Kragenbrink Guitars Building Blog!

NEW BLOG SITE

2008-11-10T11:02:00.005-04:00

For anyone accidentally stumbling by this blog site, I have a new Blog site up and running now. It can be found linked off my main site at

http://KragenbrinkGuitars.com and then click on the "Building Blog link.

Or by going to http://kragenbrinkguitars.squarespace.com

Thanks!
Lance

Update on Jacks Coco twins!

2008-07-16T22:14:00.004-03:00

Since returning from the Montreal show I have been putting the finishing touches on Mark C's Cat guitar and getting it ready to finish. In the mean time I have been working on Jacks Twins. Here are a few shots from today.

Montreal Guitar show Mini concert

2008-07-08T11:33:00.004-03:00

My good friend John Creech was set to do my mini concert for the Montreal Guitar show. Unfortunately Johns plane was late getting to his airport, and his connect left before he could have gotten there. Long story short, John was unable to make.
Directly across from me at the show was Mark Blanchard and his friend Steve Wildey. I met Steve last summer in Healdsburg CA, he was kind enough to give us all a personal mini concert on the balcony of our hotel after the show. He played for what seemed to be two hours! Anyways, Steve was kind enough to cover for John and he did one heck of a great job! Steve owns a guitar store in south Florida called Glades Guitars, it can be found on the web at www.GladesGuitars.com.

I will be sending Steve one of my OMFingerstlist models later this year, as he is also a dealer for many well know guitar makers and I am happy to say he will be a dealer for Kragenbrink guitars as well :-)

Here is the first of a few videos I have of Steve.

The Montreal Guitar show!

2008-07-03T09:09:00.005-03:00

Well, we are back home now and getting back to normal life after a week in Montreal!
What a great town and what a fantastic guitar show! Kudos to Jacques-Andre.Dupont for creating this great show and Rebecca West for keeping all us builders in the loop!
We had a great show, lots and lots of interest and most importantly, a chance to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. I am finding that THIS is what these shows are all about. Here are a few images that my wife Theresa took.

Me at my table.

My friend Brock Poling, his wife Kathy, my wife Theresa and me.

Steve Wildey doing my mini concert. Ill have a video of this soon.
Steve owns a nice guitar shop in South FL called Glades Guitars, you can check it out on line HERE

A shot of the hall

One of the main stages for the Montreal Jazz fest. It was right out side the Hyatt.
And a few more shots from the festival area.

Marks Headstock.

2008-06-24T21:02:00.002-03:00

Here is Marks special headstock overlay glued down and profiled.

Here is an overview of the guitar.

Bindings done!

2008-06-20T11:08:00.002-03:00

The body and bindings are done for Marks guitar. Its on to the neck, and then off to finish. Once this one is off I will be working on a pair of twin Cocobolo OM fingerstylist guitars, An Addy/Hog D12, and an LS/Madrose E2! WOW! I cant wait to get going on those! :-)

More on Marks E2

2008-06-14T12:11:00.006-03:00

Here are a few updates on Marks E2. For this pic the neck is just sitting in place, the mortise has not been cut yet. But it sort of gives you an idea of the over all package.

Here are all the separate parts.

Here the top is being glued down to the sides.

Here the sides are being "blocked" into the body mold to hold everything square and true while the top is glued down.

Last image is the braced and fully voiced top.

Today I will be cutting the binding ledges and bending the ebony bindings. Tomorrow will start the tedius binding process.

Moving on with Mark Cashmans E2!

2008-05-30T11:46:00.005-03:00

This guitar will be off to finish before I leave for the Montreal Guitar Show.

Here are a few images of the back being glued to the rims, plus a little video tour of the same :)

Thanks for looking!

Just in!

2008-05-20T22:30:00.003-03:00

UPS dropped off a nice surprise today at my door :)
A Master set of Koa!
This will make one very fine geetar!

Mike Crixells 000-OM Fingerstylist shipped out today!

2008-05-19T22:40:00.003-03:00

Always a bitter sweet time, as I have said here before. I grow to love these guitars as I build them. Once done, they are like grown kids and are ready to head off to do there thing. Sappy? Maybe, but its the truth.
Here are a few final shots of Mikes guitar. My Dad recently purchased a nice Nikon SLR and he took these for me.

Here is the low down on this guitar.
Thanks for looking!

Model 000-OM Fingerstylist
24.9 scale
Top LS Redwood
B&S Master Grade Flamed Koa
Neck one piece Mahogany
Bindings Brazilian
Rosette Brazilian
Headstock Overlay Brazilian
Headstock back strap Koa
Fretboard Brazilian
Bridge Brazilian
Bridge pins, nut & saddle Fossil Walrus Ivory
Tuners 3 on a plate Waverlys with Snakewood buttons
Top purflings are b/w/b/b/koa/b
Sides purlfings are fine b/w/b

Two more from the Miami guitar show!

