Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Been awhile since I've had a request for a steel string guitar. This one actually started out as a Guitalele but through discussing the clients other instruments I was asked if I could do a short scale steel string but still tuned E to e. He was adamant that it had to be a looker. Nothing bland as he likes to look at his instruments as much as play them.

This is what I came up with built on my Baritone body with a 22" scale length.

Back and Sides - Pommele Sapele
Top - Sitka Spruce
Neck - Brazilian Mahogany
Head Plate - York Gum Burl
Fret Board - Ebony with compound radius
Bindings - Sapele
Block Inlays - Gold MOP
Tuners - Hipshot
Pickup - K&K
Finish - Mirotone
Strings - D'Addario EXP16

Hi Allen,

Gee that looks nice!
How does that size compare to a terz-size guitar? (I think that's a Martin size 5?)
What are the bridge pins made of?

Thanks,
GregL.

The body is a bit smaller than the Style 5, but not by much. The scale length is 22" and the Style 5 is a bit shorter at 21 3/4" from memory. But the Style 5 is generally tuned up from standard E-e guitar tuning.

Bridge pins are Box Wood from Gurian Instruments. I like them to add some contrast and compliment the spruce top.

Very nice Allen
Wayne

Nice one Allan,

Perfection as always.

Love the little Guitars!

Makes Mine look Plain

Cheers,

Great guitar Allen I really like the Pommele Sapele and the rosette looks great

Dave

Hi Allen,

Again, that's a nice guitar!
A couple more questions if that's ok!
How is the string tension with the short scale?
Is the bridge also ebony?

Thanks,
GregL.

Working out the appropriate strings for the scale length was probably the most stressful part of the build.

Using D'Addario's string tension calculator, I worked out the tension on each string in various sets at a standard scale length. Then had to do the same calculations to find a set of stings that gave similar tension at the shorter scale. So ended up with 120 lbs total tension with this set. I could have picked each string individually, but wanted something easy for the client to replace when required.

So yes, with the EXP16's the tension is good. Some of the Blue Grass sets would have pushed the tension up to 150'bs, but that was more tension than I wanted, plus those strings are like fencing wire. Lighter gauges would be down to 80lbs and I don't think would have been appropriate at all.

Bridge is ebony.

This is a great looking (as usual) little guitar, Allen. Is it just a matter of time until you start to build bass guitars and even bigger monsters?

I love how you do your headstocks! The binding and back strap are just perfect! If I could request a tuit from any maker on any subject, it would be on headstocks from you!

Mmmmmmm me like

Great guitar!!
Love those tuners

Nice guitar Allen, very neat. I always liked the Art Deco look of those tuners, but found them very heavy, but then looking at the back I can see they have been lightend with the exposed gears.