Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
The Lounge => The Lounge => Topic started by: cigarfan on July 20, 2015, 09:28:32 AM
-
I have commissioned a guitar with Mark Hatcher of Hatchers Guitars, a sponsor here on AGF. If you have been hanging around the Custom Shop you've surely have seen some of the incredible instruments coming out of Mark's shop. He is a master of luthery, very talented photographer and a magician with design in wood.
I visited Mark's shop in February this year and we spent a day talking guitars, touring the shop and discussing the build. You can see my post about the visit here (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376879).
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/662/21061844864_62a473aa10_b.jpg)
Enjoy !!!
Specs
13-fret Greta model w/Venetian cutaway
Old Growth Western Red Cedar Top
Black Walnut Back & Sides
Abalone everywhere
Brazilian Rosewood Binding and Trim
Slotted-headstock
Tamarind and Abalone Rosette
1 3/4" nut and 2 5/16" string spacing
Soundport
Schertler Tuners
Plus lots of other fun surprises
And the saga begins ...
The Black Walnut set we choose.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5696/21672897832_7dc0b046a7_o.jpg)
Joining of the top and back sets
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/593/21658256956_58d11c14e3_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/624/21658257026_2ded35d627_o.jpg)
Joined back
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5693/21658256916_b6cbe8afab_o.jpg)
Joined back with a little naptha to simulate the look under finish.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5760/21658256876_1a1ec174ac_o.jpg)
The back strip ... BRW w/abalone ... looks like jewelry!
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/656/21658256806_650f8edc15_o.jpg)
-
Very cool! You really know how to pick 'em! Someday I'll have to try out a Hatcher!
-
So this is why you've had so many wonderful guitars for sale here over the last few months. I get it now. Way cool! :D
-
She sure is pretty :o
-
Love that black walnut! If your new baby sounds anything like my '97 Cujo14 (same wood combo), you're going to be one happy camper. Enjoy the journey - we sure are!
-
Hey folks. Thanks for checking in. Appreciate the kind words.
I guess you could say I'm hooked on this stuff. Love to watch as they come together.
I have a surprise Taylor coming my way in a few days too. NGD post incoming! :)
-
Great photo's, thanks for sharing. The Hatchers are all fantastic looking guitars, I would love to try one someday but for now they aren't in my budget so I will enjoy watching your build.
-
During my visit to Mark's shop I asked that we consider something other than a round hole for the soundport. Something unique and interesting but not distracting from the overall design. A soundport should be heard and not seen, so to speak. I really like what he came up with. Ties in nicely with the binding scheme and rosette. Design wise, quiet and classy.
The soundport(s) bound in BRW.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5816/21496392370_3dc613774f_o.jpg)
Back attached to the sides.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5797/21672897142_29857ffeff_o.jpg)
-
More pics from Mark. Today the body has come together.
The back is on.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/585/21063333563_fdc61dd164_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/610/21684318925_67d6fa85c5_o.jpg)
The luthier signature inside the top.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5654/21496392060_a61d98e236_o.jpg)
Top attached to close the body.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5691/21061639244_0161ce2d33_o.jpg)
-
Incredible. Dennis, you're gonna need an extra special cigar for this playable work of art. I love it. Dang photos even make the clamps extraordinarily beautiful. :)
-
Incredible. Dennis, you're gonna need an extra special cigar for this playable work of art. I love it. Dang photos even make the clamps extraordinarily beautiful. :)
No worries CodeBlueEMT ... that special cigar for this one is already aging in my humidor. And Mark's photography is exquisite. He is the man!
The endgraft is in. There is a K&K going into this guitar so nothing fancy in the middle of the endgraft but I love the fretboard/bridge matching piece of BRW. Mark proposed Tamarind inlays in the BRW arm bevel in a shape similar to the soundport. I think that would be awesome!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5817/21063333253_874fa3881b_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5719/21061639084_db51f6d615_o.jpg)
-
The man has sent me more pics. Lot's of shining color. It's a good day!
