Tuesday 13th January ’09

the week begins with the last of these interminal repairs.. a lifting bridge is reglued

the tokai is restrung

and the repaired crack holds perfectly!!

I move on to Andrew’s custom 8 string guitar.. the headstock design has been chosen and is marrked out.. rough cut on the bandsaw

and rasped to perfect shape, the tuner positions are marked out

and then the flame maple cap is roughed out

and glued in place

I move on to Thomas’ Robert Fripp model

the back still has fairly sharp edges and the brief specifies an extremely comfortable guitar..

so everything is rounded over!

the pillar drill is set so that the drill bit stops 5mm from the noggin..

this allows me to create an even depth from the carved top..

the holes are carved out and she is ready for the next stage..

I’ve finally decided to redesign the control layout on the RF guitars.. (even though he’s now going to be using the Ghost MIDI and piezo systems.. with even more controls!!

anyway, here she is, much more ergonomic and prettier to boot!!

on Andrews guitar I’m using super lightweight nylon tuners.. after filing the headstock cap to size the tuner holes are drilled before recessing the truss rod access and cutting the nut cavity

speaking of tuners.. wow!! ..you gotta love Sperzel, they also do a detuner for guitar! very very cool!

the pickup cavities are marked out and predrilled on the 8 string

and the control layout is finalised as well, based on the original full size design of course

the pickup and control cavities are routed

and she finally reaches the carving process..

the multi-laminate mahogany neck and mahogany wings are looking a bit chunky!

but not for long, the all access joint should help Andrew get to all 26 frets and the comfort carve reduces weight and ..well.. brings some comfort!

on to Archies baby.. the binding has been glued in place and the top is ready for carving..

the back is planed flat

and the comfort carve is added as well as carving the neck..

sister guitars.. both destined to live in the wilds of Scotland!

All my best!

Ben

Crimson Guitars HQ