Gluing linings to the sides. These will add more glue surface for the top and back plates as well as stiffening the sides.
Month: February 2016
4 More New PL1s
4 new PL1s are starting to make the transition from raw lumber to a finished instrument. These 4 Sapele backs and 4 Western Red…
In the Middle of French Polishing
Another really satisfying part of the process is laying down the shellac and starting the French polish. Here is were you really get to see…
French Polishing Supplies
It’s pretty amazing that someone thought to take the resin secreted by the Lac bug, dissolve it in alcohol and then use that…
Inlaying Ammonite Fret Markers
Midway through inlaying ammonites as fret markers for an electric Tele style guitar for Random Rab. Ammonites are soft enough…
Working on the Rosette Inlay
After I cut the channels where I’ll inlay the material I use my Granpa’s old hammer. He was a dentist and he used this…
Gluing Back Braces
This clamping system uses an open box and 2′ kite rods flexed between the top and bottom of the box. Really a great way to glue down the braces.
Making back graft pieces
Spending the morning making back graft pieces and inlaying black strips in them. Once the box is closed this will only be a subtle little detail but the subtle things are often my favorites.
Making boxes
The top and back plates have been tuned and the backs are ready to get glued to the sides. It’s a really satisfying step to close the box…
Plate tuning
Perhaps my favorite part, carving braces and tuning the top and back plates. Every part of the build has an impact on the overall sound but this is where the magic really happens.