New Holst Underway

[Dfyngravity]

Well, build number 2 with Steve Holst is offically underway. Check out the wood that we are using for the top......a little burl anyone? I know what you are thinking....burl maple for the top? Well this is going to be a semi-hollow body electric 5 string mandocello.

More photos to come......so stay tuned!70721

[Ed Goist]

I really look forward to watching this one come to life!
Please post pics as available, and Congratulations!

[Steve-o]

+1 on more pics! That burl figure makes for some sweet eye candy.

[calgary.fiddler]

Wow burl maple? thats gonna be a stunner, cant wait to see what it will sound like!!

[sgarrity]

Well this is going to be a semi-hollow body electric 5 string mandocello......70721

Now that's thinking out of the box! Looking forward to finished pics

[Dfyngravity]

Well it's been a long while since I have posted. So here are a few newer pics, but Steve has been keeping me in the dark on his progress!!!!!! at least as photos are concerned. I know the top and back have been carved, but I haven't seen photos. The body shape is fairly radical so brace yourself traditionalists.

Here are pictures of the top template and the mahogany body unchambered.

[crazymandolinist]

Reminds me a bit of the JagStang. Looks comfy.

[Dfyngravity]

Reminds me a bit of the JagStang. Looks comfy.

It does have a bit of that Jag-Stang look doesn't it? I was after something a bit more non-traditional, but comfortable to play being that it is going to be a fairly decent size body.

[JEStanek]

This will be very fun to watch develop!

Jamie

[Dfyngravity]

This will be very fun to watch develop!

Jamie

This is my 4th custom instrument, but by far the most radical. I have nothing to go by as this is fairly uncharted territory. At least with my other builds I had a pretty good idea of what to expect as far as looks goes. But with this one, I am so anxious to see the next photo, and the next photo. There are a lot of choices I left up to Steve too and he is keeping me in the dark as to what direction he chose, which at times makes me bonkers.

Here's a rough sketch of what the headstock will look like, again a little radical. We are going to use Steinberger gearless tuners so we can have the tuners straight on but running down the middle of the headstock. The area that has "Holst" will be recessed, I think basically the veneer will be cut on that line which will recess that area and possible either expose the wood below or maybe we will use a thinner but different veneer?

[Dfyngravity]

Steve just sent an update pic. of the body!!! That burl is really going to pop!!

[Dfyngravity]

Up dated photo sent by Steve.

[Rvl]

What string gauges will you use?
What is the nut width?
I am really interested in something like this,but will probably have to convert a regular guitar

Thanks

Robert

[Dfyngravity]

Nut width is going to be around 1 9/16".

[Dfyngravity]

Here are some up to date pictures. Steve is finishing up the inlay on the headstock and will also be doing a little bit of inlay on the fretboard as well.

[Ed Goist]

That headstock is one of the most beautiful and unique I've seen!
It's also a very smart design that incorporates both a classic Gibson-like look and a classic Fender-like look.
Nice!

[Dfyngravity]

That headstock is one of the most beautiful and unique I've seen!
It's also a very smart design that incorporates both a classic Gibson-like look and a classic Fender-like look.
Nice!

Thanks Ed! When I was designing the headstock I knew that I wanted the strings to have a straight string pull. But at the same time I wanted something unique, something no one had. Steve really nailed my vision with this one.

[Dfyngravity]

Updated in the e-mando section, so I figured I'd up date it here too! Check out that burl, just a little boiled linseed oil to really bring out that figure.

It's getting close.

[Mark Seale]

I'm intrigued to see how the tuners will be placed and ultimately work. Its a beautiful design.

[Dfyngravity]

I'm intrigued to see how the tuners will be placed and ultimately work. Its a beautiful design.

Thanks! Steve really does awesome work. I will be using Steinberger tuners like in the picture:82704

[Kip Carter]

Thanks! Steve really does awesome work. I will be using Steinberger tuners like in the picture:82704

Those are amazing machines. 40:1 ratio according to the Stew information. Not cheap by any means but that is something. Have they given you anything regarding the weight?
Kip...

[Jacob]

Steinberger Gearless Tuner Specs (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guitar,_solid_peghead_tuners/Steinberger_Gearless_Tuners.html?tab=Specs#details ) weight of set of six ? - chrome, black and gold.

[Dfyngravity]

Those are amazing machines. 40:1 ratio according to the Stew information. Not cheap by any means but that is something. Have they given you anything regarding the weight?
Kip...

They are really nice. I have seen them on a few guitars and even banjos. With these tuners we were able to get a nice straight string pull through the nut which I like. And I really like how these tuners pull the string down with them instead of wrapping them around a post. I always like trying new stuff.

[Mark Seale]

That is an interesting tuner concept. Fantastic.

[Dfyngravity]

Picture update from Steve with some finish on it.

[Ed Goist]

Ben, just and FYI - I'll be very happy to give this one a test-drive and break it in for you once it's completed.
No problem at all...Just let me know. :grin:

[Dfyngravity]

Ben, just and FYI - I'll be very happy to give this one a test-drive and break it in for you once it's completed.
No problem at all...Just let me know. :grin:

Ed, I really can't wait to see it and play it. Steve has really nailed this one. But I'd be willing to let you put it though the paces if you want handle the transportation.

[Ed Goist]

It looks fantastic, Ben!
And I look forward to hearing and seeing you play it.
I really look forward to watching this one come to life. Congrats!