Olive & Rosewood Guitar Build | Ep.4 Finish & Sound Demo

[@michaelmasin1996]

I just saw the guitar in person at the Guitar Show in Padova, as I told you in person, STUNNING. Impeccable finish, the contrast between the binding and the rosewood is amazing. When you told me you uploaded build videos on youtube I told you you have a new subscriber, now that I've seen the videos you have a subscriber with notifications turned on!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Wow thank you, I really appreciate your kind comments. Thanks also for speaking to me at the show and your support! 👍

[@quantumpoptart]

Good lord, look at that shine. Blinding! Beautiful work!

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@quantumpoptart Thanks, I really appreciate it!👍

[@ralphyTrim]

The chuckle and the smile after the first strum says it all… that’s a beauty!

[@TornelliGuitars]

That was a really nice moment! 😀 I really look forward to that. Thanks for the kind comment 👍

[@tomking8315]

Also love how this guitar came out, nice to see that my Tornelli is now not the only one with some spicy humbuckers!!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Haha, thanks! Resistance is futile! I knew humbuckers would need to make an appearance eventually and I actually love them!👍

[@borgonianevolution]

My God Gio... that just jumped thru the screen the way that color changed when you hit it with the melamine. After polishing that went from a guitar to art my friend. It sounds as beautiful as it looks too. You got chops to... Brother posts on my sad videos He wants me to bar chord bash demo a build and then drops this play demo. Once again raising the bar. Those pickups are the first non active pickups in a long time that didn't make me wanna stick an ice pick in my ears. I may have to look into those for a build. I could easily picture this guitar strapped to a big name player in front of 100k screaming fans at one of those huge out door festivals.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Brother your continued support really brightens my day man, I really appreciate the kind comments on both my work and playing. And yes I was really impressed with the pickups, I’ll be using these again for sure. Now all I need is that guitarist with 100k fans to call!🤣🤣

[@borgonianevolution]

@@TornelliGuitars I was thinkin bout pokin Joe Bonamassa with a stick when he comes back this way. He comes to the Rochester area a lot so its not out of the realm of possibility. I can picture him with Samantha Fish each with your guitar and Todd's Astrolabe on stage at the same time.

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@borgonianevolution haha that’s so weird, I was just talking to Todd and saying when I was building this guitar I had JB in my head, he’s my guitar hero! That’s the music I imagine being played on this guitar. Building a guitar for Joe would be my dream 🤟

[@fatpotanga]

Ab-so-lutely stunning. That rosewood is bonkers. I love your builds, they’re both inspirational and aspirational and your guitars and style resonate with me, just meticulously clean lined, balanced and classy. Superb. The toneriders sound really good, I toyed with one of their P90s. Really great demo too, and hats off to your Wind Cries Mary (the name of my first band), so good it popped up twice. Excited to see what you and Todd come up with for the strat.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Jamie, your kind comments and support always give me great encouragement. The Toneriders have really impressed me. I have a few sets, one of which is the vintage P90, I really want to get them in a build soon. Plus I’m really looking forward to the build with Todd!👍

[@fatpotanga]

@@TornelliGuitars that’s the model I contemplated before I settled on a Lollar. Added to my list…

[@34guitars]

Absolutely stunning guitar. I really love the finish. That takes some skill and talent! I don’t think we can get melamine lacquer in the US, unless they call it something different over here. The tone and playing was top notch also!! ✌🏼❤️

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@34guitars Thanks that’s really kind about the guitar and my playing! I really like the melamine if I’m going to use a high gloss finish. I’ve had a couple of people say that they can’t find it in the US which is a shame because it’s a great option if you don’t have a spray setup.

[@mickcarr2744]

Looks and sounds fantastic! Glad it isn't just me that gets excited at wood deliveries 😂.

[@TornelliGuitars]

🤣 Nope, not just you, I go rushing out to the courier like he’s the ice cream man! 🤣🤣 and thanks for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.

