Nylon Model Complete

This week, I completed the Nylon model. This guitar has about 2" smaller body size compared with the predecessor shown in the 3rd photo. Purpose of shrinking the body size is to obtain more quick response, and less strong bus for Jazz musicians. This guitar showed very similar sound character as the full size version. Difference is simply just a little bit quiet. Other than that, new mini version has very similar results. I was a little bit surprised from this results. From this experience, I have gotten a conclusion that as long as a guitar has same bracing patter, guitar creates similar sound character.
Another difference for this nylon model is material. This guitar has Oregon Myrtle side and back. Myrtle created shorter sustain. This sound character is suitable for Jazz music. I designed this model as a platform for installing a pick-up system. I will install electrical pick-up system soon. I will report once I got an electrical version of this guitar.

MD Complete

A long jury to complete MD model is finally over. I completed MD making this weekend. This guitar gave me a very satisfying sound quality. This guitar has amazingly long sustain and tonal response. A 12-deghree head angle design gave me a very player friendly string tension without sacrificing tonal quality. This is an amazing surprise. I hope this guitar satisfies a new owner's desire for owing a new guitar, and to be a good partner of a new owner. This guitar will be shipped to Japan tomorrow.

Final polishing and Bridge install

     Finally. MD model completed final sanding and polishing. Sanding session started with 600-grit sanding paper through, 1200-grit, and 2000-grit. Top photo is for after 600-grit sanding session, and second one is after 1200-grit session. After finishing the 2000-grit sanding, I had polishing sessions. Then, I did bridge install. Bridge install has been done by a vacuum clamp with 20Hg vacuum setting. My bridge has super thin wings thickness; therefor, I need the vacuum clamping system. It is almost impossible to install my unique bridge using a conventional clumping technique.
     I checked neck angle to the installed bridge. It looks perfect. I will have a final fret dressing session, nut and saddle making. Then, this guitar is ready for a test drive. I might be able to complete MD guitar making project next Sunday.

Bridge Making

While waiting the final coat curing, I made bridges for MD and nylon model. MD employed Madagascar RW, and Nylon model employed Brazilian RW. Nylon bridge is made from three-piece configuration due to the material size limitation. Both of bridges have 28-grams of wait. My bridges are always less than 28-grams. I do not like heavier bridge, for my tonal preference. So, I almost have never used Ebony bridges. My bridges are finished by couple of coats of Shellac including a pumice pore filling process. Last three photos show design matching between bridge and the body. For me, both MD and nylon model have excellent design matching including color. Next week, I will have final sanding and polishing sessions.