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Got my 000-28 & trying to get started.

1)It appears the sides have relaxed, not only along the length but also such that one side (the right in the photo), no longer naturally sits flush to the surface on the front side. Is this a concern? The humidity is between 45-50%.

2)It appears the side(s) are long such that I'll need to make a cut before gluing. If I had to guess I think the neck end need to be cut but it seems arbitrary to a certain degree since the sides don't perfectly adapt to the mold.

3)There are some small gaps between the sides and the mold when I have the one spreader in place (see photo). Should I make a couple more spreaders?

Thanks for helping a noobie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHPCeVRUA4
this link should help you . You can moisten the side sets follow the vids advice , you should be able to get this into the mold . call if you need to

welcome!
both the neck and tail ends should be trimmed. get the sides set at the waist and then trim the ends where they meet the joint in the mold.

once they are trimmed and in the mold with the neck block, tail block, and kerfing installed, issue #1 will probably have been fixed in the process. John won't steer you wrong. I've used lower bout spreaders to suck up some of the gaps between sides and mold. This will also help keep that side flat as you assemble the rim. But as the first is mostly a learning process (is this your first?) and a woodworking exercise, I wouldn't get too 'bent' out of shape about matching the mold PERFECTLY.


oh yeah - i use a waist, neck-tail, and lower bout spreaders.

You don't need to trim them until to really test fit them. Open the mold and get the end together, Then close the mold slowly and apply the spreader . Just as you close the mold you should see the set try coming off the mold at the waist area . With the spreaders pushing back you will see the wood go to the mold . If it takes too much force note the centers of the sides to the mold and trim one side at a time till it fits the mold .
You will be fine . take your time

John - that is an enlightening tip - i've wondered why your mold closes like that... there is no issue with ends splitting when they are pressed together as the mold closes?

Its been many years since I purchased parts from Martin but having commuincated with the GMC I was told the sides are left over-size and need to be trimmed to length at the lower and upper bouts ends -- I found this to be true based on what I had in the shop. So perhaps, Darren makes a good point. I would suggest that the sides be clamped positively in the mold and then the ends marked and trimmed to match the centerline of the mold. Then again maybe the side are already the exact length? We intentionally leave our KMG sides left long so they can be trimmed to fit the mold shown here:
http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/KM ... embly.html
just my $.02

No just go slow and steady . As for sides in Martin now , they are trimmed to length . Martin now updated the kit process . The older days the sides were cut off a shaper . Now things are located and lasered out . In fact last year martin actually changed the shape of the molds a bit .

These sides are garbage, but DONT throw them away! I'll pay the shipping if you send them to me and honestly, I am doing you a favor. Might as well include the back with the sides when you send them. You dont want trash like this cluttering up your workshop.



LMAO. OK...you dont really have a problem here. I was just kidding with ya. Listen to the rest of the people who replied. Or, send me an invoice for the shipping. Your choice! LOL

Thanks for all the replies. I'm pretty sure they are a little long and there appear to be factory marks close to where I think they need to be trimmed. I will measure again and cut as required.

When gluing the neck & tail blocks do you apply glue to the end of the sides as well as the blocks?

It won't hurt to add a touch of glue there.