MIMF

Documentation is everything, if you want to get better. I have a file folder on every guitar. Each build starts with a plan sheet showing particulars & design details ....problem areas are noted as they come up. I typically follow an SOP that I update as potential trouble spots are revealed, bet...

Given the forum you've posted this to, I'm not sure. But acoustically (ie in an archtop guitar) the breakover at the bridge has a huge effect, dictating the amount of downforce on the top. Increasing from zero, this downforce will reach optimal, getting the top to perform most efficiently. Going bey...

As John says, you can cut it by transferring a drawing to the soundboard, cutting inside the line (scrollsaw?) & carefully sand to the line, keeping the edge perpendicular to the plane (..a spindle sander?). For the rosette, lots of good info at Mando cafe (do a search for "rosette" in...

I radius after inlay because IMO it's easier to inlay flat, but lots of people do the other. I've used .060 for large blocks & 12" radius successfully, but you could draw it out to assure yourself.

Man, I think I would just go ahead and make a knob (or two) from ebony (drilled & c'bored, dia & roundtop smoothed) then draw the face & have at it with a dremel & sharp-coned carving burr. (...maybe do a practice one anongside from some scrap)

Thanks Martin!

Hi Martin..... thanks for jumping in!
Don't know if I'd ever try it but like Jim I'm also curious about the parts (...maybe a marketing opportunity for a kit???)

Joshua, no one here would presume to tell you you SHOULD do this or that with no idea what you're trying to accomplish! Best results with most things generally are got by holding both cutting tool & work firmly in place (eg in this case...router table, ....or williams jig which I use to flush tr...

Beautiful interpretation from a great masterpiece by a true master!

You can use it handheld as long as you keep the router base perpendicular to the surface you're flush trimming.

I'd suggest that if you ever build so many guitars that the bulbs start burning out, you'll have long before moved to a heat blanket. Buy an extra or two if you must & don't worry about it!

Michael Lewis wrote: I have been talking with some folks regarding the adjustable neck joint, and think it can be a good alternative. ....

FWIW, Martin Keith does an adjustable neck joint that really intrigues me
http://www.martinkeithguitars.com/const ... ails.shtml#

Beautiful result Mark, and the materials part just adds to it! Well done.

Ron Belanger wrote:My understanding is opposite that. Along the grain is heel to tail and across the grain is treble to bass.

Kary, in spite of any desire to rationalize thought processes, this is it.

0.750" is pretty thin at the 1st IMO, although some approach it (Fender 1990 American St'd strat is .764" apparently). How much is left under the trussrod? FWIW, I thin the 1st & 10th fret positions to my target thickness plus .010", and the tape them so I don't run past 'till fin...

Not sure splitting/rejoining is an option with the rosette/soundhole done. If it's the "bearclaws" forming chevrons, I'd say that's normal & not to worry. If it's grain lines at a very acute angle (which I'd guess it is, since it didn't jump out at you earlier), IMO I'd also say chaulk...

There are lots of approaches to amber. Mark's is one. Mine, if I'm doing toned lacquer, is 5 drops amber/ 2 cherry red per oz. lac. Some ambers tend to brown, some to yellow, some to red.....you really have to experiment.

Check out Nouveau Series guitars in AL #105 (..also found a link here)
http://www.spaltinstruments.com/instrum ... au-series/
'nuff said!

Dennis, fwiw I put a non-adjustable rosewood bridge with bone saddle on a current build I'm working on and was also very happy at how great it sounded. I'd avoided bone 'till now for fear it might become too treble balanced, but that didn't happen. I shaped & hollowed it some to get the weight d...

Murray, you might find an internal mic arrangement best gives you what you're after, (although just a guess....I've never tried one). Very nice archtop BTW. Darrel, did you find the K&K somewhat harsh and/or midrange "peaky". (I've heard some EQ is strongly recommended to adjust for th...