Abalone purfling and BRW binding is going on and we get a sneak peak at that incredible fretboard.
Purfling and binding on the back/sides.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/648/21496487368_25953800c5_o.jpg)
Purfling and binding on the top/sides.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5729/21684322195_a2e7e69865_o.jpg)
The headstock sandwich begins.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5648/21061638794_f235dc7d79_o.jpg)
The abalone purfling on the face of the fretboard and BRW binding. Mark and I agreed on fossilized Woolly Mammoth ivory for side markers with abalone dots.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/734/21684318235_29ef98a447_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5699/21693520071_4d73d929a8_o.jpg)
We have been discussing the headstock and wait till you see what Mark has in store. I don't want to say because it is in a design stage and may change but it is going to be awesome!
-
The box is nearing completion and we get our first gander at the insets on the arm bevel.
All the elements compliment each other so nicely.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5658/21693523511_e278f39535_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/596/21658255526_b8c480a3b2_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/604/21658255636_f6c2e084f1_o.jpg)
I really like the visual balance at this distance between the light colored designs on the arm bevel and the look of the ivory fret markers.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/563/21693519841_f748192be2_o.jpg)
The headstock sandwich continues with veneers on the top.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5748/21063332293_29a080d1e5_o.jpg)
-
Wow this is looking awesome, even my wife thinks so and that's really saying something!
Craig
-
Wow this is looking awesome, even my wife thinks so and that's really saying something!
Now that's saying something indeed! I love it when that happens.
-
Today's work was focused on the headstock ... and it is shaping up to be fantastic! Notice how the spaces between the inlay abalone mimic the shapes of the soundports and bevel insets. Mark is a genius! And the Walnut Burl on the backplate is absolutely gorgeous! How am I ever going to get any playing done on this guitar with all this stuff to look at?
Mark also provided wet shots to resemble the woods under finish. Man, I am freaking out! :D :D :D
I like the shape of Mark's arm bevel. Looks like it will be very comfortable.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/761/21496390940_ebeba2122e_o.jpg)
The Cedar and the Black Walnut look so nice together. And the BRW binding really punches up the abalone purfling.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5734/21684322045_ca77619cca_o.jpg)
The Walnut Burl on the backplate looks exquisite.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/629/21496390820_3491e793d0_o.jpg)
I love Mark's new slotted headstock shape and the inlay is icing on the cake. Incredible!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5767/21658258816_353bb0f17b_o.jpg)
-
Things are moving at a rapid pace. Hard to catch my breath between the photos coming in. In this set we have the 12th fret inlay completed. Love the way the theme is carried through. The fretboard is attached to the neck and Mark has added the strap button bevel.
I may be off the mark (no pun intended) but this guitar looks to be just about ready for the finish man. :)
The 12th fret inlay follows the theme and is an elegant addition.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/683/21061637784_70a9b05671_o.jpg)
The fretboard attached to the neck.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/728/21684317335_cdbb9a8f59_o.jpg)
And the Greta looks to be ready for the finisher.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/585/21672895592_edbdccfd3a_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/758/21684317195_6c872a28f3_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/739/21658254476_d77c9f8768_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5721/21063331453_b05ca64ed9_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/21061637194_6a96b3f7a3_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/569/21693518571_037d9b64ba_o.jpg)
My sweet Greta is off to the finisher. Mark added the frets and completed the final sanding. It is now the dreaded wait. Like watching paint dry (no pun intended).
As if to console me Mark sent a few last photos. I couldn't be more anxious to see it under finish but even more anxious to hear the Hatcher magic. Thanks Mark for all your hard work.
Enjoy the pics! See you when she returns!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5789/21684316735_22c29fa52e_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/691/21063336023_999143ee54_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5732/21684316625_ca9e9fc8d7_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/21684321775_dfc2884fb4_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/773/21684321695_8a851563d5_o.jpg)
-
Oozing with tasteful appointments and the woods are spectacular. Cool stuff, Dennis!