2008-05-02T16:24:00.003-03:00

I had a chance to process a few more videos, this time off my camcorder, so they should have a little better sound!
Both are of John Creech playing one of my E2 model guitars. This one has an Adirondack top with a striking set of Malaysian black wood back and sides. This guitar will be with me at the Montreal guitar show and is for sale.

One again, Id like to say thanks to my good friend and incredible player John Creech for doing such a great job representing my guitars! I am looking forward to seeing John do it again in Montreal!

Im back!

2008-04-25T09:55:00.004-03:00

The show was great, I had a blast! Got a chance to hang out with some guitar building buddies, made a few
new friends and had the pleasure of watching John Creech play my guitars for the two "mini concerts" each day.
John did a phenomenal job, as I knew he would! He also took home his Brazilian/Carpathian D14.

Here is my display table for the show, left to right is Johns D14, then Mikes 000-OMFS, an E2 made of Malaysian Blackwood with an addy top and another E2 Indian/LS redwood. I thought the Addy topped E2 was heading home with someone, as there were two very interested folks, it didn't though so I will have it with me in Montreal, Unless is sells between now and then.

Here is John playing Mike Crixells 000-OMFS. I will have more pictures and videos that I will be posting here at my blog
over the next day or so.

Here is John on his brand spankin new Brazilian D14.

Off to Miami!

2008-04-07T23:23:00.003-03:00

Well, its finally here! The Newport in Miami guitar festival! I will have John Creechs spectacular Brazilian rosewood D-14. This guitar came out fantastic! Its a true cannon! Also going with us is Mike Crixells LS Redwood Flamed Koa 000-OMFS, this guitar is as the other end of the spectrum. Its a very lush finger style guitar. We will also have an E2 with a nice set of Malaysian Blackwood back and sides and and a sweet Addy top! If you are in Miami, please stop by the show and say hi! Oh I almost forgot. John Creech will also have his LS Indian E2 on hand for anyone that would like to test drive it.
I will try to blog some in the evenings after the show.

WEBSITE DOWN TIME

2008-03-27T23:11:00.002-03:00

Starting Midnight on Friday, March 28th 2008 (ie. early Saturday morning). For a period of 24-48 hours my main site will be down as the company that hosts my site moves to all new servers. If you need to contact me please feel free to call 517-788-7570 Thanks!

Mike Crixells Sweet LS Koa creation!

2008-03-25T22:58:00.005-03:00

Strings this week! And then its off to my good buddy Craig Lavin where it will wait for me to arrive in Miami for the show!

Bitter Sweet.

2008-03-24T16:06:00.000-03:00

Always a bitter sweet time when I drop one of my babies in the mail to
head off to there rightful owner for the rest of there days :(
After changing out the Nickel Gotoh tuners for Gold tuners with black buttons (DOH!), I
said good by to Paul F's LS Redwood Cocobolo OMFS. It is now on its way to
to live in New Mexico.
With his out the door, I am concentrating on Mark Cashmans E2 which will be ready for the
Montreal Guitar show, also Jack Wills OMFS Twins. They are all three on the bench now in various
states of completion.
I am very excited about Jacks guitars! They are both made from similar pieces of Cocobolo.
The top on one is Cedar and the other Engelmann. They are braced identical.
Same bridge plate and brace stock. I am very interested in hearing the difference in the voices. The top woods
will be the biggest difference between the two. So this will allow me a great opportunity to A/B them.
More later!

John Creech's Brw D14

2008-03-09T17:35:00.004-03:00

An update from the paint booth. John's brw dreadnought getting a nice tobacco burst.

Pauls OMFS is ready to ship!

2008-03-04T10:46:00.010-04:00

My good friend and fellow guitar builder Stephen Ziegenfuss is blessed with the camera, he came over last night and took these pictures for me. Thanks Steve!
This is Paul's LS Redwood Cocobolo OMFS that has been featured on this blog over the last two months or so as it came together. It has now been strung up for the better part of a week. It sounds fantastic, I am very happy. Thanks for looking!

New Cocobolo!

2008-02-21T10:14:00.002-04:00

Just in are two wonderful sets of Nicaraguan Cocobolo.
These both will eventually make two stunning guitars!
Inquire if interested!

Update on Pauls OMFS

2008-02-21T09:45:00.003-04:00

With the Newport in Miami show drawing near I had to set this little beauty aside for several weeks as I finished up the D14 and the 000-OMFS. Now that their off to the finishing booth and can concentrate on getting this baby out the door to one very patient customer! Thanks Paul!
This guitar has fast become my most popular model and wood combo for fingerstylists. The LS Redwood top provides every thing that a cedar top can with an added sparkle and more headroom. Just an amazing tonewood!
The Cocobolo is, well, stunning in every way. Beautiful to look at and sonically incredible. It is by far one of my most favorite woods to work with. I just added two more wonderful sets of Cocobolo to my stash, I will post pictures above.
The bindings are Flamed Koa as is the rosette and the Headstock overlay, back strap, fretboard and bridge are all deap black Ebony.

Last night I did the final neck set and glued it down. Tonight I will fret the board. This one will be off to its new home in New Mexico by the second week of March.

