-Guitar Models-        -Options-        -Varnish Finish Info-

 

Models

 

Model VR (Vintage Rosewood) - Base Price $3,000

Dreadnaught body pattern with AAAA Sitka Spruce top, ivoroid/black/ivoroid binding, Herringbone or D-28 style rosette, ebony bridge w/long saddle (2 ¼” string spacing), 1 11/16” nut width, ebony fingerboard plain or with dots, Indian Rosewood back/sides, Honduran Mahogany neck w/Cocobolo or Madagascar Rosewood peg head overlay, vintage-style gold open-back tuners, bone nut, saddle and bridge pins, 25.4” scale length and Greven Tortis pickguard.


Model VM (Vintage Mahogany) - Base Price $2,900         

 

Dreadnaught body pattern with AAAA Sitka Spruce top, “tortoise” or ebony binding, standard D-18 style rosette, Indian Rosewood bridge with long saddle (2 ¼” string spacing), 1 11/16” nut width, Honduran Mahogany back/sides, Honduran Mahogany neck with Madagascar or Honduran Rosewood peg head overlay, ebony or bois de rose fingerboard, vintage-style nickel tuners, bone nut, saddle and bridge pins, 25.4” scale length and Greven Tortis pickguard.

 

 


 

Model VHR (Vintage Honduran Rosewood) - Base Price $3,200   

 

Same as Model VR but with Honduran Rosewood back and sides.

 

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New!! Model OM/DM ("OM shape/Dreadnaught body depth Mahogany")

Base Price $3,100

Similar to Martin OM body style with body depth similar to dreadnaught guitars giving a body size in between an OM and dreadnaught.  Same appointments as Model VM except for body shape.


 

New!! Model OM/DR ("OM shape/Dreadnaught body depth Indian Rosewood")

Base Price $3,100

Same appointments as Model VR except with the new custom OM/D body shape. 

30% deposit required on all custom orders will get your name on the list and lock in your price using current prices at that time.

Prices subject to change without notice.  Hardshell case included with all guitars.  Buyer will be charged actual shipping prices.

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Options

*AAA Adirondack Red Spruce top                                  +  $ 300.00

 

*Master grade Adirondack Red Spruce top                           400.00

 

*Master grade Carpathian Spruce top                                    300.00

 

*Master grade Sitka Spruce top                                            100.00

 

*Brazilian Rosewood peghead overlay                                    50.00

 

*Diamond neck volute                                                          100.00

 

*Stainless steel "T-bar" neck reinforcement                           100.00

 

*Bois de Rose fingerboard                                         no add. charge

 

*Madagascar Rosewood fingerboard                                       50.00

 

*Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard                                           150.00

 

*Brazilian Rosewood bridge                                                    50.00

 

*Herringbone top purfling                                                     100.00

 

*Brazilian Rosewood Binding                                                 100.00

 

*Curly Koa binding                                                                75.00

 

*Curly Maple, Ebony or Indian Rosewood binding         no add. charge

 

*Waverly Gold or Nickel vintage-style open-back tuners            200.00

 

*Fossil Ivory bridge pins, nut and saddle                                 350.00

 

*Camel Bone bridge pins                                                        25.00

 

*Greven pickguard of your choice                                      no charge

 

*Custom neck width/shape                                                    100.00

 

*Custom bridge string spacing                                                75.00

 

*Fingerboard inlay options                                                    Inquire

 

*Custom scale length                                                             100.00

 

*Madagascar Rosewood back/sides (Model VRV)                      600.00

 

*Ziricote back/sides (Model VRV)when available                       600.00

   

*Brazilian Rosewood back/sides (Model VRV) Available!      $1700 and up

 

*AAAA Curly Walnut back/sides (Model VRV)                           300.00

 

*Custom Cedar Creek Builder Series Case                               100.00

 

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About My Varnish Finishes: 

I began using a three-part varnish finish on guitar #06 in 2002.  My process is simple yet time-consuming:

First I spray on a few coats of a dilute spirit varnish (shellac flakes dissolved in denatured alcohol also referred to as "shellac") to seal the instrument and give something for the oil varnish to stick to.  After sealing I wait a few days for curing then sand lightly with 400 or 600 grit paper and begin brushing on my "secret" oil varnish.  I'll usually apply two or three coats depending on how much is needed to get a smooth surface.  Less on the spruce top and more for porous back and side woods.

After the final coat of oil varnish I will wait at least a week and then wetsand with 400 to get the surface smooth and about 80% free of pores.  Then I begin applying spirit varnish with a pad, shellac and olive oil as a lubricant thereby beginning the "french polishing" process.  If needed I will fill pores a little more with the pad and shellac and pumice powder. 

Once the surface looks pretty smooth I will change to a new pad lubricated with olive oil and use only denatured alcohol applied to the pad (see pictures below).  This will start bringing up the final shine.  This process can take several weeks to get right and takes alot of patience.

Finally after the french polished guitar has had a week or so to cure I may buff a little here or there with a wheel and fine compound.


Here's a few pictures of me in action french polishing #018.  This is a very tedious process but also very satisfying.  You must take great care when handling the instrument while the spirit varnish is still tacky.  Fingerprints are a killer...


A couple of close-ups of me french polishing the curved side.  It's always a challenge adapting to the curves and shapes and still keep the pad moving and prevent it from sticking and making a big mess...

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