The “Tar Baby” is finally Finished!
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:31 pm
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!
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!