Mikes 000-OMFS ready for finish!

2008-02-16T23:45:00.004-04:00

D14 Update.

2008-02-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

Just the headstock overlay and final neck fitting and sanding to do and its off to finish. This will be getting a deep lustrous tobacco burst.
This guitar will be available to be seen at the Newport in Miami Guitar show. Also, its owner John Creech will be doing a mini concert using this guitar! I cannot wait!

Stunning set of Guatemalan Rosewood

2008-01-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

I picked up two stunning sets of Guatemalan Rosewood today! It is said to have the same tonal properties as Brazilian! I cant wait to use it! If this set speaks to you, give me a call! ;-)

Update on John Creechs D-14

2008-01-26T19:40:00.000-04:00

I often think of this stage of construction as the "ugly duckling stage" I can see the pending beauty, but as the guitar is sanded and scraped in to shape, its almost as if its molting its ugly duckling feathers and reveling its potential.
I don't know? May be silly but its how I see it :-)
So, here is Johns D-14, the body is bound, the fretboard and bridge are some of the finest Brazilian I have. Now its on to the neck.

Update on Mark Cashmas top

2008-01-19T16:57:00.000-04:00

Update on Johns Dreadnought

2008-01-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick update on John Creechs D-14.
The top and back have now been glued to the rims. Bindings are next! Then were on to the neck.

The pair. Mikes and Johns.

Update on Mikes 000-OM Fingerstylist

2008-01-12T22:40:00.001-04:00

A few pictures from today.

Long overdue update!

2008-01-12T09:29:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks!
A quick update on a few happenings. First, Mike Crixells 00-OMFS is looking more and more like a guitar!
The top has been glued down to the body closing up the box. (Pictures later) John Creechs Dread has been fully braces and voiced and the back has been attached to the sides, Top should go on later this week. Next its on to the bindings for both. Mark Cashmans E2 will be getting its top bracing today. My goal is to have all three of these guitars ready for finishing by the first week of February. Lastly, a new mouth watering set of Koa has arrived, as well as another stunning set of Malaysian blackwood.

More on Mike Crixells 000-OM Fingerstylist

2007-12-19T10:33:00.000-04:00

Next up is the voicing process for Mikes Top. Here it is getting the last of the braces glued down.

Here is Mikes Neck blank getting a sweet Brazilian rosette overlay glued down. The finish nails are there to stop the plate from sliding under the clamping pressure.

The neck with the plate glued on, truss rod slot cut as well as a pair of carbon fiber rods installed.

lastly, my NEW Go-Bar station!

Rosette update

2007-12-17T19:35:00.000-04:00

Here it is, all done!

Premium Segmented Rosette with Red Heart ab ring.

2007-12-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

Cutting a custom diameter circle from abalone for a rosette.

Testing its placement and size.

Here you can see the individual segments that make up the Brazilian rosewood ring. Sixteen in total, all orientated to allow the grain to flow outward, like rays of sunshine :)

Here it is dry fitted into the segmented Braz rosewood ring. Next I will add the inner and outer b/w/b purfling rings to the shell ring and level.

A few completed Rosettes

2007-12-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

Here is Mark Cashmans bookmatched Brazilian rosewood rosette,

And a pair of Red Heart ab with Koa purfs for Jack Wills.

Rosettes!

2007-12-10T08:46:00.000-04:00

Mark Cashmans bookmatched Brazilian rosette. Here is the layout. I start with marking out the .250 wood ring, then add the .040 b/w/b inner and outer purflings. After that I can locate the .085 far outer ring, which is b/w/bb/w/b. This rosette is a carbon copy of my last Redwood topped guitar I made for DavidR.

Next I transfer the measurements to the Brazilian wood blank.

Cut the circle.

After much fussing, here it is dry fitted. Last night I sprayed the top with schallac to seal the end grain and today I will flood the rosette with Cynoarriclic glue, then run it through my sander to level it all down.

Next, I did a segmented Brazilian rosewood ring for John Creech's BRZ/Carp Dreadnought, plus a book matched brw headstock overlay with sapwood accents.

Also done are both rosettes for Jack Wills OMFS'. Both are .125 Redheart abalone with a single line Koa purfling. Very clean.

Two more gorgeous sets of MadRose !

2007-12-06T11:03:00.000-04:00

One is perfect for my 0-12 and the other large enough for Dreadnought!
Both nicely figured. Inquire if interested!

Jene's wonderful Madrose!

2007-12-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

This set of Madrose will be part of a very special E2 that my client Jene and I are designing. The top is yet to be decided on, but I am sure what ever way we go it will be a complement to this fine set.

Look close, you might see your guitar!

2007-12-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

Current work from left to right, Carpathian/Mahogany E2, LS/Koa 000-Omfs, Carpathian/Brazilian Dreadnought, a pair of cocobolo OMFS', Rosewood E2, a Ziricote L1Gp, and a Cedar/Maho L1Gp and sticking out of the end, a lovely set of Madrose with a beautiful sapwood accent.

