J-200 build x2

[crazydave911]

No matter how well made (and yours is WELL made) I always cringe seeing a bridge on any Gibson. I mean two screws holding the bridge, two BIG brass nuts for an adjustable saddle? And this from a major maker with big price tags?
As bad as the fender adjustable saddles and the huge pipe from block to block
At least Fender finally saw it was stupid (and to think Gibson shareholders "retired" Orville Gibson because of weird designs and decisions and then did the same for over 50 years )

Sorry, wonderful work as always

 

[1bad914]

No matter how well made (and yours is WELL made) I always cringe seeing a bridge on any Gibson. I mean two screws holding the bridge, two BIG brass nuts for an adjustable saddle? And this from a major maker with big price tags?
As bad as the fender adjustable saddles and the huge pipe from block to block
At least Fender finally saw it was stupid (and to think Gibson shareholders "retired" Orville Gibson because of weird designs and decisions and then did the same for over 50 years )

Sorry, wonderful work as always

I hope that I made both of these in a manner that resolves the poor quality issues of Gibsons past J 200’s. I can’t guarantee that these bridges will not come loose down the road. If they do I will pull out my drill and a couple of screws and go all Gibson on them. Lol

 

[1bad914]

Started the finishing process tonight. I forgot to take pictures until after I had moved it to the guitar bat cave. Guitars hanging around all over. Not good lighting in there. You can see what one coat can do to enhance the figure. The sides have nice figure that goes front to back. This will be gloss.

 

[1bad914]

3 coats in and am liking this crazy squiggly figure that is popping out of the top.

 

[1bad914]

Four coats and just starting to show a little shine. Usually takes 6-7 to really see it.

 

[1bad914]

After 7 coats. Many more to go.

 

[1bad914]

Started wet sanding this today. 3.5 hours into it so far. Sanding and sanding, check it, sand and sand, check…repeat. You have to sneak up on it or you sand through and start over. Front and back are done, 3/4 of one side. This takes time. I put on some good music and just get lost in it. Very relaxing for me.

 

[1bad914]

Getting shiny.

 

[erix]

Looking Fantastic!

 

[RickyRicardo]

Wow!

 

[thechad]

Beautiful guitars! Thanks for the thread. Looking forward to seeing the final results and the sound test as well.

 

[1bad914]

The body is all finished. Will glue the bridge on as soon as the neck is finished. Almost there.

 

[crazydave911]

Gibson should be taking notes

 

[ndcaster]

Damn, son. Beautiful work!

 

[schoolie]

Amazing work, and I appreciate your sharing the build with us!

 

[1bad914]

It is always a little nerve racking the first time you string a new one up and bring it up to pitch. You really never know for sure what it will do. Kablooey. Lol

 

[1bad914]

Worked on the caramel colored one a bit today. Glued on the fretboard and did some more geometry tweaking. I have something special planned for the headstock on this one. Also wiped some DA on it to pop the figure.

 

[crazydave911]

To be honest I've seen very few maple acoustics I've cared for, most just don't have good "acoustic" tone. I have a feeling these could be different

 

[1bad914]

To be honest I've seen very few maple acoustics I've cared for, most just don't have good "acoustic" tone. I have a feeling these could be different

Maple acoustics can have a very sharp attack and not a lot of sustain. I have a maple back and side Guild D30 that I bought new in 1987, it has really mellowed with age and is really nice. It is not mahogany or rosewood, but still really nice. I hope at least one of these sounds good. This caramel one has all mahogany bracing, so it might be a little mellow. We shall see.

 

[1bad914]

Almost there. Glued the bridge on today. Will wait 24 hours then start the nut/saddle making process and then string it up. Yikes!