02. Classical Guitar Build From Scratch

Overview

A more traditional build, this classical guitar was aimted to be build from scratch using well established techniques and tools. Working with a luthier, I was able to learn the process of building a guitar from raw wood to final product.

Process

The design process began by researching woods, dimensions, bracing patterns and any and all other factors that would contribute to the guitar. After consulting with a luthier (guitar maker), I settled on using englemann spruce for the top, indian rosewood for the back and sides, and red cedar for the neck. The fretboard would be made from macassar ebony. (So many woods! So many choices!)

The first step in the build was to sand down the top and back pieces to the correct thickness and cut them to shape using a template. I worked with a luthier to learn how to use sanders, planers and other woodworking tools to beign the process. After no time, I had a visible guitar shape. I then inlaid a rosette around the sound hold (pictured below).

The next step was to brace the top and back pieces. This involved cutting thin strips of wood and gluing them to the inside of the top and back pieces in a specific pattend to improve sound quality and improve strength.