An efficient guitar building process is essential to creating a really nice guitar that will sound good with optimal play-ability. It is not easy to do in two weeks. I am in the middle of a one-0n-one class right now with an exceptional student. He is an experienced cabinet maker from Europe and he has made a few guitars in the past.

It was a pleasure helping someone put everything together knowing it would be done right and accurately without much intervention from me. In the end I have every confidence we’ll end up with a great guitar on time. This student has woodworking experience making it possible for my focus to be  entirely on the guitar.

Assessing the Process

At this point the neck and sides are assembled and the back and top are complete. I was struck by how spot on everything was when it went together. I mean everything. Not only did the sides fit into the slots at just the right height allowing for the thickness of the top, but the top rim of the sides lays perfectly flat against the table. I felt very good about the process. This is how it should go. From here on out it is essential to having a reference point as the assembly progresses.

Sometimes its hard to see as you go, but if you look ahead you will notice how every little thing you have done along the way contributed in some way to your final result. Therefore, every part of the guitar building process should be in some way connected to the ones following it. Every bit has its place in line with the order of things with the goal of producing a fine instrument. Much thought has gone into the process hence,  it has  produced some pretty good guitars.

No compromises have been made with regards to sound and play-ability. The decorative things like the rosette and purflings have been simplified because of time constraints. In my opinion this does not diminish the result. The guitar is not any less an instrument because of it. I’m really glad I decided to add a one-on-one class. They are always very rewarding for me.