JJ Donohue

Mattia...As a lurker, I was pleasantly surprised to find you here and that influenced me to sign on. My new goal is to alternate an acoustic with an electric build so I plan on spending as much time here as OLF. The OLF really is more interested in acoustic guitar building as evidenced by the fact that they have chosen not to open a separate Electric Guitar Section. I found that choice definitive of their mission so I now choose to learn about electrics here as well as the MIMF. Thanks for the warm welcome...I'm looking forward to the new experience.

Thanks for the warm welcome to both old friends and new ones as well! Here's a link to the OLF thread of my most recently completed electric. Feel free to comment...in particular, what can I do to improve. In the meantime, how do I post an individual pic on this forum? TIA

I typically use Brazilian rosewood FBs on acoustic guitars and radius sand them to as high as 2000 grit Micromesh. I personally like the feel but others may not. I dislike the softer feel of Indian rosewood and just won't use it. At 2000 grit, it shines like it has been finished. After playing, however, it dulls from players' sweat and finger oils. The polishing is only good for taking pictures of the guitar. As far as tone, I tap everything I use on all guitars...including the dried glue. If it pings, I use it...if it thuds, I avoid it. BRW seems to consistently ping far better than anything else. BTW, ebony is a very heavy material that dampens vibrations IMO...so I have avoided it more recently. But I'll be the first to admit that I could never tell the tonal difference between necks with different FB materials...there are just too many variables. I oil my FBs and buff 1 or 2 times a year during a string change when I re-crown and polish frets...just part of my obsessive compulsive nature. The texture, hardness and feel of FBs is a real personal thing where as long as the guitar plays in tune and doesn't buzz, then it's just right for the player. We all get used to certain intangibles on a guitar. My comments tried to address more of the measureable attributes of BRW vs other woods so take them as only one person's opinion.

Thanks for the warm welcome, Rich. I'll try to behave myself...but I must admit to enjoying an occasional "towel snapping" session if the situation calls for it. I suspect there might be others who are so inclined. I just can't take myself so seriously all the time and try to keep a sense of humor close to the surface.

I'm JJ Donohue and I'm addicted to guitar building. I live in north central Indiana and have a small basement shop. I've been building mostly acoustic guitars for the past 5 years. During that time I've managed to build 4 electrics of varying complexity. I mostly hang out at OLF but wanted to spend some time here with my increasing interest in "the dark side" of guitar building. I'm not really sure about the climate and customs on this forum compared to others but hope to become part of your community. Having lurked here for awhile, I recognize a few familiar members. I also look forward to meeting new friends and increasing the level of knowledge about the science and art of electric guitars.