Build Thread: 000 Koru kahikatea/Heart Rimu.

[ozziebluesman]

One classy build coming together here Christian.

Enjoying the thread very much.

Cheers

Alan

[kalimna]

I, too, am enjoying the build thread. I am especially keen on clean, relatively uncluttered lines, as I feel that too much 'bling' can overshadow the considerable talent required to construct. Whereas a clean design shows every little imperfection.

However, I have a question (and as I am only on acoustic build No. 1 myself, possibly a naive question) - your top braces look quite 'heavy' compared to those I have seen elsewhere. Is that a particular design feature, or am I noticing something that isnt there?

Thanks,
Adam

[christian]

Cheers, Alan
It's interesting how we all go about building, the threads are great for sharing our processes.
I'm always learning new things.

Hi Adam,
Thanks for your comments,the braces start off pre shaped for the vacuum gluing, but they do get shaved down a little once I glue the top to the sides.
all the best with your build!

Cheers,

Christian.

[Kev3]

Hi Christian,
Really enjoying watching this build come together. Like you work very much and have wondered how the heck you manage the clean look of the mitred edges. You'd need everything to come together spot on in terms of symmetry etc. Now having seen the build images to date - I'm still gobsmacked you pull it off
There can't be much leeway for error in cutting the mitre before bending then getting it all to line up.
Keep it coming, it's like trying to work out a magic trick

[christian]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the praise!!
I can assure you there are no smoke and mirrors here.
Perfect templates make it reasonably straight forward, the mitre bit simply follows it.
Making sure that waist curve is marked and bent it in the right place is kinda crucial, but it is for a normal build anyway.
let me know if there is something obvious I have left out.
more pics below.

Cheers,

Christian.

Hi Christian,
Really enjoying watching this build come together. Like you work very much and have wondered how the heck you manage the clean look of the mitred edges. You'd need everything to come together spot on in terms of symmetry etc. Now having seen the build images to date - I'm still gobsmacked you pull it off
There can't be much leeway for error in cutting the mitre before bending then getting it all to line up.
Keep it coming, it's like trying to work out a magic trick

[Stephen Kinnaird]

Hey Christian, looking good, and thanks for posting.
Especially interested in your neck process. Notice you shape the head before gluing the overlay.
Not clear how you kept that in register while the glue set. Pins from the back side?
Thanks,

Steve

[christian]

Hi Steve

Yip the head veneer is aligned by the 4 holes(tuner placement) made when I routed the head shape, it's just tacked enough to stop it slipping around.

Cheers,

Christian.

Hey Christian, looking good, and thanks for posting.
Especially interested in your neck process. Notice you shape the head before gluing the overlay.
Not clear how you kept that in register while the glue set. Pins from the back side?
Thanks,

Steve

[christian]

And the last few steps cutting the soundport, sanding in the armrest and aligning the bridge
Finally at the the fun part finishing!!

Cheers,

Christian.

[christian]

It's finished!!!!
I've uploaded quite a few photos to finish the build. The Koru has a really bright punchy and loud tone.
Cheers,

Christian.

[lauburu]

Beautiful guitar. Well done

[Crafty Fox]

Beautiful, elegant work. Many thanks for sharing, it is very inspiring.

[christian]

thanks for the comments !!

I was down in Aucks on the weekend showcasing some of my guitars, and a couple of guys organised an impromptu recording of this Koru. It is a bit rough, but I thought posting It would complete the build.
The guitar is off to Paris this week. here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQE1AkZeUeg

Cheers,

Christian

[Nick]

Nice work Christian and good sound to boot!

[Dave]

Christian what a fantastic build thanks for documenting it

Dave

[charangohabsburg]

Thank you Christian, I really enjoyed this thread. Great looking guitar as always and a very nice insight to your building approach. The mellow and neat sound is... just wonderful. Congrats.

Cheers,

[christian]

Thanks guys,

Glad you enjoyed the build. On closer analysis the video actually captures the sparkle this guitar has quite well.
Cheers,

Christian.