Classical guitar Body FP finished

[johnnparchem]

I think I have this guitar ready for French polishing. I have completed my pore fill, found any gaps and spot filled with CA and finally sprayed on a couple of thin coat of blond shellac to act as a sealer. I sprayed the sealer as I sanded the Z-poxy pore fill back to wood and the African blackwood really releases a lot of color. Also since the last post I planed and sanded the fret board both to level and to assure the correct string height at the bridge. I was pretty close from my prep work before I glued on the fret board.

The other interesting note is that I cut the fret slots using an LMI template. The nut was cut as if it was a zero slot, and then cut through. Looking at an LMI serviced fret board, I noticed they had a note that said nut slot compensated for kerf width. Measuring I found that there nut position was .4 mm longer than mine. I had some black veneer that was .5 mm so I glued it to the end of the fret board with CA and lightly sanded it smooth. Now I can not measure a difference between my fret board and LMIs serviced fret board.

Here are some pictures.

[tippie53]

Nice guitar to say the least.
You did justice to the wood.

[Ben-Had]

That guitar is beautiful John. I've never built a classical and don't plan to even though my brother-in-law is bugging me to.

[johnnparchem]

Tim it's your brother inlaw, for the family ...

Actually you can construct a classical just like a steel string. Sure a different shape and top braces, but more and more luthiers are using a bolt on neck with a truss rod. I do get that it would be a pain to get a new mold and bending patterns for one guitar.

I am being stubborn building with a Spanish heel. I just want to nail the Spanish style before I move on to modern build styles for classical guitars.

[johnnparchem]

Sorry you have to indulge me, here are a few pictures after one session of FP on the back and sides. I have not started the top.

I can not say enough about Robbie O'Brien French polishing technique and his on line class. I have successfully learned a few different methods including Milbure's. Robbie's is the clearest most straight forward, and repeatable method I have tried. He takes the magic out of the process and puts it in the results.

[darren]

Looking really nice John. Really nice.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Oh man, that wood combination is really poppin under the shellac. It is going to be a beaut John.
I may never do a French polish, but I like how it looks.
Nice, nice,

Kevin

[johnnparchem]

Thanks guys, I am getting closer I think I plan to put 2 or 3 more polish sessions in and I will move to the top and neck.

DSC02547.jpg

[naccoachbob]

Wow, John, that thing glistens. Those two woods go so well together and really do show off when they're finished. Very nice job.
How many hours would you say it takes to get a good French Polish on a guitar?

[johnnparchem]

Thanks,

Not counting the pore fill I have completed a French polish in a weekend. Actually ready to string up. I think if I had to estimate I actually take about 8 hours of focused time stretched out over a few days or a week to complete an instrument.