[@KitWN]

A lovely guitar and a neat Hendrix impersonation as well.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks, really appreciate it!👍

[@barrychristian4050]

Sounds as good as it looks, the finish is awesome for a brush on and made that rosewood just come alive, reminds me of a fairground toffee apple for some strange reason. Looking forward to your colab with Todd

[@TornelliGuitars]

Haha, you’re right it does! Thanks for the kind comment, I’m really looking forward to the build with Todd. 👍

[@Tzuau78]

This is a fantastic looking and sounding guitar. Love the content. Glad you worked with Todd as that is how I found you!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment, I really appreciate it! And Todd and I are having a great time working together. 👍

[@spikeafrican8797]

I think you're gifted. Lots of careful and hard work... but a little gift in there for sure. Just fantastic mate.

[@TornelliGuitars]

What a great comment, thanks so much, it’s very kind!👍

[@mrwaffles1394]

Damn, Gio. Stunning.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks, I really appreciate it! I’m so happy with this one 👍

[@novacordaguitars-metecemkuzu]

Now that is a beautiful instrument! And thank you very much for showing me the other body after a year. I just got myself a bottle for a try out and will see how that goes. Cheers!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thankyou! And you’re welcome, it was a good suggestion to do a follow up after a year. I hope you like the melamine, let me know if you have any questions because there’s not a lot of information out there about it.👍

[@williamjones3616]

Stunning looks and sound. Bravo.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for the kind comment, I really appreciate it!👍

[@EntropiaGuitars]

The finish is stunning, as is the instrument as a whole. I hope when I start building I can produce an instrument even a quarter as skillfully as you.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Ah man, that’s really kind, thanks. If you’re going to do a build for KZbin please let me know so I can show some support and encouragement!👍

[@EntropiaGuitars]

@@TornelliGuitars My first few will no doubt look like dreadful abominations - but if I get brave enough for YT I surely will. Take care!

[@fatpotanga]

@@EntropiaGuitars you sound like me a year ago! Do it! I jumped in on this year’s GGBO and it’s been such good fun. I’ve also managed to build something half decent with the help of KZbin channels like @Tornelli Guitars and a great, welcoming community where no question is stupid enough. 😬

[@EntropiaGuitars]

@@fatpotanga I’m hoping to dive in, but in the midst of tool buying at the moment. Almost there!

[@EntropiaGuitars]

@@fatpotanga and thank you for the encouragement

[@jah8859]

It's a looker alright, sounds pretty bloody smooth too. Nice work ☮❤

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks I really appreciate it!👍

[@martinlouden9005]

It sounds every bit as good as it looks.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Martin, that’s really kind 👍

[@rauschguitars]

I used your previous melamine lacquer tutorial on my last build, and it turned out fantastic! I've been playing it daily for the last 5-6 weeks and it still looks as good as when I finished. Thank you!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks, I’m really glad it helped! It’s definitely my chosen finish if I want gloss. That reminds me I need to watch your GGBO 😀

[@constantinez551]

Very beautiful and satisfying to watch becoming an instrument from the beginning .. :) keep it up ! waiting for more videos like this one :) olive wood rocks (we use it for stoves around my area sadly)

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind comment, I really appreciate it!👍

[@anthonyzlahtic6357]

Hi, just recently discovered your channel and enjoying it immensely. Beautiful guitar - I love the rosewood/olive wood combo. Your video narration is brilliant...you missed your calling...you should be also narrating BBC documentaries 😊

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment 😀👍

[@bigkahuna100]

Well, the strat intro with Sweet T led me to your channel, and I'm proud to be a new subscriber. Cheers!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for heading over, I really appreciate the support and I hope you enjoy the content! 👍

[@jurgenzoller4407]

the grin on your face after polishing and when you hit that first strum...priceless. it says so much more than any commentary. beautiful looking and sounding guitar gio

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Jurgen, your support is always appreciated buddy!👍 and yes that first strum was a great feeling, I’m sure you know it well 😀

[@luthiferbuilds]

what a beautiful guitar sounds and looks fantastic! i can see my self in the finish all the way from Canada

[@TornelliGuitars]

🤣 thanks buddy, I really appreciate it!

[@joeys24]

Beautiful Work! True works of art! SOOOO NICE!

