Green Moutain Series Josie Sm Jumbo

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

Mark, that’s very nice. I look forward to seeing/playing this one.
See you in a few weeks!

Steve

Thanks Steve, I look forward to meeting you in person at the show.

Mark

[Dustinfurlow]

Holy WOW! That looks so inviting

[Mark Hatcher]

I'm picking away at getting this guitar ready for the show.
You can see I made the Snakewood bridge:



When I cut the slot for the saddle I angle it back by 8 1/2 degrees:


Having the saddle tilted back like this helps the saddle intonation self adjust when the height is raised or lowered.
Also, the back angle helps reduce the force on the bridge in front of the saddle slot reducing the chance of cracks



This will have a bone saddle and I'm thinking about using bone bridge pins as well.

Thanks for viewing!
Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I have the gold frets installed and have the fretboard all cleaned up:


A few things to notice: semi-hemispherical fret end finish, curly maple micro purfling both inside and below the Snakewood binding and green Turquoise fret markers



More to come!
Mark

[Treenewt]

That fretwork/inlay....wowza! Incredible precision and skill, Mark. I'm literally in awe!

[Mark Hatcher]

[QUOTE=Treenewt;7430484]That fretwork/inlay....wowza! Incredible precision and skill, Mark. I'm literally in awe![/QUOTE]

Thanks Treenewt, One thing I had to learn about building guitars is: “The closer to finishing a guitar, the slower you go building it”.
The later things you do show the most and the consequences in lost time and materials get much greater the further along you go.
It’s not a marathon, don’t make that big all out push to reach the finish line.

Mark

[jaymarsch]

Gorgeous, as always, Mark! Have fun at the show.
Best,
Jayne

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Gorgeous, as always, Mark! Have fun at the show.
Best,
Jayne

Thanks Jayne, it's my first time doing the Artisans Guitar show. I'm looking forward to being there!

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

I have this Snakewood bridge glued in place. You can see that I ramp the back of my bridges. I partly do this because it gives me more control of the weight of the bridge. I have a target weight for my bridges and a very heavy wood like Snakewood requires that control.



Now it's time to drill the bridge pin pilot holes down through the bridge plate


Here I use my 1950s Miller Falls hand drill. This is my tool of choice for two reasons; one, I can drill without overheating the wood. Overheating makes wood more brittle and crack prone.
Two, the drill handle is in line with the bit and the whole tool is perfectly balanced.
Like the saddle pocket, my pins are set with a back angle in line with the ramped bridge belly. I do it this way for a variety of reasons but let's just say when the strings are tuned you can pull the bridge pins out and nothing will happen. This hand tool makes it easier to hit the angles I want than an out of balance powered hand drill with its offset handle.

Here we have the bridge with the bone bridge pins in place:



Thanks for viewing!
Mark

[Nemoman]

Really a stunning guitar, Mark--have a great time at the show!

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Nemoman

Really a stunning guitar, Mark--have a great time at the show!

Thanks Nemoman, I’m excited to be part of the show!

[Mark Hatcher]

Here are a few more pictures:








I think they speak for themselves

[AcousticDreams]

Leopard Wood is a tonewood that really interests me. I have played one Guitar that used Leopardwood for back and sides. And seen/heard two videos made with this tone wood. It seemingly produces a tone slightly different from anything else.

As a previous Commercial photographer, mostly specializing in Guitars for brochures in the 1980's & 90's, I want to fully compliment you on your magnificent photography! You are able to capture every detail while exhibiting excellent compositions & mood setting backgrounds. And you have done that in every single photo throughout this thread.

I am sincerely hoping you will have some sound samples or video when it is completed. I can't wait to hear this guitar!

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

Here are a few more pictures:








I think they speak for themselves

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by AcousticDreams

Leopard Wood is a tonewood that really interests me. I have played one Guitar that used Leopardwood for back and sides. And seen/heard two videos made with this tone wood. It seemingly produces a tone slightly different from anything else.

As a previous Commercial photographer, mostly specializing in Guitars for brochures in the 1980's & 90's, I want to fully compliment you on your magnificent photography! You are able to capture every detail while exhibiting excellent compositions & mood setting backgrounds. And you have done that in every single photo throughout this thread.

I am sincerely hoping you will have some sound samples or video when it is completed. I can't wait to hear this guitar!

Thanks for the kind words AcousticDreams. Photography is an important part of my build process.

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

The Scheller tuners came late yesterday:


Notice the string posts ride on sealed bearings. The support collars for the tuner button/worm gear posts also contain sealed bearings.
This precision cuts backlash down to almost nothing, especially compared to any factory tuners.



I designed this new headstock with the intention of using 3-on-plate tuners.
I like the look, lighter weight and added stability they provide.
It's rare to get all of these three things together at once!
I should also mention how incredibly smooth these tuners are.

Thanks for viewing!
Mark