martes, 30 de agosto de 2011

cutting the soundhole


Here you have my soundhole cutter. Its a small jig made out of transparent vinyl, some screws and epoxy. It works with a Dremmel (or copy). This is another homemade thing which has lasted all the guitars I´ve built.

viernes, 26 de agosto de 2011

Bracing the soundboard


I´m going to do a little series about how I brace the soundboard. The bracing system is my own, but there´s absolutely nothing new about it. Evereything has been proven and used by others. Maybe my combination is different and not being used before. I dont know.
On the first photo you see the soundboard with a bridge strap and a soundhole reinforcement.
The bridge strap is what works the best for me. Its very thin, less than 1,5mm and tapers to the ends. I´ve built with bridge strap, with bridge reinforcement and with nothing and I´ve done it on many guitars. In the end this is what I prefer. But its something personal and others will take other decissions during their building career. There are so many ways to build a good guitar and the most important thing is that you find your own way.

jueves, 25 de agosto de 2011

bracing the backs


Here its number 89 in my bracing press. Its another of my homemade tolls which I´ve used since guitar number 1. The sticks are of flatsawn beech. I´ve broken a couple of them during the years but not more than 5 - 8 or something like that. I like my press.

domingo, 21 de agosto de 2011

3 different headstocks.


I´ve finished the headstocks for the 3 guitars I´m building now. From the left, number 88, 89 and 90

viernes, 19 de agosto de 2011

Joining the backs


This is my setup for gluing the 2 pieces of the soundboard and back. Its cheap, made out of wood found in a container. I didn´t have much money when I started. Its joined 90 soundboards and backs by now and it will continue to do so for a long time. So why change it.

sábado, 13 de agosto de 2011

making oars




I´m finishing the build of my little rowing skiff. This means making oars. 225cm long. Lots of planing. I liked it. There´s something very relaxing about it when the plane is sharp and well adjusted.

Starting the build of guitars 88, 89 and 90


So I´m back into business. Its still fairly hot.. but thats what you choose when you chose to live in Spain.
Here you have a picture of the 12 shaved pegs for guitar 89 and 90. They now have 6,2mm diameter at the tip.