Here is Jim S' 40+ year old Hondo Mahogany. This will be for a 12 fret dread that we have just started.

The rims set for guitar #2 for Jack Wills is now bent and blocked. The top linings are installed and drying right now.

New wood just in!

2007-11-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

Stickered and stacked away for future guitars are these two stunning sets of wood. First is a gorgeous set of Macassar Ebony, next, a very nice set of Madagascar rosewood, large enough for my 0-12 model.

Some weekly progress!

2007-11-28T09:44:00.001-04:00

Here we have Mark Cashmans E2 sides getting there linings.

Next, Jack Wills back is sized up to match the sides.

Lastly, John Creech's 14 fret Brazilian/Carpathian Dreadnought gets its linings.

John Creechs Brazilian Dread

2007-11-24T19:27:00.000-04:00

One of the five guitars I have going right now is a Brazilian rosewood dreadnought for John Creech. Here are the bent sides and the back, which has been braced.

Also, Jack Wills second OMFS sides were bent today. As of today, All the sides for my Miami & Montreal show guitars have been bent as well as both of Jacks. After all the rims are blocked and kerfed I will be moving on to the tops.

Some New amazing Cocobolo!

2007-11-20T15:09:00.000-04:00

I recently got ahold of these two very fine sets of Cocobolo. Both are large enough for my OM Fingerstylist model.
They are both four piece back sets. Please inquire if interested!

Check out John Creech playing his LS Redwood/Indian E2

2007-11-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

Just listen to that VOICE! Oh, John sings nice too ;-)

Update on Mike Crixells Rosette

2007-11-16T11:56:00.000-04:00

Its done!

Mike Crixells Brazilian Rosewood Rosette!

2007-11-15T12:39:00.000-04:00

Here is the rosette Mike and I picked for his guitar, its a very slender piece of figured Brazilian rosewood framed with a black/koa/black purfling.

Setting up to cut the ring from the rosewood blank.

Here you can see the outside diameter has been cut.

Next the inside cut is made.

Here we have the ring after its been cut from the blank.

Next I cut the channel in the top to fit the ring into.

Now the Brazilian rosette is in, with the inner and outer purflings, next I will flood it with Cynoacrylic glue, and then level.

Tonight I will level the rosette and get some finished pictures up!

As always, thanks for reading my blog!

Back and side assembly complete!

2007-10-31T08:11:00.000-03:00

This last few days I was able to complete the back and side set assembly for Mike Crixells 000-FS, that's right, a 000. This will be the first ever OMFS with a 24.9" scale. Should be sweet. Here are a few pictures of the back and sides. Also on the bench is the completed rim set for Jack Wills #1 of 2 OMFS and Mark Cashmans completed rim set.. Pictures forth coming.

More progress on Mike Crixells LS Koa OMFS

2007-10-22T11:53:00.000-03:00

This weekend saw Mikes Koa rims get the top kerfing added and the back side bowl sanded. The back kerfing will be added today and the back should be on some time this week. Then its on to Mark Cashmans Mahogany and Jack Wills Cocobolo rims!

Some shop progress

2007-10-18T09:02:00.001-03:00

The last few weeks have been mostly consumed with family obligations but I did manage some shop time!
Here are a few of the things I have going..

More progress on Mike's Koa cutaway OMFS.

Mark Cashmans Carp/Hog E2.

Jack Wills Cocobolo twins.

More later!

Tops backs and sides!

2007-09-30T20:42:00.000-03:00

This weekend was quite productive! I have parts for three more guitars started. The top and back to John Creech's Carpathian/Brazilian dreadnought have been joined, plus Mike Crixells NEW Koa sides are bent, and finally JimS' Addy top is joined and ready for profiling, also SteveOs top for his upcoming Euro/Madrose E2 has been joined and ready for profiling. That's all for now.

Update on Paul F's OMFS

2007-09-23T19:35:00.000-03:00

Here is a little update on Pauls guitar!

Photo shoot and a visitor!

2007-09-14T21:45:00.000-03:00

This evening I had two visitors, SteveZ came over and spent the evening shooting dozens of pictures of two guitars that I have here right now. My other visitor was a local guitar player and friend named Bernie.
I have had the good fortune of having Bernie come over and test drive my last two guitars. It is great to get a chance to hear a real player play them!
So here are two impromptu pictures Steve got of Bernie testing driving DavidR's new LS Coco OMFS. This thing has sustain for days!

David Rs OMFS heads home tomorrow

2007-09-14T12:27:00.000-03:00

David will be here tomorrow to personally pick up his OMFS. I hope he likes it!
If he will let me, Ill try to sneak a few pictures and post an update.

Just a refresher, LS Redwood, Cocobolo with sapwood accents, Brazilian rosewood fretboard, bridge, headstock overlay, bindings and Rosette.

Here she is!

Post Healdsburg progress.

