TD's Acoustic (FH-5V)

[Trevor Davies]

Perth was about 25 degrees today - so I got in another couple of coats for the body and neck. This will be the last coats. I will leave it a week or so and give it a polish.

[Trevor Davies]

The final coats have had about 6 weeks to cure!
Had some time today, so I have glued on the neck. Always quite a scary task, but all went well.

[fender3x]

The final coats have had about 6 weeks to cure!
Had some time today, so I have glued on the neck. Always quite a scary task, but all went well.

Looking good. I didn't know you were using finishes that take that long to cure. I have finally started some final sanding after waiting 30 days for full cure. I read that Cabot's only takes about a week. BriteTone says 30 days and my previous finish said 4 weeks...

[Trevor Davies]

The Cabots final coats did not need six weeks to cure - but I have been away and unable to work on this (or any) builds.

[Trevor Davies]

Polished the headstock. Fitted the tuners (Grover 135Gs), truss rod cover, pickguard, tailpiece.

[DarkMark]

I’ve just read the diary. What an amazing build and outcome. Outstanding work, Trevor. Very envious of these guitars!

[Trevor Davies]

I’ve just read the diary. What an amazing build and outcome. Outstanding work, Trevor. Very envious of these guitars!

Thanks Mark.

[Trevor Davies]

Strings are now on - I'm trying Heavy Gauge electric strings (12 to 54). I still have some fine tuning for the setup.

[fender3x]

It's impressive when something looks both unique and classic. I really like the way it looks. How do you like the way it sounds?

[Trevor Davies]

It's impressive when something looks both unique and classic. I really like the way it looks. How do you like the way it sounds?

The sound is OK (but this may be my playing style!!). It does not sound as nice as an old Fender Acoustic that I have - which has a larger body cavity and typical acoustic strings. This may be due to the f-holes, basswood body, the floating bridge or maybe the neck not perfectly fitting the neck pocket.

But I like the feel of this build better - possibly because it has smaller body, electric strings and a lower action. I never play the Fender as I don't like the feel when playing it!

I still need to do a bit of tweaking with the action. And I may need to add some string grooves on the bridge saddles.

Also, thinking back to the angle of the neck: I went with 4 degrees. I possibly should have gone with my first calculation of 5 degrees, as I have the bridge as low as possible to get a good action.