FOLLOW MY BUILDS
See some of my work in progress from my Facebook feed.
Hereβs my new completed vacuum head for my faithful old LMI vacuum clamp, with the forlorn and abandoned prototype in the background. These heavy duty actuators work much better than the ambitious but hokey ones I had made from Baltic birch ply.
I got these from China, through AliExpress, which was not the easiest thing to navigate, but now itβs done. The triangular base is shop made from phenolic resin. It feels very sturdy and secure when a guitar is on there.
Electric vacuum pump right? Do you have an auto generator backup, or do you not get many outages?
Great idea, Ben. The triangle makes so much sense.
If we can ever get together, I can draw out the unit we built at the guit factory; not far from yours but has some other additions you may find useful. Your top now looks more like ours, except I used four cups. Well done!
That is very cool and clever. Does it work on unfinished wood?
Too cool for school!!! ππ
Fancy!
Hey Ben. How much Hg are you pulling? You could use a series of diaphragm check valves to avoid failure.
cool!
After a long series of rosewood guitars, this curly European maple Arum is a refreshing change up. Anyone who has built a blond instrument with ebony bindings knows what pitfalls I am facing. One has to work very cleanly, or smudgy death ensues. This guitar will not be bursted or toned in any way- the White Arum.
I’m about to send a sister guitar into finish this week…. Ebony dust into maple flame - Oy! Good luck. It’s going to be stunning I’m sure.
What is your take on Maple vs Rosewood as far as the type of tones created?
I have a feeling you are going to work wonders with that maple, I love maple guitars and in your capable hands, it should be amazing.
Can’t wait to see and hear this build completed especially as an Arum, Ben. I’m sure it will be fantastic in your hands!! I ove my maple/spruce 12 fret. Want go with a maple/spruce 14 fret luthier built for my next guitar!
Master grade curly!
OMG… my mind imagines how beautiful this one will be. But I know reality will be even more beautiful. Ebony and maple… mind blown!!! Assuming it is spoken for, as well?
Love a nice maple guitar, sure it will be spectacular!
Oh boy, that's gonna be tasty!
I can only imagine this will be another Wilborn beauty!
Beautiful flamed π
That’s going to be like a formal tuxedo! Very classy!
Beautiful color scheme; I love natural blondes.
Can't wait to hear her!
So, more scraping, less sanding.
beautiful
Beautiful
The Tertiary Amigo gasps across the finish line. Of course, this is just the woodwork. I always feel that the finishing process is about 1/3 of the work of the whole guitar, but itβs more brainless and rote, so it seems easier.
Beautiful work Ben
Black stripe brazo, my favorite! Looks amazing
Pure art, Ben.
Sh!t that’s beautiful π€©
Gorgeous!
Love the builds! I like that you are doing the three Amigos. My last set of violins I made were as a trio and I also referred to them as the Three Amigos. Two are done and the third will go to varnish in the next week or so.
Amazing woods, Ben--that top is out of this world!
The Second Amigo, ready for lacquer. This one is classic whereas his brother is flamboyant. I canβt say which I prefer- I love them both.
So are you finding building 3 at once is more efficient? Is 3 the ideal for you?
Oooo I want this one two ! Ah see what I did there ? lol π
The grain in the BRW grew like it knew it wanted to be a guitar one day, a perfect set!
I like it. F hole achtops must haveeft this same impression in the early to mid twenties as well as just steel strings in similar times. Nobody remembers the timid.
maybe classic but still not subtle.
Beautiful
The first of the Three Amigos to cross the finish line- into the booth. It gives me shivers to work with wood this pretty.
Beautiful, Ben! Everything works together perfectly, and I’ll bet it really sings!
BR? is it actually nive to work with? Never even seen a piece.
Looks great! That is going to be stunning.
Beautiful how the woods compliment each other. Will be waiting to see the final result and the sound!
Another stunning work of acoustic art
Every guitar you build is pure class
Wow, that is gorgeous, Ben!
Your guitars sound as amazing as they look.
Another beauty, looking forward to hearing it ring
That's some beautiful stuff, Ben!
Ooo I want it ! He said the Three Amigos ! Lmao π€£
Spectacular!
Oooooh! I need a cigarette π
Wow.
