I was originally going to brace the top with Blackwood but I piked out at the last minute and did it with Spruce
after feeling the weight of the top at final thickness (which was around 2.7mm). Once the top was on I really got stuck into the sanding of it (particularly around the perimeter) so it's probably closer to 2.5mm in it's finished state. The closed box certainly had a much better "boing" after the sanding.
This is the first instrument I've built with a Blackwood top so I'm quite pleased to say it sounds pretty damned good. I've just been comparing it with my 1980's Martin D18 (which is a really loud and sweet sounding dready) and the volume is comparable. The overall sound is quite different but you expect that.
I'm taking this to Port Fairy (with Greg's permission) so I'm interested to see what the makers and players think of it.
The tuners are Gotoh 510's. First time I've used the black ones and they're very sexy items. I think I'll be using them again. The fingerboard and bridge are Brigalow with some Satin Box veneers under the Headstock overlays.
The bindings are Blackwood sapwood and remind me to never again try and bend them around a cutaway.
They were a challenge but we got there eventually.Regards
