Awhile since my luthier and his wife retired and moved due to medical issues. He was a privilege to know and learn from. He never got to see this guitar.
I own a lovely 00 Elliott Smith, built in Jasper AR in 03. The photos are by the previous owner, Ghost Elk Luthiers NM.
This is a little guitar with a very large voice. It rings like a piano's harp. I feel every note in my ribs and under my hands. Built for fingerstyle. She's an absolute joy to play.
All solid woods, no ply. Intonation holds for weeks. Humidity hangs 45-55 in an old lath and plaster Craftsman house that keeps the humidity pretty well.
Tuned EADGBE, A 440.
My curiosity comes from being a woodwind player all my life, and familiarity with the overtones and feedback from them.
This guitar resonates strongly from a D maj base, it's resonant all over, but really opens on DGBC singly or chorded.
The B really pops though. It is brighter than the other strings, and it's only when I actually play the B. C and up are normal. The B actually is so bright it somewhat deadens the harmonics.
Is this normal? If I pluck it a bit softer than the rest, it falls in line and plays nice. It's not buzz, it's brightness on a single note.
I have two Washburns (be nice) a 95 ltd dread and my gran's late 30s dread (she was a romance singer and played bluegrass banjo and guitar). While they are resonant, it's different, it's not that piano harp sound, it's darker. They are still resonant.
I hope I'm making sense. If not, or if in the wrong place, thanks and please tell me.
I'm making the rounds finding another luthier, but I'd like guidance. I can usually niggle out problems (but not always fix them). I'd just like to know why it might be this way.
For comparison I own a modern bespoke flute and several old excellent handmade ones. By comparison, the new flute is "push and play", while the excellent century old ones need finessed. I enjoy the dance.