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Sassafras 0-18
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:08 pm
by Bob Connor
We finished this this week.
Blackheart Sassafras with an Engelmann top, Blackwood bindings, Tiger Myrtle Bridge.
As I had assumed, the Sassafras is a warm sounding tonewood not unlike Mahogany. I have another Dread made from Sassafras that'll be finished in the next week or two so I'll be able to compare it with my D18.
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:32 pm
by kiwigeo
A very Sassy looking guitar Bob.....
I love the bridge
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:44 pm
by Allen
Very nice looking silk figure in that top. I assume it's one of Graham's?
The one I'm building with at the moment has similar figure. I'd never seen it like that before. Very subtle and quick beautiful. Your finish is looking good. Those lessons at TAFE look like they've paid off.
Does this guitar have a home yet?
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:13 pm
by Dave White
Bob and Dave,
Another beauty!! Lovely wood as always.
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:17 pm
by ozziebluesman
Thats one beautiful looking guitar Bob! I have a soft spot for the sassafrass. The engleman certainly has a luster to it and nice figure.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Alan
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:29 pm
by Taffy Evans
Now I like that, a very classy looking guitar.
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:51 pm
by Colin S
Boys, another guitar of quality from your stable. Looks an interesting wood , and of course if it sounds like mahogany must be a winner.
Colin
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:14 pm
by Dave Anderson
Another Great job Bob,Dave !! The sassafrass looks very appealing and "sounds like mahogany"
is a very good sound to have. It reminds me a little of
your native olive! I like your bridge too and thats some sweet Engleman.
All around super job guys!
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:03 am
by WaddyT
Wow, you guys can put out some beauties. That's a knockout! Tasteful simplicity with beautiful wood.
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:49 am
by snidermike
I likes that a lot. The sassafras looks great.
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:08 am
by Kim
Good work Bob and Dave, great looking guitar.
It will be interesting indeed when you do the D18 comparison. Did you weigh the myrtle bridge?
It would be interesting to do an all Tassi guitar. Sassy B/S, Blackwood neck Tiger Myrtle bridge and trim and a King Billy or Blackwood top. Maybe you could even do a 6 and 12 string double neck and then you could call it a true Tassi double header
Cheers
Kim
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:39 am
by Bob Connor
Thanks everyone.
Yes this one does have a home Allen and it is one of Grahams tops.
Kim the bridge weighs 20 grams so it is quite light. I usually shoot for about 25 but this is a really light guitar weighing in a little over 1500 grams (3.3lbs) and the top is very lightly brace so I thought that weight would be appropriate.
One thing I will say about Sassafras is that is extremely easy to work, is one of the easiest bending woods (right up there with EIR) with very little springback and has no pores to fill. The figure in Sassafras runs the entire spectrum from none through to the extreme figure that Tim showed us a couple of days a go.
I glued up a neck blank yesterday from Sassafras with a Blackwood centre strip so I'm hoping that it will also be suitable for necks. I can't see why it wouldn't be, but Sassafras has generally been avoided by the majority of established guitar builders here in Australia so there is no body of evidence to support it's suitability.
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:46 pm
by Stephen Kinnaird
I love your work Bob.
And your adventurous use of alternative species.
Good on ya (borrowed from those up north).
Steve
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:25 pm
by Ron Wisdom
Beautiful creation there, Bob. I love what you fellows come up with. Excellent.
Ron
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:41 am
by Tigermyrtle
Bob, This is a great looking Guitar and as you say very easy to work.
This is a species that is really going to take off with alot of the major builders overseas, Regards Bob,
bob wrote:Thanks everyone.
Yes this one does have a home Allen and it is one of Grahams tops.
Kim the bridge weighs 20 grams so it is quite light. I usually shoot for about 25 but this is a really light guitar weighing in a little over 1500 grams (3.3lbs) and the top is very lightly brace so I thought that weight would be appropriate.
One thing I will say about Sassafras is that is extremely easy to work, is one of the easiest bending woods (right up there with EIR) with very little springback and has no pores to fill. The figure in Sassafras runs the entire spectrum from none through to the extreme figure that Tim showed us a couple of days a go.
I glued up a neck blank yesterday from Sassafras with a Blackwood centre strip so I'm hoping that it will also be suitable for necks. I can't see why it wouldn't be, but Sassafras has generally been avoided by the majority of established guitar builders here in Australia so there is no body of evidence to support it's suitability.