[@TornelliGuitars]

That’s really kind, thanks! I appreciate it 👍

[@joeys24]

@@TornelliGuitars I cant wait to see how the Guitar tuns out from your collaboration with Todd (Sweet T) -- I have no doubt it will be Spectacular! Both you guys bring it and you both obviously Love doing these builds! Thank you both for sharing! 👏👍

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@joeys24 it’s a pleasure and a privilege, thanks again 🙏

[@GarlandStringedInstruments]

Gio, this one sounds as good as it looks! What a fantastic job - just stellar 🎉🎉😊

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Chris, that means a lot coming from you!👍

[@SweetTGuitars]

Oh man, have I got my work cut out for me! Not only are you an awesome builder, your finishes are the best I've seen for hand rubbed lacquer. On par with a spray finish for sure. Very nice. The audio on this video is supremely clear and clean and your playing is spot on too! I am really looking forward to us working together brother. Doing this with you should raise the bar in my shop! Peace & Love my friend. ✌️

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Todd, that’s so kind brother but I don’t think you’ll need to raise the bar my friend, you know what I think of your work!😀 but I’m really looking forward to it too, we’ll both raise the bar together. 👍

[@zsuzsu2657]

В перше зустрічаю на YuTube гітарного майстра з Європи. Ви дуже позитивний! До речі в нас в Україні теж є класний майстер гітар Гавриленко.👍

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

Gorgeous My Brother!! Sounds Great too!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Spike, I appreciate it brother!👍

[@Francis7Music]

Beautiful. Needs a scratch plate, only because I love them. Lol Thing is, I don’t even normally like “woody” guitars, but when done like this it’s awesome. Really nice work. The rosewood with the binding and all the contrast and that really cool shape- I mean I am so tired of everyone making the same guitar. Really interested in your take on the strat, and I hope it has binding, because everything should have binding, even other binding. And scratch plates. Bound scratch plates. LOL I’m sorry it’s the cold medicine.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Haha, I love binding too. I’m trying to figure out how I add comfort carves and bind on the same body! That is also for your kind comments and particularly the feedback on the shape, I really appreciate it. I’m really looking forward to the strat too, but you can bet it won’t be exactly a strat shape!😀

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Your guitars are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Ronny that’s really kind!👍

[@saulgoodeguitars]

Man that finish 😯

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Corey!👍

[@OatCakeProductions]

That is one beautiful guitar. Looks and sounds great. 👌👍

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks that very kind!👍

[@psnaith1]

Dude it turned out amazing! Sounds great!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!👍

[@christophertodd6405]

You are truly a craftsman.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment, I really appreciate it!👍

[@timdone1902]

The guitar looks and sounds incredible. That wood and finish is just beautiful.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks man, that’s really kind! I appreciate you leaving a comment 👍

[@Ron-pi3my]

That looks amazing!! Great video.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Ron, that’s really kind!👍

[@ChrisLJackson]

That’s a beautiful result! 👏🏼👏🏼 Some just have an affinity with wood and the creative process and you most definitely do. The wood choices, attention to detail and expertise made anything other than a fantastic result inevitable. Congrats! 👍🏼🎸

[@TornelliGuitars]

That’s such a kind comment, thank you I really appreciate it!👍

[@michaelmasin1996]

Oh yeah also if I had the money you would have one guitar less!

[@MangledGuitars]

That's beautiful 😍

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Eric, I really appreciate it buddy!👍

[@MangledGuitars]

@@TornelliGuitars you're most Welcome 🙏

[@hobertgordon7465]

Beautiful guitar

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thank you for the kind comment!👍

Beautiful build!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for the kind comment, I really appreciate it!👍

[@OldGoat10]

Beautiful guitar, love it!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for taking the time to leave kind comment, I really appreciate it!👍

[@robertr4193]

Lovely guitar and sound very nice.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Robert!👍

[@michaelmadruga8493]

Just lovely.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind comment!👍

[@michaelmadruga8493]

@TornelliGuitars thank you for taking the time to make these awesome videos and for sharing your craft with us. It sure is nice to see people using their time in a positive way. I appreciate your effort.

