Please Click on the pics for fullsized view!
Jack Spira is a really talented Australian based luthier who trained at the London Collage of Furniture. He established Spira guitars in 1991 and I have known with Jack for over 5 years. In this time, he was made some fantastic guitars and his knowledge of Native Australian woods has invaluable in our quest for alternative tonewoods. (see his article on Australian Tonewoods here.).
I have been enthralled by Jack’s Ditson style guitars as the originals had a certain old world charm and in the latter years sounded rather good, especially with silk and steels. Their smaller size mean they could be played very comfortably with a quick response and an intimate tone.
Resources: 1. Read Jack’s article on Australian Tonewoods here.
2. See another 1-45 style guitar buy Gary Demos here.
My fate was sealed when I saw the 45 style replica pictured above. The little jewel of a guitar bewitched my eyes and senses and I began to plot a order from Jack!
We agreed on a set of specs which came very close to the originals with some modern amenites. They would have adjustable truss rods and also be X braced for light guage steel strings.
Jack has very kindly agreed to document the build process of a pair of Ditson style 1-45s: one in Brazilian rosewood and another in Acacia for us! So without further ado, here starts the build diary:
Part 1: Joining the top and making the Rosette
Part 2: Completing the Rosette and bracing the top
Part 3: Closing the Box
Part 4: Finishing the Box and neck
Jack Spira http://www.jackspiraguitars.com/
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<p style=”padding: 2px 6px 4px 6px; color: #555555; background-color: #eeeeee; border: #dddddd 2px solid;”><span style=”font-size: 16pt;”><span style=”font-size: 18pt;”><span style=”color: #800000;”>Resources: </span></span><span style=”font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>1. Read Jack’s article on Australian Tonewoods <strong><a title=”Australian Tonewoods” href=”http://guitarbench.com/index.php/2008/09/21/australian-tonewoods-by-jack-spira/” target=”_self”>here</a></strong>.
2. See another 1-45 style guitar buy Gary Demos <strong><a title=”Gary Demos Guitars 1-45 style” href=”http://guitarbench.com/index.php/2009/03/18/featured-guitar1-45-style-guitar-by-gary-demos/” target=”_self”>here</a></strong>.
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