Classical Guitar Making DVD - Video
Below are additional video excerpts, each approximately 3 minutes in length, from the guitar making 10-dvd box set. Each video excerpt is either a portion of the actual topical segment on the dvd, or the entire segment as it appears on the disc. These video samples are not full size, nor is the quality as good as the real thing. Click the appropriate thumbnail or heading to view the video.
Guitar Making - The Solera
Without a good solera it will not be possible to create a good guitar. For ultimate playability in the guitar the solera must be very accurately constructed. The segment on building the solera shows the entire process of making an accurate solera. The solera itself is clearly explained, and its construction demonstrated in vivid detail from gluing up material for the patches to ramping the upper bout to the end of the neck ramp. This video excerpt, taken from the solera section of the DVD where the lower bout patch is carved to fit the 25' radius dome shape.
Guitar Making - Marking & Measuring Tools
In guitar making, a variety of measuring and marking tools are necessary to produce the accuracy necessary when making a concert classical guitar. This excerpt is the measuring and marking segment in its entirety. Here the minimum set of measuring and marking tools are presented and explained. Measuring and marking techniques are also discussed and demonstrated to help the viewer get the best possible results to realize their dream of making a guitar. These techniques are the results of years of experience with guitar making as well as cabinet making.
Guitar Making - Herringbone Rosette Motif
Every aspect making the signature J.S. Bogdanovich Guitars rosette and its installation is clearly demonstrated in this DVD series. Almost from the beginning of the guitar making process a color scheme is chosen for the instrument. This color scheme is used in all the details of the guitar such as the rosette, bindings, purflings, back and butt strips. This excerpt is taken from a segment of making the herringbone motif for the guitar's rosette. The stick with the herringbone motif has already been made and sliced up. and John is making a sheet of herringbone material.
Guitar Making - Neck Shaping
Final shaping of the neck of the guitar occurs after the fingerboard has been glued on. In this excerpt John is final shaping the neck which include the heel,l and headstock areas. These areas are carved without the use of templates or guides. John explains the shapes he is trying to achieve, the reasoning behind them, and the logic behind carving these areas symmetrically with consistency. Carving a neck can be the most enjoyable part of the process if care is taken to work and carve methodically. These techniques are the results of may years of carving necks and much can be learned here.
Guitar Making - Bridge installation
Without a doubt the most stressful part of the entire guitar making process is when it comes time to take a chisel to the top in order to remove the finish under the bridge. Scraping away finish on a top will make even the most season woodworker nervous. Gluing on the guitar's bridge is critical. The strings exert a lot of tension on the bridge trying to pull it off the top so it has to be done correctly to keep it in place though out the life of the instrument. This excerpt is a montage of clips from the installation of a bridge. Learn how to glue a bridge on properly every time.
Guitar Making - Set Up
One thing that is stressed throughout the DVD series is that a good guitar design is the fastest way to a winning set-up. In order to create an instrument that is playable the set-up must be spot on. On the DVD all the parameters for a proper set-up are clearly laid out in great detail. And if everything has been carefully done up to this point the set-up should go quickly and yield a very playable instrument. This excerpt is from a segment on making the nut and saddle. The video is taken from a segment cutting the nut slots for the strings. The slots are laid out, cut and shaped to accept the appropriate strings.