[@Rab_Knox]

Another quality looking guitar there Gio Love it 👍

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Rab, there’s only 5 bits of wood though, so it was a lazy one by your standards! 🤣

[@Rab_Knox]

@@TornelliGuitars 😆... there's only 7 different woods on mine (ok nearly 1000 pieces, but only two more different woods) lol. Those tops you got mate are killer too and you can see the maple at the start when you held it up, so when finish goes on that it'l look gorgeous. 👍

[@dominicmercer6953]

Stunning guitar Gio...the rosewood/olive combo looks superb...when can I have a play?😃

[@TornelliGuitars]

Haha thanks Dom, as soon as you bring the beer round!😀👍

[@dominicmercer6953]

I'd better get a brew going then🤣👍

[@gr8cash1964]

Sounds beautiful! I hope to finish mine soon. Having issues with the finish and lining up the neck but I will get there eventually

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Laurel, I appreciate it! I’m sure you’ll get there buddy, I’m looking forward to seeing it. 👍

[@billsguitargarage]

Such a fantastic guitar! That finish is outstanding, looks miles deep.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks Bill, I really appreciate it buddy!👍

[@fenderstrathm2148]

Hi there, I hope you're well. Thanks to your videos on finishing I have finally found the answer on how to finish my latest project at home without spraying!!!! Just one question (I may have missed it from the video), do you thin your lacquer or you just use it at full concentration? If you thin it, what ratio have found giving the best results? Thanks in advance and keep on recording these awesome videos :)

[@TornelliGuitars]

Hi and thanks for the kind comment. If you are also using the melamine to grain fill on a piece of wood that has a deep grain the a couple of coats unthinned would make the whole thing quicker. If you have already grain filled the you can use some cellulose thinners to keep the brush tracks to a minimum. If I’ve already grain filled then I’ll use 10-15% cellulose thinners. I’ll do one coat with the grain and the next at 90 degrees, the added thinners tends to start evening out the coat underneath. The reality is that however you apply it, you will have brush tracks, but don’t worry it sands back very quickly and easily. I’m really glad you find my vids useful, feel free to ask anything you need.

[@zeteticobservation]

Looks incredible, how does the melamine lacquer do with acoustic guitars, I'm not a big fan of the spray and always prefer to brush on the finish & the melamine lacquer finish you've got could be the best i've seen. amazing

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for the kind comment. I’m not sure about applying it to acoustic guitars because I haven’t done that but I do know the sound of an acoustic is much more affected by the finish. The application etc would be just as simple but I’m not sure what it may do to the tonal characteristics, sorry.

[@paulneeds]

Fantastic looking finish! What melamine did you use, did you find it particularly difficult (after the first 4 days, that is!)?

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@paulneeds thanks Paul. I used chestnut products melamine (and sealer and thinners). No problems after my stupid error! The melamine is very good to work with; it builds fast, sands well and dries quickly. The only issue is that it’s rougher than spraying so it takes more sanding to get it perfect after it dries but that applies to all gloss brush on finishes I guess.

[@paulneeds]

@@TornelliGuitars at least it sands well though! If it were dead hard…

[@GarlandStringedInstruments]

I’ve actually just finished an acoustic where I used exactly this product on the back and sides (and neck) but French polished the top. The guitar honestly sounds great. Don’t know if I’d want to use the lacquer on the top, I know and trust FP as “the best” for acoustic sound, but I reckon it would be actually fine. I might give it a whirl one day just to see.

[@Huskyguitars]

There was a quick snippet of you laser cutting the headstock. Is this something you do in-house? If so, any info you have would be very handy. Thanks!

[@TornelliGuitars]

Hi Paul, yes I have a small laser engraver, it’s a Neje laser master. It’s a very simple process, I have a hi res png image of my logo, the laser comes with its own app, you just import the image, resize it if necessary and then click burn. I needed something simple because learning new software is not something I want to spend any time on. I change the power of the laser depending on the wood I’m engraving but that’s about it. Let me know if you need any more info. 👍

[@Huskyguitars]

Thanks! That's saved a lot of random googling.@@TornelliGuitars

[@mikehunt3668]

Quick question? If i was to draw an image with a standard graphite pencil or ink based paints, will a melamine lacquer finish ruin or possibly smear the image? Thank you in advance.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Hi, the melamine would certainly lift the ink but as for pencil I’m not so sure. I suspect that if you sprayed a light cellulose sanding sealer over the pencil before applying the melamine it would work fine. But I would do a quick test first!

