She finally arrived last Sunday - an Italian Spruce/hog beauty, and she's handmade...

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCF0035SM.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCF0034SM.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/19Sept058SM.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/19Sept065.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/19Sept046.jpg)

The headstock shape is my design as well as the bridge. I also opted for the Grovers for a "vintage" touch.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCF0029SM.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/19Sept047SM.jpg)

 :nice guitar:

Very nice.  Bet she sounds great too.  :thumb

I've been wanting one of these! please report back on your toughts and maybe some sounds?  :nice guitar: :nice guitar: :nice guitar:

Thanx guys
Well where do I begin?
Strong fundamentals, clear note separation, bell-like trebles, strong mids and powerful bass - pretty much the essence of any good finger style guitar. Add good sustain and the characteristic "Hog-grunge" with lots of mojo. She also has a 1 13/16" nut, 2 5/16" string spacing at the saddle and a floating canti-lever fret board extension, no Popsicle brace which means free vibration of the sound board in the upper bout. Also, the neck angle is adjustable so minimum effort to change the neck-set.
The bracing is standard scalloped Martin X-style.
The appointments are Brazilian Rosewood head plate, finger board, bridge and bridge plate.
African Black Wood binding - including finger board, end graft and back centre strip, and Grover's 18:1 Sta-tite machines.
The nut and saddle are from genuine African Elephant ivory (CITES certified).
And the good news is, the two of us are only getting started, lots of playing-in time to come, and I enjoy every note.
I'm happy for money well spent...

Zohn,

That is an incredibly beautiful guitar. Tell us about the builder. Is that "Hans v/d Berg"? Which I assume is maybe dutch as in Van Der or Vander?

Also, great review! I just wish I knew what all that stuff meant!

f

WOW!!! just beautiful.Can't wait to hear the 6 month report.Enjoy her my friend.REALLY :nice guitar:

Quote from: ffinke on September 26, 2010, 11:16:07 AM
Zohn,

That is an incredibly beautiful guitar. Tell us about the builder. Is that "Hans v/d Berg"? Which I assume is maybe dutch as in Van Der or Vander?

Also, great review! I just wish I knew what all that stuff meant!

f

Thank you for your kind words ffinke. Yes Hans is Afrikaans (so am I), from dutch origin. He is one of the great up and coming South African builders, and resides in a town called Meyerton, about an hour's drive from the capital city Pretoria where I stay.
Hans' contact detail : (click on his name)   http://guitars-sa.co.za/index1.htm

Quote from: unclrob on September 26, 2010, 11:27:03 AM
WOW!!! just beautiful.Can't wait to hear the 6 month report.Enjoy her my friend.REALLY :nice guitar:

Hey Bud!!
I know you've "seen 'em all" and your praise is special, thank you for that.
have a scotch on it ok?  :cheers

Sincerely
Zohn

 :nice guitar:

Quote from: Zohn on September 26, 2010, 12:13:36 PM
He is one of the great up and coming South African builders...

Sorry to refute. You say 'up and coming' and, after looking at his web site, I'd say he's there!!! Double top classicals and only been doing this since 1996? Won't be long before he doesn't need to keep his day job. I think you got a winner there!

f

She's Beautiful! What are the accent woods? And did you get some custom specs on it, like nut width, saddle spacing, scale, ??  Like that neck heel -

Very Nice!!

Quote from: ffinke on September 26, 2010, 07:58:00 PM
Sorry to refute. You say 'up and coming' and, after looking at his web site, I'd say he's there!!! Double top classicals and only been doing this since 1996? Won't be long before he doesn't need to keep his day job. I think you got a winner there!

f

Yes, you're quite right, he is a seasoned builder and certainly "there" with classical guitars. Besides repairs to a J-45 and some other steels, mine is his first new built steelstring. He is fully booked with orders for the next 2 years, and yes, his day-job is limited to half-day, so I think it is just a matter of time...
:smile:

Quote from: tadol on September 26, 2010, 11:54:39 PM
She's Beautiful! What are the accent woods? And did you get some custom specs on it, like nut width, saddle spacing, scale, ??  Like that neck heel -

Very Nice!!

