Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Well my 15 year old violin playing grand daughter would like Grandpa to make her a classical guitar. FUN!

I've made two classical, the last one about 7 years ago so I'll have to brush up on the process.

I've picked out some materials for this one.

I've had a set of Osage Orange fir about 10 years waiting to use it on a special build. I guess it is time. They say (the They brothers), that Osage is a great substitute tonely for Brazilian Rosewood.

I picked out a Sitka spruce top. I do have one AA grade Englemann spruce top but it feels kind of floppy . Maybe I'll use it....it has a more "white" appearance.

One piece Spanish cedar neck, Indian rosewood fretboard, bridge and bindings. Headstock overlay probably ebony since that's all I have. Maybe I'll buy a EIR headplate.
I picked out a nice rosette, one of three in my stash.

I think my tuners are gold so I'll do gold frets. If the tuners are Nickel then I'll do nickel frets.

Probably won't start this one until I get the current drednaught build done to the point of ready for a finish.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

The neck blank is turning into a Spanish cedar neck.
Scarf joint is done. Next comes gluing on the headplate veneers. I'm doing .030" Indian rosewood and maple veneer under an ebony plate that mics at .100".
This will be attractive when the lower end of the tuner slots get carved to allow for string clearance.

After gluing these on (actually did that yesterday) I'll glue on the pieces for the stacked heel. (Did that today).
There will not be a Spanish heel inside the guitar on this neck.

[Airplanenuts]

Kevin,

Your granddaughter is one lucky lady!

I look forward to seeing your build as you progress.

Best wishes!

-Rich
Go Army!

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Okay so I glued on the headstock veneers and trimmed the edge with a fence and hand saw that will contact the nut.
Next I glued up the stacked heel. Once that was cleaned up I set up my table saw with a thin kerf blade and cut slots in the heel block for the sides.

After that I attached my headstock template to the back of the headstock. And using a cutting bit made from drill bit stock in the drill press the headstock shape is cut.

Once that was done I set up the tuner drilling jig on my bench and drilled the tier holes.
This jig was sold by LMI for years and makes this step so easy. I don't know how I'd do it without the jig.
So the tuners fit perfect. The headstock template is still attached and the next step is to use the cutter in the drill press to cut out the tuner slots. Hope to get that done tomorrow afternoon.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

More pics

[Airplanenuts]

Looking good!

Best wishes!

-Rich
Go Army!

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Thanks!
We now have tuner slots. That's all I got done today

[Airplanenuts]

That headstock is looking great! Did you make the tuner drilling jig?

Best wishes!

-Rich
Go EMY!

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Rich that jig was sold by LMI which is now gone. I bought it 10 years ago.
I looked out of curiosity just the other day to see if anyone else is selling the same thing.

The closest is in one being sold by guitar builder John Bogdonavich.

[Airplanenuts]

I like the idea - controlling the drill bit to be perpendicular to the side of the headstock. The jigs I've seen before were much more (over-)complicated and quite expensive. This one could be made without a lot of fuss.

Thanks, Kevin.

Best wishes!

-Rich
Go Army!