First build - Criticism/Advice welcomed

[Matt Carrett]

So having never done any wood working in my life I decided I wanted to build guitars. This is my first build of my own design. The body shape isn't quite where I wanted it but it's something a bit different to what my experience is. I went for a kind of Kasha style bracing and I'm super happy with the sound. Had a bit of trouble setting frets but overall I'm stoked.

Top - Sitka Spruce
B&S - English Walnut
Neck - American Black Walnut
Headstock veneers - Orange Osage, Maple and Figured Mahogany
Bindings - Maple
Butt Block - Cherry
Bracings - Lutz Spruce
Finger Board - Bocote
Bridge - Chechen

[kiwigeo]

Welcome to the forum Matt.

An interesting guitar with an interesting choice of woods and bracing design. You're happy with the sound and the builder is usually the harshest critic of a guitar so well done.

You built this instrument Spanish method? You weren't by any chance using Jim William's book as a guide were you? Have you by chance also had any dealings with Paddy Burgin and Dave Freeman?

[Matt Carrett]

Yeh I built this in the Spanish style in David Freeman's course. I doubt it would have been this good without his guidance.

[kiwigeo]

Yeh I built this in the Spanish style in David Freeman's course. I doubt it would have been this good without his guidance.

I did Dave and Paddy's 3 week course in Wellington, New Zealand a few years ago. Did you do this course or one of Dave's courses in Saskatchewan? Is Dave still wearing those loud tie dye T shirts and the bell in his ear?

[Matt Carrett]

Yeh I did Dave's seven week course in Saskatchewan. He's swapped the bell out for some big pirate looking gold hoops and I don't recall any tie dye. Haha.

[routout]

I like it and if it pleases you it can't be all bad It will always play like the instrument you made that is the main thing

[Matt Carrett]

I like it and if it pleases you it can't be all bad

Yeh that's kind of the way I've been looking at it. Thanks!