Oh lovely π₯°
This is a removable panel to allow access to the inside of my guitars. With the offset soundhole, itβs pretty hard to work inside them, making things like adding a pickup, or the potential repairs in the future a bit difficult. So; door. It is a surprisingly difficult feature to pull off cleanly. I had to think about it a lot, and make a whole suite of jigs. My goal was that there would be no visible fasteners, it would be very simple in appearance, would still allow the use of the end pin for a strap, and would be virtually foolproof to open and close. Iβll probably end up chucking these jigs and making new, better ones- but thatβs the prototyping process. Iβm surprised to say it was among the hardest elements to design Iβve ever encountered.
I can see the reasoning, but not a fan of the aesthetic looks, especially considering how perfect your guitars design is overall. Are you planning on putting these in every build eventually?
Will you patent this? Seems innovative for sure!
So, what does the end block look like?
Ya know adding a mini expresso dispenser into the door might be a good idea ! Door pulls out on slides and hit the tap for a cup of Joe ! Brilliant ! ππ€£ Only kidding ! Looks good Ben . But if I may ask did you consider a back access ?
Splendid!! Ben, I seem to recall that you once likened a side sound port to the mid-century drink cans in which putting a small hole across from the pouring hole allowed the insides to "pour" smoother (in this case, the sound from the guitar). Have you played this instrument without the block in place, and, if so, how does it affect the sound? (It sort of seems too big to affect the sound positively, but I know nothing about the physics of sound!)
Ahhh... like Kasha and Snyder (sp?) Used to make. Beautiful.
οΏΌBen, I’m impressed! Just Wow. οΏΌ I sure hope I can get a Wilborn guitar someday.
I suppose the goal is to put an access point in a location were a soundport doesn't make sense? (I'm thinking of Monteleone's Rocket Convertible π )
This is an amazing idea for archtops
Nicely done! I've done the rectangular versions and I too was amazed at how much work it was to make the jigs and to execute it cleanly.
Very well done, Ben.
Perfect way to get that damn pick!π€£
Check out Sheldon Schwartz's elegant solution to this challenge on his Oracle guitar
A true artisan
Well done!!
I've loved every stage of the comma's development and elegant simplicity as a piece of functional art and superb craftmanship. So I'm going to be honest (hopefully not rude): this solution is the most inelegant thing I've seen, I think it's hideous and looks like a drain stop. If getting access is so important why not have a rectangular/square end-graft section that is disguised by binding lines/purfling? It might be primarily held in place by that modified drywall winged snaptoggle type of fastener pictured. Secondarily held in place by magnet like a trussrod cover. This service hatch could be a buyer's option but I expect many people would not want to disturb the natural form that characterises the comma series. I hope this comment isn't upsetting.
Nice - very close to what my own access panel "concept" was except mine was rectangular and I never got as far along as you. I have since moved on to a different concept.
I can understand why. But an elegant solution.
A good end block should support this. What a π convenience.
Love it
Genius
Wicked cool
Master! πβ£οΈ
The Trifecta. Los Tres Compadres. The Three Buggers. Whatever they are called, the bodies are done, and itβs time to set some necks.
Apparently… good things come in THREES!!! I sure hope to own one of your fine guitars one day!!! I deeply appreciate your work.
Magnificent. β€οΈ Breathtaking work. π
Absolutely awesome
Sweet ! With the new access doors ? The three Amigos ! Lol π
Amazing!
The Three Graces, of course!!
Awesomeness!
I’ll bet they smell great!
So BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Trimurti!
Beauties!
Estos 3 tienen madera
Bethβs Arum in Brazilian and Western Red Cedar. Behold!
Go Beth!
Wowβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
You're killing me with your tone, every FREAKIN' time!
Awesome !!
Perfection Benπππ
ππ₯π Love that amazing tone π₯
Benjamin Paldacci Luthier me too!
That's beautiful, Ben! Wish I could build with cedar, but I became sensitised to it years ago. I develop a rash and a sore throat, and my nose runs like a tap in response to the dust!
WOW, think I say that everytime you demo one. Superb!!
First congrats to Beth, I know she will love it. That is one beautiful set of BRW and I had a luthier tell me once he had never built a bad guitar using cedar, this seems to back that theory up! Even more important, nice T-shirt man. Best you have ever looked in one of these videos!
Absolutely amazing
amazing!!!
Oh, ho hum, more boring Brazilian and Tunnel 14.
