Build to Order Guitar Specs Thread

Don't get me wrong, but this is a trade that requires a commitment to poverty. I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything but unless you're the owner and can get capital enough to make a production leap into making several thousand a month - and the reputation and the sales force to move all those - you're going to be poor for the rest of your life. Yeah, Santa Cruz made some five-figure guitars while I was there (and got in some six-figure guitars which I got to play, oh yes) but the owner isn't a rich man and never will be. And it's not because he's a dummy (he most assuredly isn't) or because he makes things people don't want (I don't think we ever got down from an 18-month waiting period while I was there). The economics of the thing just don't lend themselves to making a lot of profit or being able to pay your labor a lot of cash or benefits.

If you want to make money woodworking, make custom furniture. Seriously.

OP: glad you're happy with your axe. Yeah, it's not the kind of thing most people can afford to do more than once. I'm a big fan of the slothead headstock.

 

Just received my first guitar, as a 32 year old man. Don't know how to play a single thing. Wow is it intimidating. It was a gift from my dad, and while its not some super awesome brand or anything, it's going to be what I learn on. Fender has a pretty bad rep in the acoustic world. For now though this will be just fine. I can't believe how beautiful these things can get!

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of guitars. haha it definitely can be intimidating at first, but it's not so bad. and there is nothing wrong with a cheaper starter. Hell, I didn't buy my first "nice" acoustic until last year and I've been playing for about 9.5 years now. If you're having lots of problems though, maybe take it in somewhere for a setup, and it will make a world of difference.

As for now, start slow and take your time. It'll come with time and it's a whole lot of fun. haha Are you taking lessons or anything?

I've recently bought a Dobro and had my old mandolin restored so now I've got one instrument that I'm decent on and two that I have no clue what I'm doing. haha

 

I'm picking up what I can from the interwebz. Youtube mainly. I was a band nerd in high school...and basically just memorized what to "finger" depending upon where the note was. I didn't actually learn to read the notes, just the counts and fingering. But I understand some. I am also shopping who to get lessons from, in my area. I work a strange shift, so it can be tough on scheduling, along with time for my wife, and 1 year old daughter. I picked up and learned how to play happy birthday on "one string" the other night for my daughters birthday, she had no clue, but it was cool to play it for her. I now officially hate my pinky and ring finger on my left hand, as they don't do what I tell them to. Oh, and my fingers are sore. HAHAHA.

 

Nice thread. Taylor makes some beautiful guitars. I grew up around Martins with two older brothers playing them. A D-42 and a D-35. I played flute and sang high harmonies at family sessions...holidays mostly.
In 2006 my brother passed and left me his 1974 D-35 he had purchased new. It was very difficult to play, my brother had worn the frets and it needed a neck reset. After a ton of work....frets, neck reset, fixed the famous 70's' split at the pick guard, it was one of the Martins built with the bridge in the wrong location, making proper tonation but a dream, and that was corrected as well. I had his initials placed at the octave fret.
I have been faithful ever since, playing often. It really sounds sweet and I continue to improve and grow as a player. There are a lot of great guitars, but after having grown up where and when I did, nothing beats the sound of a Martin.

 

I was jamming a bit today and got my little bro to take some photos of the guitar in action. Thought I'd share here.



DSCF0611.jpg by AdelphosChaz, on Flickr



DSCF0618.jpg by AdelphosChaz, on Flickr

 

That guitar is gorgeous! I would love to have a BTO acoustic someday. I just finished building my dream Gibson SG electric from a stripped body/neck kit. Still have some work to do, since the nut is too low and causes buzzing at 4/5/6 on the G. I'll be installing a new Gotoh graphite nut on my next day off to fix that issue. I won't hijack your thread with pics of mine (see Guitar Builds and Mods thread). Glad to see you playing again after your injuries!

 

Hijack it all you want ha my intentions were that others could post up their guitars, dream guitars, and projects.

 

Anything new in this thread? I got a new Taylor Big Baby a couple months ago and finally settling into it. This is my less important "beater" guitar (even though I hate calling them that, I would never beat my guitars), but for the price and being a laminate guitar, it really fits the bill.

So to date, I have two guitars: 2001 Guild F-30R from Westerly RI, and my 2012 Taylor Big Baby.

Question, if I want to post some new stuff I am working on, what is the easiest way? I write my own fingerstyle compositions and always looking for feedback...

 

I don't really know. Maybe put it on another site and link it here. I wouldn't know how to post up music or tabs here ha

 

I'll update with some photos tonight, but I bought a new Eastman AC720 over the weekend. It's my second Eastman and I absolutely love it. I have one of their Mahogany OM's as well..

The AC720 is Engelmann Spruce over EIR and is a cannon. Wood has great figuring and slight bearclaw just like my OM. Great fit & finish and attention to detail. Works great fingerpicking, but with a pick its loud as all get out. A/B'ed it against a Martin D16, D18, and Sustainable Wood Series and it easily beat them out in tone and volume. It's not HD-28, but its pretty damn nice, especially for the price.

Got some pictures after changing the strings tonight. I'm not a photographer by any means though so these don't really do it justice lol

 

Nice guitar man! I have played a few eastmans and they are a lot of guitar for the money. Good pictures to boot!

 

I like that Rosette and pinstripe back. Looks familiar

 

Thanks guys! I love it so far. Super loud and clear. I definitely agree about being a lot of guitar for the money. A lot of people dismiss them since they're not a big name, but they've been making mandolins and violins for a long time and know what their doing.

And yea me too. The rosette is flamed maple I believe.. My Mahogany OM has great figuring on the back as well and looks really cool. It adds a lot of depth and class too in my opinion lol

 

Hey guys,

I'm trying to downsize my collection of instruments/gear/books a little. Could use the money and I'll be moving into an apartment this winter and wont be able to fit it all. i'm at work now, but if anyone is in need of anything/would be interested, I'll update with a list of stuff when I get home. I've got a few beginner guitars, a cheap-ish acoustic, bags, cables, and a ton of dvd/book lessons for different genres.

I've been toying with the idea of selling my PRS SE as well since I don't think I've picked it up or even played electric in a few years now.

 

Anybody know of Sfarzo guitar strings?

 

I've never used them, but I know a few people that really like their "Snake Oil" strings for the electric. Reviews seem to generally be good.. I say give them a shot and report back!

 

I don't play, they moved in near my office and was curious about them. They're nice folks.

 

oh, haha nevermind then. I've never personally used them but it seems like they have a good sized following. Can't be too bad then, imo!