SHOOTIN' THE CURL--AQUAGLO 700C BEGINS

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:41 am

First shots of the soon-to-be-Aquaglo 700C. This is the first Rick acoustic of this batch, and the third built in my shop.

Taken this morning in my spray booth, as sealer coat was being applied. Nice ripple in the maple, hey?

As you can see, this one has checker-bound headstock. It will also receive an LRBaggs iMix pickup system.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:10 pm

Paul, that is going to be AMAZING in Aquaglo....

Heck, it's amazing in Mapleglo!

Ohhhhhh, Aquaglo.... (dreamy sigh.....)

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:20 pm

Just curious, Paul, why did you decide to go with the L.R. Baggs iMix pickup system?

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:44 pm

Hopefully all that great flaming will still shine through. Call me a wood grain junkie!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:53 pm

I tried out many of the available systems. Baggs makes the E3 system that RIC uses. When I built my 730L/12, it came down to Fishman or Baggs dual element systems.

With John Hall's recommendation, I went with the Baggs.

The E3, although it is a single-element system, uses a ribbon-type transducer element. Piezo squawk is supposedly a thing of the past with this type of element. The E3, which I installed in the 700S that I built for the MOMM acoustic show, sounds fantastic with the right amplification. The iMix has much more adjustability re:EQ and blend, of course.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:36 pm

I was just wondering, because I have had great luck and sound with the Fishman Eclipse. I had heard of the Baggs, but have never actually 'heard' one in use. If the EQ is better on the iMix, it maybe something I might consider in the future on one of my other Martins'. Good to have another's input on things like this.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 2:06 pm

I feel a bit leery about the gooseneck mike inside the soundhole. I don't like the looks of all this tech in plain view.

I like the adjustability of the iMix, and the neat way of mounting the under-bridge pickup, too...

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 2:16 pm

You're right there, the mic is very obvious in the soundhole. And it's an Elipse not an Eclipse.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 2:28 pm

Ellipse refers to the pickup pattern, I think.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:45 pm

I'm impressed. This is no small feat to build Acoustics of this style. You've seen how I shape the necks I build with hand tools and files/surforms, tell me what tools you use to shape and profile the Maple neck. What type of Spruce are you using for the top: Sitka/Engleman/Adorandoc maybe German? When bending the sides how long do you soak the Maple, water and glycerin ratio, what type of heat for bending, electric or flame and bending pipes. Did you scallop the braces/ The one I played at the hotel sounded as though it had light bracing. The Maple looks to be very curly Eastern Hard Rock, beautiful grain pattern I must say. I'm a fan of traditional colors, even natural wood IMO would look great on this SJ body style. Once again..BEAUTIFUL

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 6:33 pm

Thanks, Dale.

The answers to your questions will be the topic of several long future posts which will go into a bit of detail about building methods. Right now I'm quite busy filling orders.

Which acoustic did you play at the hotel? Was it one of the two at my table? The jumbo 700S had light bracing.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:34 am

Fine looking guitar as it is! Can't wait to see that Aquaglo!

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 7:25 am

Beautiful work as usual, Paul!

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 7:32 am

Don't beat me, please, but i like it as it is.
But then again, i haven't seen it finished yet...

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 7:58 am

The finish will be like this one Sheena: http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/groups/g_18379849/490b/__sr_/895c.jpg?grwtbEFBHvwUi6fa