Charis Acoustic Build Photos - Swiss Spruce / African Blackwood SN436

[Godfrey]

Sharing some photos of my custom acoustic guitar build by Bill Wise from Charis Acoustics in european swiss spruce top and african blackwood back and sides.



African Blackwood back and sides, neck block and other build parts prior to assembly.




African Blackwood hand-braced and tuned by master builder Bill Wise.




The insides of a Charis soundbox with Bill’s insignia etched into the neck joint.

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European swiss spruce top with koa / pearl abalone / koa triple ring abalone rosette prior to buffing.




A rare fully quartered African Blackwood back with gorgeous sap running down the center prior to buffing.




A rare fully quartered African Blackwood back with gorgeous sap running down the center prior to buffing.

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Apart from looking aesthetically pleasing, a 5 piece neck in mahogany / maple / rosewood / maple / mahogany allows for increased neck stability.




Ebony headstock outlined in pearl abalone purfling with a koa Charis logo outlined in pearl.




Ebony backplate with a “ducktail” neck joint outlined in pearl abalone. Besides being aesthetically elegant, this carefully carved raised edge adds to strength and mass without trespassing into the playing section of the neck joint.

 

[Godfrey]

Near complete Charis guitar body prior to fixing on the neck.




A gorgeous African Blackwood back showing through on this near complete Charis guitar.




Bill buffing out the sides of the guitar.

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A thin coat of nitrocellulose finish is meticulously applied to the guitar for great finish and tone.




A thin coat of nitrocellulose finish is meticulously applied to the guitar for great finish and tone.




Final layer of finishing prior to bufing.

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Final layer of finishing prior to bufing.




Bill buffing the almost complete guitar to a perfect shine. The colour and grains in the wood starts to visually "pop" at this point.




Another masterpiece by Bill - Charis SJ in European Swiss Spruce and African Blackwood
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Bill added a final touch to the headstock with matching tuning buttons built from the same piece of hawaiian koa used for the binding on this guitar.

 

[zesn]

Oh gosh that's beautiful

 

[soft]

Indeed very beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Any video on it?

 

[Godfrey]

Here's a video from a great guy while the guitar was brought to him for a good setup.