Montgomery Guitars

Joe's Archtop - 02/10/2010

Here is a template for the body shape.

I ruffed in the neck radius.  I'll mic it to spec later.

Slotted the fretboard.

Here you can see the extended tenon and a body template drawn out.

I got to this stage and remembered I hadn't taken any pics in a while. The top has been arched by hand with shapers and planers.

I did some reliefs on the back.  I later decided to go further with the cut-away for more access to the uper register.

Routed the cavity for the switches and knobs.

Got a coat of stain and sealer on it today.  I'll post more pics as I get further along. 

Here it is after 6 coats of lacquer.  I'll let it set for two weeks before sanding and buffing.

A shot of the back side. (the date is so I'll remember when I sprayed it!!)

I got the logo in place and sprayed the head stock.  The black line under the face of the head stock is an ebony veneer sandwiched between two pieces of mahogany.  The fret board is a piece of African Blackwood. I'll post more pics after sanding and buffing!!

After hours of sanding and buffing, this is the finished product.

Here's the back side.

Look mom!  No heel!  This piece of mahogany turned out prettier than I anticipated.

Believe it or not this top was saved for a gold top project that I have coming up.  After further review, I changed my mind!!  I'll post more pics after I cut the nut and mount hardware.

I put the Sperzel tuning keys on today. Sorry about the small pic. Shrunk it one too many times!!:(

....and of course the back side. 

 I got all the switches and pots installed as well.

Here's a shot after I installed the frets.  I'm anxious to hear the African Blackwood fretboard. I'll post more pics as I get further along.