-
Getting ready for the final stages. I heard from Mark yesterday, the guitar has returned from the finisher. I'm all a flutter!
He tells me some pictures are headed my way today! :D
-
Just....stunning. I'm speechless. Congrats.
-
I think that is a work of art....who said guitar?!
-
It's a beautiful work of art! Bet its tone will be equally as impressive!!! :D And whoever took the photos did a fantastic job, too. :)
-
Well, thanks everyone. Glad you like it. And as promised ... the photos from Mark.
Hold on to your hats !!!!!!! Under finish it is off the charts!
I having a hard time sitting still. In a word ... mind blowing! (oops, that's 2) :up: :up: :up:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/759/21658254046_fdbc552147_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5797/21672899332_331eee7c40_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/720/21672899112_d8248692a8_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5814/21061641354_f06c9cf3c6_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5815/21497497179_58fc5ceeb6_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/616/21693522341_7dea577e42_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5720/21684320425_afb47311c6_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/664/21061640674_c30a597525_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/21672894222_005112e1c3_o.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/773/21693521881_11ccbaec77_o.jpg)
-
That's just spectacular!
-
That shows a huge (as Donald Trump would say) amount of craftsmanship. Love the sound hole design and the armrest is killer
-
Makes me want to drive over to Peterborough just to see it in person. Wow, what a great looking guitar. Thanks again for sharing
-
Absolutely incredible !!!!
-
We've not had an update for a while, have you got it yet?
Craig
-
Sorry it took me so long to get back to this. My ISP killed my photo repository and is not offering that service anymore. I had to establish a new one and replace all my old photo URLs so if you visit any of my old posts with photos you will know what happened.
Mark has attached the neck. Love the way the clamp reflects in the glassy finish on the top.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/21684315715_44458b2668_o.jpg)
Received this installment of pics from Mark. I am going to let them do the talking. I'm flabbergasted! :up:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/642/21892119079_e61e12a8fe_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/687/22066545172_be17a5f9fb_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5792/22066545052_d93964a197_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5655/22089034661_6127c5aa61_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5777/21892118049_b6a05fd449_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5703/22052837266_0c8fa5fdd0_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/597/21457894803_95d8fba926_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/565/21457893483_cd5824ff07_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/706/22079030015_8f719ab41f_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5684/21891125938_fd3fd74c0a_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/778/21892118569_24cb8f99c8_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5638/22066542872_c5942fa30f_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/651/21892118409_6286ace5c4_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/782/21891127398_6494a3c259_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5750/22079029585_36a000fea8_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/710/21457892613_f2315fddb0_o_d.jpg)
-
This guitar sounds wonderful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KqofccIf8g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7JBXWn0fVU
-
Back at home after an enjoyable trip to Mark's shop in Peterborough, NH. And the guitar we have all been drooling over is finally in my hands. For me, there is no way to adequately describe it except to say it's the perfect fingerstyle guitar and it fits me like a glove.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5683/21686082803_7ea4bbc9e1_o_d.jpg)
I really enjoyed my time with Mark (as is usually the case). It is like aroma and visual therapy to spend time in his shop and I always learn so much. We had some good eats and smokes and visited some of Mark's favorite shops. We enjoyed a fresh cup from the veranda of his coffee roasting shop. What an incredible view!
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/719/21684492824_52ed0732b6_o_d.jpg)
This time of year is a great time to visit the northeast. The hills were ablaze. Just stunning vistas.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5822/22281197996_529fce2d7d_o_d.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/752/22317807361_69401d4301_o_d.jpg)
And to top it all off I got to watch the master at work. Here he is cutting the slots for the junction of the "X" brace.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5779/22120382619_33cc8d8de9_o_d.jpg)
I have to say, playing in front of a camera makes me very nervous. But Mark was gracious enough to set up his recording equipment and I knew you guys wouldn't be settled without hearing this sweet Greta with your own ears. Don't be fooled by my perceived calmness in those videos. It was nerve racking!