Hi Tad
African Blackwood body and fretboard binding, truss-cover, heel cap, end graft and back centre strip.
Figured African Kiaat rosette (teak species).
Braz rosewood bridge plate.
Yes, a couple of custom features: 1 13/16" nut width, 2 5/16" string spacing at the saddle.
Elephant ivory nut and saddle.
Floating fingerboard extension (free vibration of soundboard on the upper bout) with adjustable (with strings on) neck-angle through the sound hole (Mike Doolin inspired design)
That means no removal of the neck for a re-set...

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCN3630.jpg)

The shape of the heel was Hans' design which I just love.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/19Sept048-1.jpg)

Awesome my friend. Well worth the wait by the looks of things. Enjoy!

:nice guitar:

Cheers, Scott.

Thanx Scott!
:smile:

Great looking guitar...hope it works out well for you.

Very nice Zohn!  She looks beautiful!
:beer

Very cool neck joint and unique bracing.  Especially like the floating fingerboard.  :thumb

Wow!!  Awesome build - and perfect specs! That neck design and interior bracing is quite cool, and I really like the bracing on the floating fretboard - and the neck adjustment looks like you can dial in the action very precisely very easily - Graphite bracing in the neck / no truss rod? You gotta put some sound files up - that really is an amazing design!

Major congratulations on that! Definitely a GAS feeder!

MY MY MY! Lovely. The cantilever neck reminded me of a conversation I had with a guitar builder I met in a GC in Evansville. I mentioned the fact that I never use the frets over the body and that someone should build one where the fretboard stops at the body. (call it the cowboy) He then took out some pictures of the guitar he had just finished. The fretboard stopped at three or four frets into the body.

Thank you all for your kind words and congratulations.  :donut :donut :donut2 :donut2 :coffee
It means a lot to me coming from like minded folks like yourselves with a wealth of knowledge, experience and love for acoustic guitars.
Yes she is something special - a unique combination of contemporary design and tradition (standard scalloped Martin bracing and body dimensions). But that's where the tradition stops (at the body, and naturally the tuners)
Tad, there is indeed a dual action truss-rod fitted (Stewmac's Hotrod) which is operated from the headstock side. The graphite rails are purely to reinforce the fretboard extension 2 - 3 inches in from the heel-side of the neck. (see 2nd pic - btw those brass screws aren't the actual ones - merely for the photo)
The adjustable neck angle is primarily to get the angle right, and then like normal convention adjust the action at the saddle and the relief with the truss rod. Once the neck-set and action is achieved it will probably only need to be tweaked once or twice in its life (a rather trouble-free neck re-set)
The flying buttresses (mahogany struts or braces) from the neck block to the sides serve for extra neck block support since the fret board extension is floating, and thus don't rely on additional support from the soundboard.
Another "feature" is the neck shaft which is laminated from 2 book-matched (20-30 degrees off) semi-flat sawn planks for a symmetrical grain and a stronger torque-resistant neck. (See pick from top of the head stock)
The back and sides are a perfectly quartered Hog set.

Oh, and I got a stunning, durable Gator case in the similar league as a Hiscox...

The next build is an L-00, but I want to do it myself - the Bonus is I have Hans as my voluntary mentor!!


:smile:

[attachment deleted by admin]

Quote from: broKen on September 27, 2010, 08:44:10 PM
MY MY MY! Lovely. The cantilever neck reminded me of a conversation I had with a guitar builder I met in a GC in Evansville. I mentioned the fact that I never use the frets over the body and that someone should build one where the fretboard stops at the body. (call it the cowboy) He then took out some pictures of the guitar he had just finished. The fretboard stopped at three or four frets into the body.

broKen, not quite what you described, Santa Cruz GC has an Otis Taylor signature model which is fretted up to 1 fret beyond the body joint. (it is a 13-fretter)
Reality suggests that few people venture beyond the 12th anyway and that in itself could justify omitting the other frets, but still the bald patch looks somewhat odd to me.