Benjamin Paldacci Luthier thank you very much fellow-Ben
Tom Bowersox I thought I would dress up…
Pete Brown that’s me with walnut.
Pete Brown that’s me with walnut
Wow, that's a real shame, Ben. I had no idea that walnut could have that effect.
Pete Brown one sniff of sawdust and it’s like I have the flu for several hours!
Great work Ben! Proud to say I know you. All the best.
β€οΈβ€οΈ
That is a lifetime instrument. Wow.
Man you just keep them coming… Great job! Always a pleasure to view you and your work…
Benjamin Paldacci Luthier
Beautiful! Well done!
Still life with assorted weird objects.
I looked down on my bench and these items had assembled themselves in this fashion while I worked.
This tidy array tells me everything I need to know about my messy work habits. My bench always winds up with a lot more miscellaneous crap scattered around. There are no rags here. No bits of sandpaper and wood scraps. No glue. Not too many random parts. Not too many things threatening to damage finishes. I feel humbled.
Well, I see the Modified Sermitay, the #7 Flange De-Scrinpfvener, and the Bulbous Henmusket.
I think the spring is the ring leader and it was trying to organize a walk-out due to poor working conditions. It was trying to use the two circular items to make a cart, you can see the potential axel mounted in the one wheel and he was lying on the other ready to spring into action. They were going to roll on out of the shop as soon as they figured out how to make a sign to protest.
Neatly laid out still art. I'm not a luthier but I recognize a few things. A micrometer, end pin, loupe and maybe an indicator holder. A couple of fixtures for a soundhole, and ebony blanks? I miss tools.
Instead of complementing your clean work habits, I'll keep my illusion of the fact that you have well behaved tools ;-)
Nice dial calipers, jealous...
Tools of a master artist!!!
Skills to pay the bills. How are you, Ben?
π
Tools that make your trade easier
This is something Iβve meant to do for a long time. I made this new vacuum head for my old LMII vacuum clamp with individual swiveling pods. I think this will distribute the load more safely onto the guitar.
Did you engineer this for the new style guitar with the entry door on the bottom?
Wow, that is a great solution !! I thought I was the 'jig-master'..
Aw... you're having way too much fun! I bet that cool thing put the biggest smile on your face first time you used it.
Very impressive! Well done mate!
It's always fun to see how other woodworkers solve problems.
That’s a great idea!
This looks awesome Ben!
Those are very nice heads, I’ve only had suction cups and a Teflon pump I pieced together from Graingers catalogs. Well done.
Awesome!
That’s awesome!
Very nice!
Please tell me the details. Is your vacuum pump running non-stop? Are you using a vacuum receiver? Does plywood let air through?
You're brilliant!!!
Let us know how it works out.
Looks great!
Very cool.
Nice!
Nice
I can look at this two ways- a lot of work done, or a lot of work to do. I canβt decide.
WOW!!! Beautiful craftsmanship!!!!
There is only one way to truly see these...fantasticly beautiful works of art!!
Shazam--those look incredible, Ben!
I look at it like… dang I want one…. Keep it up my man!
Pretty, very pretty. Work? You're living the dream.
Ben - Those guitars are 1/2 done so they're technically half full! π€£
So beautiful!
C'mone Ben. You can do it!
It can be both π
So pretty.
Both!
Hmmm … which one is mine ? Lol π
depends on if you are tired or rested. If you are tired "that is a lot of work done' If you are rested "what are you waiting for there is a lot of work that needs to be done" Amazing stuff Ben ππ
Amazing work!!! Keep it up!!ππΌπ
Both, and great work
Whether the glass is half full or half empty, ya still gotta drink!
Good business either way!
Very nice Ben! Great looking work. Work done, more work to do, larger bank account in your future π
The soundhole swoosh-thing is a solid piece of ebony, cut to fit. It involves making a single-use template and various painfully acquired machining and hand shaping skills. Note that the wood sits on a tiny shelf in the top, rabbeting in for strength.
thanks, I’ve often wondered about the process for this! Icing on the cake.♥οΈ
Gorgeous
Had to look up the word "rabbeting" ... still not sure about your process, but I am sure of my amazement of your work.
Mind boggling!
Jeff Donahue it is taken from the french Word "rabot " an anciant tool
Very patient the luthier is
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a smooth fit. Nicely done.
Amazing!
An absolutely beautiful piece of engineering and art
β€οΈ
Your skills keep evolving and improving--I am impressed.