2007-09-03T11:47:00.000-03:00

Since getting back from the Healdsburg guitar festival I have officially cleard my plate of all the guitars that I had started prior to the show. As of today I am working on a new batch! Yeah!

Here are the last two "Post HGF" guitars

Davids Raacks LS Redwood Cocobolo OMFS.

And here is Paul Fs LS Redwood Cocobolo OMFS that went to finish yesterday.

Several more lovely sets of Cocobolo acquired!

2007-08-30T09:08:00.001-03:00

Just in, more stunning cocobolo! Actually, four sets! Two are of the "unbelievable" nature! Much like the set used on the "Little 0-12". And two are just plain fantastic. They are large enough for my OMSF model, possibly my E2, I haven't measured for that yet, and are clearly big enough for my 0-12. They are available now for future guitars. I suspect they will all be spoken for shortly though.

Moving forward! Back in the shop!

2007-08-28T08:39:00.000-03:00

This week has been somewhat productive.
I will have DavidRs OMFS back from finishing on Saturday, the same day PaulFs OMFS goes to finish.
In the interim, I have gotten some more work done on the Brazilian Addy 0-12 for the Miami show, as well as Mike Crixells LS-Koa OMFS, I have the sides bent and blocked as of last night.

Also on my bench is a pair of OMFS' for Jack Wills. The backs are done and I am working on the tops now. Not a lot in the way of images to show, ill try to snap some tonight....

Im back, some what adjusted to the Eastern time zone.

2007-08-24T07:27:00.000-03:00

Although, id have no trouble getting use to the Pacific time zone out there in Northern California, man what a great place!

I had a great "first" Healdsburg show, took two sold one (the little 0-12) and have several people very interested in the MBW E2 contact me since returning home. Below are a few select images from the show, and a slide show of over 200 random images. Enjoy!

Time for me to get back in the shop! David R's guitar is two weeks out and Paul F's first of 3 is headed to finish now. Next on the build list is a pair for JackW, Mike Crixells LS Koa OMFS and RayB's LS/Coco OMFS. More on them later!

Last note, Id like to thank Chris and the Luthiers Mercantile Int staff for putting on a show that exceed all my expectations! What a great bunch of folks! Good work guys!

Me and my table.

A long time friend from the 13th fret days

Marc Durso playing the 0-12.

A very nice fella who is also on my build list Jene

testing driving the MBW E2. This guy can play!

Slide Show of the weekend!

Two for the show!

2007-08-14T10:55:00.000-03:00

Well, the 0-12 and E2 are on a plane headed to California. I will be following them out tomorrow. I am very pleased with how both of this guitars turned out, especially the 0-12. It has a sound that I have been looking for. It is sweet, complex yet not overly full of overtones, and volume, this little guitar is a cannon. I have another one going in Adirondack and Brazilian I cant wait to hear! I will try to update my Blog each evening from Healdsburg, IF I can find a wireless hot zone. Until then, here are some parting shots of my Healdsburg Guitar Festival 2007 offerings!
Both guitars are for sale, now and at the show, if you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks
Lance

Healdsburg Report II

2007-08-06T09:24:00.000-03:00

Just 10 more days until we head west! The E2 is done and ready to go, the 0-12 is still a few more days off. I am hoping to ship them both off to the show this week.
Along with attending the show I plan to make some great memories with some good friends. Luthier Matt Gage and I are planning a trip to the redwood forest, and possibly the Pacific Ocean which I have never seen. I will plan to update my blog during or after the show each day, if time permits, so if your interested stay tuned!

David R's guitar almost done!

2007-07-28T11:23:00.000-03:00

Here are a few shots of David R's OMFS (LS redwood, Cocobolo). Its been lacquered and is now curing. Leveling and buffing are left.

Adirondack Set #1 wins the poll

2007-07-28T08:55:00.000-03:00

24 votes to 9 votes.
Last night at the end of the voting I got to work on the winning top. Here it is while being joined.

Bindings for Pauls guitar!

2007-07-26T08:14:00.001-03:00

Last evening was a long one, but by the end of it, Paul's OMFS was bound, leveled and finish sanded. :-) Tonight I make the fretboard and glue it to the neck.

Another LS Redwood Cocobolo OMFS nearing the finish line!

2007-07-25T09:35:00.000-03:00

PaulFs OMFS is getting close. I finished the bindings and purflings on the back side yesterday, I will do the top today. That will leave leveling and final sanding.
The neck is all done except for gluing the fretboard on and truing it up.
She will be heading to the finish booth on Saturday!

Not very flattering pictures, The beauty is beneath the surface yet.

Has anyone noticed how may Redwood Coco guitars there have been lately?

Choose a TOP!

2007-07-24T09:29:00.000-03:00

Here are the two sets of Adirondack Spruce to choose from for this guitar.

Set #1 has nice dark grain lines, it has a lot of character and color.

Set #2 is milky white, almost perfect cosmetically and has nice tight unpronounced grain lines.

Which do you want me to use? VOTE and let me know! :-)

Set #2 it is!

2007-07-24T09:25:00.000-03:00

Set #2 wins the poll 28 votes to 19 votes.

