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I've been known to take chances on guitars based upon intuition. I took a chance on this recent American made custom build. This luthier, I believe, has built some 30 or more guitars. He has standing build orders largely based upon a word of mouth reputation.
The build quality is most impressive! In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd have thought this guitar was made in Spain. It compares very favorably to my last Spanish made guitar. Tonality, and volume, even though the guitar is basically new, is very engaging.
I chose this guitar for its use of Hormigo, referred to as "the wood that sings", and the builders uses of Walnut throughout.
Additionally the sound port is to die for. How did I ever live without a sound port on my classical?
The Evo jumbo frets are a fresh experience that, like Hormigo, are new to me. How'd I ever live without jumbo frets on a classical!
The lacquer finish was completed to perfection.
Okay, another guitar love affair begins...
Specifications:
Body: Hormigo back with Walnut back strip and Hormigo sides with cedar laminate, upper bout sound port
Top: 3A grade Cedar with Hauser design fan bracing
Bracing: Cedar for back and Lutz Spruce for top
Neck: Spanish cedar with walnut center inlay
Head plates: Hormigo for top and Walnut for back
Fingerboard: Ebony with oversize EVO gold frets
Arm rest: Ebony
Bindings: Black Walnut with 3 color purfling
Nut and saddle: Bone
Bridge: Pau Ferro, 12 hole
Tuners: Gotoh
Nut width: 52mm
Scale: 650mm
Strings: D,addario EJ-45
Finish: Lacquer, high gloss
Last edited by 2bornot2bop; 08-07-2019 at 04:23 PM.
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08-06-2019 11:58 PM
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Congratulations 2b! I love the rosette, and the woods throughout look beautiful. Nice touches here and there, clearly a high-level luthier. I've yet to fall in love with those multi-holed bridges, though, I'm very much a traditionalist there, but I'd still be very happy to play such a guitar.
Now, one question: Why do you refer to it in the thread title as a "nylon string acoustic" and not a classical guitar? What, if anything, is the difference?
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Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
But of course you're correct, aside from the sound port it's a traditional classical guitar. The 12 hole bridge is also new thing to me. My apologies for the crappy iPhone pics. It's hot here and I'm feeling lazy!
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Ha, don't apologise for those pics, they are much better than I could do with a phone.
Sorry for my question. It's just that "nylon string acoustic" could indicate a steel-string guitar body but designed for nylon strings. Some people use that distinction, but it's not universally acknowledged. Clearly it's a standard classical, no matter what you play on it.
Admission of ignorance: I'd never heard of Hormigo before. I'll look it up. It looks beautiful, for sure.
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Very beautiful guitar! The armrest and the soundport are modern additions, so not thát traditional! ;-)
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Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
GRANADILLO - Savage Woods
Originally Posted by Little JayLast edited by 2bornot2bop; 08-07-2019 at 04:42 AM.
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"Hormigo" also known as "Macacuba" is a wonderful, non-dalbergia (rosewood) substitute. It is relatively low is cost, available in well quartersawn sets (like your instruments!), and is not listed in a CITES appendices. It is a denser hardwood than Brazilian Rosewood, more akin to Madagascar or even Honduran Rosewood in terms of density. It is also quite stiff and glassy. Again stiffer than Brazilian Rosewood and more akin to Honduran Rosewood or Cocobolo in that regard. I am sure that when used by the right hands can make a superlative instrument.
Congratulations!
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Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
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Looks great - congrats!!
If you're pleased, share his info with us! I'm not finding "SF Allen" guitars easily....
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2B, that's gorgeous brother! Not just another pretty face, and smart too. Congratulations! I know you love the tune 'estate'. Here's some inspiration:
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Originally Posted by marcwhy
As a courtesy to members I’ve encouraged him to list a few guitars for sale here. He’s giving it serious consideration.
To date I’ve viewed 4 guitars from the builder. Two had Spruce tops. But each was an affordable guitar that reflected great craftsmanship.
Until then, I’m more than happy to share the builders email via a PM request.
And yes, I could not be more pleased.Last edited by 2bornot2bop; 08-07-2019 at 12:45 PM.
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It’s beautiful, 2B! BTW, I’m still enjoying your previous “Spanish made” guitar.
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Originally Posted by Mark M.
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I must acknowledge, it was a real trip this morning to walk down stairs and observe the reflection of gold frets staring back at me.
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Originally Posted by skykomishone
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What a gorgeous guitar! I love all of the little details, wood selection, as well as the overall execution. With nothing visible on the instrument to identify builder, it speaks to his humility. At least that is a trait I am attributing to him.
The upper bout sound port is my favorite feature.
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That is a beautiful guitar, 2b. I've been thinking of contacting Stephen Holst about making one of his double-top nylon string guitars for me.
Each of my two classical guitars (a 2012 Daniel Bernaert, and a 2017 Cervantes) has a 12 hole bridge. I like the design, although there seems to be some debate regarding any actual benefits it provides over the more traditional 6 hole bridge (sharper break angle, easier string changes, supposedly). When I changed strings for the first time, I wasn't exactly sure how to deal with the 12 hole bridge; the attached video from luthier Erez Perelman made it easy, and I refer to virtually every time I change strings.
watch
Enjoy your new guitar!
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Originally Posted by Gitfiddler
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Originally Posted by bmw2002
Stephen Holst has quite a following here on the forum. A double top nylon from him would be most impressive! And thank you for the link...I actually saw that one yesterday, as I too was curious about making string changes on a 12 hole bridge. Looks very simple. When did a 12 hole bridge come into being, and who was the builder to develop it? Anyone know?
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Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7
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Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
The original Bookbinders appears to have gone out of business (looks like in the early 2000's), but one of the 'celebrity chefs' here in town recently re-opened it as "The Olde Bar" in the original location ... haven't been yet but looks good. Will definitely give it a try.
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Congrats 2B!
Buying from an up and coming luthier can be wise. In 1986 I bought a Michael Thames Classical (that I just had re-French polished by master luthier Eric Reid). for $600 used (the original owner had paid $800 in 1982). Today a guitar like mine made by Michael would set you back $7000 plus as Michael is now a world famous luthier (and he has become a good friend of mine as well.)
Playing jazz on a classical is a different thing than doing so on an archtop or solid body, but it has a vibe that is well worth exploring. Good luck with your nylon string journey!
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Congrats 2b,
A beautiful instrument with an interesting choice of woods. The fit and finish appear excellent. I particularly like the arm rest - it’s incorporation is well executed. The bridge is also kind of interesting. I don’t think you took much of a chance here - it looks like a fine instrument.
As for the side port, I agree with you - it’s fantastic and I would not order a new build without one. After playing so many guitars at John Monteleone ‘s with the port- I find it makes a profound difference in the player experience - without sacrificing any projection.
As Stringswinger noted about Michael Thames - it may turn out to be a wise purchase .
Wishing you many hours of enjoyment !
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Thanks, 2B...The horizon is about a year. I do have a custom archtop commission in the queue for delivery next summer (2020). Speaking of wood...
Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
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Originally Posted by QAman
Sometimes there are two...
Dell Arte/Stringphonic Basic 503 Gypsy Jazz Guitar
Today, 01:45 PM in For Sale