[@mikehunt3668]

@@TornelliGuitars i’ll give it a go on a scrap piece of wood, whats the worse that could happen. Thanks for the input, love the builds. Recently subscribed 👍

[@davidsnell4042]

Hi. Love your builds and have been inspired to try the same melamine laquer. Have mixed results on my first attempt and have refinished 3 times! I’m getting little tiny hairline cracks about 1.5cm long appearing after a few days. Also do you flatten after each coat? I can see ripples deeper in the finish from previous coats. Any thoughts would be really appreciated. Otherwise I can see the potential to get the finish I’ve been hoping for. Thanks mate

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks David, I’ve never had hairline cracks in melamine so I’m not sure what the cause may be. I wonder whether it’s curing too fast, are you drying it in a very warm environment? Perhaps try adding a small amount of cellulose thinners to the mix, that will soften each layer as the next goes on. That’s all I can think. I do roughly flatten after each coat just to try any keep the surface close to level but only lightly because the finish is still so soft.

[@davidsnell4042]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’ll certainly try your suggestions, I wasn’t sure from the video wether you thin each coat so that’s helpful. I’m sure the difference between Italy and southern England in winter will have an effect.! Thanks again I’ll keep going with it 😊

[@gordonmacgregor7762]

Mightily impressed by the high gloss finish you achieve with the melamine laqueur. My question is I am making a classical guitar and would like a similar finish. I have pore filled the rosewood with clear filler but was concerned that the cellulose sanding sealer and laqueur would likely bleed the rosewood colour into the white purfling. Is there a solution for this?

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@gordonmacgregor7762 yes I see your problem and I’ve also just started binding with wood so I’ve encountered bleeding onto flamed maple binding. The solution I’ve found is that the cellulose sealer I use is also available in a spray can so a couple of light mist coats is sufficient to stop the bleed, then I can brush on more if required without issues, but if I start by brushing then I get bleed. I hope that helps.

[@TornelliGuitars]

Sorry the levels are a little off for the sound demo… it’s a learning experience!

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

Levels sounded fine

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

So you don't like it then? Lol Looks very smart buddy!

[@TornelliGuitars]

🤣 well I’m trying to figure out how to tell the wife I don’t think I should sell this one!

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

@@TornelliGuitars put your big boy pants on for confidence 🤣

[@jeffcrompton5796]

nice work, how much do you thin down your lacquer ratio ? as melamine goes off fast

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks! I use about 15% thinners and that’s enough to keep a wet edge and not have to rush the job.

[@logiemink]

Cheers for the videos Can the melamine lacquer be applied over a poly/acrylic / nitro solid colour as a top coat

[@TornelliGuitars]

Thanks for the comment, the melamine isn’t compatible with those finishes. It’s really just for natural finishes or finishes over dye and stain. I hope that helps.

[@timdone1902]

Hi Gio, I have been watching an earlier build where you used Crimson oil, which is coincidentally what I bought for my offset tele build. Having used both would you recommend I carry on as planned or am I better using the melamine finish. I’m looking for a high gloss finish. Thanks

[@TornelliGuitars]

Hi Tim, I would definitely say the melamine is the way to go for a high gloss finish. I got about as much gloss as it’s possible to get with the crimson oil but it still didn’t compare to the melamine. 👍

[@timdone1902]

@@TornelliGuitars thanks. All of your builds are finished beautifully but I think the melamine finishes you produce are as good as any finish I’ve seen. I think I’ll buy some and have a play.

[@timdone1902]

@@TornelliGuitars thanks. All of your builds are finished beautifully but I think the melamine finishes you produce are as good as any finish I’ve seen. I think I’ll buy some and have a play.

[@TornelliGuitars]

@@timdone1902 thanks for the compliment Tim! The melamine is really good stuff.👍

[@BoneheadGuitars]

My god that's shiny

[@TornelliGuitars]

I figured if I’m going high gloss, I should go really high gloss! 😀

[@BoneheadGuitars]

@@TornelliGuitars mission accomplished. It looks awesome