Here is Brazilian rosewood set #2 joined, thinned and cut to the rough profile.

Watch in the coming weeks for this set to be braced, and the sides bent.

Help Build a guitar!

2007-07-16T23:03:00.000-03:00

I thought id do an online experiment!

Help me build a guitar!

This guitar will be an 0-12 model. The back and side set will be
Brazilian Rosewood. Below are two small sets that I pulled to build this guitar with.

I want YOU to decide -which- set to use :-)

Above you will see a poll, please select Set #1 or Set #2.
Next will be the top selection. I have 4 sets of Adirondack to choose from as well as rosette, bridge, fretboard and binding styles!

If you have never commissioned a guitar, this should be a fun and free way to experience the journey and joy of seeing it from start to finish -and- having a voice in the process.

So please, case your vote and feel free to post comments at any time!

Hope this is fun! I am going to try to complete this guitar to have ready for the new Miami Guitar show in April 2008.

Set #1
Set #2

Closing in on the 0-12!

2007-07-15T16:13:00.000-03:00

Just a few more things to do and this one will be good to go for Healdsburg! I have never been so excited to "hear" a guitar as I am this one!

Last time I will post this Guitar I promise!

2007-07-13T08:46:00.000-03:00

Until it has a coat of finish on it :-) Here is David Rs OMFS, body is done, the neck needs final sanding and fitted to the body and were off to the finishers.

New Cases arrived

2007-07-13T08:43:00.000-03:00

Look closely, you may recognize yours! These six cases came yesterday from Costa Rica via a long boat ride and a short trip in a UPS truck :-)

These are Ameritage cases, my logo is on the front side of each.

2007-07-10T23:03:00.000-03:00

Progress on David Rs OMFS. Should be ready for finish on Saturday!

Here is a peek at the new logo and label.

More updates on Paul Fs OMFS

2007-07-09T08:12:00.000-03:00

Pauls rim set is all done, the back will be going on soon.

MBW Addy E2 under finish

2007-07-09T08:03:00.000-03:00

Here is guitar #2 for Healdsburg under finish. I am very pleased with how this one is turning out. The MBW has a nice subtle figure that appeared after the finish was applied.

Some 4th of July progress!

2007-07-05T10:20:00.000-03:00

Over the last week I was able to close up the box on DavidRs OMFS, and block and kerf PaulFs OMFS. Here are a few shots --

Here is Daves guitar with the neck posing for the pic :) This guitar will be getting Brazilian rosewood bindings later today.

Boy do I love the sapwood!

Here I am gluing in the neck block on Pauls OMFS.

And here is the rim assembly with the top kerfing installed.

And another view.

I hate to beat this guitar to death,

2007-07-03T09:46:00.000-03:00

But MAN I love this wood, and this little guitar!
So After a trip to the finishers to drop off the E2, I shot these two pics of the 0-12 which will be ready to be picked up in two weeks! I cant wait!

Counting down to Healdsburg!

2007-06-28T08:19:00.000-03:00

After a few uneasy months where I was unsure if I would be able to make it to Healdsburg. It seems the clouds have cleared and I am going to be ready.
Here are the two guitars that I will be bringing. Both are for sale now and will be at the show.

You may have seen this one come together on the blog, its the 0-12. Carter Redwood top and a very special four piece Cocobolo back and side set (props once again to my buddy Brock Poling for giving this set up). Extremely lively box. This is going to be a fantastic little fingerstyle guitar.

This one was just completed last night and will be headed to finish on Saturday. It is my E2 model with a great Adirondack top, Malaysian Blackwood back and sides, Koa rosette and bindings and a cool red purfling line that I think just sets off the koa really nice! Tell me what you think?

Tonally this is going to be a very responsive guitar with ample volume and headroom. The Addy top is strong and will be able to handle a heavy picking hand, yet its so responsive I fully anticipate this guitar will also excel when played with your finger tips. The dense Blackwood back creates a very reflective plate which in-turn offers up a "presents" or "quickness" to its sound. I am very excited to get strings on this baby!

Im still Alive!

2007-06-12T08:44:00.000-03:00

Greetings folks!

I have gotten a few emails of late asking if I had died because of my lack of updating my blog :-)
I'm not dead! Just busy as heck!
The Cocobolo Redwood 0-12 is ready for lacquer, this will probably be the only one that makes it to Healdsburg this year. I will be burning the candle at both ends trying to get the Malaysian Blackwood E2 ready also, as well as finishing up David R's OMFS. We shale see what happens.

Also on the stove cookin is Paul F's OMFS, the sides are bent and the neck and end blocks are in and the neck is done, next up is to attach the back and top.

Here are a few shots of the 0-12 "in the white" It will be headed off for finishing this Saturday.

Another sample of the E2!

2007-05-10T10:46:00.000-03:00

I posted a ringtone of John Creechs E2 at this link.
Download it! Its pretty cool!

