first build with Monkey Pod

[tim mahoney]

Just found this forum and am already hooked on all the info I see. I'm getting ready to start my first acoustic build using monkey pod for the back and sides. I don't know anything about this wood other than I really like the grain. Is it oily? Most of my solid body guitars have been walnut cherry and maple. Any suggestions for the glue up and finish are appreciated.

[Darryl Young]

Welcome Tim!

If you get a chance, post a pic of the Monkey Pod. I've never worked with it but I've seen pics of guitars that were built using this wood so it will work.

[Tony_in_NYC]

Welcome to the forum Tim!

I don't think Monkey pod is oily, but I also happen to think I am better looking than Brad Pitt, so take my opinion for what its worth.
Monkey pod is a nice wood and seems to make good guitars. Monkey's do not make good guitars. Nor do any kind of seed pod that I am aware of.

From what I have read, Monkey pod is supposed to sound similar to mahogany, which many millions of guitars have been made from. Keep in mind however, that most people can not tell the difference between mahogany and rosewood in a blind listening test, so as long as you have a stable, seasoned piece of hardwood, you can make a guitar out of it. Good luck and post lots of pics.

tony

[David L]

Welcome to the forum Tim, remember to post pictures when you get started!

David L

[tim mahoney]

I ordered my material from Allied. That is where I saw a guitar pic made with Monkey pod. It won a blind sound test a few years ago so I know it should have nice tone. The grain and color reminded me of Koa. I'll post some pics when I get it.

Another question comes to mind. What is the proper placement of a radius disc for the top? I have a number of books and they are very general. Also don't understand why these books don't give the "rise" for a certain 24" disc diameter instead of just calling out a 15'r or 25'r. My math is not bad but trig is another story.

[tim mahoney]

I finally got started on my monkey guitar. Have most of my forms and jigs built. The 28' and 15' radius discs took some time to make but I know have the setup to make more with my router if needed. I inlayed some koa around the wheat rosette and then added a couple of rings of walnut. I am planning on koa bindings so the rosette should tie in nice. I have the braces on the top and will start to shape them next, then on to the back. I'm really pleased with the way the monkey pod material looks. Kind of like koa only darker. I need to review some of John's youtube vids on side bending next.

[David L]

Tim, Tim, Tim, why do you tease us so, you describe the monkey pod but show no pictures of it. That rosette will look nice and also tie into the bindings like you said. How bout that rosette jig? Did you build it? Sounds like you're off to a good start, keep posting!

David L

[johnnparchem]

Welcome Tim,

Nice work on the rosette and you router Jig. I am looking forward to more posts (with pictures) as you move forward.

John

[tim mahoney]

The rosette is complete with the soundhole cut. The circle cutting jig attached to my trim router is made of plexiglass. I used the picture in John Bogdanovich's book as a guide to make my own. I added sandpaper to the faces of the sliding parts so when I lock in the dimension is doesn't slide while tightening. I use the same bits as for my inlay work. One thing I learned doing inlay is to cover the veneer with clear packaging tape. It keeps the fibers from pulling up and gives a nice clean cut. With thin veneers you need to be careful removing it.

The top is now braced with a little final sanding to do. The back is in the gobar deck now. I'm about ready to start with the sides. I haven't decided on the neck material yet. I have some mahagony but am leaning towards bird's eye maple.

[David L]

Nice looking work there, that rosette came out nicely.

David L