Official Luthiers Forum!

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

Ray - I think you are doing a mighty fine job here. You may find that the neck is too heavy for a classical. Walnut is fine for steel string guitars, though. I love walnut, and any excuse to work with it is fine with me.

I can't say much from experience to help with darkening the sides. I don't know if you are better off trying to dye the wood, or to provide color in the finish coats. How do you plan to finish the guitar? I don't know personally how maple takes to a dye - I'd run to Bob Flexner's book or something like that.

Jim

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

the maple will darken somewhat with finish, or you can add dye to your finish, or even dye the wood. you have lots of options. again, experiment on some scrap first.

but as to the gramil, many of us that use a binding machine also use a gramil to scribe the line so that we get a cleaner edge. not something to fear, but just a tool to help you get a better result. practice on curved bits of waste before you begin to get your confidence and feel of the tool.

Looking good!!   Also, if you will hit enter between your photos they will be vertical instead of trailing off into the sunset.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

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

Ray it looks great !
Try dark amber water base stain on the B & S .
Then seal with an orange or ruby shellac.
This will bring out the grain and darken it like you want.
I have the Doubtfire book also.
I like it somewhat!

Mike Collinswww.collinsguitars.com

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Mike Collins