Neck making

     I have been using laminated neck technology. Basic material for my necks is Spanish Ceder or Cedro. Cedro has slightly lighter weight than Honduras mahogany. Cedro also has slightly larger pores that Mahogany. After the lamination work, I use a #7 jointer plane for making reference plane. Steel strings necks are quite simple to make. However, a slotted neck making is a bit complicated. My slotted neck head has square slots for four machine heads and three machine heads. To make square slots, I cut the head potion first to create square slots, and then glue again. Then, the slotted head is connected to the neck using a V-joint technique. V-joint is a traditional technique that has been using  among Spanish guitar makers.
     Those rough cut neck blanks will be sit in idol for a white until lamination stresses are released. While waiting neck blanks to stabilize, I will go back to detailed work for bodies.

 

Closed a box for MD

     MD body was closed this weekend. I added a beveled armrest for the MD model. A beveled lining was cut from a Mahogany piece, and then it glued to the side. Then, I made channels for top and back bracing. I always attach the back first, because I am able to clean-up excess glue. Then, splayed two cotes of nitro-cellulose. I use a spray technique for the internal back coating, because the King wood has a lot of reddish stain. This stain contaminates all over the backs, and it ends up with very messy appearance. After I closed the box, I trimmed the beveled armrest portion. Now, the MD body has the nice beveled armrest.
     Next week, I will work with a neck blanks making. Neck blanks need couple of weeks for stabilizing after a lamination work. I have been managing fairly effective building schedule for my guitar making projects.

Closing a box

     I closed a box for a nylon model. Before closing the box, I applied two coats of Shellac for side, back, and top. Shellac coating improves moisture stability for a completed guitar. I usually use amber (non bleached) shellac, because the non bleached shellac is able to make ticker and stronger coatings. You may see a shellac coated top, and the top has amber color. This is the color of amber shellac. After closed the box, I did taping test. This guitar showed more than 1-second long lasting tapping sound. Longer sustaining tap tone is a sign for creating a good sound quality for nylon strings guitars.
     Next week, I will close the box for the MD model.

Solid lining install

Solid lining, laminated side, and top thickness graduation are main contributors for determining my guitar sound characteristic. Solid lining is a really time consuming process. Kerfed linings are easily installed using small clips. However, solid lining requires pressing jig and C-clumps for gluing. I spend two days for installing solid linings. I also use 1-piece solid lining for cut-a-way portion. This 1-piece solid lining was cut out from a solid Walnut. Although I spend more than two days for lining assembly, completed side is amazingly strong and rigid without serious weight increase. Solid linings creates crystal clear treble also. Now, sides are ready for closing the box.

Side assemble

I did block making and side assemble. Block need perfect fitting to the mold. I mostly use mini planes to get nice fitting. Then, glue blocks using many clumps. I need quite creative assemble technique to obtain precise assembly the side. Next step is solid lining installation.

Body parts are ready

     This week, I finished all parts making for bodies. I made solid linings made from Spanish ceder (Cedro). I have been using solid linings for five years. This lining requires a lot of time to make; however, the solid lining  makes real difference of sound quality. More focused, clear, and over tones are generated for a guitar with solid linings. Solid linings make sides more strong and rigid with almost no extra weight increase. Cosmetically, solid linings are more beautiful although it sits inside the box.
     I also finished neck and bottom block makings. Neck blocks are also made from Cedro. Cedro is my first choice material for major guitar parts, because the Cedro is light, strong, easy to work, and smells pretty good. Working with Cedro is a really joy for me.Next week, I will assemble all parts to complete the body.

Side laminate

     This week, I have done side laminate works. Laminating side is a fairly common technique both nylon and steel strings guitars these days. My method has nothing new techniques. For me, side should be as hard as possible with minimum weight increase. Using material for side does not have strong influence for creating sound. I could use a spruce for side. However, side material should be a matched material with the back. This is a traditional design standard. Laminating material also does not matter for producing sound character. I usually use darker colored laminate material for lighter colored outer material. This time, I used Pau ferro for Myrtle wood, and Maple for King wood. Side laminate technique is also able to improve material flatness and stability. I am able to minimize a sanding session after the body assembly. Laminated side also does not need to install clack preventing ribs.
     Next step is solid lining and block making. Then, I am able to assemble the body.