Official Luthiers Forum!

I am new to the forum and am working on my first build. The pictures show some of my current challenges, largely owing to all of the cutting planing, profiling, etc. being done with hand tools: The end graft has a chip and may need to be replaced, the glue lines aren't very clean (I have a heck of a time cleaning the lines when clamped; a go bar deck vice my curtrent set of hand clamps may help next time); I also have a seam at the head block that is a tiny bit off-center and will need some cosmetic magic.

Anyway, the back and sides are Black Acacia (four piece back), the top is sitka with a D28 rosette (The multiple rings were a little complicated for me, but the materials were on hand), and the back strip is ebony to match the ebony binding I'll be using. I'll also be using herringbone purfling and pau ferro for the fingerboard/bridge.

I've learned more working on this build than you'd ever believe. Even with the challenges, it has been worth it.

I really appreciate the information that all of you share so freely. This forum is such an inspriration.

Thanks,

Paul

Looks to be coming along nicely Paul . A great effort

Regards KiwiCraig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Yup, that guitar will look elegant with the ebony bindings Paul, live and learn, especially with the glue huh?

Keep up the good work and post more pics as you go please!

Looks good!   What's going on with the head block? I can't tell what that is on my screen.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Thanks for the encouragement. The head block is a laminated mortise and tenon block from Martin. I have a major phobia about trying to fit a dovetail at this point.

My next move is to sand the rim edges, top and back, with radiused dishes (20' for the top and 28' for the back). After a little more carving on the bracing, I should be able to glue the top.

Incidentally, I had forgotten that a really sharp chisel can cut you and you won't know it until you see a drop of blood on the wood. Won't make that mistake again any time soon!

Paul

Man, that looks great to me. And I like that funky adjustable workboard...nice.

Bill

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

Looks great Paul! Keep it up!

-Mark

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Pullman, WA

The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

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