SSJ model assembly

     Side laminate for the SSJ model is complete. Laminate material is Canadian yellow ceder. I expected a little bit tricky work for the side lamination, because the SSJ model has steep waist curves. In reality, I was able to manage the laminate work quite straight forward way. I am quite happy with this result. I was afraid of loosing expensive African black wood material. The completed sides have quite nice flatness. This result makes my future sanding work so easy. Now, I am working on the side assembly work. I already finished the bottom block assembly. I am working on the neck block assembly. Then I will work for a small block assemble for the cut-a-way portion. Next week, I will assemble solid linings for the SSJ model. I have to make a mold for laminated linings for the SSJ model.
     SSJ model has exactly the same body shape as the Gibson J-185 model, This design has 16" widest body width. This body size is still bigger than Martin D-size. However, due to the narrow waist shape, this guitar is very easy to play. I will add the beveled armrest in this body, because the lower bout is bigger than D-size shape. I need to improve a comfort level for playing for smaller body size players.

SSJ side bend

     I did not update last week. I made a side bending pattern for SSJ model, and then finish the side bending. SSJ has very deep wast, and the side bending requires a little bit of creativity for holding side materials. You may see second picture that I added extra clamps. Black wood sides are very nicely bended for the SSJ pattern.
     I also finished solid lining install for the King wood version of the MD model. I have been using special wood piece to clump a tricky 45-degree beveled armrest. This specially design small device enables to clump a hard to clump component.

New Laminate material

Laminate material has arrived from Notable woods who is a high quality guitar material supplier. I have been buying many materials from Bruce. I have always been satisfied with his quality materials. This time, I ordered 10-sets of Alaskan ceder laminate materials for sides. Bruce cut the yellow ceder for 2mm thickness that is perfect thickness for my final sanding to get approximately 1.5mm thickness. I already finished laminate work for sides including cut-a-way portion for the MD model. Yellow ceder is so much easier to bend and glue for laminating. I will do the same process for the SSJ model next week.