I am retired and a first time builder - working on a classical based on a book that I found in the library. The author is Stanley Doubtfire. I began when a friend gave me a Black Walnut “fence post” that even had a hinge on it. I made the Walnut Spanish style neck by laminating three pieces for the neckshaft. I bought a set of Ovagkol for the B&S, but ruined the sides when I measured ONCE and cut TWICE while trimming the bent sides. I couldn’t find any replacement sides, so I cut up some old Maple that I had on hand. The headplate is Pau Ferro, because I thought that it looked like Ovangkol. I built a side bender that uses light bulbs for heat.
The top is WRC and so far- so good. The few mistakes that I have made so far will not show.
It’s really beginning to look like I might actually be able to make a guitar.
I am going to build a “universal binding fixture” since I’m afraid to trust myself with a Gramil.
The bindings will be black walnut. I do not like my choice of wood for the sides, as there will be little contrast with the top. Is there anything that I can do with the Maple sides to darken them significantly? Thanks for all of the good suggestions.
Ray