Here are more detailed shots showing the clearance of the flying buttresses over the bracing, and some "leg" on the scalloping of the bracing itself.
:bgrin:
(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/BracingTop002.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/NeckblockStab01.jpg)

You're right Zohn. That does look strange.
I was saying that the fretboard can be totally eliminated from the top, thus allowing more free soundboard surface. Like the McPherson guitars, but having no fretboard above the top. It takes a bit more beefing up of the neck joint.

Ken

Well, that is the most GAS inspiring guitar I've seen in a while - I am particularly glad that I am not planning a trip to South Africa anytime soon. But if you build yourself a new one, I'll start checking the FedEx rates -  :roll

Got a PM going your way -   Tad

Quote from: tadol on September 28, 2010, 11:26:48 PM
Well, that is the most GAS inspiring guitar I've seen in a while - I am particularly glad that I am not planning a trip to South Africa anytime soon. But if you build yourself a new one, I'll start checking the FedEx rates -  :roll

Got a PM going your way -   Tad

You're too kind sir...
:blush:

You can always come over and collect one yourself - wave at Fedex and come crash at my place in Pretoria... :winkin:

Spectacular guitar!!

  I was informed about this commission almost two years ago,and could not be happier for "by far,the nicest fellow I've met on the net,to date".

  "Anyone" lucky enough to know Zohn should be thrilled for the guy  :smile:

  Did I say STUNNING guitar?

Quote from: magictwanger on October 13, 2010, 03:01:56 PM
Spectacular guitar!!

 I was informed about this commission almost two years ago,and could not be happier for "by far,the nicest fellow I've met on the net,to date".

   Did I say STUNNING guitar?

:ohmy: Hey, who - me??  :blush:

Thanx for the compliment macictwanger.  :donut :donut2 :coffee

Report-back:

Two months in, and all the fine settings are done - I fitted a new bluegrass set of John Pierce strings yesterday.

Also added a stick-on-see-thru scratch plate (actually more of a film) which does a good job with minimum interference in the look of the bearclaw streak below the sound hole.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCN3140_zps81bf92c6.jpg?t=1381427506)

The action is a tad high @ 2,38mm (3/32") at the low E with about 3mm saddle protruding, but I'm not touching it to go lower, because the sound and tone is remarkably pleasing to my ear.

There is a slight bow (bulge) of the soundboard in the upper bout area which I believe is the main reason why that area vibrates as freely as it does.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCN3104_zpsc5adc478.jpg)

I'm amazed at how well this guitar stays in tune - the tuners and wide neck certainly contribute to that.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCN0445SM.jpg)

The wider nut (1 13/16") works well for me (in addition the strings are only 2mm off the sides of the fretboard for max spacing of the inner 4 strings).

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/DSCN3116_zpsb080181b.jpg)


This is a great guitar and I'm truly blessed to own her.

Just caught this thread -- wow!   That is one of the most logical designs I've seen.    That area between the neck block and sound hole is normally the weakest part of the guitar, but he managed to make it sturdy without restricting the top.    Very nice.   I want one.   :smile:

Congrats!

Thanx guitnoob - I can see from your sign you too are a hog-nut like me  :tongue:

I've had her for a year now - we're inseparable...

I just went back and looked at Han's website again. It seems like all really "great" builders start with classicals. Does that remind you of anyone we know?

:cheers

Must be something in the air where they live...  :winkin:
As a matter of fact, Hans got an order for a steel string from the guy who bought my LV-10e - he played it briefly when he came over to fetch the Larrivee some 4 or 5 months ago - how's that for a lasting impression?
:smile:

Congrats my friend, finally huh?

Looks sweet, how is it sound?

Hey Fongie
Thanks.
It is a very responsive and extremely light built instrument.

Sings in all registers up the neck and a joy to play thanks to the custom specs, fits my hand like a glove.

It is a very special guitar and a keeper - yes I know; that's what I said aboud the SD-50 as well, but it is different.

