Tim Crain's J185

[Lonnie B]

You have a Martin and a Taylor. How does the saying go? Imitation is the Epitome of Praise. Borrow that's what they did. Stradivari joined 200 years of Violin making into the finest fiddles on earth. Other then craftsmanship the varnish is about the only thing different then what had been done before.

[TonyinNYC]

Beautiful job on the guitar.
Here is some info you might find useful for doing the final set up. The info I am linking is from Frank Ford. A highly respected repair guru and guitar fixer upper.
Action at the nut:
http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musicia ... ction.html

Action at the saddle:
http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musicia ... ion01.html

Brian Kimsey also has excellent info on doing your own set up.
http://www.bryankimsey.com/setup/

These links should get you where you want to be. I hope you find them helpful.

[tim crain 54]

Thanks for the links Tony. I have the Kinkead book but wanted a couple more references just for comparison. I have it "roughed in" right now and hopefully I will have a few hours to sort it out for real tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again, Tim

[tim crain 54]

Hey Tony, I had a chance this morning to look at the links you posted. That is exactly what I need. Thanks very much, Tim

[tim crain 54]

finished the set up on my 185 this morning and it plays great!! The set up info that Tony provided was really helpful, thanks Tony. In all the excitement I forgot to make a truss rod cover so that is on the fire for this coming week but other than that this baby is DONE!! When I look at the guitar it is still hard for me to believe that I built it. The intonation is what I would consider perfect, plays great all up and down the neck. I haven't had the head to head with the Martin yet so I don't know how it stands up sound wise, but I think it will win on looks if nothing else. Now to start number 2. I'd like to thank Ken for providing this great forum and to all of the members for their guidance support. Thanks, Tim

PS: do NOT buy one of the ten buck bridge pin reamers from Ebay, just light your ten spot on fire and watch it burn, it is a much faster way of wasting your money.

[Lonnie B]

Beautiful guitar great job buddy. I've followed every post.

[tim crain 54]

Thanks Lonnie