Needless to say when Craig approached me to build him a
7 string Fan Fret I was both intrigued and excited at the prospect. Because of the unique bracing required and the one off design of the head, bridge, etc. it presented a unique challenge and I'm glad to report that Craig is more than pleased with the result..
New Don Ross Fan Fret
Don was so pleased with his last Fan Fret that he ordered another one. Because his first FF had a 27" bass scale he opted for 28" this time around giving him a wider range of tonal options. Though quite similar to his other FF changes on this one include the addition of a side sound port, a wide Spalted Maple soundhole and a sunburst top as well as shaded back, sides and neck. I opted to shade the Cocobolo
back, sides & neck in order that they blend better with the sunburst top.
Concert Standard 12 Fret Baritone
This Baritone came about as a special request from a good friend and customer. The combination of features make for a special and somewhat unique instrument. The 12 fret Concert Standard body lends itself well to the lower pitch as it produces an excellent bass response even though it measures only 16" across. The 28" scale placed the bridge more central in the lower bout further enhancing the low notes. One note regarding the "Lucky Strike" Redwood top. This is without doubt the finest Redwood top I have ever seen. Amazing! Some of the special features on this guitar include Ziricote bindings & trim as well as a Ziricote bridge, wide box elder burl soundhole, top and back bevels, gold EVO fretwire, bound fingerboard & head with white purfling, bookmatched Ziricote head veneers and Fossilized Walrus Ivory nut, saddle and bridge pins (the bridge pins having box elder burl dots).
One of my customers is unable to take delivery of their beautiful Maple/Sitka Concert Standard Cutaway because of an unfortunate hand injury. This guitar is somewhat special due to the fact that both the highly figured Maple back, sides and Sitka Spruce top came from well seasoned old stock. The top was cut over 25 years ago! Though just completed, it has the richness, depth and stability of a well aged instrument. This guitar is only going to get better.
Recently both Craig D'Andrea and Antoine Dufour played this guitar during a visit in my shop and agree that it is quite an exceptional instrument with a full, open sound and a broad dynamic range.
I would like to give due credit to Jackie Noble for her wonderful photograhy. Thanks Jackie, you do great work!