Calling all 381 owners!!

will_86ca · Post by **will_86ca** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 6:28 pm

Paul

Thanks for your views on things. It sort of puts things in a better perspective. I've thought a lot about this project for the most part of a year so far. Your post doesn't come off as negative and I understand where you are coming from but I've had my heart set on this a while. If there are any lessons to learn from this experience (and I'm sure there will be), they'll be waiting for me on the shop floor. I look forward to them too, because like everyone says, you truly do learn from your mistakes. I'm sure you'll agree with me there.

Ken

Thanks for the link and advice

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:21 pm

Will, I agree with you and your heart's in the right place. That goes a long way toward fulfillment of one's dreams. So, best of luck and keep us informed!

expomick · Post by **expomick** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:35 am

Great discourse, all of you.

It underscores how glad I am that I was able to just buy mine; I couldn't even make a bench during shop class.

Good luck William!

36012 · Post by **36012** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 3:10 pm

I build guitars for a hobby and I think it is a cool project.I know Mr. Hall does aggressively pursue copies that are for sale, but I am not sure what his views are on copies that are not for sale.I don't think there is anything wrong with replicas, just as long as they are not for sale.

The 381's of the the late 60's and early 70's appear to have a top and a back that is glued onto a side piece.Similar to a sandwich.If that is how it is constructed then the center piece probably starts out as two pieces of solid maple that is center joined.After they are joined, the center is probably cut out leaving the sides,neck channel and any other required support structure.It looks as though the top and back is 3/4" maple that is center joined that gets a 3" cove router bit around the edges for the german carve effect.If it is built like a 360,then the top and sides are a single piece of center joined 2" thick maple with a separate carved back.It is hard to determine whether the top is separate or if it is the same piece as the sides.It will be quite difficult to hollow out if it is one piece like a 360.Do a lot of research and don't hurry.I think it will be cool to see when its done.Good luck.

string_along · Post by **string_along** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 4:25 pm

Welcome, Will 86ca! While you build your guitar, remember that Roy Orbison was The Fastest Guitar Alive!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 4:41 pm

One thing that we do not consider, but lawyers certainly do, is what happens to such a copy when it passes out of our hands, as happens in the case of death or disability, god forbid.

An heir or representative may represent the guitar as an original out of ignorance and difficulties arise.

Our spirits seek expression in creation, of which there are many types. When something original is created, it has a life beyond that of its creator. When a copy of something is made (on the other hand), it may pay homage to the original, but it can never stand as tall as its original equivalent.

Speaking relatively, of course...

I don't understand the Orbison reference, I'll frankly admit--perhaps too much likker on New Year's Eve?

winston · Post by **winston** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 6:43 pm

I don't understand the Orbison reference either and there aren't any liquor issues here at this point in time. So you are not alone Paul.

string_along · Post by **string_along** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 7:24 pm

Sorry, gents. It's a weak and obtuse reference about a movie that featured another kind of "custom made" guitar. (I just sort of wandered over here to the technical-side "of the forum tracks"....) I will bow out gracefully now with the salutation of "Happy New Year!" --- Skipson

winston · Post by **winston** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:20 pm

I'm afraid that I never saw that movie. Oh well, that's just one more to see at some time in the future.

Happy New Year to you too Skip.

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:54 pm

What ever happened to Will and his plans to design/construct a 381 as a class project ? It was a very interesting thread about six months ago.... is there a progress report, pictures, etc.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:05 pm

Will and I had some interesting dialogue. I did remind him that, like many of my students, there is many a slip 'twixt the plans of mice and men.

Or something...

I believe there was a parallel thread in Guitars with reference to this. I did try to level his brain somewhat re: the complexity of such an undertaking, especially for one without luthiery experience or tools.

Will was quite single-minded about his intentions to do this, but after the initial fire, there was a fizzle.

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:38 pm

Paul -- I had really enjoyed reading the several comments and dialogue you had posted on this subject and the good advice you had given Will about the luthiery tools and experience required and the investment required for same. Sorry to hear that the project did not reach fruition, I was looking forward to seeing step-by-step pictures, of the process and progress being made.
Cheers....Rich

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:13 pm

And as far as the Roy Orbison reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fastest_Guitar_Alive

Remember talk was about custom making a guitar....

fredyfredy · Post by **fredyfredy** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:53 am

I have some photos and a video of Will's project.
If anyone would like to see them and would post to the board, I'll send them along.

I helped Will with the needed measurements and some ideas for the project.

Will contacted John Hall before he started.

I haven't heard from Will in a few months.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:24 am

Of course we'd like to see them. Put the video on photobucket and get the photos up here.

It would be good to see how this turned out after all the advice we were so intent upon offering!