Fingerboard and Bridge

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Comment by Sean Noctor on August 9, 2011 at 10:26

Thank you VERY much Scot, I've a bit to learn on this subject as you can tell so will certainly look for Maple and Spruce, no point doing this half hearted, it's a labour of love after all, half the fun is finding out or being pointed in the right direction, as I said before one of the great things about these sites is the generosity of folk with their hard earn knowledge so thanks again for sharing yours 

Comment by Scot Tremblay on August 9, 2011 at 0:04

Rosewood would be just fine for the back and sides but a good European Maple was more to the liking of Sor, Aguado and many of the other top players of the era. They didn't like the tone of Rosewood as the modern player does. And from my experience as a player of almost exclusively 19th century guitar repertoire, I fully concure. Aguado even suggested that the top be made from Maple (I'm not so convinced on that one...). Most often one will find that Rosewood backed guitars are Rosewood veneer over Spruce, Maple or fruitwood.  Maples and fruitwoods were often used as solid material for the backs and sides.

 

There is no evidence that Red Cedar for tops was used until Ramirez started using it in his guitars around the middle of the 20th century. I'm not sure if he was the first to use it but he popularized the commercial use of it for sure.

 

For me,  I'd go with a Maple back and sides, spruce top  and, in order of preference, either a Maple, Poplar or pine neck (lacquered black, ebony veneered if you're up for an adventure) and you'd have a closely authentic guitar. These woods are closer to what I believe the 19th century prefered sound was, are easier to work with than Rosewood and easier on the pocketbook (I think, an important consideration when starting out building). 

 

If it is any indication as to what modern players prefer as the Early romantic sound, I haven't had a Rosewood guitar commissioned in years. Almost always Maple, occassionally fruitwoods like Cherry, apple, one mahogany and one Lacewood.

 

But you are the builder/player and the guitar must please you so it can be made of what ever you prefer and/or, as is often the case, what ever you can get your hands on.

 

Comment by Sean Noctor on August 8, 2011 at 22:46

Thank you for your suggetion Scot, I was looking towards a Lacote but will also look at some Pons now too, this will keep me on my toes while I'm doing some reseach and plan my schedule,  I'm thinking of rosewood and cedar, would that be in keeping, I know it's down to the builder but I think it's good to stay to the orignal at this stage and get a better idea of what the Masters guitars sound like, if I come remotely close I'll be very very happy, thanks again     

Comment by Scot Tremblay on August 8, 2011 at 20:30

Thanks for your kind comments Sean.

 

I'd suggest building a French style (Lacote or Pons), Panormo and Stauffer in that order. There is some tricky joinery (see the photos I posted) in the Stauffer neck (if you do the "Legnani" model) which benefits from a little experience. At first it can be very frustrating at first. Once you have done it a couple times and figure out the sequence of the cuts/glue ups it's no more difficult that the others. Just takes a little longer.

 

Good luck with your building and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Comment by Sean Noctor on August 8, 2011 at 16:46

Hi Scot, had a good look at your pics, Beautiful guitars and workmanship, those are the type of guitars I joined this site to see and learn about. I'm in the throw of ordering some wood for 3 guitars just not fully decided what to make yet, I've only made a steel strung based on an early Martin so wanted to try a nylon stringed this time. Anyway thanks for sharing them, if you've any more pics I'd like to see some more just for the pleasure of seeing whats possible if you take your time and do your homework, sean