Stephen's Koa Chopper #0055

[Elizabeth]

Stephen's custom Schroeder guitar will be a Chopper with an incredible Koa top. Check out this wood!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/3534421364_f99a64963e_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3533607405_bb34eb3326_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3533605825_8a51388c29_b.jpg

[r9player]

Very sweet looking top!

[sparky_8]

Very sweet looking top!
Thanks! I'm excited about this build. I chose the Chopper becuase I know Jason knows it inside and out as it's his design. Seeing everything that Jason has built and knowing his skill... I completely trust his judgements. He didn't make the Chopper just because it looks cool... It's functional too.

[r9player]

Pretty much same reason why I went with the Chopper too!

[Roscoe]

Sparky that is a gorgeous piece of wood.Your Koa looks so rich in color. Is that photo shot dry or with spirits? What are the rest of the woods going to be/how is the weight on a piece of Koa for a top? Congratulations

[sparky_8]

Sparky that is a gorgeous piece of wood.Your Koa looks so rich in color. Is that photo shot dry or with spirits? What are the rest of the woods going to be/how is the weight on a piece of Koa for a top? Congratulations

Thanks! I love the coloring on this one.

I assume the picture they took is dry. Maybe Jason or E can answer that one?

Also have no clue on the weight... It's got a lot of similar properties with mahogany. I picked it for tone and looks. I'm a slight koa nut. To me it sits halfway between maple and mahogany tonally. I'm big into mid-range tones so it's a perfect wood for me.

As for the rest of the woods... The neck will be out of the same piece as the top. Fretboard will be rosewood with a cool custom inlay... (more on this later) The back will likely be mahogany but I have an idea to run by Jason to see what he thinks. More to come on the rest of the specs later... This will be a fun build to watch. :)

[sparky_8]

What to do... should I change my spec from the stoptail to the new stopbar style?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/IMG_5195.jpg

[r9player]

Absolutely, the Schroeder stop tail is super cool!
Does it improve the sound or anything like that ... I ehm have no idea! LOL But it looks great I think.

[sparky_8]

I like the look for sure. I have my current specs at the stop tail but think I may change to this setup.

[sparky_8]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/untitled-3.jpg

Here is an image of an inlay designed by my cousin. It's a koa branch. The stick section of the branch will be koa. The leaves will be a green inlay material, and the seeds will be a yellow inlay material of some sort. I'm leaving the material options of to what E thinks will look best. She's done enough amazing inlays that I completely trust her judement on this.

[sparky_8]

Got a cool email from Elizabeth today...

"Hey Steven!!
We are getting ready to glue up your woods. Please confirm that the
attached specs are correct and we'll move forward.
Please let me know and we'll get moving on your guitar!!
Talk soon,
E"


I'll even let it slide that she spelled my name wrong. :) I'm too excited to care.

[Elizabeth]

Got a cool email from Elizabeth today...

"Hey Steven!!


I'll even let it slide that she spelled my name wrong. :) I'm too excited to care.

Oops. Sorry! Can I edit my email?? ;)
Looking forward to this batch of guitars!!
E

[sparky_8]

Oops. Sorry! Can I edit my email?? ;)
Looking forward to this batch of guitars!!
E

:) Easy mistake... happens to me all the time... For some strange reason I'm looking forward to this batch now too!

[vangit]

Congrats Stephen!! Enjoy the ride!

[WinstaBull]

That top is dope! I had a 'custom' Koa Carvin that was my first real guitar back in the day.

[sparky_8]

Got an email from Elizabeth today and I've been in contact with Jason more.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/IMG_7001.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/IMG_7003.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/IMG_7005.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/IMG_7007.jpg

[vangit]

Man that looks clean Stephen. Real beautiful. Is the body thickness "59" spec?

[sparky_8]

Man that looks clean Stephen. Real beautiful. Is the body thickness "59" spec?

It's not anything I specified so Jason would have to answer that one. :) I left some of the judgement call stuff up to him...

[jmckenzie]

Look great Stephen! Can't wait to see this guitar come together

[sparky_8]

More pictures from Jason tonight!

Tweed glued to the back and sides.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/schroedertweed-1.jpg

Gluing the 2 layer binding on. Cream with tortoise shell.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/schroederbinding2.jpg

Binding finished and top wet to show the color. It's looking great!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/schroederbinding2.jpg

[Vinni Smith]

Looks amazing with that stain on it!