Acoustic Soundport Project w/pics (Page 2 of 2)

Thanks man!  How'd the Banks treat ya? Get to hop on a board any?

Well I decided to wait on the Yairi for now and opted to put a paw port (we breed cocker spaniels ) in the S&P Showcase.. I put it a little lower since I had to position between existing side braces. I had a little battle scare there so it gave me the opportunity to remove that I know some have asked for a comparison clip and I'll get around to it... Just been lazy lately

That's just a piece of black paper taped behind it temporarily so it would show up better for the pic..

Thanks a lot man! It really makes a huge difference. We had a jam session here last night and after a few people tried it, I now have 5 installations on order!
  The glass is kind of a personal touch I'd never seen it done this way before... Most builders use wood to reinforce the area on solid wood guitars (laminate doesn't need reinforcement) but I felt the glass would work better. Especially with installing on a bend like that and working on an already completed guitar. It kept me from having to shape/bend the wood and worry about proper clamping, which would have been difficult considering it's position.
   I plan on getting a real simple comparison vid up tonight with both sound port designs... Until then, Here are some interesting test results in decibels from Tim McKnight of McKnight Guitars that everyone can read over. http://www.mcknightguitars.com/soundports.html

Interesting reading pix but is there a change in the quality of tone or is it the same only with more volume?

That makes sense because with my Dobro slide guitar I play it horizontal and it resonates to my ear louder and it also seems to record in my video with more volume those designs on that link really look great I wonder if anyone with a Gibson or Martin would have that done or forgo it because of the possible resale value

Those guitars I only get to play in a music store and only after I "audition" on a knockoff to show them I am a musician and know how to treat a fine instrument like Gibson or Martin hopefully the lotto fairy will be kind someday while I'm still alive

Looks GREAT. It takes guts to put a saw to your guitar.

Very cool Pix!  I really like the idea of a sound port.  While I was shopping recently, I came across a used guitar that ONLY had a sound hole in the side - right where your port is - and none on the front of the guitar at all.  I can see the use of the port, not so much a sound hole in that location however. 

Soooo... just out of curiosity, how much would you charge someone for something like that?  You don't have to answer here if you'd rather not publicly... but I'm curious nonetheless!  It's a specialized craft you have, and it sure sounds like you're good at it!

Nice job Pix!!! 

Quick question, how do get the varnish to blend? Do you spray it? I work with wood on occasion and when re-varnishing I usually do the surrounding area also. Or to whatever edges so I don't have to worry about the varnish looking diff.

Hey Z, There's no need to touch up the finish.  I use a down cut bit with the dremel on a precision router base and the cut is real clean... I then bevel the edges slightly by hand with a small 600 sanding stick before progressing up to 2000. After that I can use a small foam applicator (sort of like a real small foam Q-tip) to just hit the edges and bevel. As long as you're careful there's no spill over to the finish side. If it's laminate I tint a little stain and hit the edges before applying the finish coat to blend the fresh cut so it all matches.... As you can see the process has changed a little since the first one I did.

They Have!!  The top custom builders do do this! Martin also offers it through their custom shop on their guitars. Browse through some real high end guitars and you'll see a lot of soundports

To answer your question with a question If you can play a guitar and it sounds good but there's a way to make it sound even better why wouldn't you cut a port in the side of your guitar... To the point, most guitarist are purist and are often set in their ways/views.... It takes time for things like this to be accepted enough for it to be implemented in mass manufacturing... Right now it's best as a option so everyone is happy.  I'd suggest you find and try one with a port. The reason for it will be quit obvious