Jazz Guitar

More shots of the progression of the jazz commission...

Above: Tailpiece with a mother-of-pearl pen-nib inlay as the commissioner collects fountain pens.

Below: The back is bound and the top binding is my next job.

Above: just a fact, lol.

Below: the tailpiece and bridge, as yet unfixed.

Above: front of the jazz guitar.

Below: the back.

Below:  a custom stylised pen-nib headstock.



Jazz Guitar Commission continues...

I've been able to make good progress on the jazz guitar commission I am undertaking.  The following photos show the sides being bent and clamped in an adjustable jig of my own design.

The photo below shows the box being closed with the use of bobbin clamps.

Jazz Guitar

I am excited to be starting work on a commission for an archtop jazz guitar.

Below is a photo of the back, top, sides and neck in their original state as they were shipped to me.  The top is sitka spruce and the back and sides are fiddleback maple.

As you can see below, both the top and back are carved by hand.

Here's the ubiquitous shot of a luthier listening to the tap tones of a guitar top.

I'll keep you updated.

Milos Karadaglic

Recently at the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven, Cumbria, we were treated to an outstanding performance of classical guitar by Milos Karadaglic.  Not only is he a gifted player, but he's a really nice guy too.

Jazz Guitar Commission

In preparation for my upcoming commission to make a jazz guitar I have recently made a prototype top (below).  The carving has gone so well that I've decided to finish the top and make it into a second jazz guitar.  I'll be posting its progression here.

Hawaiian Guitar

I was recently asked to take a look at a Hawaiian guitar to see if I could refresh it a little.  It definitely had a little of the home-made about it which gave it a unique charm.  In my opinion, instruments like these which have been made by and passed down through family members (which this one has) have no less value than the most expensive guitar.

Below: the tuning peg insert on the right is in its original condition; on the left I have applied a little elbow grease to bring out the shine.

Above: the guitar with all plates removed.

Below: routered cavities.

Below: tuning peg components.