Latest Classical Guitar

Kim Strode · Post by **Kim Strode** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:03 am

This is Classical Guitar No 2. I've been working on this guitar over the last six months at a guitar making course with Carson Crickmore Guitars in Melbourne. I made an acoustic guitar 18 months previous to this at Thomas Lloyd Guitars and was looking for more detailed building techniques on classical guitars. In between these courses I made a classical guitar, which I previously listed on this forum.

This guitar consists of Satin Box back and sides, Western Red Cedar soundboard and Honduras Mahogany Neck. Satin Box is a native of the Otway Ranges in Western Victoria and while unusual in colour, has the potential of a great tonewood. The back is made up of five pieces as the timber is only available in narrow boards.

The fretboard and bridge are ebony and bindings Indian Rosewood.

I am extremely pleased with the final sound, which gives clear notes across the whole range and great volume. The bracing design follows that of David Rubio, an English Luthier of the mid 1900's. My next task is to build a classical guitar completely out of Australian tonewoods, using this one as a benchmark for sound quality and incorporating my own visual style.

Bob Connor · Post by **Bob Connor** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:43 am

Very Nice indeed Kim. Very clean and classy looking instrument.

I know where I can get Dreadnought sizes Satin Box sets but they're not cheap. $250.00 a set.

I was offered them but turned them down at that price.

Bob

kiwigeo · Post by **kiwigeo** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:33 pm

Beautiful looking guitar Kim and good to see you back on the forums.

Whats the finish on that instrument?

Cheers Martin

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:35 pm

Lovely work Kim, very crisp indeed and the satin box is classy. Is the center wedge in the back and headstock overlay also satin box?

Good to see you back with us and congratulations on adding a very fine instrument to your name.

Cheers

Kim

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:14 pm

That's just freaking gorgeous. I especially like the darker top with the lighter sides and back. I'm also doing my first slotted headstock, so appreciate the fine work you've put in to that one.

kiwigeo · Post by **kiwigeo** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:32 pm

Kim,

You havent got any pics of the bracing have you?

Cheers martin

jeffhigh · Post by **jeffhigh** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:20 am

WOW
Simply stunning

gratay · Post by **gratay** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:19 am

very very nice Kim...I like the look of the timber combination you chose. stunning

Craig · Post by **Craig** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:46 am

Love it Kim , VERY striking !

Glad to have you back with us, and in better health !

Kim Strode · Post by **Kim Strode** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 10:02 am

Thanks everyone for your positive comments and best wishes.

Martin - the finish is six coats spray finish (Sherwood Duralac). I didn't use any fill prior to the spray as I prefer to see the wood grain, and yes I do have images of the bracing.

Kim - the centre wedge and headstock are both Satin Box (Nematolepis squamea syn:Â Phebalium squameum - part of the RUTACEAE family). I chose a different board for these sections which had good fiddle back.

Bob - I have been told by friends I can get Satin Box from Mills around Apollo Bay, but am not sure how to have it dried.

Thanks, Kim

Taffy Evans · Post by **Taffy Evans** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 10:21 am

I've got to agree with all the previous comments, teriffic looking guitar. I too did a slotted peghead last weekend, my second, the first one was 15 years ago and it few apart whilst routing. yours is impressive.

ozziebluesman · Post by **ozziebluesman** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:46 am

Hey thats a beautiful guitar Kim.

Congratulations.

Cheers

Alan

Colin S · Post by **Colin S** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:40 am

That's a lovely looking guitar, (any chance of a sound clip?) with an interesting if unconventional choice of woods.

Colin

Tom Morici · Post by **Tom Morici** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 10:01 am

Nice looking wood selection, and a great looking build.

Any comments on tone from this wood combo?

Tom

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:55 pm

Lovely guitar and choice of woods.

Kim Strode · Post by **Kim Strode** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:17 am

Some have asked to hear a sample of how this guitar sounds. I had my son play and record this short sample piece for you.

http://www.connor.net.au/bach.mp3

Thanks.

SteveF · Post by **SteveF** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:51 am

Hi Kim
I'm with Dave... plus very nice sounding guitar.

Steve

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:46 pm

Really nice clean tone and sounds very even. Pretty damn good playing too.

Kim Strode · Post by **Kim Strode** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 5:38 pm

I'm glad you thought the playing was good Allen, I'll pass that on to my son. When we praise him (Tom), he just thinks it's because we're his parents! It took him a while to do this recording, as he couldn't get the sound reproduction he wanted.

Music is Tom's passion and he wants to study sound recording at tertiary level - I have just begun a Weissenborn for him, as he has given me a list of requests for various musical instruments.

WaddyT · Post by **WaddyT** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 12:11 am

Late to the party, as usual, but that is a beautiful Classical. Your son's playing is also very nice. Excellent tone and separation. Congratulations on a nice build.

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