Page 1 of 1

Suda D-18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:17 am
by Buck
Thought I'd share a recent acquisition here, and maybe see if anyone else experience with Mr. Suda's work.

I'd heard of these, but never had my hands on one.  The fact that Kenny Smith, Chris Eldridge, Josh Williams all play them didn't help abate my curiosity.  I've had it for less than a day, but wanted to share a bit...see if anyone else owns one...or otherwise has other interesting knowledge or experience. 

This one's a pretty straightforward 1930's D-18 inspired guitar.  It's wide necked, has no popsicle brace, features a lightly braced top with small bridge plate, low wide #3 and #4 back braces, hide glue, and T-bar.  The woods are Honduran mahogany and red spruce.  I noticed two places he deviates a bit, or did on this one at least.  The purfling appears to all wood, on the rosette and around the body.  The finish is varnish rather than lacquer.  It appears to be a very thin finish, so I have no problem with it.  I also noticed there is no vertical maple reinforcement strip on the tail block.  Those are minor details.  Some would perceive both the purfling and finish to be better even.

The guitar sounds and plays great.  I'd like to have the action just a hair higher on the treble, but that's easily fixed.  I have new M550 strings on it now.  I'll record something after they've had a bit to settle, but I can tell you even now that it is a very strong sounding guitar.  Great, firm tone too.  I bought just with trying it out in mind, but maybe it'll hang around a while.  :-)

Here are a few photos of mine.  I'd love to hear about your experience with Suda guitars.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 2:09 am
by Eric Jones
Very cool. I’ve heard the name and seen one or two in internet land. Is this used or brand new?

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 3:20 am
by Buck
I bought it used. It was signed on the underside of the top last June and finished in time for the IBMA. It's one of a pair made at the same time. Kenny Smith has the other one.

Image

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 9:24 pm
by Hokiebob
Hadn't been familiar with his work before. That is a beautiful instrument. I can't wait to hear it.

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2019 4:20 pm
by Buck
Hokiebob wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2019 9:24 pm Hadn't been familiar with his work before. That is a beautiful instrument. I can't wait to hear it.
There's a reason I've kept a day job, but here are a couple of recordings. Different songs, but the only change between when I made them is that the second recording has Antique Acoustics bridge pins and first had the original ebony pins.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zw0fcby7ykv3u ... a.WAV?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wek66u77b1h0w ... A.WAV?dl=0

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2019 11:27 pm
by elambo
Congrats! It sounds great.

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2019 11:53 pm
by Hokiebob
I agree. Very nice sound. I can hear the difference in the pins. To my ear I think that I prefer the second recording.

Re: Suda D-18

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2019 3:33 am
by Trouble Clef
I've been very curious about Mr. Suda's work! If Buck likes it, I should probably get a little more serious! 8-) Congrats!!