Top making

I did top assembly for two MDs and SSJ model. Both models have similar bracing pattern. SSJ model has slightly thicker top board thickness for 12-strings design. I shape bracing material before glue the top. I have been using the vacuum clumping technique. This technique enables to assemble pre-shaped bracing materials. I like the brace shape before top assembly, because I am able to precisely shape the brace without damaging top. Bracing shape after assemble has higher risk of mistakenly shape the top itself. Vacuum clumping is also accelerate glue curing time. 20minits is more than enough for the clumping. In vacuum environment, water based glued cures very quickly.
Actuary, I finished side thinning and back joint. I will post those progress next time.

Thank you Ervin Somogyi

I had a chance to visit a shop for Ervin Somogyi in Oakland California. I also had a chance to show my guitars to Ervin. I brought a 12-steel strings guitar and Myrtle nylon strings guitar. He examined very carefully, and he really likes my guitars. Ervin is a very good Flamenco player too. He played a beautiful flamenco tune.
I was rejected for the Healdsburg guitar festival in 2013 August. To get a booth space for the festival, I need a strong recommendation from an influential person in the guitar community. To get fair recommendation, I showed my guitars to Ervin. I hope I am able to get a booth space in the next festival.

Rosette naking 2

Rosette install for three tops are completed. I installed a black dyed maple inside the sound hole. This black trim is for a cosmetic accent and is also for moisture sealing for the sound hole. I have been using this design for my latest model builds. Now, three tops are ready for installing basing.
Last photo is for my guitar making assistant, and her name is "Nyaomi". She is playing with a scrapped sound hole.

Rosette making

I created a new Rosette design. I like simple and elegant design. I do not like busy design. This time, I created simple and unique design. First photo is my own Rosette cell pattern. Rosette body is made from Macassar Ebony. After install the Rosette body, two cells are installed as face to face manner. The other single cell is also installed individually. I think, this is a unique and elegant design.

New project start

SSJ and MD project start. SSJ will use Taku Sakashita made original mold. This model will be a 12-strings guitar. I will make two MD model in this lot also. SSJ has a German top with African black wood (ABW) back and sides. One MD is a German top with ABW B&S. The other MD is a Carpathian top with King wood B&S. I did the top joint work and rough thickness sanding for three guitars. Next step is installing rosette.