First scratch build - OM style

Post a few pictures of your "completed" project
Oli K_
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Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:53 am
Location: London, UK

First scratch build - OM style

Post by Oli K_ » Sun Jul 31, 2016 7:07 am

Hey been a while! I have finally finished my mahogany OM (minus a setup once it has settled a bit)

It has been a massive learning curve going from the kits to a scratch build, but it has mostly been good fun and the errors I made along the way are only visual (providing the thing doesn't explode over the next week). Eagle eyed viewers will notice the bridge is not centered to the soundhole - my mortise and tenon was pretty poor, which has shifted the bridge slightly out of the intended position. Still in good contact with the bridge plate though. Plenty of other errors to spot but I am pretty pleased with it :)

So far the sound is a bit muddy and uneven. Certain notes (trebles in particular) ring out beautifully, whilst others are quite flat. It is loud and punchy, not much sustain and overtones (perhaps difference between mahogany and rosewood?). Once it has been setup properly and had a chance to settle I am sure it will sound quite good.

Anyway - pictures!

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John Parchem
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Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:33 pm
Location: Seattle
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Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by John Parchem » Sun Jul 31, 2016 11:04 am

The guitar looks great! A good setup is huge in terms of how the guitar will sound. I found after initially string up a guitar the guitar sounds better after a couple of day as the guitar settles in, a good set up and I clean up the string contact points on the nut and saddle.

John J
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2014 4:30 pm
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by John J » Sun Jul 31, 2016 12:23 pm

Well done Olie. Looks very nice. Remember that the builders eyes see things that others don't. If you don't point out the flaws to see and no one notices, then are they really there? :-)

You learn with each one.
JJ
Learning every day. And having fun doing it.

Herman
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Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
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Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by Herman » Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:00 am

Well done Oli! Looks good. And don't mind the flaws, we all make them. And about the tone: it will improve with time, a proper setup and a fresh set of strings. Patience!
Keep building
Herman

Kevin in California
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by Kevin in California » Mon Aug 08, 2016 4:11 pm

Oli, your guitar turned just great. If you don't like the sound don't be afraid to try different strings, sometimes makes all the difference in the world, but I bet she sounds just fine!

Oli K_
Posts: 57
Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:53 am
Location: London, UK

Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by Oli K_ » Wed Aug 10, 2016 12:16 pm

Cheers everyone! It is starting to sound fuller and the sustain has improved. Once I nail the intonation I think it will be great - I will get a video up once done.

Herman
Posts: 1685
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Arnhem area, the Netherlands
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Re: First scratch build - OM style

Post by Herman » Thu Aug 11, 2016 6:26 am

A video! Looking forward.
And guys, take a moment to see Oli's clips on Youtube. He really can play, I bet better than most of us.
Compliments Oli, very musical.
Herman

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