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Variations on a Theme
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Design Simplicity
I am a believer that the simplicity in design is difficult.
"Less is more" and over the years I have trained my eye toward this goal.
I have toiled and spent much time on guitar models, keeping with many traditional motifs and ideas.
The headstock and rosettes are examples of the early history of the guitar.
The body design with the rounded shoulder appears feminine.
All parts of the instrument exterior and interior are tailored and polished.
Each instrument is set up to the guitarists specifications, and this includes several options.
Construction
There are many considerations in a commissioned guitar.
First come scale length, wood, decorative elements and finish, etc.
If you view some of the photographs on the site you will notice many variations ("variations on a theme") such as rosette design, bindings, and even variations of the rosewood.
There are several options available to the guitarist and it is my pleasure to provide them at no additional charge.
This helps personalize each guitar and although construction is left to the maker, the guitarist has a great deal of input if desired.
I construct 10 to 12 instruments each year.
At present (2008), a double top, Brazilian rosewood guitar with laminated cypress sides, raised fingerboard and choice of top wood is priced at $5,300.
I also construct guitars with less rare rosewoods that are priced accordingly.
Many of the finest guitars have traveled through my studio, and considering the investment I truly consider the Deerhead guitar most favorable.
If the reader has done comparative studies, I hope you will find this compelling.
The Concert Classical
Solid Engelmann,
bear claw Engelmann
or European spruce,
cedar
or redwood soundboard
Indian rosewood back/sides with
Spanish cypress
ribs
French polish top, lacquer gloss finish for back/sides
Cuban cedar neck
Cuban cedar headpiece, white laminate with
Indian rosewood
or ebony veneers
Bound ebony fingerboard
Nicolo Alessi tuning machines
Custom rosette,
bindings
and purfling
Indian rosewood bridge with 12-hole tie block, easy-lift "lip" saddle
TKL Pro Series hardshell case with nylon cover,
hygrometer
and humidifier
The Flamenco
Solid Engelmann,
bear claw Engelmann
or European spruce,
cedar
or redwood soundboard
Spanish cypress back/sides
(blanca)
Indian rosewood back/sides with
Spanish cypress
ribs
(negra)
Tap plates
and peghead
French polish top, lacquer gloss finish for back/sides
Cuban cedar neck
Cuban cedar headpiece, white laminate with
Indian rosewood
or ebony veneers
Bound ebony fingerboard
Custom rosette,
bindings
and purfling
Indian rosewood bridge with 6-hole tie block, easy-lift "lip" saddle
TKL Pro Series hardshell case with nylon cover,
hygrometer
and humidifier
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First and foremost is the choice of wood for the soundboard, back and sides.
Wood options for the top include
European spruce
(bottom-left),
Engelmann
spruce (top-right), Engelmann with
bear claw
(center),
Western red cedar
(top-left) and
California redwood
(bottom-right).
No matter what wood is chosen, every set has been pre-selected for optimum performance and cosmetics.
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For the back and sides,
Brazilian rosewood
(center) is most frequently requested.
This very special
old growth stock has been air-dried for nearly 40 years.
Ink-black spider webbing
is characteristic for the species, frequently with striking red-orange
figuration as well.
Other excellent rosewoods are available, such as
Cocobolo
(bottom-right),
East Indian
(top-right) and
Honduran
(top-left).
Spanish cypress
(bottom-left) is specially stocked for
flamenco instruments.
However, side sets
are used for both classical and flamenco ribs.
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Every instrument is carefully sized to fit each player, maximizing comfort while performing at the highest level.
Scale lengths range from 630mm to 660mm, with neck widths from 51mm to 54mm at the nut.
The standard neck thickness is 23mm.
A thin-line neck of 20mm thickness is also available.
Additionally, there are several fingerboard options to consider at no additional cost, including
ebony binding,
raised fingerboard,
slight radius,
20th half fret and
fret markers.
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Rosette, bindings and purfling are aesthetic choices.
Usually 3 to 4 custom rosette patterns are available to choose from, unique designs made in the workshop.
Deerhead rosettes can be grouped into three categories that explore rose vine,
southwest geometric and
modern abstractionist themes.
This early design,
red roses with white background, is my original rosette.
Maple,
Brazilian rosewood,
ebony or
Indian rosewood may be selected for the bindings.
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Other design elements are available for an additional charge.
For example, a significant upgrade to consider is the double-top soundboard, which delivers exceptionally strong projection and marvelous tone.
This sophisticated soundboard uses two very thin top sets to encase an inner core of
Nomexฎ.
A special vacuum clamp/glue process is also required.
Nomex is a lightweight honeycomb fiber originally developed by Dupont.
For more, please visit the gallery for additional photos of a recently completed double-top for concert guitarist Masakazu Ito.
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Another upgrade is the armrest, made of
Cuban cedar or
Brazilian rosewood
and fitted in the workshop.
A feature growing in popularity, armrests offer extra comfort, stability and provide additional protection for the finish.
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The adjustable pin bridge upgrade allows each string's height to be easily adjusted for specific music, performance conditions or changes in climate.
Please visit Over The Years for more about the pin bridge.
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Here are the upgradable design elements available for consideration:
Double-top soundboard
Brazilian rosewood back/sides
Cocobolo rosewood back/sides
Honduran rosewood back/sides
7 strings
8 strings
Pin bridge
Cuban cedar headpiece with Brazilian rosewood veneer
French polish top, back and sides
Premium Alessi,
Gilbert or
Rodgers tuning machines
Armrest
Karura flight case
Calton custom hardshell case
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