The "Grand Concert" is Now The "Arena"

I've changed the name of one of my instrument models. The Grand Concert is now the Mustapick Arena. I just like the sound of it. :) This model is about the same size as an OM (15" across the lower bout). This size is really ideal for making an instrument with good balance and clarity, and also having a good bass response that produces a very strong fundamental tone for the low E.

Fred's Concert Nylon is Ready for Finish

I've made the bridge and done all the final detailing on Fred's Italian Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood Concert Nylon. The extra few hours I spend preparing the surfaces for finish really make a difference in the refined look and feel of the completed instrument. The bridge on this guitar is very light, only 25 grams. A nylon stringed instrument's bridge and soundboard need to be much more light and flexible than what works best on a steel stringed instrument, because the nylon strings are under much less tension. Tomorrow I'll bring this across town to the great Addam Stark for another of his beautiful thin finishes.

I've Got Wenge Fever!

I've got wenge fever! I always enjoy working with a new wood variety, but I've never been more excited about the prospect. From the first time I laid my hands on a set of wenge I've wanted to build with it, and thanks to Chris' upcoming 13-fret Spruce/Wenge Aurora now I get my chance. This wood is loud. The tap tone just rings and rings and if you so much as rub your fingertip across the bare wood you can here in the room next door. Usually woods with these kinds of tonal properties are quite heavy but wenge is very light. It has a very strong grain structure though, and as I was thinning the sides in preparation to bend them I was amazed at how stiff they remained, both along the grain and across. Now I'm even thinking that wenge could make an absolutely outstanding soundboard. I also think it's extremely beautiful in a very understated way. Those pinstripes show off that tight straight grain so nicely, sort of a new twist on old-school virtues. Stay tuned... :)

Fun Making a Concert Nylon Neck

I've had a great time over the last few days making the neck for Fred's Italian Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood Concert Nylon. Fred chose a slightly short scale of 640mm. So far I've roughly shaped the neck and will be fine-tuning it's precise shape tomorrow. With a slim neck profile this is going to play like a dream. Compared to steel strings, nylon strings have far less tension on them. I select relatively lightweight mahogany for the necks of my Concert Nylon guitars. I include a truss rod for adjustability in the setup more than for reinforcement. Note the very high soundhole in this design, as well as the very high waist. My design goal here is to keep the relative locations of the bridge, the soundhole, and the waist of the guitar the same as they would be on a classical 12-fret guitar, while still gaining an extra 2 frets of access on the neck. Can't wait to play it!

Fred's Concert Nylon Soundbox is Complete

Fred's Italian Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood Concert Nylon is coming along very nicely. I've closed up the box, installed the curly koa binding, and completed a first round of finish sanding. In the first picture you can see the lattice bracing. The bracing, while lightweight, is quite stiff, which allows for the top to be thinned far beyond what you would find on a traditionally braced guitar. In some areas the soundboard is just a little over 1mm thick. It takes great care to work with such small tolerances.

Happy Birthday #51!

I love to have a local customer, because I get to be there when he opens the case and take it for that first spin. John was delighted with his 8-string guitar/bass and it seemed clear that he'll really be enjoying the challenges and opportunities it presents. I can't wait to hear what you do with it, John. Be sure to get some sleep tonight! :) And of course, thanks.

John's 8-String Guitar-Bass is Nearly Complete

John's 8-String Guitar-Bass is nearly complete! With that enormous 8-string fingerboard and bridge the baritone size body starts to look even a little petite! The 7th string will be a .070 gauge and tune to A or B, and the 8th string will be a .100 gauge tuned to an E one octave below the 6th string...so it's a bass and a guitar in one! John had a very nice special request for this instrument. He requested a very thin non-gloss open pore finish that would look as much like bare wood as possible, and Addam Stark did a really great job making it happen. I really like the way it looks and feels. Since getting it back from Addam I've glued on the bridge, installed the frets and attached the neck. Comin' up soon, John! :)