Double cutaway acoustic

[KirbyMD]

When you can't decide whether you want a venetian or florentine cutaway...

I've had this idea for an acoustic for quite some time now,
Decided to finally build it.
Camphor Laurel sides have been bent on a bending iron and top / bottom blocks installed.

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Bunya pine linings, I don't use circular spinning saws so no other option than to cut it by hand.
I actually prefer to handcut it anyway.
Looks rather nice against the Camphor Laurel sides.

A few photos upside down, lets just say its intentionally arty....

[blackalex1952]

Now you'll have to learn to play both left and right handed!!!
-Ross

[KirbyMD]

LOL, it's hard enough being a lefty building right handers, now I gotta learn to play both.

[KirbyMD]

Added a few side supports made from the offcuts of the Silver Quandong top.

Having a look at how the grain matches up on the back and sides.

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Making great progress.....

[KirbyMD]

Made myself one of those circle cutting jigs,

Cuts a really nice rosette trench and soundhole.
That laminate trimmer is one of few powered tools I use, mainly binding channels but it comes in handy for jobs like this.

Time to make the tone bars...

[KirbyMD]

Okay, tone bars are made.
Handcut and shaped from Bunya Pine.
All internal areas have been sealed.

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I guess it's time to close it up.

[Mark McLean]

I love the pale and stripy look of the camphor laurel. I bet it smells great too! What colour are you planning for bindings? The double cutaway shape is cool. Have you checked out Mike Doolin’s designs? I cant wait to see it finished.

[KirbyMD]

Thanks Mark,
I haven't checked out Mike Doolins work yet, but will putbit on the to do list.
The smell is great even though it triggers memories, I work away and don't realize im thinking about my grandparents old house.
Binding choice was easy, Camphor Laurel with a hardwood contrasting stripe.

[KirbyMD]

Camphor Laurel binding with contrasting Australian hardwood stripe installed,
Partially completed soundhole rosette as well.

Nothing over the top just keeping it subtle.

[kiwigeo]

An intriguing build.....play on McDuff....play on!

[KirbyMD]

One should really start building the neck I suppose,
Opting for another 3 piece neck and while I'm at it I'm making a few electric necks

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Making necks this way means i also have offcuts long enough to make matching fingerboards.

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[KirbyMD]

One of my favorite stages is getting the binding flush,
It's an opportunity to see how well the idea is progressing.

Handcut dovetail joint in progress.

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[KirbyMD]

Still a bit of work to do on the fingerboard but its looking pretty good.
Bridge has been made from Camphor Laurel with Australian Hardwood stripe and sealed.

It looks more like a theatre inside than a guitar.

[KirbyMD]

A couple of coats of polyurethane and then frets are installed.

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[Dave M]

That's come out pretty smart. Funnily enough it doesn't look as weird as one might expect!
It also seemed to go pretty quick.

Section 8...?

[KirbyMD]

That's come out pretty smart. Funnily enough it doesn't look as weird as one might expect!
It also seemed to go pretty quick.

Section 8...?

Thanks Dave,

I worked out the body shape a long time ago when I was employed in the mass production side of guitar building. It is unusual yet reminiscent of a tele in acoustic form.
The body is parallel at 94mm which helps visually.
I'm ex-Maton, 2 terms 1989-1993 and 1997-2003 so I'm pretty quick when I get going.
This actually ran over by a month.
Section 8 is a category of discharge from the United States military, used for a service member judged mentally unfit for service.
We're a little nuts here and do things differently, so it seemed fitting to call ourselves Section 8.
Take our Houndstooth guitar....

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All Tasmanian Oak and Jarrah , chambered body.

Thanks for checking it out.

Mark.