New build, inspired by Robben Ford guitar

[Rich]

Got a little farther along the path today..
I rough carved the top


carved the belly contour


radiused the back edge, chambered the interior, and glued up the body...


Weight as she sits- 5lb, 2 oz.

Still needs the control cavity, neck mortise, and pickup routes. This should bring in a nicely balanced, lightweight body.

[greg54]

It's looking really nice, Rich!

[Rich]

Thanks Greg. I spent yesterday and overnight refining the top carve, I'm finally happy with it. I'll try to get some pics for you tomorrow, if the sun is shining. I left the upper area alone for now, as I know the angle needs to be set with the neck and bridge.

[Rich]

Well, here are a few, taken with flash.. Looks very good in hand.

[Rich]

I picked up a gorgeous piece of Honduras rosewood today..

[greg54]

I love the grain of the top wood. With the finish I want, I think it's going to look fantastic. And the Rosewood plank is a beautiful piece of wood. It will make an excellent fretboard.

[greg54]

I just noticed in the pics where the guitar bodies are stacked, mine doesn't look much bigger than what looks like Tele and Osprey bodies. That's the perfect size! ;D

[Rich]

I spent 3 days an an overnighter carving the top, and am finally satisfied with it. Then I routed for the top binding, I'll have to wait for the binding (ordered) to arrive before I finalize this channel. The bulk is done, though. The following shots should give an idea of the carve.

[mojocaster]

Wow, thanks for the pics!

[greg54]

I saw the new pics today of the neck cutout. The process is actually going faster than what I thought it would.

[Rich]

I try to make progress as I can, the workload here is pretty full right now. Gotta make stuff happen when I can.

[Rich]

I cut the mortise for the neck today. First I trimmed the body square


Then made a template, attached it with clamps, and routed it on in.



Once everything looked right, I went after the neck blank..
Cut the tenon, and started fitting it.




Excellent fit so far. ;D

[Rich]

I sliced a wedge for the heel


After sanding and prepping it, glued it up.


Getting so I need some parts shipments before I can take it further.. hopefully it won't be long.

[Rich]

Well, I trued up the rosewood, thicknessed it, and got busy slotting it..




Gibson scale, 24.625", 22 frets. Gonna be gorgeous!

[Rich]