J-45 - Build Number Five

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DaveH

J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by DaveH »

Recently completed the build of a J-45. Specifics include:

1. Top: Engleman Spruce (provided by KMG)
2. Sides & Back: Peruvian Walnut (Johnson's Lumber, Charlotte, Michigan) resawn, planed, and sanded.
3. Neck: Lightly figured Soft Maple w/Peruvian Walnut Center Strip (again, Johnson's Lumber, Charlotte, Michigan).
4. Binding: Black Plastic
5. Purfling & Rosette: Various BWB wood combinations
6. Fingerboard: Martin Long Scale, Ebony
7. Bridge: Martin, Ebony
8. Head Plate: Peruvian Walnut
9. Tuners: Grover Deluxe, Nickel
10. Finish: Behlen's Musical Instrument Lacquer, Top lightly toned with Behlen's Solar-Lux mixed with Lacquer.

Notes

I used standard Bracing Pattern for a J-45, but used a scalloping pattern more similar to a J-200. Braces are mostly 9/16" tall x 1/4" thick.

The Peruvian Walnut works nearly identical to Black Walnut, but is slightly more red-brown. It is a true Walnut and smells identical to Black Walnut when cutting. I did though find it to be more porous when compared to Black Walnut. This may have been the specific material I was working with.

Sound Quality is extremely impressive - very resonant with interesting over-tones. While not an expert by any means, the sound appears to fall somewhere between Mahogany and Rosewood.

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tippie53
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by tippie53 »

sweet thanks for posting that
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
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johnnparchem
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by johnnparchem »

Nice looking guitar!
David L
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by David L »

Very nice, I love peruvian walnut.

David L
Tony_in_NYC
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by Tony_in_NYC »

Wow. I am sure you are embarrassed to show that here. I mean...ugh! Listen...I will do you a favor and dispose of it for you. I will even pick up the shipping since I am that determined this guitar never sees the light of day.

All kidding aside, that really came out nice! The finish is excellent and all the parts seem to be in the right place! Outstanding work sir. One to be proud of. How does she sound? The Peruvian walnut is NICE!!!
Ken Hundley
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by Ken Hundley »

Beautiful job!
Ken Hundley
Nocturnal Guitars
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
mjmeehan
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by mjmeehan »

Looks Great, Dave! Looove those Gibson shapes.... Happy Pickin'!
Darryl Young
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by Darryl Young »

Looks great Dave!
Slacker......
Ben-Had
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by Ben-Had »

That guitar is awesome. You just can get that walnut color without using walnut. And that neck sets the contrast so nice. I wanna build one just like it.
Tim Benware
David L
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Re: J-45 - Build Number Five

Post by David L »

I really like the shape of the heel, kinda wide oval-ish rather than narrow and pointy. Did you carve the neck yourself?

David L
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