Finally, finally COMPLETE!!!
This build has been on my mind for over a year. I have always been interested in woodwork. Built arcade cabinets, units and tools for my workshop.
I decided I was going to build an OM acoustic for my son. He has been playing for nearly 8 years. I bought stewmac plans and began building all the components from scratch. Originally it was going to eagleman spruce top and olive wood for the back and sides. Now olive wood is great and all but it is a nightmare to bend the sides. In the end, I decided to keep the olive wood back but use french walnut for the sides and also the neck. Expensive project. Haha
After glueing the box, I came across Marks live videos on YouTube. I honestly wish I found this first. As I would have done things differently. I wouldn't have done binding for one. Haha.
Signed up back in September 22 and went through each step/re-watched to make certain complete.
Today I finished the final set up. I have left the action slightly high for the time being. Will most likely go back and lower the saddle and nut a smidge to suit my sons playing.
It sounds great though, it's got nice sustain and the notes are very clear with no buzz. For a first build, I am super chuffed with the end result. So much better than any mid to high range guitar I have played in the past. Now my son will have an instrument from me and with the right care that should last a long time. Maybe even an heirloom. Come christmas, the guitar will be with its new owner. He better bloody like it.
Will I make another acoustic? Probably not, who knows. Will I make an electric? Damn straight I will.
I'm glad this project has come to an end but looking back at all the stress, mistakes, magivering jigs to fix mistakes. It was really fun and I'm glad I built an acoustic first. undefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined
So for the guitar:
Olive wood back, walnut sides and neck, eagleman spruce top. Headstock is olive wood and backstrap is walnut. Fretboard and bridge is ebony
Locking tuners, bone saddle/nut, evo gold frets. Brass rod side dots and brass tube fret inlays. Rich gogold dry transfer. Martin bridge pins and finally for strings I used martin 2.0 phosphor bronze.
Pictures below
@norriemac congrats on the guitar, looks gorgeous! Acoustic is defo on my todo list at some point.
Nice work @norriemac. Is it a leftie or have the pictures just reversed?
🎶🎸🙂🙏
🗝️ "Life's what you make it"🗝️
That looks fantastic, well done.
Nice work. There is a great amount of satisfaction when you finish your first build and an acoustic as well.
Trying to make a living out of a hobby doesn't work 🙂
Great work.
Acoustic builds always seem more "skilled craftsman" to me compared to electrics - it's the main reason I've never tried one.
So, congrats on that. The back wood looks pretty wow - that's going to look great on your electric build.
👍
Online guitar making courses – guitarmaking.co.uk
I was passing by, having not been here for a while, and just had to check out all the builds (especially acoustics).
I must admit that I was gobsmacked (really impressed) by your guitar. You've done a brilliant job here and it looks an absolutely beautiful guitar.
I also watched Mark's videos twice, and made loads of mistakes, but have to admit that it was a great experience.
You should feel rightly proud of your achievement. Well done.