Thursday 6th September '07

I know what you're thinking, I hope he doesn't bore me with another load of necks..., mostly not.. though in order to get to the interesting bits I have to start off with a bit more neckery... it that a word??

in brief then.. fingerboard planed and sanded through many grits..

inlays added.. very carefully..

another fingerboard glued on..

first one fretted

2nd one fretted..

and finally something which doesn't look like a photo taken yesterday... the side dot inlays are added to the two left-handed necks destined for the 'Crimson Helmet' #'s 1 and 2..

side dots on the other three made yesterday.. check out the difference in length between the baritone and the two standard models..

the bdy template is brought out and the Sapele mahogany wings put in place and marked out..

the waste timber fro the multi-lam neck is bandsawed away..

 The wings are planed flat

 and checked against the neck for fit

 then, using the template, I mark out the exact position of the wings and carefully cut them down as close to the line as possible

 so that when using the bearing cutter there is less chance of tear out

 the cutaways are sanded right through the grts to a perfect finish as this is much easier to do prior to glueing the neck in place

 the neck is rough carved.. and you can see the detritus of just two days work on the floor!!

 then the neck is rough sanded to 240 grit

 Once again I check the neck placement.. the coffee mug is there as a counter-balance to the weight of the neck... improvise improvise.. the mantra of the luthier! 

 the wings are then glued on using offcuts from the body as clamping cauls

 the Crimson Helmet #1's rosewood neck is carved and rough sanded

 as is the replacement neck for the old Vox..

 after thouroughly cleaning the workshop the headstock extensions (more body offcuts) are prepared along with some maple veneers

 and they are glued in place...  this is now officially an almost-guitar..

 here is my version of a PRS... back when I thought they were the best thing since Jessica Rabbit...  worked out quite well.. but not suitable for the Instruments pages.. 

Tomorrow I'll get a cap on the Helmet and probably start work on completing the 6-string baritone for Paul.. till then, have a great Friday..

Ben