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Hello theFretBoard,
New to this forum, I came across it accidentally whilst searching for remnants of my previous business online.
I've been building an assortment of guitar designs for some years now and there's been an interesting variety. However, there is a price to pay for making up new templates each time a new build comes in. Therefore, I have decided to take a little control of the situation and add elements of my own tastes (and continuity) to my work... Whilst still offering "one-off" builds.
I've been working on some new design ideas for guitars, nothing too extreme, and I wanted to share some of the work with you. I will post regularly if the interest is there - I have a number of stock/showcase builds on at the moment, so I hope that you enjoy looking at the guitars I'm making...
The new body designs I am using are made up of a combination of various designs I've used in the past - various curved sections, cutaway depths and shapes, bevelled edges, etc. The first example being the KM-1, seen here with Wenge top on Black Limba body and TOM bridge recess...
More to follow
Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
Recently finished, another KM-2 with Black Limba body, Purpleheart/Maple five-piece neck, Purpleheart fretboard and Gotoh hardware...
The latest build out the workshop - KM-1 with Claro Walnut top on Ash body, Black Walnut/Ash/Wenge 5-piece neck, Indian Rosewood fretboard, Gotoh fixed bridge, 301 Series tuners and oil finish...
I have a couple of custom builds to finish before I move on to the next batch of stock builds. More to come around Christmas/New Year, including 7-string KM-2 and a couple more KM-1s
My feedback thread is here.
nice to see a UK showcase and nice to see some different designs and wood choices.
from my personal perspective the designs need a bit of finessing the KM1 topped with Wenge or Claro Look unfinished the way the the wood just sits on top without
anything in the design to make it sit organically looks odd.
not sure if you are working with hand tools or cnc but often these styles favour Cnc where fancier arcs and curves can bring a design together.
they are obviously pitched at the modern rock market and as such have to compete with some very popular brands like Black Machine Mayones etc etc
I liked the KM-11 more but again the forearm cut looks a little lacking and as a design element seems to have little effect in form or function than to break up the body line.
Ultimately I don't usually play these types of guitar but I understand the where they are pitched if I needed to get to market at this point then they are probably good enough and I would launch with these but I would have the rev2 in the works, that as I said finesses these designs and evolves the product quickly.
all that said I am being picky but you threw them out for comments so am trying to be constructive and I am only really looking at them from a design perspective rather than how they hang together and play as an instrument which I am sure you have well covered.
nice work
My feedback thread is here.
The woods that Matt uses, and his workmanship, are awesome. I've learnt loads about guitar making working with his builds, and his guitars always play wonderfully.
Interesting that @Jez6345789 says these are aimed at the modern rock market (which I'm sure they are), as I'm an old fart that plays blues and old rock, and I love them. But I'm a sucker for an interesting guitar built out of nice wood.
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/78544/new-build-not-a-kit-this-time
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/89191/first-wenge-build
Thank you all for your comments and feedback.
Roland, good question. I've only recently started using Tung oil and it's now my favourite finish in terms of aesthetics. However, I don't find it as durable as Tru-Oil so I use that as my primary neck finish, being that the neck will be handled more than the body. I do offer any combination of these as neck/body finishes on my custom builds.
Jez; I'm always open to feedback and will not take it to heart when someone isn't keen on my designs - "each to their own" and all that
The basis of these designs is functionality, simplicity (stripped-down) and natural aesthetics.
The points you mentioned are all part of these designs on purpose, even if some of them did come about by accident. I used a veneer top with that same chamfer on an earlier "prototype" but now prefer the thicker drop-top (as most would). The chamfer and the two woods revealed on that edge are part of the design - and perhaps if it weren't for the chamfer then there might be some binding, I don't know
Thank you very much, digitalscream
I totally agree with you on the Black Limba and Wenge... Purpleheart for me is another, looks very nice against Limba as well. I've just depleted my Black Limba stock on the next KM-2 7-string (due to be finished over the next month).
Nice work mate. Also, great work @AustrianJohn too!
I really need to try again with a kit.
Thanks Deijavoo. I'll continue updating on this and other builds regularly
Cavity was routed anticipating a single volume for a single pickup. I need to install a stacked volume/tone pot, plus a 3 way switch. Space is rather constrained so I'm going to take my time.
Looking good, John
Another stock build in progress is this "all-Sapele" KM-1 6-string (except for the Makore fretboard). This one will be loaded with Gotoh fixed bridge (ignore the 7-string bridge in the photo) and tuners once complete around late December/early January.
Sapele has been one of my favourite "tonewoods" since I used it on my first ever full build. It's easy to work with and smells nice, but (sadly) it's usually seen as a "cheaper" alternative to Mahogany. This couldn't be any further from the truth; Sapele is more readily available so, naturally, it won't cost as much as Mahogany. Sapele is "similar" to Mahogany in appearance and tone, however, Sapele also offers more punch and bright, airy highs... And it's prettier than most genuine Mahogany
Here's another build on the bench at the moment; it's a 7-string KM-II with Black Walnut off-set body, Maple neck and bound Ebony fretboard. This one will be loaded with Original Floyd Rose, BKP Juggarnaut set and Hipshot Grip-Lock, and is due to be shipped out to USA around mid-January...
Also, I cleared up those duplicate posts for you...