Acoustic Guitar for Charity

Tim - thanks for sharing all the photos. I've tinkered with building a few electric guitars, and hope to make the move up to an acoustic in the next year or so.

Two photos caught my eye - the body mold pic - it looks as though the turnbuckles are "loose" - held in place by the compression from the sides?

And the pic showing the top bracing ... the double brace on the neck side of the soundhole - did you follow an established bracing layout, or is the pattern your own? I'm wondering why the two braces so close together - my understanding is that the less bracing (within reason), the more volume.

Again - nice work ... could probably ask a hundred questions

Hi Carl, thanks for commenting.

The turnbuckles hold the sides firmly into the body mold until the back and soundboard are glued on. I take everything out via the soundhole after the top is attached.

Concerning the bracing. the body shape and bracing is of my design and has evolved to this for this body shape. The double brace you are referring is called the upper transverse brace or UTB and needs to be very strong. The string pull will force the body down under the fingerboard extension. The double brace is a long story but I'm not the only one taking this approach, Jim Olson is a very notable builder doing something similar. This part of the top contributes almost nil to sound production, it is the part below the soundhole that really matters.

Tim

Hi Tim,

I love the design and details on this instrument and I can imagine the tone is equal to the esthetic given the rosewood/spruce combination.

Like Carl, I too was curious about the double bracing near the sound hole...I hope you achieve what you are seeking with that design and I applaud your ingenuity and creativity.

The instrument is beautiful and if I were to see this guitar on the wall of my favorite guitar shop, it would be the first one I would sample!

Congratulations and kindest regards, Ken.

Thanks Ken,

That's alot of complements!

I've have taken this very, even obsessively serious since my first. I am really pleased with the tone of my last 2 guitars. If you are interested there are 4 sound samples of this guitar at soundcloud.com/timomink

I wish I had 1/10th of your talent.

That's beautiful work. I just happened to have toured the Martin Guitar factory the other day. While they have automated a lot of steps, there is still a fair amount of careful hand work. You've probably only shown 1/4 of the many steps that went into it. Great job--I want to play the darn thing!

that finish is flawless - what did you use?

Thanks Tony, I've never toured a big factory and would certainly enjoy it. Yes there are many steps. One of the first thing I did after 2 or 3 guitars was list the steps in an outline. It really helps keep my head straight and not forget any of the really important angles or measurements.

Thanks Hank, the finish is ICA 5051 polyester, a fantastic product that enables the user a durable, thin, light weight guitar finish that is relatively easy to use and polishes very well. I have also used shellac and precat lacquer, but the poly definitely is easier and more durable and faster. Tim

I got a supply of cocobolo and we have the wood in a warehouse in Texas, if somebody is interested, please email to make an appointment for you to see the our new stock

What sanding grids steps and polishing did you take to bring such beauty in the mirror imagine.