The “Tar Baby” is finally Finished!

[BlindBo]

This project began in Feb ‘23. A dear friend of mine, who is a professional String Band fiddler and banjo player had been taking up finger picking the guitar the last year. As many of that genera, he loves the 1930’s Gibsons. I had never tried to build such a guitar. But his sweet wife passed away without any warning in late 2022. Her name was Elaine and she was a wonderful person. We went to her memorial service in Feb where his band played at his home and empathy grabbed me.
I came home and ordered a set of plans for a 1937 L-OO. I started building “Elaine” for him as a gift. Basically, it was my first guitar from scratch. Luckily I had a beautiful set of mahogany sides and backs. It was my first venture into bending sides. Probably with Devine intervention, they turned out perfectly. I made up the back with a Martin D-45 multicolored back strip which was perfect for that red mahogany.

Other than getting a rough machined neck, I made all the parts including the pyramid bracing per the plans and started building. I call it a Tar-Baby because at my still novice building skills and vision limitations, there were lots of redo’s and repairs on what I call the Circular Repair Treadmill.

Today I did the final set up and polishing. Tomorrow it goes into the case for delivery to my friend who has no idea it’s coming. I am amazed at what a brilliant tone and sustain it has. There might be another in the que for me! I hope my dear friend enjoys it!
As always, I have to thank John Hall and Diane K for their support. What wonderful assets they are for this group!

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[tippie53]

that is by far the best guitar you made so far great job

[BlindBo]

Thanks, my friend. That means a lot coming from you. Also, credit to Jimmie Hall for teaching me so much! RIP my buddy;