I have wondered how many jigs/steps it takes to make that piece.
I’m so excited to see some of the process! It’s an amazing design and execution!
Zeke Griffin “click!”
Kip Wyatt several!
β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
Very nice. Love the details.
Great detail !!
An Artist at work
Exceptional
Part of the artistry and beauty!
wat the hell. cant even think of this pain staking job :D
Rahoul Waghmare it’s not that bad once you get the hang of it.
Thank you TNAG and Zane for the photos!
I have to say this is the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen. After hearing the link it’s also one of the best sounding as well. I noticed Ms. Straw was playing it in my old friend Walter’s store as well. Wishing you all the best for the new year and looking forward to seeing your next endeavors.
Wilborn Guitars ever since I first saw Carl play one on YouTube I was blown away. Nothing else sounds like em!! π»
This is the very definition of functional art. Beautiful work, Ben!
Amazing Ben!!!
Wow!
Iβm about to close the door on this Nautilus. This is an exciting instrument to me because 1) Iβve never used Malaysian blackwood before 2) I am using a three brace back instead of my normal four and
3) Iβm building in a small removable panel on the tail end for interior access- a feature that itβs taken me months to comprehend and design. Wish me luck.
Nice so this will be your prototype build ? I remember you talking about the access hatch .
Looks amazing as usual. Why the decision to go with 3 braces? Does it have to do with The hardness of the Blackwood?
Beautiful build once again Ben. Trying to comprehend how the access panel will work? A hinged door affair or something else? Sorry if it’s a dumb question. Not a luthier, just a player and admirer of your instruments!
Thank you for building an access panel!!! I wish more builders making guitars with alternative sound holes would do this.
Very nice as always. What’s the access for Ben?
So a couple of these bad boys and then maybe an eye and hook closure, should look great!
I'm surprised you've never worked with Malaysian BW before, such a cool wood!
Ben, I am curious as to your impressions of that set relative to other ebonies like Macassar Ebony? I know that it is dense, hard and stiff. Was there much ring or glassiness relative to it compared to a rosewood?
Looks amazing so far! Is the removable panel a Wilborn exclusive? Can’t wait to see the finished piece!
I don’t think luck has much to do with your work! Beautiful.
Looks great, Ben. MBW is terrific. It’s the set on my Stehr, and I love the look and sound. Looking forward to your demo of this one.
Your builder reputation precedes you, sir! I am confident it will be another top-shelf build. I can’t wait to see and hear it!!! ππ»ππ»
Good luck!π
I picked up a commission from Steve and Ryan yesterday that was built with a very similar set of MBW and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to get your take on this one when you get it done.
Oh! The first edition of the real thing! How exciting! Can't wait to hear it!
It will work, friend.
incredible!
I’m excited to see the finished product and a video of how it sounds.
Intéressant, bravo!
Very interesting idea to have a removable panel to access and see the inside. If you want to install an active piezo it would be a quite convenient feature. Plus... no more picks lost inside the guitar. π
Good luck Ben! Beautiful wood and beautiful work! I hope I get the opportunity to play one of your guitars someday!
Brazilian and Tunnel 14 redwood Nautilus from Wilborn Guitars.
This was sold by my friends at Dream Guitars, and the lovely photography was done by Logan Wells.
www.dreamguitars.com
www.wilbornguitars.com
Goes together like chocolate and peanut butter
Une oeuvre d'art, tout simplement magnifique
Wonderful design (inc bracing).
Cecil Almond Check out these sweet guitars made in Reno by this fine gentleman.
Beautiful once again…
I wish I would have been in a position to get it.
That’s true guitar porn ! Lol very sexy guitar ! ππ
Just amazing
Spectacular!
Breathtaking!
Ben, beautiful β€οΈ
π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
ohhhh...yeahhh π
Wow
Oh my….stunning!! β€οΈπΈ
Dang!!!
I donβt usually work in batches, but I am trying it out with this trifecta of Nautili. Thereβs something to be said for only setting up a tooling process once, and then doing three passes. I kind of like it so far.
Cool... I'm in on the Trifecta. π
Kirk Sand swears by it. He does a “class” of instruments at a time. This makes a lot of sense to me, not just because of toolings and jigs but materials choices. Some benefits of mass production, without the downsides.
3 for the price of 1? 8-)
Makes sense ! π
u alway make me jealous :D