Create free ringtones at Phonezoo

John Creech Jr playing his E2 at Merlfest 2007

2007-05-10T10:38:00.000-03:00

John sent this link of him playing his E2 at Merlfest this year. Thanks John!!

Timely Cracks,

2007-04-17T08:54:00.000-03:00

Timely Cracks

Sometimes I wonder if we ask to much of the wood?
NAA!

About two weeks ago while closing up DaveRs guitar a timely crack appeared on the side of the lower bout. ARRRGG!!! I had no choice but to take two steps back and start again. I had a matching set of sides so it was only a matter of time, and not materials, that was until I tried to remove the back from the cracked set of sides. That did not go well so David and I were off on a cocobolo hunt! Once again my buddy and fellow guitar builder Brock Poling of Poling Guitars www.polingguitars.com came up with a fantastic replacement set! Dave specified a sapwood center strip, that is indeed what we got. Here are some current progress shots. With a little luck, we should be back on track by this weekend.

New Rosette for the MBW E2

2007-03-21T08:48:00.000-03:00

I have wanted to introduce some color in to my rosettes for quite a while, just never had the opportunity or the right "idea". That is until last night :-) Since the Malaysian Blackwood E2 will have red in the top purflings, I thought this was the perfect time to add some color to the rosette. Here is how it came out. I am very pleased.

Malaysian Blackwood box

2007-03-20T10:16:00.000-03:00

The Malaysian Blackwood box is ready for the top! This one came together real nice. The top will be a fine piece of Adirondack spruce with a Flamed Koa Rosette, watch for that real soon!.

One nice surprise was the curl that appeared in the back after a shot of shellac!

DavidR's Coco back and sides are one!

2007-03-10T08:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was able to glue the back to the sides for DaveR's OMFS. After two (weather related) failed attempts Dave had a chance to visit last Saturday and we had an enjoyable two hours talking shop and looking over the progress on his guitar. Thanks for the visit Dave!

The top for Dave's guitar is fully voiced and ready to be glued to the body, that will most likely happen today. After that its on to the flamed Koa bindings!

New Kragenbrink Guitars Toolbar

2007-03-08T15:38:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks, I'm trying something new and hopefully fun!
I have created a Tool Bar for your Internet browser. It has some pretty cool features which include the following.

Includes a cookie cleaner, a history cleaner, and a cache cleaner

Get notified when you receive new e-mails to your POP3, Yahoo!, Gmail, or Hotmail accounts

Get Kragenbrink Guitar updates through the built-in message box (RSS)

Get up-to-date local and global weather forecasts

Chat with other Kragenbrink Guitar owners or customers who have the toolbar installed.

Listen to online radio from the toolbar

Best of all, its Free and Fun!

It will possibly change and evolve over time. You can download it below.

http://kragenbrinkguitars.ourtoolbar.com/

Enjoy!

The Healdsburg Report Edition ONE

2007-03-07T09:44:00.000-04:00

Feeling the pressure!

In this past month(February) I have started to feel the pressure of being ready for the Healdsburg Guitar Festival. I see a lot of things coming together, but (BUT) here is the contrast, I also see a LOT that has yet to be done.

The cases are ALL ordered and will be in on time, The 0-12 is almost ready for finish, the Asian Ebony/Addy E2 (see below) is probably the next closest to being ready. The rosette will be done today or tomorrow and then its on to bracing. After that I can close up the box.

That leaves the Flamed Mahogany Carpathian E2 for which the back is done and the top is underway, and the LS Koa cutaway OMFS, again back is done and top is underway. Its times like this I wish I could take a month off work and spend it in my shop in total sawdust bliss :-)

Anyways, thats it for Edtion ONE of the Healdsburg Report!

Slot head for the 0-12

2007-03-06T22:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a little progress on the neck for the Redwood Coco 0-12.
Im trying to decide if I want to bind this headstock with a very fine Brazilian rosewood or leave it sleek and plain. I like both ways a lot! What do you think?

Progress on the Healdsburg Guitars

2007-02-26T16:32:00.000-04:00

I started the top for one of the guitars that will be going with me to Healdsburg Guitar Festival in August. This is a very colorful Carpathian top, the guitar is for MarkC, it will have a Flamed Mahogany back and sides that will be sunburst, and a very special headstock inlay.

Here is a nice start on a set of Malaysian Blackwood sides, the back to this guitar can be seen on my main site. This will also be headed west in August.

Good weekend

2007-02-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my family and I went to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn Mi, just outside Detroit. I have not been there since I was in elementary school. Needless today I was MORE impressed this time :-) Here are a few images from our trip.

Close-up of the side reinforcements.

2007-02-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Here you can see the adirondack side reinforcements I use. Thought this was a cool shot..

Top bracing

2007-02-20T09:04:00.000-04:00

Greetings all! Here are a few photos showing how I go about bracing an OMFS top. I will document the voicing sequence as well. The following images show the top with the X brace glued up, then the Rock Maple Bridge plate, which I have thinned to .070, followed by the finger braces. All of the braces are full size and will be paired down in the voicing process.

