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.

Thames rowing skiff floats

Well, I launced the little skiff for the first time in the local pond:

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.

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.

3 different headstocks.

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

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.

rosettes for 88, 89, 90

here you have the rosettes for (from the right) 88, 90 and 89

rowing skiff is ready

So, now I just need to find someone to help me carry this thing down the stairs from the 1st floor.

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.