KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

[Daniel P]

I know I shouldn't start number 2 before number 1 is complete, but I just routed the back strip channel so I might as well let everyone know whats coming next. This guitar I'm building for one of my oldest and best friends - we've known each other since first grade. None of the major work will be started until my first is strung up.

KMG 12 fret Ditson
Walnut Back & Sides
Figured maple bindings with herringbone purfling
Figured maple tail wedge
Sitka Spruce top
3 ring herringbone rosette
Spruce bracing - scalloped
Rounded reverse kerfing
Rosewood bridge plate
Ebony Pyramid bridge with drop in saddle
KMG "True" Bolt on M/T Mahogany
Martin style aluminum truss rod
Rosewood heel cap
Rosewood headstock veneer
Ebony fingerboard

[Dave Bagwill]

Man, that is gonna be a sweet thing.

[Kevin in California]

What is the KMG "True" bolt on neck?

[Daniel P]

Kevin - that's just what Ken has called it when ordering, I doubt there any other type of bolt-on necks he offers.

[ken cierp]

Martin bolt on necks are not true bolt on (one fastener) --- they require glue in the joint as well as gluing down the finger-board extension, the bolt is really a "clamp" for gluing compression. Our KMG neck design does not require glue at either location and it also adjustable vertically a feature that our major competitors sorely lack.

[Kevin in California]

Well alright!
I really want to do an extension screw on one of these guitars

[Daniel P]

Yes, I know I should finish my first before starting my second, but I'm at a point of indecision on the fretboard inlay for the 00-12, so I'm going to keep moving on some of the Ditson body work.

A few months back I had inlayed a zippered backstrip that I bought from Grizzly, and while I'm pleased with the rope binding from them, the color of the zippered backstrip does not work with the walnut back. It has far too little contrast, does not have the crisp look I wanted. I'm building this guitar for one of my best, longest time friends, so its worth getting it right.

I decided to use the same 1/4 down spiral carbide bit with the Colt router to remove the inlayed backstrip and reaplace it with the same Stew-Mac strip I used on the 00-12. We'll see how it works out.

Here is the Grizzly zipper backstrip with a quick wash coat of shellac - not the look I was intending.