Classical Build

[seeaxe]

Evening All

I am thinking about building a classical guitar. I have a number of options to choose from and was wondering what combinations you guys thought would be best

ATM I have in the mini stash
Tops
Englemann
Lutz
WRC

Back and sides
Iroko
Brazilian Mahogany
Blackwood
Kwila

Any thoughts about what goes with what, tone wise?
Or should I get some more EIR?

And whose plan is best???

Grateful for your thoughts though, sadly, I have no tubs of yak fat to offer in return

Cheers

Richard

[kiwigeo]

ATM I have in the mini stash
Tops
Englemann
Lutz
WRC

Back and sides
Iroko
Brazilian Mahogany
Blackwood
Kwila

Any thoughts about what goes with what, tone wise?
Or should I get some more EIR?

And whose plan is best???

Grateful for your thoughts though, sadly, I have no tubs of yak fat to offer in return

Cheers

Richard

Comments from me:

1. All three top woods in you list will go well on a classical. My choice in order of preference in terms of sound would be Lutz..Englemann..WRC.
2. My choice for back and sides...blackwood.
3. Which plan is best? If its your first classical then Id keep it simple and follow a Torres style plan.

Cheers Martin

[seeaxe]

Thanks Martin

The vast majority of respondents have recommended that option, so I shall go with it!

By chance the Lutz came with the blackwoood, so that was obviously meant to be.
And I had already decided on the Torres plan - it looks symmetrical so can change to a righty when it needs to.

Cheers

[Kim Strode]

Question for Martin:

I noticed you listed your 3 preferred woods for Classical Tops. As I have only built a classical with a WRC top and was very pleased, can you best describe your preferences for your order of choice..."My choice in order of preference in terms of sound would be Lutz..Englemann..WRC."

Thanks

[kiwigeo]

Question for Martin:

I noticed you listed your 3 preferred woods for Classical Tops. As I have only built a classical with a WRC top and was very pleased, can you best describe your preferences for your order of choice..."My choice in order of preference in terms of sound would be Lutz..Englemann..WRC."

Thanks

Hi Kim,

The choice is to some degree personal taste. I like Lutz because it's light and stiff. It's also easy to work with. Englemann is more prone to denting and scratching while you're working with it. It's also a bit fuzzy when it comes to finishing the guitar....Ive had issues with nibs sticking through the french polish even after sizing with egg whites followed by sanding down to 320grit sand paper. Sound wise the Englemann can take a while to "play in" where as with the Lutz and WRC the guitar finds its voice alot quicker. Ive built two classicals with Sitka Spruce and they sound good...sitka is an easy wood to work with and good for beginners.

[Kim Strode]

Thanks for your thoughts Martin