Completing the sides

One of Kirk Sand's special design touches is lining the sides of the guitar for strength, beauty, and projection. His rosewood instruments are usually lined with mahogany, so he thought it would be a nice touch to line the Mediterranean cypress sides of my guitar with Brazilian rosewood. Kirk said, "This is just a little something special for the player- you'll look down into the soundhole and see this beautiful Brazilian rosewood looking back at you!"

Here, the sides are lined and ready for the kerfing.

Kerfing done on two sets of sides. One is the prototype (my personal guitar), and the other is its "twin." Sorry, it's already sold- but Kirk will be making more...

Here's another view of both sets.

I love the grain of that Brazilian rosewood. The kerfing is Spanish cedar.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the guitar will have a Brazilian wedge on the back, and also Brazilian rosewood lining and binding. Here's one more view of the finished sets of sides.

Now, the sides are ready for the top and back! The two sets on the left are Craig Dobbins Models, lined with rosewood. The two sets on the right are rosewood guitars, lined with mahogany.

Next time- making the rosette!

-Craig

Bending the cutaway

As Kirk promised last time, "As soon as I make the neck block, I'll be bending the cutaway." After choosing the wood, he numbers the blocks and draws a center line.

Carefully calculating the curve in the neck blocks. Kirk uses only the most advanced techniques and equipment:  "The more tape I use from that roll, the smaller the radius gets!"

Done. The neck block will be positioned at the top end of the body.

Next, bending the cutaway. The wood will be carefully bent around blocks to match the template.

Moistening the cypress allows Kirk to bend it to shape.

Now, the first bend. Kirk says, "One bad move and you are starting all over again."

So far, so good . . .

Now, another block is positioned.

A little more water to keep the wood moist, and the second bend.

Success!

Please don't break...

Now, the neck block is positioned.

Beautiful!

Is it just me, or is it starting to look like a guitar?