SSJ Complete

SSJ is finally completed. Lutz spruce top showed different sound than European. Lutz has slightly less over-tones than European tops. However, this material shows stronger middle range sound. 3rd-strings has very strong power. Strong mid range is required for steel strings guitars. Usually, guitars have weak sound volume in the 3rd string. This means that this SSJ model has almost ideal tonal balance. So, I am very happy with this result. Hiscox hard-shell case has the perfect fit for my SSJ model. Now, this SSJ is ready for shipping.

Bridge Install

Bridge install has been done. Bridge for the SSJ is made by Cocobolo. Cocobolo needs Alcohol treatment to remove oil from the glue surface. Oil sometimes creates a bridge disconnection issue. I always use Alcohol to wipe out oil from the glue surface. After installed the bridge, I drilled and fitted to bridge pins for bridge pin holes. This guitar needs a little fret wire dressing and polishing. Then, I will make nut and saddle. I might be able to test this guitar next week.

Final Polishing

It is been two weeks to completely cure the final coat. I start taking final polishing. I have done 1200-grid and 2000-grid wet sanding. Now, I am working on the final polishing. I have been using hand polishing for more delicate work. Also, hand polishing does not make excess heat that may damage the finished surface. I also completed the finishing work for the bridge. After complete the polishing work, I will install the bridge. This guitar will be completed in two weeks.

Bridge making

I did bridge making for the SSJ model. Bridge material is Cocoboro. My bridge must have less than 35-grams weight. This one is 33-grams, and it looks good for me. Bridge thickness is approximately 8mm at this moment. However, after curved the bottom for matching the top doming, the final thickness might be 7.5mm. I will apply two coats of Shellac, and then I will have filling session using Silica power and Alcohol.

Final Coat apply

After complete Epoxy filler apply and final sanding for the pour filling, I completed final coat apply.
I have been using Target EM6000 Water based Acrylic finishing material. I have tried different finishing materials such as KTM-9, EM6000, and EM7000. However, the EM6000 shows the almost satisfaction is guaranteed result. This finish cures very first and never shows white portion once cured completely. Also, I am able to apply as thick as possible without any issues. Completed coat is crystal clear and very easy to polish starting with 1200-grid sanding paper. Final coat requires at least 7-days curing time. Then, I will take polishing work. Next week, I make a bridge and then start assembly work.

Sanding work complete

SSJ Final sanding work is done. After completed the sanding work, the top showed the perfect silk pattern. Silk pattern only appears the spruce top material that has the perfect quatersawn cut. I have never seen this much perfect silk pattern. I purchased this top approximately 5-years ago from a Canadian wood supplier who is specializing the Lutz spruce. Lutz spruce is a naturally hybridized material between Sitka and Englmann. After completed the sanding, this guitar shows the very promising tapping tone. Next week, I will apply Epoxy filler, and then I will take sanding sessions. I need two filling and sanding sessions for the Black wood body with the Spanish Ceder neck.

SSJ neck work complete

I am pretty busy in Summer for Windsurfing. SSJ building project has been moving slowly. Finally, I competed neck work. Neck shaping and fret wire install are completed. Now, this SSJ shows beautiful shape. Rest of construction processes are detailed sanding, finishing, and bridge making. However, those processes required diligent works to make a spot less beauty. I will take the sanding work next week.