Sound hole and rosette tooling

2007-02-16T16:15:00.000-04:00

I thought it might be interesting to post a few pictures of how I did this rosette and the tool that I use. This is a Bishop Cochran plunge router base with a Porter Cable 310 laminate trimmer. The 310 is the smoothest running trimmer I have ever used. Here you can see the channels that were cut to accept the Brazilian rosewood ring, as well as the outer purflings. After the rosette is has been fit, glued and leveled (as seen in my earlier blog entries, I return with the router and cut out the sound hole. Here you see placement of the bit, and after the cut. Enjoy!

Rosette Update

2007-02-14T09:18:00.000-04:00

Same Rosette, different day :)
Today I leveled the rosette for this top, reveling what it will actually look like. I am pleased. The lines are sharp and the Brazilian is a nice contrast to the LS Redwood top.

Brazilian Rosewood Rosette

2007-02-13T08:34:00.000-04:00

This is a Brazilian Rosewood rosette inlaid into an Master Grade LS Redwood top. This guitar will feature a Rosette, bridge and headstock overlay, all cut from the same piece of Brazilian rosewood and all having a very classy sapwood feature. I cant wait to see them all together!
This rosette of course has not been leveled yet, that will come later today.

David R's OMFS sides getting bent out of shape :)

2007-01-30T19:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a wonderfully figured set of Cocobolo for David Rs OMFS. They bent like butter.. I just love Coco!

Nice Butt! ;-)

2007-01-29T23:01:00.001-04:00

0-12 Body is done!

2007-01-29T22:54:00.000-04:00

Here she is! A little dry, no shellac so the color is less intense. It is completely in the white right now. The body is all done, the neck is roughed out and will be my focus for the next week. I hope to have this one in finish with in the next two weeks.
The bindings are Brazilian rosewood with a b/w/b side purflings and the top has a Koa/b/w/b purfling scheme.
This is also the first guitar that I have used what I call my petite binding scheme on, They are .180 tall, instead of the .250 that I have always used. Its a bit more difficult to execute because there is less room for error with the petite bindings.
But I do think its worth the extra effort, I think this will add a nice touch to my guitars.

0-12 Purflings

2007-01-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

Here is a close up of the binding/purfling scheme that I used for the 0-12. From the binding in, Brazilian rosewood/koa/b/w/b/Top. I used a very petite b/w/b as I felt it was needed to keep the appointments to a minimum.

Coming along!

2007-01-28T00:07:00.000-04:00

The 0-12 now has binding! On the back anyways :)
Tomorrow the top binding and purflings will be installed and this little guy will be ready for finish! Ill be working on the neck next week.

0-12 in the Ugly Duckling Stage

2007-01-15T09:08:00.000-04:00

This weekend saw the 0-12 get closed up. Its starting to look like a guitar!
This is also what I call the Ugly Duckling Stage. The binding ledges have been cut and today it will get Brazilian Rosewood bindings installed to match the Rosette, bridge and fretboard.

Thanks for looking!

New Brazilian Rosewood set just in!

2006-12-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, the Holidays have kept me busy (outside) of the shop. With that said, I did manage to get hold of a great set of Brazilian rosewood. This will soon be stickered and stacked for future use.

NEW Tonewood!

2006-12-20T15:11:00.000-04:00

The UPS man, oh how I love it when he pulls in my drive way :-) He delivered this long awaited set of Macassar Ebony yesterday. I have wanted a stunning set like this for a long time! Now I have it stickered and waiting to be made into a guitar!

Somewhat boring process of lining the rims.

2006-12-01T12:18:00.000-04:00

Here is the somewhat boring process of lining the rims. For this guitar I have chose to use standard triangle liners for the top to side joint. These liners came from a High Grade Sitka Piano sound board that was over 100 years old. I got them from a good friend Rob Busto of Paragon guitars.

The images show three different views of the liners being glued up, then the rim setting on the top. Enjoy!

More Rosettes!

2006-11-29T10:08:00.000-04:00

Another rosette just completed.
This is a highly figured Koa Rosette inlaid in to an LS Redwood Top. It is for Paul Fs OMFS. We were going to do another outside ring, similar to the 0-12 rosette but decided it looked great with out. Anyways, same process as the coco rosette detailed below. One element of my guitars that I always strive for is the "understated" In doing this I try to keep the feature of the rosette, in this case its the Koa center, under .200 wide. Any thicker and it starts to look fat in my opinion.

Detour -- Right -- for redwood :)

2006-11-29T09:16:00.000-04:00

If you've been following the building notes of the 0-12 you know that I wanted to put
a nice Italian top on it. I have since changed my mind, After all its my guitar so I can do that :-)

With my propensity toward redwood, I pulled a real nice set of "Carter TB Redwood" from the wood shelve and went to work. This guitar will be completely adorned with Brazilian rosewood appointments. I selected a nice chocolate brown piece for the rosette as well as the pyramid bridge. Below are a few pictures that show how its coming. Thanks as always for looking!