Building Ben's Concert Nylon Neck

Over the last week I've built the neck for Ben's Engelmann Spruce/Indian Rosewood Concert Nylon. I include dual action truss rods on all my instruments. Of course nylon stringed guitars don't need a truss rod because the tension of nylon strings doesn't demand that reinforcement, but I've found that being able to adjust the relief of the neck is even more beneficial on a nylon stringed instrument. The use of sandpaper to refine the neck joint is an interesting little trick of the trade. Of course shaping a slotted peghead is great fun. Those black tuners are Gotoh's top of the line, and they're very smooth and sturdy. I happen to like the "low profile, stealthy" look of all-black.

Ben's Concert Nylon Soundbox is Done

It's been quite a productive week working on Ben's Engelmann Spruce and Indian Rosewood Concert Nylon! You can see how I make the lattice bracing, glue it on and then shape it. I apply the glue to the lattice with a paint roller so that I can work very neatly and quickly. In order to provide even pressure for gluing the lattice, I use a vacuum pump system and a thin sheet of rubber. The height of the lattice is then carefully sanded to a dome shape, so that the perimeter of the soundboard is more flexible than the center. Once I've carefully shaped the dome of the lattice I glue on thin veneer strips to cap the braces that have the upward facing lap joints.

I'd like to thank my good friend Gil Carnal for showing me his clever methods for fabricating this bracing design. His lattice braced classical guitars are absolutely astonishing.

By the way, this is Europe season! I'll be delivering this guitar to Ben in London, and then the next two guitars I'm building will be a Concert Nylon for Tom in France and an all-koa Baritone for Christoph in Austria. That's exciting! :)

Once again it's an honor to be building a guitar for a repeat customer. Last year I sent a custom-made Baritone to Ben in London. Now I get to build him a Concert Nylon. We're using Engelmann spruce and Indian rosewood, two of my favorites! The rosette I've put in uses curly koa.

In other news, today's my birthday. :)

Chris' Aurora is Ready for Lacquer

During the last week I shaped the neck and made the bridge for Chris' 13-Fret Engelmann Spruce and Wenge Aurora. This afternoon I dropped it off at Addam Stark's shop where it will get one of his expertly applied thin and glassy finishes. I love the way that little maple purfling line fits with the straight grain of the wenge back and sides. By the way, that supercutie holding the guitar is my lovely partner Amey Mathews. Thanks Amey!

Chris' Aurora Box Bound and Sanded

I've installed the bloodwood binding and bevel and done a first round of finish sanding on Chris' Engelmann Spruce and Wenge Aurora. A little tap on the soundboard sets off a nice thunderclap...promising! Next I'll be getting started on the neck. This will be a slightly customized instrument with a 13-fret neck and multi-scale design.