flaws. They look great.

Herman

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the kind words. Bloody addicted now! Next up is a 0-17 fret nylon string,something John once again has helped with. It's going well, body all buttoned up and onto the neck. Going to be another gift so I am trying to tighten this one up. I think I might go with a shellac finish, did this on the uke and it turned out pretty well, seemed more forgiving than the tru-oil( I realise that may be heresy by the way!). Any good posts or advice on shellac finish?

As for the uke, it was my first attempt at an instrument - a kit from stew-mac. Grand job and a great way to dip your toes.

Thanks again.