So I've had my Berg OM for 2 years September. The sound board has opened up with a noticeable audible extended dynamic range.
In al this time I had Hans lower the neck by 1,6mm into the body for more anti-clockwise adjustment at the neck joint.
To accomodate that he had to beef up the sound board area underneath, and cut a pocket 2mm deep for the fret board extension to sit in.
I also made a new ivory saddle and fitted a K&K Pure pickup. 

Quote from: Zohn on December 11, 2012, 12:00:49 AM
So I've had my Berg OM for 2 years September. The sound board has opened up with a noticeable audible extended dynamic range.
In al this time I had Hans lower the neck by 1,6mm into the body for more anti-clockwise adjustment at the neck joint.
To accomodate that he had to beef up the sound board area underneath, and cut a pocket 2mm deep for the fret board extension to sit in.
I also made a new ivory saddle and fitted a K&K Pure pickup. 

Sounds awesome mate. What do you think of the K&K, what pre-amp are you using bud?

I've just installed one in my OM-18V and purchased a Orchid muting DI from the UK. Just awesome!

Quote from: fongie on December 11, 2012, 04:03:58 PM
Sounds awesome mate. What do you think of the K&K, what pre-amp are you using bud?

I've just installed one in my OM-18V and purchased a Orchid muting DI from the UK. Just awesome!

Hey Fongie

I find them great. For the Pure (I have 2 guitars with that pick-up) I use my Ultrasound DI-plus - magic combo!!
I also have the Trinity (comprising of a Pure and a mic) fitted in my Eastman. It came with a dual channel belt-clip pre-amp which combines the two channels with a stereo cable - very nice system.

I chose K&K for its simplicity, yet very natural sounding, and the fact that it is the least intrusive system - no more bateries in my guitars.
Mind you I'm still a Baggs fan, but I decided on the K&K route and I'm glad I did.

Cheers mate!  :smile:

I agree bud, no more batteries inside.

Yes, I am a Baggs fan too, and Fishman.

You take care now mate and enjoy.

So a couple months in Zohn, I guess she's a keeper!  That's a sweet little OM.
:beer

Quote from: fongie on December 12, 2012, 03:31:38 PM
I agree bud, no more batteries inside.

Yes, I am a Baggs fan too, and Fishman.

You take care now mate and enjoy.

:smile: Thanx mate, best wishes to you too!  

Quote from: bluesman67 on December 12, 2012, 03:49:28 PM
So a couple months in Zohn, I guess she's a keeper!  That's a sweet little OM.
:beer

:smile: Hey Jeff (Joseph)!
Nice to hear from you! - how's HT Charlotte doin - you guys still gigging?
Yep I guess she's a keeper - like your Green Mountaind SD hey!  :smile:
:beer

PS - hey when did you get that Eastman E10OM?  :+1: those are terrific guits with the shorter scale length, love my E20OM too - congrats!

Yes we're still gigging, we did a special event at a large Harley Davidson dealership last weekend, turns out Harley owners are pretty big blues fans!  I picked up the Eastman a couple months ago, I'm so impressed with the quality and tone, real nice nitro finish too.  It's the first decent quality short scale I've owned and now I get why so many forum members dig the short scales.  That little OM is perfect for finger pickin' the blues, the mids and highs really jump out.  I've found with the Adi top, I can really go at it strumming too and it can't be over powered, impressive.  I am thinking of putting a K&K Pure Western Mini in the Eastman to be able to gig with it.  A month ago I played it with a mic but I just don't like that set up at all, too much to think about, need the freedom to move around a bit while playing.

:cheers
Joseph

My humble apologies Joseph for calling you Jeff  :blush: - a real mix-up and an honest mistake mate...
I can attest to the depth (3 dimensional colouring) the mic in the K&K Trinity provides, even with a mere 1/4 mic setting.

I'll bet that really sounds nice with the extra mic on it!

So I've had her for 3 years now - that's somewhat in contrast with my track record...  :tongue:
She bears a ding and a scratch or two but she's certainly fully played-in.

The adjustable neck angle allows for the action to be dialed down real low without having to sand down the saddle height - that is such a cool feature.

I enjoy this guitar as much as ever.

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp298/zohn_photo/Berg%20OM/BergOM_SM.jpg)

 :guitar  :thumb