Preamp rout and neck block

With the neck made, Kirk turns his attention to routing. Remember the access panel for the Prismatone preamp? Well, the top needs access too.

Kirk makes a template of the preamp and routs channels in the top for the controls.

The sliders will be accessible on the top of the guitar for quick adjustments.

Next, routing the neck block. Again, Kirk begins by carefully drawing a template.

"Measure twice, rout once!"

Now the neck block is ready to receive the neck . . . when it's finished.

Next time- the fingerboard!

-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?