first build with Monkey Pod

[David L]

You're moving right along, nice work.

David L

[tim mahoney]

I am happy to report that my first acoustic sounds as good as it looks. I'm tooting my own horn I know but really was happy to have my guitar instructor give it the thumbs up. I lowered the action per his suggestion and like the feel better. I was busy with the mother of pearl inlay so haven't posted in awhile.

I used the Milburn Guitars directions for the French polish. It wasn't as hard once I got the hang of it. The hardest part is the grain fill. I used rottenstone instead of the 4f pumice. It's very fine and takes a few more sessions to fill. Next time I'll try the 4f pumic. I experimented with other fillers but always came back to the rottenstone. I used Miguire's #7 polish after waiting a few weeks.

The peghead inlay was inspired by an orchid my daughter gave my wife for mother's day. The fretboard inlay is a vine with orchid buds. My next build will be a classical with koa back and sides and Western cedar top. That will have to wait as I'm now making cabinets for the interior of a client's sailboat.

[hummingbird]

Tim that's very cool inlay work I love it. What material did you use for the green vines?

[johnnparchem]

Nice looking guitar, the headstock and fretboard inlay are outstanding. Congratulations. You are allowed to toot your own horn. It takes a lot of work to finsih a guitar.

[deadedith]

Thanks for posting, it is inspiring. Great work.

[David L]

+1 on the inlay, what kind of wood is the head plate?

David L

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Tim, very nice work. You should be proud.
Thanks for sharing, and we will look forward to seeing the classical develop when the time comes.

Kevin

[Tony_in_NYC]

Beautiful work on everything Tim! Really nice job and something to be proud of! Let's hear it soon.

[tim mahoney]

Alain, The vine and leave on the peghead is made from reconstitued stone from Pearl Rescue. It comes in many colors and is nice to work with. I'll be using more in the future. Andy Depaul recommended Pearl Rescue and he was right as usual.

David, The peghead material is cutoff pieces from the back pieces, monkey pod. Something I forgot to say in my last post was a big "thank you" to all of you on this forum who are so helpful and dedicated to helping others. John Hall's videos and supplies, Waldron template and all the pics.

Tim

[tim mahoney]

Runningdog,

Thanks for the correcting me on the info where to purchase the recon stone. I didn't have any problems with the stone as far as cutting or sanding. This next month I'll be working on a rocking chair so it's working with a whole different batch of tools but a nice change. I have my drum sander set up so may just thickness sand the cedar top for my next build. Any recommendations for good, middle of the road preamp or pickup? I don't like the soundhole pickups as they detract the look of the soundhole. I won't use it for what I do but like to be prepared for any future clients.