And as if picking up my gorgeous Greta wasn't enough I got to visit with a couple AGFers as well. I stopped by TomB'Sox place and picked a little. He is a good player. Great to meet him and his wonderful family. It was also great to be able to hear Greta from out front. Tom has a budding young singer in his 14 year-old daughter. Man can she sing! Wouldn't doubt she will become known to all of us in the future. She gives Taylor Swift a run for her money!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5781/22120386669_ec2a184e1c_o_d.jpg)
Then, AGF mikealpine was kind enough to drive an hour and meet up at my hotel. He brought his Stehr and we played the better part of an hour. I was amazed since he just had surgery on his elbow. He plays really well too! Then he treated me to a bite to eat along with some great conversation. A very pleasant evening.
It was a real treat to meet these two fine upstanding gentlemen.
All-in-all, a very fulfilling trip and I now get to settle in with this fine guitar and get to know her a little better.
Have to say thanks to all the UTGFers who followed along and all your gracious comments. It was a fun ride. I'm sure this guitar will remain with me until bequeathed to a lucky family member so I will return here from time to time and give you all an update on the effects of time and many hours of picking.
-
Congratulations! Just a stunning guitar in every way! Someday I'll have to speak to Mr. Hatcher about one of his guitars... I wonder if he'll do a 12-string...?
-
Hey Cigarfan! That guitar looks gorgeous and sounds so warm! The pictures are great as well!
When's the next custom build? ;D ;D ;D
-
Congratulations! Just a stunning guitar in every way! Someday I'll have to speak to Mr. Hatcher about one of his guitars... I wonder if he'll do a 12-string...?
Thanks :) It's funny you mention a 12-string, I told Mark if I did another commission it would be a 12-string and he said, NO PROBLEM.
Hey Cigarfan! That guitar looks gorgeous and sounds so warm! The pictures are great as well!
When's the next custom build? ;D ;D ;D
I'm still recovering from this one. My fingers have not been this sore in a while. I figure the guitar fund will recover just about the same time as my callouses are thick enough not to hurt anymore.
-
Congratulations! Just a stunning guitar in every way! Someday I'll have to speak to Mr. Hatcher about one of his guitars... I wonder if he'll do a 12-string...?
Thanks :) It's funny you mention a 12-string, I told Mark if I did another commission it would be a 12-string and he said, NO PROBLEM.
Good to know! Thanks!
-
I really enjoyed following this, and as for the end result - WOW!
-
What George said! Congrats Dennis on the great sounding and looking guitar. Wow.
-
I'm glad you all took the time to follow along. It is intriguing to watch a guitar come together. And thanks for all the kind words. This forum is full of wonderful folks. My hat is off to jjrpilot, all the admins and members who keep it such a fine place to hang out.
I've hankered for a Cedar/Walnut guitar for quite some time. I looked for the right Taylor in that combination but never came across one. Maybe that was for the best. This Hatcher is an incredible instrument. I haven't held a lighter guitar ... ever ... yet the tone is monster. It is ethereal and has quite a bass component. Since I picked it up it has been getting deeper and more present all the time. Words can't do it justice. Call me a happy camper to say the least.
Anyone wants to visit me and play, just say the word.
-
Your guitar is downright drool-worthy! What a magnificent work of art in its looks! Congrats. :)
-
dennis,
that is one great looking and great sounding instrument. your referenced video links provided the proof for that pudding. congratulations.
don
-
Beautiful! I love many features you designed into your new Hatcher. I am sure the Cedar/ Walnut sounds awesome, and that arm rest WOWSER. gorgeous ;D
I think you should plan a 12 string brother to this one. What a pair they would make.