One More Ladder Braced Birch GC

Post by **Joe Sustaire** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 7:20 am

Thanks Dennis and John!

Yeah, I would say it's about a 00 size. It's a Stella Grand Concert size to be specific. Just going from pics off the web. It fits into a classical case real nice. And no I don't believe I have shown my soundhole binding technique. I'll have to do that. As you probably notice my build threads have kind of deteriorated into I built threads, relevant pics of whats under the hood but little build detail. So many good builders here that have building systems worked out, which is probably better guidance for someone trying to learn. I build more from my artistic side, which means jump in over your head and work it out......

Let's see, new this time around. I switched to pressing in my frets as opposed to hammering them in. What an improvement, it's the way to go!

And also on these last two builds I've used Colin's egg white pore-fill technique. I've never had such silky good feeling guitar necks. Thanks Colin!

I've only been playing this one about a day but it's sounding really good, but it hasn't caught up to the sound coming out of the floating bridge tailpiece one yet. Of course that one's been played in almost two months so we'll see....

Common thoughts are that a floating bridge/tailpiece flat-top shouldn't sound that good.....

These will both be at Stringfest so I can get some player feedback there.......

Fred Blom · Post by **Fred Blom** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 9:26 am

Another Sustaire Beauty!

Fred Blom · Post by **Fred Blom** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 9:27 am

Sorry, I didn't finish my thoughts. Another Sustaire Beauty! The sound hole binding caught my eye immediately. I like the way you just "jump in over your head and work it out."

Steve Kinnaird · Post by **Steve Kinnaird** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 9:30 am

Joe (and anyone else who would like to comment) how does the ladder bracing sound differ from the Martin X brace sound? More of this...less of that...?
Thanks in advance for any light shed into my darkness!

Low-watt

Post by **whitespruce** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 10:16 am

Steve Kinnaird wrote:Joe (and anyone else who would like to comment) how does the ladder bracing sound differ from the Martin X brace sound? More of this...less of that...?
Thanks in advance for any light shed into my darkness!

Low-watt

Steve, I will jump in here, though I don't know how to put guitar sounds into words. Too bad you can't get to Stringfest this year because you could do all kinds of first hand comparisons. Not only will Joe have his ladder braced guitars here, but Dennis will have "Angelina" (his uniquely braced guitar), plus there will be 2 totally thermally modified wood guitars (an OM and a dread), and a bunch of my weirdly braced guitars, plus many "normal" guitars, some factory and some hand built. Hey, even an 1890 Martin parlor. Lots of things to compare.

Still not too late and well worth the trip

G

Post by **Joe Sustaire** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 8:41 am

Hey Fred, thanks for the kind words! Jumping in over my head seems to be my only option.......

Steve I also find using words to talk about sound pretty frustrating. But here goes..... I would say first off it gives you more of the fundamental, less overtones. Quicker response and decay. Which all to me translates to a more basic roots oriented thumping sound as opposed to a chiming harp type sound. Best I can do......

Road trip, road trip, road trip........

Steve Kinnaird · Post by **Steve Kinnaird** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 8:51 am

whitespruce wrote: Steve, I will jump in here, though I don't know how to put guitar sounds into words. Too bad you can't get to Stringfest this year because you could do all kinds of first hand comparisons. Not only will Joe have his ladder braced guitars here, but Dennis will have "Angelina" (his uniquely braced guitar), plus there will be 2 totally thermally modified wood guitars (an OM and a dread), and a bunch of my weirdly braced guitars, plus many "normal" guitars, some factory and some hand built. Hey, even an 1890 Martin parlor. Lots of things to compare.

Still not too late and well worth the trip

G

Thank you for the invite, Grant. Truly appreciated! I can relate to your difficulty describing sonic qualities. Not only are everyone's ears different, the lexicon is still being written. Or it NEEDS to be. The string fest sounds not only like fun, but a real education! Too bad you live almost a continent away... And, too bad my vacation time is spent. Ah well. Maybe another time. Back on topic, Joe: that is a fine looking guitar!

Steve

Steve Kinnaird · Post by **Steve Kinnaird** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 8:56 am

Joe Sustaire wrote:Hey Fred, thanks for the kind words! Jumping in over my head seems to be my only option.......

Steve I also find using words to talk about sound pretty frustrating. But here goes..... I would say first off it gives you more of the fundamental, less overtones. Quicker response and decay. Which all to me translates to a more basic roots oriented thumping sound as opposed to a chiming harp type sound. Best I can do......

Road trip, road trip, road trip........

Typing at same time. Thanks for that description Joe. What I have read backs that up, and what I remember from playing some old Gibsons does the same. It is an interesting sound for sure-- one suitable for, would you say, Scott Joplin? Probably some thumpy blues tunes?
Must try building one. Also must get out more!
Thanks again,
Steve

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One More Ladder Braced Birch GC

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