I Seek Plans For This Guitar (in love help help)

[Mark from Ashland]

All very interesting! I did stop by Cripple Creek Music and the guitar there is a OOO-28VS. I do like the herringbone purfling, but will decide later whether I want abalone.

When the ultimate guitar building plans get printed out I can compare them to the stewmac ones. I like all the extra touches that are on the Ultimate plans.

[ken cierp]

Mark as I indicated in the PM I sent (I assume you got it?) Preston Thompson is somewhat of an expert in the construction of vintage replicas -- here's the one he made for Peter Rowan

http://pkthompsonguitars.com/images/Web ... index.html

Not too shabby!!!!

[Mark from Ashland]

That is a fine looking guitar, Ken. I got your PM, and have followed up by returning to the guitar shop to sight across the top of the 000-28. Sure 'nuff, looks flat. Real flat. Actually, there is a little bit of dome-ish-ness that seems to come solely from string tension.

It all seems too simple! If i am not mistaken, the neck set angle is exactly 90 degrees... I may have to purchase the book you recommended so that my brother and I can plan the construction of such an instrument. I must also find some good discussion regarding the benefits of a domed top vs. a flat one, as I assume there is a reason that "modern" guitars are commonly domed. I like to have a reason for each construction technique, even if it is someone else's.

[Brian Itzkin]

Martin tops are domed, not flat

[ken cierp]

There is a practical scientific reason for a slight dome (in addition to the fact that it prevents the sound board from taking on a concave appearance). A domed top has a bit more surface area then a perfectly flat top -- therefore if the sound board shrinks from lack of moisture ( low RH) it will belly in before it cracks. That said Martin still uses a 52' radius on their braces, check out the tops on the R Taylor signature models they have completely flat tops -- and the brag about it! -- as will Martin if you call the factory -- they are quick to point out that they make flat top guitars. BTW the pull/tension of the strings on a flat guitar does not take advantage of the arch strength, on the other hand instruments with tail pieces do -- the force is downward (bow and arrow) ie. jazz guitars, violins, upright basses, viola etc.

[Mark from Ashland]

I've been seen so often in Cripple Creek Music looking at that 000 that I've got a joking arrangement with them: I should buy the guitar, and then sell it on consignment once I've built a better one. The sales guy says that might take a while.

[ken cierp]

Like most of us you'll be amazed how nice a first or second build can be -- make it light, pay attention to fit and finish, don't get hung up on precise cloning measurements (those old instrument were semi-hand made and varied a lot -- as much a 1/4" length width etc.)